What makes the train journey extremely fascinating is the fact that they mostly run along the periphery of cities; penetrating the vast landforms, embracing the wilderness. Far away from the population, the rail meanders close to nature. A speeding train, with its huffing and puffing locomotive, pulling and holding the bogies across difficult terrain makes sure that the journey is worth your while.
There are some of the most beautiful train journeys in the world that cut through some of the most difficult glaciers, tunnels, imposing alpine, while tasting the drops of surpassing streams, and carrying along the scent of barns, infinite pasture, and rich farms! A ride on these train journeys would leave you pulsating, make you eerie, and take you into a dreamy world where wide angle views are a privilege.
Embark on these 15 memorable train journeys and surprise yourself with stunning vistas that are nothing less than a moving celluloid. Hop on!
1. Trans-Siberian Railway, Russia
Span: Moscow to Vladivostok
Covering 9300 km, and making 120 stops across Russia, the Trans-Siberian railway is the longest and the greatest train journey of all time. The 6-day 5-hour incredible ride crosses the record 8 time zones and several awe-inspiring spots across Russia. It’s indeed a treat to find yourself aboard this ride!
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Here’s the map of Trans-Siberian Railways and its connecting network spread across Europe and Asia:
2. Konkan Railway, India
Blessings from nature come in different forms and here at the Goa-Karnataka border, it’s in the form of Dudhsagar Falls. The 600 m waterfall, cascades down the hills creating the picture of milk flowing in a stream. As a train, mostly the one from Southern Railway going towards Goa, crosses the bridge built on the Dudhsagar Waterfalls it leaves everyone onboard enthralled with majestic views around. The cool breeze ladened with water droplets creates a mystic aura and nature flourishes looks its best here. It’s a train ride that you can’t afford to miss.
3. Southern Railway, India
Span: Rameswaram, Pamban Island to mainland India
An incredible train ride which is one of its kind, the Sea Bridge, also known as The Pamban Bridge, is India’s one of the five sea bridges. The ride acts as India’s sole connectivity along with a parallel running road bridge over the Palk Strait. The 2.3 km bridge remained India’s longest bridge until the Bandra-Worli Sealink (5.6 km) came into operation in 2010. Indian Railway has a train running from Mandapam to Pamban every day. Tickets can be booked through the official IRCTC official website.
Must Read: 18 Beautiful Train Journeys In India In 2022 That Will Compel You For A Ride!
4. Expo Rail, Sri Lanka
Span: Kandy to Ella
Believed to be one of the most scenic rides in the South Asia, the Kandy-Ella train journey is a kaleidoscope of the best of the island nation. Believed to be one of the top things to do in Sri Lanka, this train ride takes you through the rolling grasslands, vast tea plantations, and stunning waterfalls. The 6-hour journey is as fascinating as its pictures suggest. You can also take a halt at Nuwara Eliya and see what the beautiful sojourn has to offer you.
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Suggested Read: See The Best Of Sri Lanka: Ramayana Tour & Beyond
5. Rocky Mountaineer, Canada
After scaling some of the most jaw-dropping heights and difficult terrains across Canada, the Rocky Mountaineer covers the best of Western Canada. Seattle, Vancouver, Banff, Lake Louise, Jasper, and Calgary are the prominent destinations falling in the route of the Rocky Mountaineer. Lofty mountains and rocky surroundings make the surroundings even more appealing as you plan to take this exciting journey. Canada is a nature lover’s fancy and this train journey explains why it is called so!
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6. Grand Canyon Railway, USA
Span: Williams, Arizona to Grand Canyon
The 2.5-hour breathtaking ride starting from Williams runs along the Southern stretch of Grand Canyon National Park. The 105 km train ride is dreamy and full of views. Step on the breathtaking ride that takes you through to the best of Grand Canyon National Park. Now that’s some awesomeness-on-wheels awaiting you.
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7. El Chepe, Mexico
Span: Chihuahua to Los Mochis
Venturing into the gorgeous landscapes of Sierra Tarahumara, El Chepe is one of the most beautiful rides in the world. The 15-hour train journey is well adorned with plenty of nature’s awesomeness. El Fuerte and Divisadero stations make the best stretch of the ride where you can stop by and cherish the nature more; up, close, and personal!
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8. The Ghan, Australia
Span: Darwin to Adelaide
Taking you through the best of South Australia is The Ghan – the passenger train service from Adelaide to Darwin. It also happens to be the Australia’s longest passenger train covering a total distance of 2,979 km in almost 4 days. There are a few off train excursions to make your journey more engrossing, which includes a tour of Katherine, Alice Springs, and Coober Pedy. It’s a train journey that will move you beyond your imagination.
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9. TranzAlpine, New Zealand
Span: East Coast to West Coast, South Island
Operating between Christchurch, Arthurs Pass and Greymouth on the Southern Island, the TranzAlpine is one of the most promising train rides ever. Right from the Canterbury Plains to the Southern Alps, the river valleys of Waimakariri River to Arthurs Pass and lastly to the iconic Franz Josef and Fox Glacier, this ride covers the best of South Island. The train journey would transport you into a world of exceptional views that has alpine villages, rain forests, gorges, and tunnels. What more could a nomad possibly ask for?
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10. Blue Train, South Africa
Span: Pretoria to Cape Town
Running through the vast spread mountains that dot the South African region, the Blue Train makes the soul of South African railways. The momentous 27-hour train journey covering 1600 km passes across sweeping landscapes and is indeed a feast for the eyes. To give your stay a touch of the colonial times, the northbound journey from Cape Town to Pretoria arranges a halt at Lord Milner Hotel in Matjiesfontein. The 19th-century buildings and lampposts around it are worth a notice!
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11. Rovos Rail, South Africa
Span: Cape Town to Pretoria
Luxe and chic are the interiors while exteriors boast of views that you could have only dreamt of! A ride on Rovos Rail unveils the best of South Africa and is indeed a journey that comprises of vistas to keep you on your toes. Victoria Falls is a noticeable attraction that comes its way while other giant valleys, narrow alleys, and dense forests in the vicinity of the journey makes sure that you are having a good ride. The Rovos Rail treat you with a 5-star stay on board and rightly call themselves the best train ride in the world.
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Suggested Read: 20 Reasons Every Couple Should Experience A Blissful Cape Town Honeymoon Now!
12. West Highland Line, Scotland
Span: Fort William to Mallaig (Scottish Highlands to Glasgow)
Fondly remembered as the Hogwarts Express from the Harry Potter movie, this train ride runs across the highlands of the Scotland to Central Scotland. The thick puff of smoke rising from the steam engine, as it crosses the Glenfinnan Viaduct, creates a picture postcard setting. A ride across the wild west coast in the United Kingdom is the one that you would certainly love to embark someday!
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13. The Bergen Railway, Norway
Span: Bergen and Hønefoss
The 371 km line is rightly named as one of the most beautiful train journeys in the world. It’s a 7-hour ride that takes you through the most beautiful plateaus and unspoiled nature in the serenity of Norway.
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Suggested Read: 15 Free Things To Do In Europe For Backpackers And Budget Travelers
14. The Glacier Express, Switzerland
Span: St. Moritz in the Swiss Alps to Zermatt
Taking you across the lofty alpine in Swiss Alps, the Glacier Express is rightly the rider of the glaciers. Touted as the slowest express train in the world, the Glacier Express is an 8-hour ride and has a world of surprises en route for you. Bottle-necked valleys, tight curves, 91 tunnels, and 291 bridges sound fascinating to me! How about you?
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Suggested Read: Top 20 Things To Do In Switzerland On Your Europe Holiday In 2022
15. Trans-Harz Railway, Germany
Span: Wernigerode – Nordhausen Nord
The 60 km track of Trans-Harz Railway runs from North to South of Germany. The picture-perfect scenery of the Harz all covered in dreamy white is the real love for the wanderlusts as the narrow gauge ride runs past the sweeping landscapes. The best thing about traveling in a steam engine is that it resembles the dreamy setup created by our fantasies. Take the 132 km ride and you will thank your stars for being on a spectacular train ride as this.
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If it has to be a light at the end of the tunnel, how I wish it to be a train! Aren’t you already daydreaming about these rides! Book an international tour package and start living your dream right-away.
A perpetual nature seeker, Amit is on a mission to explore the best of planet Earth. Much famed as the Whistling Hound, Amit’s is currently based out of Wroclaw in Poland, and is experiencing the best of his life in Eastern Europe and Scandinavia.
