10 Breathtaking Train Routes That Are Way Better Than Flying
Flying gets the job done, sure, but it often comes with long lines, cramped seats, and a view that rarely changes. You’re high above the clouds with a screen in front of you and a tray table barely big enough for your snacks. It’s quick, but it’s rarely enjoyable. That’s where trains come in. They take the scenic route, the slow burn, the whole experience.
If you’ve been craving a journey that feels like one, these train rides offer more than just transportation; they make the ride part of the trip.
Glacier Express, Switzerland
The Glacier Express lives up to its name in the best way possible; it winds through the Swiss Alps like it has nowhere else to be. Over eight hours, it crosses 291 bridges through 91 tunnels and offers sweeping views of snow-dusted peaks, deep gorges, and green valleys. You’ll go slow, but that’s the point. This train isn’t trying to rush through anything. It’s there so you can take it all in, one mountain pass at a time.
The West Highland Line, Scotland
Starting in Glasgow and ending in Mallaig, the route goes through moors, lochs, and remote stretches of the Highlands that look like they’ve barely changed in centuries. The train crosses the famous Glenfinnan Viaduct, the same one Harry Potter’s Hogwarts Express uses. Even if magic’s not your thing, the views are entirely different.
The Rocky Mountaineer, Canada
This route cuts through Western Canada’s jaw-dropping scenery, where glass-domed coaches ensure you never miss a beat. From Vancouver to Banff or Jasper, the train glides past emerald lakes, thick forests, and mountain ridges that seem too perfect to be real. Meals are served with local flair, and the pace is steady enough to let you sip your wine without spilling it. It’s as relaxing as it is beautiful.
The Blue Train, South Africa
Luxury meets landscape on the Blue Train. Running between Pretoria and Cape Town, this isn’t just about distance; it’s about style. Think fine dining, polished wood interiors, and expansive windows that let you soak in desert stretches, vineyards, and mountains all in one ride. It’s a hotel on rails, where you dress for dinner and fall asleep to tracks humming under your pillow.
TranzAlpine, New Zealand
Crossing from Christchurch to Greymouth, the TranzAlpine cuts through New Zealand’s South Island like it’s trying to show off. Rivers twist below, mountains loom ahead, and the Southern Alps frame it like a moving postcard. The ride takes under five hours, but the scenes stick with you much longer.
Coast Starlight, USA
Running from Los Angeles to Seattle, the Coast Starlight shows off the West Coast like a guided tour. The Pacific Ocean keeps you company for long stretches while forests, cliffs, and small towns roll by your window seat. The train has a lounge car with panoramic windows, which makes it the ideal spot to sit with a drink and forget your inbox.
The Ghan, Australia
This route cuts straight through the heart of Australia, going from Adelaide to Darwin in just over three days. It’s long, quiet, and packed with views of red deserts, bushland, and outback towns that feel frozen in time. The stops are as interesting as the ride, with off-train excursions into gorges and historic sites. It’s not a sprint; it’s a slow walk across a continent.
The Bernina Express, Switzerland to Italy
This four-hour trip from Chur, Switzerland, to Tirano, Italy, is small but massive in impact. It climbs high into the Alps and descends through spiraling tracks and ancient stone bridges. You get glaciers, mountain villages, and palm trees along the way as you reach the Italian border. It’s hard to believe one route can pack in so much variety, but this one does.
The Flam Railway, Norway
Short but mighty, the Flam Railway only takes about an hour, but it earns every second. It climbs from sea level to high mountain peaks in just 12 miles, passing waterfalls, deep valleys, and cozy villages tucked into the landscape. It feels like someone hit “zoom-out” on a fairytale, and you’re just coasting through the middle of it.
The Eastern and Oriental Express, Southeast Asia
Running between Singapore and Bangkok, this luxury train is part history and part moving lounge. The interiors recall a bygone era; think wood paneling, velvet seats, and white-tablecloth dinners. Outside, rice paddies, temples, and jungle landscapes glide by in quiet harmony. It’s more than a ride. It’s a way to slow down and see the parts of Southeast Asia that don’t appear in guidebooks.
Disclaimer: This list is solely the author’s opinion based on research and publicly available information.
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