13 Breathtaking Train Rides Every Travel Lover Should Take
Traveling by train is always magical: there’s a steady rhythm of wheels on tracks, and expansive views rolled up past your window. Road trips are fun in their own right, and flying gets you there faster, but there’s something about train journeys. It always manages to find just the right balance between relaxation and scenery, so the journey is nearly as enjoyable as the destination itself.
These thirteen train rides aren’t just about transport but will offer you experiences you won’t forget in a while. From reaching the sky mountain ranges to wondrous jungles and wonderful shorelines, rides on a train are always something to look forward to.
The Glacier Express, Switzerland: Alpine Majesty on Rails
It’s often called the ‘slowest express train in the world,’ but the Glacier Express does take its time to present you with the most jaw-dropping landscapes of Switzerland. This eight-hour journey is always a delight to every passenger as it links Zermatt and St. Moritz with 91 tunnels and 291 bridges. Other features to watch out for include panoramic views of snow-capped peaks and quiet mountain villages. If you’re looking for the best experience on Glacier Express, the Excellence Class is advisable. Its gourmet meals and plush seating will surely surprise you.
The Rocky Mountaineer, Canada: A Wilderness Spectacle
The Canadian Rockies are one of a kind. In the glass-domed carriages, you can see the tall glaciers, the high emerald lakes, the bears, and the elk. Some of the popular routes in the Rocky Mountaineer include the “Journey Through the Clouds.” This place is quite significant because it is the highest peak in the Canadian Rockies. Along the way, it offers breathtaking landscapes as well as five-star service so it’s a luxury safari on rails.
The Blue Train, South Africa: A Moving Five-Star Hotel
Boarding South Africa’s Blue Train, you are whisked back to a time of luxury. If you want to cross the length of South Africa between Pretoria and Cape Town in perfect work of art, private suites, gourmet dining, and your own personal butler, this is your best option. On the other side of the train is the South African countryside that includes endless savannas, dramatic mountain ranges, and vineyards. It’s not just a train ride, it’s a trip to a bygone era.
The Trans-Siberian Railway, Russia: The Ultimate Adventure
Daring travelers enjoy traveling the Trans Siberian Railway. It stretches to about 5,700 miles (9,300 km) from Moscow to Vladivostok — the world’s longest so far. Along the way, you’ll see the sheer scale of Russia, from deserted forests to vast cities and the glittering waters of Lake Baikal. So whether you want a cozy cabin or stopping at remote stations, this is just as much about the people you meet as the places you see.
The Jacobite, Scotland: Hogwarts and Highlands
If you are a Harry Potter fan, you would definitely want to see the Jacobite steam train. It’s a lovely route that takes in the iconic Glenfinnan Viaduct (the one in the movies) and the beautiful lochs, castles, and mountains behind them. Whether or not you’re a Potterhead, this journey feels like stepping into a storybook.
The Ghan, Australia: A Cross-Continent Expedition
The Ghan is one of the world’s great rail adventures and is named after the Afghan cameleers who once crossed Australia’s outback. The three-day journey through the heart of Australia stretches almost 1,900 miles from Darwin to Adelaide. The ochre deserts will change to lush green plains and you’ll see the shifting landscapes of the Red Centre. Off-train excursions make it an unforgettable ride – like exploring Katherine Gorge.
The Bernina Express, Switzerland: Engineering Meets Elegance
It’s not just a train ride, The Bernina Express is a UNESCO World Heritage journey. It’s one of the best routes through the most beautiful landscapes of the Swiss Alps and connects Chur in Switzerland with Tirano in Italy. It shows crossing Landwasser Viaduct and Brusio Circular Viaduct descending the hill. Do not forget to bring your camera to photograph this amazing mountain vistas.
The Train to the Clouds, Argentina: A Sky-High Adventure
Train to the Clouds is Argentina’s Line and one of the highest railways in the world, finishing just beneath the clouds at 13,800 feet above sea level. It’s a dizzying route, starting in Salta and threading through the jagged Andes for views of peaks and out-of-the-way villages.
The Flam Railway, Norway: A Scenic Masterpiece
While the Flam Railway in Norway is just 12 miles long, its backdrop is enormous. The ride down from the mountain station of Myrdal to the fjord-side village of Flam is a steep one. Roaring waterfalls, snow-capped peaks, and lush valleys can be seen on the way. It’s a short trip, but a memorable one and you get to see the best of the best of Norway’s natural beauty.
The Eastern & Oriental Express, Southeast Asia: Elegance and Exoticism
The Eastern & Oriental Express may run between Bangkok and Singapore, but it’s a window into Southeast Asia’s cultural richness. The train itself is a work of art with its teakwood interiors and lavish dining cars. To give the feeling that you’ve gone back in time, you’ll be rolling through rice paddies, jungles, to ancient temples. There are also stops on River Kwai and on Penang Island.
The Belmond Hiram Bingham, Peru: Gateway to Machu Picchu
An unforgettable way to see the ancient Inca citadel of Machu Picchu is on board the Belmond Hiram Bingham, named after the explorer who rediscovered the ancient ruins. Live music, fine dining, and spectacular views of the Sacred Valley make the ride a luxurious one. You’ll feel like royalty by the time you get to Machu Picchu.
The Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad, USA: Old West Charm
American West fans will love this Colorado train ride. A historic railway, the Durango to Silverton railway, runs through San Juan Mountains, over rushing rivers with cliffs. And vintage steam engines and 19th-century carriages help to add to the charm of it all, making it feel as though you’ve stepped into a frontier-era postcard.
The TranzAlpine, New Zealand: A Journey Across Middle-earth
Crossing the beautiful Southern Alps of New Zealand’s South Island is an added perk of the TranzAlpine train. It runs from Christchurch to the town of Greymouth. This five-hour journey will also take you past Lush farmlands, alpine meadows, and dramatic gorges – it’s no wonder The TranzAlpine is called one of the world’s most beautiful train rides. It’ll also remind you of Middle-earth landscapes from The Lord of the Rings.
Disclaimer: This list is solely the author’s opinion based on research and publicly available information.
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10 Best African Photo Safaris You Must Experience
Even if you’ve been on a safari in the past, an African photo safari is something you want to experience or at the very list add to the top of your bucket list.
But first, what is a photo safari? The phrase “photo safari” is not a common sentence structure but its meaning can be deduced easily. An African photo safari in general context means going on an adventure with the sole purpose of taking high-quality pictures.
10 Best African Photo Safaris You Must Experience
