Miles of Scenery: The 12 Longest Train Rides You Can Take Around the World
Instead of flying fast, why not enjoy gliding and seeing all the beautiful scenes? Riding the train through mountains, deserts, and green hills makes the trip as lovely as the destination. According to the UIC’s study, railway transport has approximately 4-5 billion passengers annually.
Sleeping in a cozy car, experiencing delicious meals on the train, and admiring the scenery from expansive windows make every trip enjoyable and exciting.
These train journeys make for a delightful trip, delivering spectacular views across multiple countries and time zones, as well as interesting aspects of nature, culture, and adventure. Put your seatbelt on (or don’t, because it’s a train) and start on a journey that will leave you speechless. Don’t miss Slide 14 — that’s where we break it all down with the key insights you’ll want to remember.
The Ghan, Australia
This railway journey covers nearly 1,850 miles from Darwin to Adelaide in 54 hours. You will see lush green jungles, broad desert land, and the mysterious MacDonnell Ranges. However, what makes films beautiful is the feeling they leave on us. Stay in luxury rooms and enjoy local dishes such as kangaroo and barramundi.
Fun fact? “The Ghan” is short for “Afghan Express,” a nod to the cameleers who helped explore this arid land in the 20th century.
Trans-Siberian Railway, Russia
The BBC reports that the Trans-Siberian Railway, which spans 5,772 miles, runs from Moscow to Vladivostok, passing through seven time zones.
There are seven of them! This whole week of travel will take you past forests in the taiga, the deep Lake Baikal, and places in Siberia that are covered with snow. For those seeking much more than just a holiday, the Russian experience on the train offers plenty.
Pro tip? Grab some food and your favorite cup of tea. Russians take “chai on rails” very seriously!
Rocky Mountaineer, Canada
Consider this train when thinking of the most picturesque train journeys. Whoever travels on the Rocky Mountaineer will enjoy beautiful views of the UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Canadian Rockies.
Take in lakes with the color of turquoise, beautiful waterfalls spilling everywhere, and animals around checking you out. What’s special? Customers can only use the service during the day.
You will experience all the highlights and not miss any beautiful sites. Furthermore, the chefs on board create meals that match those in top restaurants.
Eastern and Oriental Express, Southeast Asia
The Eastern and Oriental Express is widely regarded as the finest rail journey in the entire Southeast Asian region. In three to four days, the route runs through rainforests, fields of rice, and bustling towns.
The train is built with beautiful glossy wood and has a nostalgic feel. The staff go out of their way to ensure you have a perfect stay. Insider tip? Try the unique drink on the Bar Car as you admire the beautiful surroundings.
California Zephyr, USA
The California Zephyr, the longest daily-running train service in the US, as reported by National Geographic, has been operating since 1949, and is America’s great “window to the West”. According to Amtrak Media, it travels from Chicago to San Francisco in three days and covers 2,438 miles.
The route allows travelers to admire the snowy mountains before exploring the red canyons and, finally, the lovely views of California along the coast. Yet, try not to drink your coffee and stare into space (even though it seems inviting).
If you like to have lots of photos for souvenirs, try out the observation car on the train, where all the windows go to the ceiling.
The Blue Train, South Africa
Pretoria to Cape Town. Two days. Endless luxury. South Africa’s Blue Train is like a luxury hotel, allowing you to experience various scenery as you cross savannahs and deserts and visit vineyards. Its decor deserves mention, as it’s nearly on par with a palace.
A bell is the only call away from the caring butlers in the marble-decorated bathrooms. Between August and November, you could spot whales as you walk along the coastline near Cape Town. Now, that makes me feel thrilled.
Glacier Express, Switzerland
Nicknamed the “Slowest Express Train in the World,” this 8-hour Swiss gem moves gracefully through the Alps. Based on a report by National Geographic, the journey from Zermatt’s majestic peaks to St. Moritz takes you across 291 bridges and through 91 tunnels, offering an unforgettable experience of engineering and natural beauty.
Every ride along the rail line brings stunning photos of snow-covered mountains. On the Glacier Express, travelers enjoy wine and cheese tastings among the other extras.
Fun fact? Once you reach the Landwasser Viaduct, you will notice it is 200 feet over the ground.
The Canadian, Canada
The four-day journey from Toronto to Vancouver passes through prairies, lakes, dense forests, and the impressive Rocky Mountains. Traversing 4,466 km and offering passengers a chance to see a vast array of Canada’s landscapes.
The train is unique because of its old-fashioned cars and quaint lounges. Staying in a sleeper car means snoozing under the stars and waking up to another lovely scene.
Belmond Andean Explorer, Peru
Machu Picchu is one of the many attractions in South America. The Andean Explorer proves that it’s possible to have railway adventures in Peru. In this route, you depart from Cusco and ride your bike atop the Andean plains, seeing villages from the past and stopping at Lake Titicaca.
What’s special? Passengers traveling on this train can enjoy a variety of cultural and entertainment options. Start your day with Andean music as you sample pisco sours in the observation car.
Coast Starlight, USA
The beautiful Pacific coastline is visible on the Coast Starlight between Seattle and Los Angeles. Traveling 1,377 miles along this route, you see peaceful ocean cliffs, green forests, and towering snow-covered slopes.
While traveling in a sleeper car, visit the Pacific Parlour Car. It’s vintage charm meets good ol’ West Coast comfort.
Venice Simplon Orient Express, Europe
In 24 hours of pure elegance, the train will take you from London to Venice. Because of its wooden decor, elegant Art Deco design, and tasty meals, the train belongs to the 1920s.
Scenes from movies can be seen at every stop along Europe’s countryside. I’d suggest? If you can, spend a few days in Venice to complete your fantastic trip.
TranzAlpine, New Zealand
The TranzAlpine trip through the South Island of New Zealand is wonderful. Starting in Christchurch, you sit on the famous train that slowly crosses the Southern Alps and delights you with endless beauty.
A trip on the Trans-Siberian only takes about five hours, but what counts is the high quality of your journey. The tall windows allow you to enjoy views of turbulent gorges, beautiful forests, and tall mountains outside. In spring, the wildflower carpets bloom beautifully and delight anyone who goes on a trip.
Important Insights
With the TranzAlpine, you learn that the trip can be as memorable as your destination. Every step aboard the train captures the best of New Zealand’s rivers, beech forests, and the breathtaking steep slopes of the Southern Alps.
Anyone looking for adventure, closer contact with nature, or a moment of peace will be amazed by what this railway journey offers. Sitting on the train and crossing high viaducts or glimpsing lights on the hills improves the experience.
By the time you step off the train, you won’t just feel like you’ve traveled across a landscape—you’ll feel like you’ve traveled through wonder itself. When will you see what’s waiting for you when you look beyond the tracks?
Disclaimer – This list is solely the author’s opinion based on research and publicly available information. It is not intended to be professional advice.
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