Top 10 Scenic Train Journeys Around the World
Train travel offers a unique way to experience the landscapes and cultures of the world. From the snow-draped peaks to the serene coastlines, scenic train journeys provide travelers with breathtaking views and an intimate journey through some of the most picturesque routes on Earth. Here are ten of the most scenic train rides you must consider for your next travel adventure:
1. The Glacier Express, Switzerland
Labeled as the world's slowest express train, the Glacier Express travels from Zermatt to St. Moritz in a leisurely eight-hour journey. This route allows passengers to soak in the stunning scenery of the Swiss Alps, complete with panoramic windows offering views of towering Alps, deep gorges, and countless small villages. The train's predictable passage through these landscapes makes it one of the classic European rail experiences, cherished for both its aesthetic appeal and culinary offerings on board.
2. The Rocky Mountaineer, Canada
Rolling through the Canadian Rockies, the Rocky Mountaineer offers several routes, with the most famous being between Vancouver and Banff or Jasper. This train journey is not just about travel but an experience enveloped in luxury and breathtaking vistas. The glass-domed cars provide unobstructed views of the emerald green lakes, dramatic rock formations, and possibly some wildlife like bears or elk.
3. The Darjeeling Himalayan Railway, India
Fondly known as the Himalayan Queen, this UNESCO World Heritage site runs from New Jalpaiguri to Darjeeling. The journey, established in the 19th century, is an adventure through narrow gauge tracks, offering views of the tea estates, lush forests, and the Kanchenjunga mountain. The toy train, as it’s affectionately called, might take its time, but it gives travelers a unique glimpse into rural India.
4. The Trans-Siberian Railway, Russia
Spanning the immense breadth of Russia from Moscow to Vladivostok, the Trans-Siberian Railway is not for the faint-hearted but promises one of the greatest travel experiences. It passes through the vast Siberian landscapes, villages dotted with colorful wooden houses, and over the iconic Lake Baikal. It's a journey where time stands still, allowing for deep reflection amidst endless views of untouched nature.
5. The Coastal Pacific, New Zealand
From Picton to Christchurch on New Zealand's South Island, the Coastal Pacific hugs the shores of the Pacific Ocean, showcasing the dramatic coastline, wine country, and the majestic Kaikoura mountain range. While you sip on world-class Marlborough wine, watch the sea eagles soar, seals sunbathing, and whales cavorting in the ocean. This journey blends the beauty of rural New Zealand with panoramic coastal views.
6. The Ghan, Australia
Traversing from Adelaide to Darwin or vice versa, The Ghan provides one of Australia’s true bucket-list train journeys. Named after the Afghan camel drivers who once traversed the route, this train travels through the heart of the Australian outback, offering views of vast deserts, extensive agricultural fields, and stops in iconic places like Alice Springs. Off-train excursions, like a night under the stars or exploring Uluru, make it an immersive experience.
7. The Bernina Express, Switzerland/Italy
The route from Chur in Switzerland to Tirano in Italy on the Bernina Express is a technical marvel of railway engineering. Climbing over the Alps, passing through 55 tunnels and over 196 bridges, this train offers unparalleled views of the Alps, the Morteratsch Glacier, and the famous Landwasser Viaduct. It's a journey where every turn brings a new, spectacular vista.
8. The Blue Train, South Africa
Running between Pretoria and Cape Town, The Blue Train epitomizes luxury travel with its opulent cabins and dining services. However, it's the journey through South Africa's diverse landscapes that captures the imagination: the bushveld, Karoo landscapes, and as you near Cape Town, the vineyards and ocean views. It’s a luxurious way to experience South Africa's varying topography.
9. The Eastern & Oriental Express, Southeast Asia
This elegant, teak-furnished train journey through Southeast Asia offers multiple routes, but the most scenic is arguably from Singapore to Bangkok. It takes you through Malaysia’s lush jungles, historic bridges, and onto the verdant rice fields of Thailand. The journey recreates the nostalgic period of luxury colonial travel intertwined with Asian culture.
10. The Venice Simplon-Orient-Express, Europe
Few train journeys can boast the allure and romance like the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express. Although its most famous route is from London to Venice, it also offers trips across Europe, rekindling the golden age of rail travel. The journey is an art deco masterpiece offering views of serene landscapes, punctuated by fine dining, elegant service, and an experience of a bygone era.
Conclusion
Embarking on these scenic train journeys isn't just about getting from point A to B; it's about the stories unfolded by the landscapes, the architecture, the atmosphere inside the train, and the people you meet along the way. Each trip offers a luxurious escape, educational insights, and a profound connection with the earth's diverse beauty. Hold your camera ready, prepare your heart for beauty, and step aboard for a journey through the pages of geography like no other. Remember to travel with minimal impact in mind, respecting both the environment and local communities, thus preserving these routes for future generations to marvel at.
As you plan your next adventure, consider these train routes not just as a means of transportation, but as an enriching experience that will linger in your memory long after the journey's end.
