Choosing to travel by train is one of the best ways to see the world, particularly Europe. Whether you’re looking for something budget-friendly or utterly opulent, you can find a train line to whisk you from city to city.
All you have to do is board the train, settle into your cabin, and let the crew take care of the rest. Below, we have some decadent train lines for you to consider as you get ready to pack your bags and see the world.
The Oriental Express
How could we discuss fabulous train journeys without mentioning the Oriental Express? Technically, it’s called the Eastern and Oriental Express, and it travels through Singapore, Malaysia, and Thailand.
On board, you’ll take in some of the most stunning landscapes in Southeast Asia. When you’re not basking in the scenery out your window, you’ll be luxuriating in top-class service.
If you time it right, you could make a full vacation out of Singapore. This guide to the Lion City will help you take it all in.
The Reunification Express Train
Sticking with Southeast Asia, the Reunification Express Train can take you from Ho Chi Minh to Hanoi in one of the most exhilarating overnight journeys of your life.
If Vietnam has been on your bucket list for quite some time, this is worth some serious consideration. There may be no better way to see Vietnam’s two most sumptuous metropolises.
The Canadian
The best way to see one of the most beautiful countries in the world is by train. The Canadian runs between Toronto and Vancouver, covering 2,775 miles in five days.
As you sail through the Canadian Rockies, prairie fields, and waterfalls, you’ll find yourself in awe. Whether you splurge on their Prestige or Economy Class, you’ll be treated to wonderful service amidst some of the most gorgeous lands.
The Rocky Mountaineer
Sticking with Canada, you have another way to take in this glorious country. The Rocky Mountaineer will take you down the Canadian Pacific route through the Rockies and into Western Canada.
Here, you’ll trade in waterfalls and prairie fields for lava cliffs and canyons. Most travelers report a beautiful array of wildlife, as well, including bighorn sheep and grizzly bears.
The Chepe Express
Let’s dip down into Mexico. This passenger train will sail you through northern Mexico, into the Pacific coast in 13 hours.
You’ll travel through every terrain, from mountains and waterfalls, to the Sierra Tarahumara. Just keep in mind that this doesn’t have all the bells and whistles of the Oriental Express. Since there is no air conditioning, you may want to bookmark this adventure for the fall and winter months.
Hiram Bingham Orient-Express
Do you have the marvels of Machu Picchu on your mind? If so, this could be one of the most luxurious ways to make your dreams come true.
On board, you’ll enjoy the 1920s decor as you savor a three-and-a-half-hour journey along the picturesque Urubamba River, ending near showstopping Machu Picchu.
PeruRail Lake Titicaca
Peru has a mystical, magical way of absorbing you into its culture once you step onto its lands. The Lake Titicaca Train can take you from Puno to Cusco, where you can stay a few days to climb Machu Picchu.
Durango and Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad
We simply must spend some time aboard a few different trains in the United States. This train line is a heritage railroad that’s been in use since 1881 and connects the beautifully rugged cities of Durango and Silverton, Colorado.
The California Zephyr Train
Over in California, you have the ever-popular California Zephyr. It can take you from the sunny shores of Cali all the way over to Chicago.
What’s glorious about this trip is that you’ll see so many different sights, including the Rockies and the Sierra Nevada, as you sail across seven different states.
The Grand Canyon Railway
For something a little more focused than the California Zephyr, you can book a ticket for the Grand Canyon Railway. It, too, features a lovely 1920s decor.
You can tuck yourself into the lap of luxury while you gain access to the Canyon in a manner you wouldn’t be able to achieve any other way.
The Coast Starlight
If you’d rather stick to the west coast – arguably the best coast – you’ll love your time aboard the Coast Starlight. It spends most of its time running along the Pacific.
Since it connects Los Angeles to Seattle, you’ll see everything from serene coastlines to lush forests with stops in several main cities like Santa Barbara, San Francisco, and Sacramento.
The Sunset Limited
This is an exciting way to connect New Orleans to Los Angeles. As a two-day journey, countless sights will unfold for you, from the bayou, to steep desert plains, to California’s golden beaches.
The Denali Star Train
Once you’ve made it to Seattle, you might want to continue your journey over to Alaska. If so, you simply must board the Denali Star Train and travel from Anchorage to Fairbanks.
Words won’t do justice to this journey; you simply have to see it for yourself. Particularly, the views it serves up of Mount McKinley are unforgettable.
The Royal Scotsman
Far, far away, you have the land of Scotland. In a country already known for its efficient train system, ScotRail, these luxury lines are out of this world.
The Royal Scotsman rolls out the red carpet for you, whether you’re looking for a three-day journey or an eight-day one.
It’ll soar you through any number of destinations, including the Highlands. As you dine in the lap of luxury, and take in extraordinary sights, you’ll be so glad you curated these memories aboard the Royal Scotsman.
The British Pullman
If your focus is more on the United Kingdom than Scotland, this is your ticket to paradise. Here, too, you’ll luxuriate in their decadent 1920s decor with modern amenities at your fingertips.
Wherever you’d like to go in Great Britain, the British Pullman can take you there in elegance and style with a glass of champagne in-hand.
Talyllyn Railway
The Talyllyn Railway is a cute little day trip if you’d like a unique opportunity to breathe in the fresh air of Wales. This is just a 14.5 mile trip, lasting about 90 minutes. But, it’s one of the most memorable ways to see the rugged land of Wales.
The Grand Hibernian
Typically, Ireland is a country where you rent a car, put on a great playlist, and take in the Emerald Isle’s sights.
However, they do have one luxury train line that’ll take you through gorgeous, green rolling hills, as well as a few colorful cities. Like the Royal Scotsman, you’re looking at some luxurious cars, decadent meals, and memories to last a lifetime.
The Rhine Valley Line Scenic Train
Germany is one of the most beautiful countries in the world, with mountainous terrain, eclectic villages, and unique cuisine.
Aboard the Rhine Valley Line Scenic Train, you’ll breeze by ancient castles and fortresses – something you can’t compare to anything else anywhere in the world.
The Bergen Line
Like Germany, Norway is just waiting to welcome you to its borders and delight you with sight after sight. The Bergen Line can take you from Oslo to Bergen in a little over six hours, spanning spectacular canyons, rivers, mountainsides, and opening the doors to shorter cruise rides to the fjords.
The Glacier Express
Over to Switzerland! You can rely upon the Glacier Express to take you effortlessly from Zermatt to St. Moritz. This is an eight-hour journey that navigates caves, tunnels, bridges, and gorgeous mountain terrain with the greatest of ease.
Whether you choose the first or second-class options, you’ll be glad you decided to take in the Swiss Alps this way.
The Bernina Express
If you’d like to expand your horizons beyond Switzerland, you can start there and end up in Italy, thanks to the Bernina Express.
You’ll need to pack for all climates on this journey because you’ll start in the snowy Swiss Alps and end up in the tropical climes of Tirano. What a way to see some of the most gorgeous parts of Europe.
Venice Simplon-Orient-Express
One look at their website will have you scurrying over to the “Book Now” button. Easily one of the most luxurious trains on this list, you’ll feel like you’re in The Ritz, not a train car. With several stops along the way, you can curate any number of fabulous itineraries, covering cities like Cannes, Rome, and Venice.
The Ghan
Australia steals the hearts of adventure-seekers year after year. If you want to take in the entire country while you’re there, book a ticket on The Ghan, where you can travel from Adelaide all the way down to Darwin.
This is a two-day journey that explores every type of terrain, from deserts to lush tropical climates. No matter which class you buy a ticket for, you’ll be delighted by this journey, covering almost the entirety of one of the friendliest nations.
The TranzAlpine
If you’ve made it all the way over to Australia, why not tack New Zealand onto the list, too? The TranzAlpine is a five-hour train ride that will sail you across the Canterbury Plains before chugging up the Southern Alps, only to end in the rainforests of the South Island’s West Coast. If any journey on this list deserves the word epic, it’s the TranzAlpine.
Happy Trails to You
Like cruising, train travel allows you many moments to relax and unwind. When you remove the hustle and bustle of an airport and just allow your captain or conductor to escort you from city to city, you can really take in those sights that might get lost in the shuffle of an overpacked itinerary.
Whichever metropolis you’re heading to, we have a destination guide to help you craft the perfect itinerary, get out there and meet the locals, and make enough memories to last a lifetime.