All Aboard! The World’s Best Train Rides for Families

Packing up the family and boarding a train to a tantalizing destination is one of the best ways to enjoy quality time and make mountains of memories.

Train travel opens the door to the pages of Harry Potter novels, The Hobbit series, and an Agatha Christie murder mystery. Whether you want to tour Scotland, New Zealand, Italy, or America’s Wild West, there’s a train journey on this list to bring everyone’s wildest dreams to life.

Durango and Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad 

Not only does this train run between two picturesque towns within Colorado, it has a unique twist around Christmas Time. 

While the whole family is ooh-ing and aah-ing through the mountain terrain, the railroad’s beloved holiday event — THE POLAR EXPRESS™ Train Ride — transforms the train into a festive wonderland each winter, complete with hot chocolate, a reading of the classic story, and a visit from Santa himself.

The Grand Canyon Train

If you suspect you have any budding outdoor enthusiasts in your family, you might want to give them the best tour of the Grand Canyon. 

Aboard this railway, you’ll gain access to the Canyon in a way you couldn’t achieve via foot or campsite. Mom and Dad will love it, too, with its delightful 1920s decor.

The Sunset Limited

If your babies are now teenagers, more than kiddos, you might enjoy a summer exploring New Orleans and Los Angeles.

The Sunset Limited can take you between these two cultural meccas in the span of two days, opening the door to a wealth of activities both in the bayou and California’s Golden Coast.

The Kyushu Railway (Japan)

Japan’s bullet train network is one of the world’s great travel experiences, and Kyushu’s routes are some of the most scenic.

The beloved Hello Kitty Shinkansen retired in spring 2026, but Japan’s themed train magic lives on — JR Kyushu’s “Kamome” train now features beloved Super Mario characters, and the island’s winding rail routes take you through dramatic coastlines and lush volcanic landscapes.

Hop on in Fukuoka in the morning and explore multiple stops before the day is done. The trains are famously punctual, the stations are an adventure in themselves, and the onboard snacks are unforgettable.