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12 minutes readContents
- The Glacier Express, Switzerland
- The Bernina Express, Switzerland & Italy
- The California Zephyr, USA
- Palace on Wheels, India
- Hiram Bingham, Machu Picchu, Peru
- The Rocky Mountaineer, North America
- Seven Stars in Kyushu, Japan
- The Ghan, Australia
- Rovos Rail, South Africa
- Kandy-Ella Train, Sri Lanka
10 most beautiful train rides in the world
This list covers the world’s best train journeys. It caters to all tourists, including adventure seekers, nature lovers, culture geeks, sightseers, and foodies. These rails traverse iconic destinations across six continents, from Europe to North America, Australia, Asia, Africa, and Latin America.
Here are the 10 best train rides in the world:
1. The Glacier Express, Switzerland
Did you know that the Swiss Alps receive around 25 million tourists who stay for about 55 million nights yearly? You can explore this magical wonderland aboard the Glacier Express. This famous train covers 180 miles (290km) from St Moritz to Matterhorn-topped Zermatt via Andermatt in 8 hours.
Photo: Guitar photographer / Shutterstock.com
What makes it unique?
The Express offers beautiful train rides and immersive experiences of the breathtaking Alpine terrain in South Switzerland. It goes through mountain passes, 291 bridges, 91 tunnels, St Moritz and Zermatt resort towns, Matterhorn, the Rhine Gorge, the Abula UNESCO Heritage Site, the Landwasser Viaduct, and Nikolai Valley.
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On-board experiences
The Express has cozy seats, panoramic windows, top-notch amenities, and excellent customer service. This famous train offers food and drinks, snack trolleys, on-board entertainment, and audio guides in multiple languages on the history and geology of Switzerland. Passengers with Excellence Class tickets can access an exclusive bar, concierge service, and a multi-course meal paired with local wines.
2. The Bernina Express, Switzerland & Italy
The Bernina Express is one of the most scenic train rides in the world. It covers 76 miles (122 km) in 4-5 hours from Chur in Switzerland to Tirano in Italy via the Swiss Engadin Alps. The train offers daily trips year-round, with additional departures in summer to meet increased demand.
Photo: EyesTravelling / Shutterstock.com
Why is it unique?
Adventures
The Express goes through 55 tunnels, 196 bridges, mountains, and the Rhaetian Railway, a UNESCO Heritage Site between Chur and Tirano. It passes Thusis, Tiefencastel, the Domleschg Valley with mountain-top castles, the Landwasser Viaduct, Filisur, Poschiavo, and the Brusio Spiral Viaduct on the way to Tirano. This region is home to glacier-capped mountains, waterfalls, snowy ravines, shimmery lakes, and expansive spruce forests.
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Accessibility
The train operates daily year-round. It offers cozy seats, air conditioning, and a snack service. Its short tours allow tourists to combine several getaway spots in the Swiss mountains. For example, visitors can explore Chur for a few hours or days before or after touring the Chur-Tirano route. This city is home to the 13th-century Cathedral of the Assumption, the Brambrüesch aerial cableway, and winter ski resorts in the mountains.
3. The California Zephyr, USA
Founded in 1949, the California Zephyr has offered one of America’s best train journeys. It is the US longest continuous train ride, covering 2438 miles from Chicago to San Francisco in 3 days or around 52 hours. This Amtrak railway covers North America’s scenic tourist spots from the Midwest to the West Coast.
But is the California Zephyr worth it?
Photo: amtrakguide.com
What makes it unique?
The California Zephyr has something for everyone. You can spend a few hours exploring the vibrant urban life in Chicago, Denver, Salt Lake City, Reno, Sacramento, and San Francisco. Nature lovers are mesmerized by scenic views of prairies, deserts, the Rockies, the 6.2-mile-long Moffat Tunnel, the Sierra Nevada Mountains, and the historic Donner Pass. Don’t forget the breathtaking Glenwood Canyon carved by the Colorado River. No other US tourist train can rival Amtrak’s California Zephyr.
On-board experiences
The California Zephyr offers spacious roomettes with cozy sleeping areas, plush seating, and ample storage for personal belongings. Riders can access the exclusive lounge in Chicago’s Union Station, private restrooms aboard, and in-room catering. Enjoy culinary experiences, including regional specialties and classic American dishes by skilled chefs. These offerings guarantee relaxation.
Photo: pinterest.com
Off-train adventures
Amtrak Vacations offers sightseeing and adventures for California Zephyr guests from Chicago to San Francisco. The Zephyr stops in top tourist spots for a few hours. You can explore bustling urban areas and natural wonders, including a 1-day excursion of Yosemite National Park. Watch out for Lake Michigan as the California Zephyr ascends to lofty mountains.
4. Palace on Wheels, India
Since 1982, the Palace on Wheels has been one of India’s top tourist trains. Its itineraries cover India’s enchanting wonders in 7 nights and 8 days, including the famed Pink City of Jaipur in Rajasthan, golden dunes in Jaisalmer, and majestic forts in Jodhpur. Riders can spend a few hours exploring serene Udaipur lakes, the Ranthambhore National Park, the historic Chittorgarh, the Bharatpur Bird Sanctuary, and the iconic Taj Mahal in Agra.
Why does the Palace on Wheels stand out?
Adventures
The Palace on Wheels has something for everyone, from history and heritage geeks to nature lovers and urban explorers. This train transports riders from New Delhi to the Land of Kings, offering a peek into the bygone era of Rajput warrior princes and maharajas. Jaipur in Rajasthan is home to 16th-century grand palaces and UNESCO sites like the Amer Fort. Guests can visit the Taj Mahal, the symbol of timeless romance, and immerse themselves in India’s rich culture, captivating wildlife, and charming landscapes.
Photo: AlexAnton /Shutterstock.com
Amenities
The Palace on Wheels is one of India’s premier tourist trains. Its deluxe cabins, decked in Indian textiles, replicate the opulent carriages of former maharajas and viceroys. Riders can access private bathrooms, personal butlers, two restaurants, a lounge bar, and a spa for unparalleled relaxation.
5. Hiram Bingham, Machu Picchu, Peru
The Belmond Hiram Bingham is a Peruvian tourist train launched in 2003. It offers round-trip between Cusco and Machu Picchu. This journey takes tourists back to the bygone era of Inca emperors with unparalleled luxury.
What makes it unique?
Adventures
Hiram Bingham begins its journey in the Poroy station in Cusco and passes through the Sacred Valley, home to ancient Inca terraces and the historic Ollantaytambo town. Then, it proceeds along the Urubamba River to Aguas Calientes, where a private bus transports tourists to Machu Picchu. You can see the breathtaking Andes Mountains, valleys, and rivers before reaching the ruins of Machu Picchu. After exploring Machu Picchu, enjoy afternoon tea at the Sanctuary Lodge and re-board the Hiram Bingham for a return journey to the Poroy station in Cusco.
Photo: belmond.com
On-board luxuries
The Hiram Bingham offers the once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to visit the legendary Machu Picchu in cozy cabins. It features vintage Pullman-style carriages, gleaming brass, and polished wood interiors. This classic design evokes the spirit of 19th-century explorers. Each Hiram Bingham carriage offers plush interiors, onboard catering, and panoramic views of the Peruvian landscape. Indulge in refreshing drinks at the bar with live Andean music. Then, visit one of the two catering cars to sample Peruvian cuisine. There’s no shortage of things to do aboard the Hiram Bingham.
6. The Rocky Mountaineer, North America
The Rocky Mountaineer is the largest private tourist train globally. Since 1990, the railway has transported over 2 million guests. It offers access to natural wonders between Vancouver, British Columbia, and Alberta.
But why is it one of the world’s best train trips?
Photo: rockymountaineer.com
What makes it unique?
The Rocky Mountaineer operates three routes. Each option captures Western Canada’s natural beauty and splendors. First, you can take the Rainforest-Gold Rush route to explore the luxuriant coastal rainforest, Fraser Canyon, and Cariboo Gold Rush region. It is perfect for tourists seeking one-of-a-kind adventures. Second, the Journey-through-the-Clouds route offers breathtaking views of the Canadian Rockies’ highest mountains and peaks. Travelers can see the remarkable Mount Robson and the region’s natural beauty. Third, the First Passage to the West route takes travelers across the awe-inspiring Continental Divide and the Spiral Tunnels.
On-board experiences
The Rocky Mountaineer offers glass-dome ceilings for unobstructed viewing. It has two service levels: GoldLeaf and SilverLeaf. GoldLeaf provides an open-air vestibule where guests relax, interact, and take pictures of the mountains and wildlife. These spacious carriages create the perfect environment for making new friends.
Photo: rockymountaineer.com
SilverLeaf offers one-level carriages and regional cuisines, including cinnamon scones, fruit salads, omelets, drinks, tender braised short ribs, and grilled salmon. However, GoldLeaf has more options, like cranberry apple French toasts, cheese soufflés, seared albacore tuna, roasted pork loins, and gourmet dishes.
Overnight stays
The Rocky Mountaineer only travels during the day, ensuring you don’t miss Western Canada’s renowned landmarks. Travelers can explore cities with vibrant nightlife, sample regional cuisines, and make new friends.
7. Seven Stars in Kyushu, Japan
The Seven Stars in Kyushu is a Japanese tourist train launched in 2013. This cool train is known for its royal wine-red exterior with a gold Seven Stars emblem. It travels a 3,000km route around Kyushu, showcasing the island’s natural wonders, historic landmarks, cuisines, and culture.
But does it offer memorable train journeys?
What makes it unique?
The Seven Stars offers fancy train rides around Kyushu with three unique voyages. Each journey has several stops and excursions, allowing tourists to explore the island’s rugged mountains, food, hot springs, and culture. Its Kirishima itinerary distance is 724 miles (1,166km). Culinary enthusiasts can book a 3-night/4-day tour devoted to Kyushu cuisine. Sample dishes packed in Kirishima bento boxes, watadamai rice, and Torijiru chicken soup. Don’t forget to explore Kyushu’s shrines, onsens, and porcelain studios for a few hours. You can also check the Unzen itinerary. It has a distance of 714 miles or 1,147km.
Photo: pinterest.com
On-board experiences
This fancy train has gold-embellished windows and 14 suite rooms for 30 people. It offers cozy viewing seats in the first and seventh cars. Its suites, on-board restaurants, lounges, beds, seats, and bathroom sinks feature classic interior décor and handmade materials created by Japanese artisans. Sample French-Japanese cuisines in the Jupiter and the Blue Moon cars and sip drinks in the traditional ryurei-style tearoom or the bar.
8. The Ghan, Australia
The Ghan is an Australian tourist train named after Afghani camel trainers and riders who charted its route in the 19th century. It travels weekly from Adelaide to Darwin through Alice Springs, covering 1851 miles (2979 km) in 3 days and 2 nights or around 54 hours. The Ghan is considered one of the world’s great train journeys.
Why?
What makes it unique?
Australia’s outback offers unique wildlife and tainted natural beauty. However, this remote region is inaccessible for many tourists. The Ghan addresses this issue by connecting must-visit sites between Australia’s north and south coasts. It roams through diverse landscapes across bustling towns, desolate red deserts, and croc-filled creeks of Darwin. Enjoy an unforgettable cross-country voyage through the heart of the Australian continent. This 3-day trip includes excursions, allowing passengers to explore Australia’s outback, wildlife, and vibrant urban centers like Adelaide and Alice Springs.
Photo: journeybeyondrail.com
On-board luxuries
The Ghan offers Gold and Platinum service levels. Each option provides dining cars, lounges, and drinks. Passengers can access Gold carriages with sleepers or Platinum cars with deluxe rooms, perfect for socializing and making new friends. The Ghan also serves multi-course meals with top-notch Australian wines and caters to travelers with unique dietary requirements, like vegetarian, gluten-free, and vegan.
9. Rovos Rail, South Africa
Southern Africa is known for its rich culture, natural beauty, and unique wildlife. One way to explore this region’s iconic tourist spots is by boarding Rovos Rail. Rovos has served locals and visitors for over 30 years.
But what makes it unique?
Train adventures
Rovos roams Southern Africa, with several stops in top-rated tourist destinations. If you’re in South Africa, explore the country’s wildlife, culture, and natural wonders. Then, take a 5-day trip from the Pretoria station in South Africa to Victoria Falls in Zimbabwe. This journey offers off-train cultural, historical, and safari excursions in Matobo and Hwange national parks. Matobo Heritage Site and Hwange are Zimbabwe’s crown jewels. Many tourists take safari game drives to see lions, elephants, buffalos, rhinos, leopards, and other African wildlife.
Photo: rovos.com
On-board luxuries
Rovos offers unparalleled luxury and comfort. It has some of the world’s largest on-board suites, including 7m2 for Pullmans, 11m2 for Deluxes, and 16m2 for Royals. Each suite has comfortable chairs or sofas and flexible bed configurations. You can access a private lounge to sample Champagne and canapés. However, Rovos doesn’t have radios, television sets, or Wi-Fi and restricts mobile and computer usage to passengers’ suites. This approach ensures the train maintains the spirit of a bygone era.
10. Kandy-Ella Train, Sri Lanka
The Kandy to Ella train is part of Sri Lanka’s rail system, built by the British in the late 1800s to transport tea and coffee. The railway connects Colombo, Sri Lanka’s capital, with remote villages and idyllic towns across the country. Thousands of tourists explore the Kandy-Ella section.
Why?
Natural beauty
The distance between Kandy and Ella takes around 7 hours. This journey starts in Kandy, home to a beautiful station, sacred Buddhist shrines, and the breathtaking Kandy Lake. Tourists and locals interact and hassle for ample space on Kandy’s Victorian station platforms before the train arrives from Colombo. The train snakes through remote villages, waterfalls, dramatic landscapes, lush green hills, and tea plantations on its way to Ella, a hill country village. It offers a unique opportunity to explore the varied terrain and idyllic villages between Kandy and Ella.
Photo: in.pinterest.com
Social interactions
The Kandy-Ella railway station blends modernist and Victorian designs, offering a peek into Sri Lanka’s. Only first-class tickets offer observation cars with air conditioning and reserved seats. Although Kandy-Ella isn’t as luxurious as fancy trains like the California Zephyr, it delivers unique social interactions. Some tourists book second or third-tier cabins to mingle with locals and sample regional delicacies peddled by street vendors along the railway line.
Book the world’s most beautiful European train rides with RateHawk
The most beautiful train rides pass iconic tourist destinations. They deliver unique on-board and off-train experiences, including excursions, regional cuisines, luxury comfort, and social interactions. As a travel agent, you can find top-rated train adventures in Europe and book tickets with RateHawk to offer your clients.
Photo: rovos.com
At RateHawk, we help travel agents and professionals enhance their clients’ experiences. We recently partnered with Rail Europe to give you access to train services across European destinations. The new RateHawk railway product offers competitive pricing and extensive coverage, including iconic Swiss tourist trains. It simplifies booking with flexible payment options and a user-friendly interface.
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Cover image: michelangeloop/shutterstock.com
