On rails…12 railway routes around the world

The significance of the journey is no less important than the destination. An unforgettable train journey doesn’t just take you from one place to another, but offers you the chance to discover the world in a slower and more sustainable way. Immerse yourself in the magic of nature, enjoying the panoramic views through the large windows, or take a trip back in time with a vintage train.

Are you ready to embark on this adventure? Below, you’ll find some of the most exciting train journeys in the world, along with recommendations for the best routes, trip duration, onboard services, and activities to enjoy during the journey.

1. Venice Simplon-Orient-Express, Europe

Journey Duration: Two Days (Classic Routes)

Train Routes: The Classic Routes connect Venice, London, Verona, and Paris. Visit the website for all available routes.

Travel through Europe on the refurbished Venice Simplon-Orient-Express, indulging in luxury from the 1920s. Dress formally for a four-course dinner with wines selected by a sommelier, and continue to the bar for cocktails and conversations. Spend the night in luxurious suites with private bathrooms. Most journeys between cities like Geneva, Innsbruck, Venice, and London last two days. For a unique experience, try the six-day journey from Paris to Istanbul via Budapest and Bucharest.

2.Glacier Express, Switzerland

Travel Duration: Eight hours

Train Route: Zermatt – St. Moritz

Experience the breathtaking beauty of Switzerland with the Glacier Express, which connects Zermatt and St. Moritz. You’ll pass through 91 tunnels and over 291 bridges, enjoying views of the Rhine Gorge, the Oberalp Pass, lakes, valleys, and picturesque villages. Upgrade to Excellence Class for the best seats, a gourmet five-course menu with wine, and access to the exclusive bar.

3.Alaska Railroad, Αλάσκα, United States

Duration of the journey: 2.5 to 12 hours.

Train routes: Anchorage, Fairbanks, Talkeetna, Hurricane, Grandview, Seward. Visit the website for a full list.

Discover Alaska with the Alaska Railroad. Trains operate year-round, with daily services during the summer. The “Denali Star Train” offers wildlife viewing, while the “Coastal Classic Train” takes you through breathtaking coastal scenery. Upgrade to GoldStar Service for panoramic views and meals.

In winter, the “Aurora Winter Train” offers stunning views of the snowy landscape and the chance to see the northern lights.

4.Eastern & Oriental Express, Singapore

Travel Duration: Four days

Routes: Round trip from Singapore to Kuala Lumpur, Taman Negara, Langkawi, or Penang. Visit the website for all routes.

Enjoy a four-day journey on the Belmond’s Eastern & Oriental Express, traveling from Singapore through enchanting Malaysia. The “Wild Malaysia” itinerary includes a stop at Taman Negara National Park, while the “Essence of Malaysia” visits Penang and the Pulau Payar Marine Park in Langkawi, with opportunities for snorkeling.

During the journey, savor a four-course dinner featuring Malaysian flavors, and relax in the bar car with champagne and cocktails. Due to limited availability, early booking is essential.

5.Serra Verde Express, Curitiba, Brazil

Journey Duration: Four hours

Train Routes: From Curitiba to Morretes (and vice versa)

Discover the beauty of Brazilian nature with the Serra Verde Express, a historic railway that connects Curitiba with Morretes. While amenities are limited, some carriages have sliding windows to let you enjoy the scents of the tropical forest. For a complete experience, we recommend a round-trip package that includes a tour of the city of Morretes and a meal with barreado by the Nhundiaquara River.

6.Rocky Mountaineer, North America

Travel Duration: From 2 to 15 days

Train Routes: From Vancouver to Banff or Jasper in Canada, and from Moab to Denver in the USA. Check the website for the list of trips.

Discover the Rocky Mountains with Rocky Mountaineer. Choose the “Journey Through The Clouds” for an exciting route from Vancouver to Jasper, featuring views of Mount Robson and other landscapes.

For the best views, opt for the GoldLeaf experience with panoramic windows and an outdoor observation deck. Trips typically last 2-3 days, but there are packages up to 15 days that include a return from Vancouver to Whistler.

7.West Highland Line, Scotland

Travel Duration: 3.5 to 5.5 hours

Train Routes: From Glasgow to Oban, Fort William, or Mallaig

Explore the enchanting western coast of Scotland with the West Highland Line route. Your journey will take you through stunning hills, vast lochs, and captivating mountains. From Glasgow, head north towards Fort William and Mallaig, enjoying the beautiful scenery of the Monessie Gorge, Ben Nevis, and the famous Glenfinnan Viaduct, known as the Hogwarts Express railway in the Harry Potter films.

The westward route from Glasgow leads you to the port of Oban, passing by the historic Kilchurn Castle, the impressive Falls of Lora, and the picturesque Loch Lomond and The Trossachs National Park. Be sure to keep an eye out for any red deer that might be hiding among the trees.

8.Lake Titicaca Train, Peru

Travel Duration: Ten hours

Train Routes: Cusco – Puno (and vice versa)

Travel with the PeruRail Titicaca train from Cusco to Puno and enjoy breathtaking views of the Andes and Lake Titicaca. During the journey, you’ll have the opportunity to watch live Peruvian music and dance performances, enjoy a gourmet three-course meal, and savor afternoon tea. Don’t miss the Peruvian cocktail at the semi-outdoor bar observation area.

In Puno, visit the Uros floating islands, where the indigenous people have constructed their homes from totora reeds.

9.Bernina Express, Switzerland and Italy

Travel Duration: 1.5 to 4.5 hours

Train Routes: From Chur or St. Moritz to Tirano or Poschiavo (and vice versa)

Explore the Swiss Alps with the Bernina Express, enjoying breathtaking views such as the Landwasser Viaduct, Lago Bianco, and the Palü Glacier. Choose the 4.5-hour route from Chur to Tirano, where you can visit the historic Santuario della Beata Vergine di Tirano church. If you are in Milan, take a day trip to St. Moritz with the Bernina Express Package, which includes a guided tour, round-trip transportation, and pickup from your accommodation.

10.Coast Starlight Train, United States

Travel Duration: 35 hours

Train Routes: Seattle – Los Angeles (and vice versa)

The Amtrak Coast Starlight Train offers a unique daily journey from Seattle to Los Angeles, passing through stunning landscapes such as the peaks of the Cascade Mountains and Mount Shasta, the Golden Gate Bridge, and the beaches of Santa Barbara.

Enjoy onboard meals, including a three-course dinner with seasonal ingredients. Superliner seats and suites with fold-out beds are available for comfort. For a brief getaway during the trip, make a stop in San Luis Obispo for wine tasting or explore Klamath Falls.

11. The Ghan, South Australia and Northern Territory

Duration of the journey: 2 to 4 days

Train routes: From Darwin to Adelaide (and vice versa) or from Darwin or Adelaide to Alice Springs

The Ghan offers a luxurious experience crossing Australia. Choose the four-day route from Darwin to Adelaide or the shorter routes to Alice Springs to explore the Australian outback.

Enjoy meals featuring local flavors and top-quality wines in elegant cabins, while communal areas provide entertainment with games, books, and drinks. For ultimate luxury, opt for the Platinum experience with cabins featuring large windows, private bathrooms, and personalized service.

12.Deccan Odyssey, India

Trip Duration: 15 Days

Train Routes: From Delhi to Mumbai or from Mumbai to Kolkata or Hyderabad (or vice versa)

Discover India with the luxurious Deccan Odyssey. Enjoy the comfort of the cabins, exquisite cuisine, and the train’s amenities such as a sauna, spa, gym, and salon.

For cultural wonders, choose the “Splendours of North India” route which combines Delhi, the lakes of Udaipur, and the Taj Mahal. If you prefer beaches and sunsets, the “Madras Mail” route will take you through Goa, Kochi, and Pondicherry to Hyderabad.

The information was sourced from: Tripadvisor

https://www.tripadvisor.com.gr/Articles-l9dM0UsgKLU8-Great_train_trips_of_the_world.html