There is nothing that prepares you for the experience of window seat views at some of the most spectacular places in the world. The beautiful scenery of mountains, rivers, and just the plain green nature that perhaps could only be accessed by train is what we consider a once-in-a-lifetime experiment. We have carefully curated a list of 10 train rides to places all over the world that would leave your hearts in awe and your minds blown.
Top 10 Most Scenic Train Rides in the World
While air travel is faster, it does not rival the breathtaking beauty of the landscape in your window seat views on a train. The adventures and experiences are second to none. We put together a list of some of the world’s greatest train rides for your leisure:
Napa Valley Wine Train, United States
Whether you are a wine enthusiast or a casual drinker there is something for everyone in Napa Valley. Napa is one of the most famous wine regions in the world with over 400 wineries. It is known for its Mediterranean climate which is the most ideal for growing grapes. One of the first things to catch your eyes on this ride is the endless rows of grapevines. You get to experience the cool breeze from the green hills and some of the most artistic landscaping. Napa Valley has a rich culture and great cuisine, ranging from farm to fine dining that pair excellently with wine. All of this makes it a great location for tourists to explore and learn about the wine culture. The train ride is also an intricate part of this experience, it is a 36-mile round trip that takes you from downtown Napa and back.
Pacific Surfliner, United States
This destination has one of the most breathtaking views in the world. The Pacific Surfliner is one of the most popular train routes along the coastline of California. You get to conveniently ride from Los Angeles to San Diego while enjoying the ocean views. Passengers on this ride make several stops at other destinations aside from LA and San Diego. These must-see places like Santa Barbara, San Luis Obispo, and other smaller coastal communities add the thrill of adventure. The picturesque Pacific Surfliner has so many exciting twists and turns, the train ride comes with a cafe service and a bike ride for cyclists. If you are looking to enjoy a relaxing train ride with great views and see the beautiful beach scenery along the way then you should get on board.
The Orient Express
The legendary and luxurious Orient Express is known for its rich history routes dating back to the 19th century. This journey on the rials offers you a glamorous experience across Europe and the Middle East. Orient Express is at the peak of luxury train rides, it has a sophisticated accommodation provision, fine dining, and views to die for. The Orient Express experience has an impact that may seem as though you have traveled back in time to the era of luxurious train journeys. Nothing makes you appreciate an era you didn’t witness than having to experience it.
The Jacobite
Are you a big Harry Potter fan? Do you want to experience the magic landscape that was depicted in the movie Harry Potter? Then the Jacobite train is a ride you want to get on. Its feature as the Hogwarts Express showcased the landscape in Scotland and the picturesque scenery. The Jacobite is deeply rooted in history as it was named after Jacobite risings of the 17th and 18th centuries. Routes on this train ride take passengers through Fort William and Mallaig including the iconic Glenfinnan Viaduct. The dining experience at the Jacobite train ride is top-notch as refreshments are served on board while passengers take in the view of mountains and the vintage carriage. However, the Jacobite operated seasonally from April to October only which makes it extremely special for the passengers who experience Scotland during the time.
Seven Stars in Kyushu, Japan
In the discussion of luxury, elegance, and incredible scenery in the railway experience one cannot exempt The Seven Stars in Kyushu. This train is known for its exceptional services and unique design. It is a fusion of traditional Japanese aesthetic and modern features and trust that you won’t miss any of the scenic views with its large cabin windows. Seven stars in Kyushu travel through the beautiful landscapes of Kyushu while linking other cities like Fukuoka, Kagoshima, and Kumamoto. Sites of mountains and rural areas take this experience to another level. The price of this experience can be quite high because of its luxurious nature however many would argue that it is worth the investment.
Kandy to Ella, Sri Lanka
Sri Lanka is a renowned city known for its tea plantation and this is a major site for tourists who board the Kandy to Ella train. It is packed with some must-see locations like Nuwara Eliya known for its cool scenery and beautiful landscape or make a stop at Ella to witness the tea plantation and the surrounding hills. Ella is a popular place for hikers and lovers of nature. The cuisine in Ella is known for its wide range of options from sweet treats to spicing cuisine. This ride is 7 hours long and tickets are available at the train station. Memories of this experience are sure to last a lifetime.
Glacier Express, Switzerland
Traveling on the Glacier Express is more than a luxurious train ride, it is the full experience of the beauty of Switzerland. This luxurious train ride has a bar onboard and an option of several Swiss cuisines for passengers to enjoy. The train travels between Zermatt and St. Moritz which covers approximately 180 miles for 8 hours. Glacier Express is an adventure that should be soaked in bits by bits and the panoramic windows are the icing on the cake. You don’t miss any part of the experience with such a view. The experience however differs in seasons, during the winter the landscape could be covered in snow, and in warmer seasons you can view the lush green landscape. Due to the popularity of this train ride l, tickets have to be booked prior to securing a seat, seats are available in several classes depending on your preference.
Metro-North Railroad Hudson Line, United States
The Metro-North railroad is a bit different from the other trains earlier discussed. This is because this train accommodates commuters and leisure riders. It connects New York City with destinations upstate New York. The Metro-North railroad runs from Grand Central Terminal in Manhattan to Poughkeepsie. Major scenery is centered around Hudson River views and surrounding mountains. It also serves several other stations including Yonkers but each station proposes access to different communities. Tickets for the Metro-North Railroad can be booked online, bought at the train station, or on the Metro-North app.
Grand Canyon Railway, United States
The historic Grand Canyon railway in the US is known for its unique services and its unique way of traveling to the Grand Canyon National Park in Arizona. It runs from William, Arizona to the South Rim of the Grand Canyon, this journey is 2 hours and 15 minutes long approximately and it covers about 65 miles. Grand Canyon railway was first operated in 1901 and it was a huge tourist attraction. During the year, the Grand Canyon hosts a series of events such as themed train rides, holiday parties, and other learning programs. It is advised to book tickets in advance, especially during tourist seasons. These tickets are in classes ranging from standard coach to first class and they cover tour guides, hiking, and meal options. We cannot forget the scenery that is the iconic red rock formation in Arizona, which holds many stories that tour guides share as passengers enjoy the view.
The Ghan, Australia
The world-famous Ghan railway is at the heart of Australia rooted in rich history. It was originally built to connect both the southern and mother parts of Australia. This was first achieved in 1929. The name ‘Ghan’ is derived from the Afghan who played a crucial role in the exploration of the area first. This railway runs from Adelaide in the south and Darwin in the north for approximately 54 hours covering 1,851 miles. Of course, you can be assured of a fine dining experience as meals are made fresh for passengers on board. The train also offers a private cabin experience for passengers in the Gold class and a deck for passengers to have front-row tickets to enjoy the view. Passengers of the Ghan, Australia learn more about the wildlife and the culture of locals In the community.
Every corner of the world has its unique features which make them special and make these memories worthwhile.
