Traveling by train is unarguably one of the most romantic journeys you will ever undertake. It’s a one-of-a-kind experience, unlike the hectic air travel or the constraints of a car, as one immerses in the panoramic views that lie outside the windows with the gently swaying carriage.
We present to you the world’s most incredible train tracks that will make you fall in love with the journey, not just the destination.
The Glacier Express, Switzerland
Widely hailed to be the slowest express train in the world, the Glacier Express serves to connect Zermatt with St. Moritz, as it glides through 91 tunnels and over 291 bridges.
It’s the unusually slow speed that makes the journey so fascinating as you get to savor every second, be it snow-dusted peaks, serene Alpine villages, and deep valleys unfolding before your eyes.
A key highlight is the Landwasser Viaduct — a historic stone bridge curving across a forested ravine.
The Rocky Mountaineer, Canada
This epic train ride represents a fusion of luxury and wilderness as it moves through the Canadian Rockies. With routes stretching from Vancouver to Banff and Jasper, the Rocky Mountaineer promises first-class comfort packed with glass-domed coaches and gourmet meals.
It offers a chance to witness a wide spectrum of natural landscapes like glacial rivers, dramatic mountain landscapes, and possibly even natural life. It’s far from a regular train ride — it’s an avenue to witness pure nature.
The Flåm Railway, Norway
This is a classic treat for travelers drawn to the charming fjords and Nordic past. Despite its brief length, this incredible train journey links the mountain station of Myrdal on one hand with a village tucked away in Aurlandsfjord- Flåm.
Covering a distance of 867 meters, the route showcases breathtaking natural vistas, be it cascading waterfalls, snow-capped peaks, and lush green valleys.
No wonder, it’s dubbed as one of the world’s most spectacular train rides—and you need to experience it first-hand to understand why.
Darjeeling Himalayan Railway, India
This narrow-gauge railway has earned the nickname “Toy Train, boasting zig-zag pathways from New Jalpaiguri to Darjeeling, leading to the foothills of the iconic Himalayas.
Designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the journey offers a glimpse into diverse scenery from tea plantations and relics of the colonial past to gravity-defying hairpin bends.
Sometimes the train tracks are so close to town streets that it feels like the locals are right out your window.
Kuranda Scenic Railway, Australia
Lying deep in Queensland’s rainforest, Kuranda Scenic Railway will take you between Cairns and the mountain village of Kuranda.
These 120-year-old tracks move past cascading waterfalls, lofty cliffs, and lush jungles, set off in dramatic contrast to the tropical beaches underneath.
This historic route is no less a man-made marvel, carved through the dense terrain, representing engineering expertise and unmatched natural splendor.
Ready to Ride?
These train journeys are more than a means of transportation —they’re your ticket to the world’s most breathtaking scenery, from embracing Indian cliff edges to gliding past Swiss glaciers. For the curious traveler, they offer a slow-paced, enriching, and more immersive way to experience the beauty of the planet. Whether you are a keen train hobbyist or trying to introduce your child to the train world, now is a great time to start exploring!
