What if the best part of the trip wasn’t the destination at all, but everything in between? No traffic, no luggage chaos, no overhead bins to wrestle with: just a moving window onto some of the most breathtaking landscapes on the planet. That is exactly what a great train journey delivers. I have always been slightly obsessed with scenic rail routes, and after years of research, personal trips and a fair amount of wishful thinking, I put together the ultimate list. Whether you want to cross an entire continent or spend a single dramatic hour in the Norwegian mountains, these are the most scenic train rides in the world, and every single one belongs on your bucket list. These are the 10 most scenic train rides in the world!

Read my full guide to the train journey from Oslo to Bergen in Norway for everything you need to know before you go.

If you are Dutch and you are reading this blog post in English, just tap the menu button to change the language to Dutch!

The most scenic train rides in the world

1. The Trans Siberian Express
Moskow to Vladivostok, Russia

This famous train route crosses 6 timezones & is 5772 miles long. It takes you through Russia, Mongolia and China. You can book a trip from 7 to 21 days, depending on your stops. Visit the famous Red Square in Moskow, the Kremlin Fort in Kazan (a Unesco World Heritage site), the ‘Paris of Siberia’ Irkoetsk, have lunch on the banks of the Baikal Lake and walk through the military installations of the ‘forbidden’ Vladivostok. Enjoy the views of the impressive Ural & the Russian Steppe, while you sip on a small, but very strong, Russian drink…

2. The Indian Pacific
Sydney to Perth, Australia

A 4 day journey from Sydney to Perth, crossing this beautiful country from the east to the west, covering 2698 miles, through the rough Outback. Along the way you’ll see the Blue Mountains, ‘Silver City’ Broken Hill, ghost town Cook & you can taste some of Adelaide’s culinary highlights. The train is extremely comfortable with suites that offer comfy chairs, airconditioning, a double bed & your own bathroom. You will meet Skippy too, I promise. G’day mate!

Train rides Asia | I loved my journey in Sri Lanka

MY TRAIN JOURNEY IN SRI LANKA: KANDY TO ELLA

3. The Orient Express
Singapore to Bangkok, Malaysia & Thailand

This train takes you from Singapore to Bangkok in just 3 days & it feels like you’re time travelling when you jump on board. Eat some world class dinners, swoon over live piano music & enjoy your fancy daily afternoon tea. This train has all the luxuries of a 5 star hotel. They do expect you to dress for the occasion, so leave those flip flops at home & pack a cute cocktail dress! You’ll travel through ricefields, the thick green jungle, cross wild rivers & beautiful villages. You can also go on an excusion. Swap your cocktail dress for a more adventurous outfit & cruise over the famous River Kwai.

The most scenic train rides in the world

4. The Rocky Mountaineer
Toronto to Vancouver, Canada

The perfect escape for who has lived in the city for too long. Fill your lungs with fresh air, be amazed by the beautiful scenery & enjoy the comfort of a luxury hotel on board. In 16 days you travel from Toronto to the famous Niagara Falls, after that you will meet some bears, wolves and moose in Jasper National Park & you’ll glide to the top of the Rocky Mountains in Banff with a gondola. After these refreshing 16 days you’re ready for a city again & the final stop is Vancouver.

A gorgeous mountain view

5. The Maharajas’ Express
Delhi to Mumbai, India

We have all seen photos of trains in India packed with people. Some are easily pleased with a spot on the roof. India has 11.000 trains & 13 million passengers each day. The Maharajas’ Express is like an Arabian Nights story. Golden suites with shiny bedsheets, lacquered wood, china with gold in it like it could be used in a palace & the beds are so comfortable you could sleep in them for a thousand Arabian Nights, like a true Jasmine & your own Alladin. You will see the Taj Mahal at sunset, tigers & leopards in Ranthambore National Park, you will visit the ‘Pink City’ Jaipur, a polo match with elephants & and walk through ‘the Venice of the East’: Udaipur. Sounds awfull doesn’t it?

MY TRAIN JOURNEY IN NORWAY: OSLO TO BERGEN

The 10 Most Scenic Train Rides in the World

6. Hiram Bingham Orient Express
Cuzco to Machu Picchu, Peru

This exclusive, luxury train will take you from Cuzco to Bucket List destination Machu Picchu, city of the Inca’s, in 3,5 hours. On board you can enjoy a perfect brunch, sip on the best Peruvian wines & it will be hard to stop taking photos of the impressive landscape. The route crosses the beautiful Urumba River Valley, hidden villages and the snow-covered Andean Peaks. A guide to Machu Picchu is included in the price & if you like you can enjoy an afternoon lunch and an overnight stay at the exclusive Sanctuary Lodge Hotel.

This guided day tour from Cusco to Machu Picchu by train sells out fast, especially between June and September. Book your spot here before they are gone.

The 10 Most Scenic Train Rides in the World

7. The Rovos Rail
Pretoria to Kaapstad, Zuid Afrika

To founder Rohan Vos, trains are like people, so he named them after his family members. You’ll sleep in a four-poster bed, take baths while you enjoy the most postcard worthy views you have ever seen. The 3 day journey takes you through grasslands, the spectacular mountain ranges, the scenic wine lands of the Cape & ends in beautiful Cape Town.

8. The TranzAlpine
Christchurch to Greymouth, New Zealand

New Zealand is high on my Bucket List and that includes this train ride in the South Island. In 4 hours this train will take you through the fertile farmlands of the Canterbury Plains & will show you thrilling vistas over deep gorges as you travel alongside the Waimakariri River. Traverse the mighty Southern Alps in Arthur’s Pass National Park, ride through the beautiful Valleys of Otira, the Grey Rivers and end this adventurous journey in Greymouth. The perfect base for exploring this unspoiled region with mighty glaciers, wild rivers and the famous Punakaiki pancake rocks. Yes please.

Combine the TranzAlpine with a visit to Castle Hill on this popular day tour from Christchurch, with limited spots available daily. Check availability and book here. You can also add a Puffing Billy heritage steam train journey to your Australia itinerary if you want more scenic rail adventures in the region.

My complete guide to the Grand Tour of Switzerland by train is another route that absolutely belongs on your train lovers radar!

9. The Flåm Line
Myrdal to Flåm, Norway

This train route of 1 hour is one of the steepest trainlines in the world where 80% of the journey has a gradient of 5,5%. The train journey runs through fantastic nature, past the Rallar road, steep mountains, breathtaking waterfalls, through 20 tunnels and offers a lot of viewpoints. Keep your camera ready! In the span of a single hour, the train takes you from the ocean level at the Sognefjord in Flåm, to the mountaintop at Myrdal mountain station on Hardangervidda, 863 meters over the ocean. After this journey you’ll have a lot of respect for the builders of this track. I absolutely loved my experience on this train journey and was blown away by the views. 

This combination of the Flåm Railway and a UNESCO fjord cruise with lunch is one of the most popular day trips in Norway, and spots go quickly in summer. Book the Flåm Railway and fjord cruise here.

10. Shang-ri La Express
Beijing to Ürümqi, China

Without a doubt the most modern & comfortable train in China. During a 12 day impressive journey you’ll enjoy dinners prepared by topchefs, you can catch up on your Chinese and take some language lessons on board, visit the Forbidden City in Beijing, the beautiful Shaolin Temple, The Terracotta Army in Xi’An, the singing Sand Mountain in Dunhuang (the wind & sand will give you a concert) & the impressive ruins of the old city Jiaohe. Your camera will be completely full & your diary will be filled with stories.

Still not enough? Three more routes worth adding to your radar: the Bernina Express guided tour from Milan to St. Moritz through the Swiss Alps, the unforgettable End of the World Train in Tierra del Fuego National Park near Ushuaia, and for Japan lovers: the Japan Rail Pass for 7, 14 or 21 days, which gives you unlimited access to the entire Shinkansen network. All three sell out in peak season, so book ahead. The Verde Canyon Railroad in Arizona is also worth a detour: book your Verde Canyon Railroad ticket here.

Click HERE to read my Top 10 Bucket List Destinations!
Check the Best Wine Regions in the World HERE!

MY TRAIN JOURNEY IN SRI LANKA: KANDY TO ELLA

Most scenic train rides: Frequently asked questions

What is the most scenic train ride in the world?

That depends on what you’re after, but the Trans-Siberian Express is widely considered the most epic: six time zones, three countries and 5772 miles of ever-changing landscape. For sheer drama in a short time, the Flåm Line in Norway covers more beauty per minute than almost any other route on earth.

What is the most scenic train ride in Europe?

The Flåm Line in Norway is a strong contender, descending from the mountains to the Sognefjord in just one hour. Also worth mentioning: the Oslo to Bergen line and the Grand Tour of Switzerland by train, which connects lakes, mountain passes and glacier landscapes across 10 days.

What is the most luxurious scenic train in the world?

The Maharajas’ Express in India and the Rovos Rail in South Africa compete for that title. Both offer four-poster beds, fine dining and landscapes that leave you speechless. The Hiram Bingham to Machu Picchu is also in a league of its own for pure theatre.

Which scenic train rides are best for solo travelers?

The Orient Express from Singapore to Bangkok is a fantastic solo option: the social atmosphere on board makes it easy to meet fellow travelers. The TranzAlpine in New Zealand and the Flåm Line are also perfect for solo trips, since both are short enough to combine with other destinations.

How far in advance should I book a scenic train journey?

For luxury routes like the Trans-Siberian Express, the Rovos Rail or the Hiram Bingham, book at least 3 to 6 months in advance. These trains have limited carriages and sell out quickly, especially during summer and shoulder season. The Flåm Line can often be booked a few weeks ahead, but peak summer dates go fast too.

Flight delayed or cancelled? AirHelp helps you claim compensation, quickly, easily, and with zero hassle. Whether you fly often or once a year, it is worth checking. Click here to see if you are owed money. It takes just a minute. They paid me 600 euros in compensation already!