The 10 Rail Trips around the World You Should Take

Train travel has something old-fashioned, the rhythm of slow rolling of wheels along the tracks, the changing scenery, and the adventure that can hardly be experienced in airplanes and cars. In a fast, convenient world, luxury and scenic rail travel make us aware that the trip could be as pleasant as the destination. The snow covered Alps, the African deserts, these are just some of the most exotic railway tours around the world that should be included in a bucket list of any traveler.

The Glacier Express in Switzerland

Route: Zermatt to St. Moritz

The Glacier Express is often known as the slowest express in the world, with a guarantee of an eight-hour transit into the very depths of the Swiss Alps. This is a movie that is all cinematic magic, with stunning panoramic windows, snow capped mountains, deep valleys, and quaint villages.

Passengers are traversed over 291 bridges, 91 tunnels, and float over UNESCO landscapes such as the Oberalp Pass, which is the peak of the route. Travelers are able to enjoy fine Swiss cuisine and wine on board as they can watch nature take place outside their window.

It is a trip worth having in case you need a combination of a fine, relaxing experience.

Rocky Mountaineer, Canada

Destination: Vancouver to Banff (and other destinations in Western Canada)

The Rocky mountaineer is the world's most scenic train ride, and it takes the train through the tall mountains, glacial lakes and forests of the Canadian rocks.

It is a daytime trip, that is, you will not miss any single minute of the awe-inspiring scenery. The glass dome coaches are 360 degree and gourmet meals are delivered to you. It is easy to see such wildlife as bears, eagles, and elk, which gives this luxury experience an element of adventure.

The most well-known is the “First Passage to the West route, which links Vancouver and Banff with the most spectacular wild nature and history.

The Orient Express, Europe

Direction: Paris to Istanbul (and other directions throughout Europe)

The Orient Express is the name that is most associated with glamour and nostalgia in the travel industry. Being the epitome of luxury European travel, the contemporary Venice Simplon Orient Express preserves the tradition with the renovated 1920s carriages, polished brass, and five stars of service.

Travel from Paris to Istanbul reminds us of the era of the golden age in the history of rail, as it passes through Budapest, Bucharest, and Sofia. Customers don fancy clothes to dine, enjoy champagne in an art deco dining car, and fall asleep in a deluxe cabin that exists in a movie film.

This is not just a ride by train, but it is a luxury time machine that takes you to old world Europe.

The Maharajas' Express, India

Itinerary: Different luxurious trails such as Delhi, Agra, Jaipur, Varanasi, and Mumbai.

The Maharajas Express, which is a train in India, is said to be one of the most luxurious trains of the world. Having a combination of royal extravagance and Indian hospitality, it provides a traveler with a chance to discover the diverse heritage of India.

Visitors will be able to see the Taj Mahal at sunrise, visit the grand forts of Rajasthan, see the Ganges in Varanasi, and come back to the comfort of the palace on wheels every day.

The train is full of suites, elegant restaurants, a bar, and a personal lounge. All the details, including the decor and the service, are reminiscent of the kingship of India.

The Ghan, Australia

Route: Adelaide to Darwin

The Ghan is one of the biggest rail adventures across the globe, crossing the Australian continent from south to north. It covers a distance of 2,900 kilometers, and it will take tourists through red deserts, tropical forests, and far outback towns.

It is named after the Afghan camels who used to fire this route, and the trip takes a period of four days, featuring off-train trips to such sites as Alice Springs and Katherine Gorge.

It is a great excursion that can be taken by people who want to experience the wilderness of the Australian heart and to stay alone at the same time.

The Blue Train, South Africa

Route: Pretoria to Cape Town

The Blue Train is synonymous with luxury and comfort, and can be likened to a five-star hotel train. The 1600km ride through South Africa is a voyage of opulence, envisioning posh suites, silver services, foods, and stunning scenery of savannahs and vineyards.

The train passing in between Pretoria and Cape Town provides guests with an opportunity to have high tea, relax in the observation lounges, or just sit back in their own cab with marble baths.

It is not just a journey but an African hospitality/timeless sophistication amenity.

The TranzAlpine, New Zealand

Itinerary: Christchurch to Greymouth.

The TranzAlpine is short and spectacular and is a journey that traverses the gorgeous South Island in New Zealand, Canterbury Plains to the Southern Alps.

You will go through dramatic gorges, farmlands, mountain passes, and the iconic Arthur Pass in the course of a little less than five hours. Having open-air viewing platforms and expansive windows, each and every moment is easy to feel as a postcard brought to life.

This is the trip of the nature lovers; one gets the front seat view of the wild beauty of New Zealand.

Final Thoughts

You can be longing to be on a royal train dashing in India or maybe the rough wilderness of Canada, rail travel will always be one of the most in-depth methods of exploring the world.

Also, as opposed to air travel, trains allow you to take your time - to have a cup of coffee and watch the scenery pass by, to interact with other passengers, and to feel the romance of the rails.

Therefore, the next time you intend to travel, avoid the airport rush. Catch a train, sit by the window, and make the experience of doing so your best memory.