The 15 Most Beautiful Train Journeys in The World

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Written by Olivia Bennett
The 15 Most Beautiful Train Journeys in The World

Are you ready to embark on a journey of a lifetime? One that will take you through breathtaking landscapes, fascinating cultures, and unforgettable experiences? Look no further than the 15 most beautiful train journeys in the world. From the majestic grandeur of the Rocky Mountains to the enchanting beauty of the Swiss Alps, each of these routes offers an experience that will leave you in awe.

1. The Venice-Simplon Orient Express (Europe)

Our journey begins in Europe with the legendary Venice-Simplon Orient Express. This iconic train has been running since 1883 and offers a unique and luxurious experience through some of Europe’s most beautiful cities, including London, Venice, Dresden, Prague, and Vienna.

Starting point: Venice, Italy
Destination: London, England
Distance traveled: Approximately 1500 km

The Venice-Simplon Orient Express is a journey that takes you on a relaxing ride through the rolling hills and picturesque villages of Europe. The train features beautifully restored carriages from the early 20th century, complete with fine china, crystal glasses, and plush furnishings.

One of the highlights of this journey is the opportunity to visit some of Europe’s most beautiful cities, including Venice, Dresden, and Prague. Each city offers a unique blend of history, culture, and natural beauty that will leave you in awe.

2. The Ghan (Australia)

Next, we head to the land down under with the luxurious train, The Ghan. This epic journey takes you from Darwin in the north to Adelaide in the south, passing through some of Australia’s most unique landscapes, including the Red Center and the Flinders Ranges.

Starting point: Darwin, Australia
Destination: Adelaide, Australia
Distance traveled: 3000 km

The Ghan is a once-in-a-lifetime journey that takes you on an adventure through the heart of Australia. You’ll pass through some of the country’s most stunning landscapes, including the Red Center and the Flinders Ranges, which are dotted with ancient rock art and unique geological formations.

One of the highlights of this journey is the opportunity to visit the famous Uluru (Ayers Rock), a massive sandstone monolith that is considered sacred by the indigenous Anangu people. You’ll also have the chance to explore the vibrant city of Darwin, which offers a rich blend of tropical culture and natural beauty.

3. Golden Eagle Trans-Siberian Express (Russia-Asia)

From Australia, we travel to Russia with the Golden Eagle Trans-Siberian Express. This incredible journey takes you from Moscow to Vladivostok, passing through two continents and taking in some of the most breathtaking scenery on Earth.

Starting point: Moscow, Russia
Destination: Vladivostok, Russia
Distance traveled: 9288 km

The Golden Eagle Trans-Siberian Express is a once-in-a-lifetime journey that takes you on an adventure across Russia and into Asia. You’ll pass through some of the country’s most stunning landscapes, including the rolling hills of the Russian steppes and the towering mountains of Siberia.

One of the highlights of this journey is the opportunity to visit Moscow, one of the world’s greatest cities. You’ll explore the Kremlin, which offers a glimpse into Russia’s rich history and culture, and enjoy the vibrant nightlife of the city.

4. Blue Train (South Africa)

In Africa, we find the luxurious Blue Train, which takes you on a leisurely journey from Cape Town to Pretoria, passing through some of South Africa’s most stunning landscapes and scenic views.

Starting point: Cape Town, South Africa
Destination: Pretoria, South Africa
Distance traveled: 1590 km

The Blue Train is a luxurious and relaxing journey that takes you on an adventure through some of South Africa’s most beautiful landscapes. You’ll pass through the rolling hills and vineyards of the Western Cape, as well as the stunning mountain scenery of the Drakensberg Mountains.

One of the highlights of this journey is the opportunity to visit the famous Cape Town, which offers a rich blend of natural beauty and cultural richness. You’ll also have the chance to explore Pretoria, the capital city of South Africa, which offers a unique blend of history, culture, and natural beauty.

5. Eastern and Oriental Express (Singapore-Thailand)

Next, we head to Southeast Asia with the luxurious Eastern and Oriental Express. This fantastic journey takes you from Singapore to Bangkok, passing through some of the region’s most beautiful landscapes, including Kuala Lumpur, Butterworth, and Kanchanaburi.

Starting point: Singapore
Destination: Bangkok, Thailand
Distance traveled: Approximately 2020 km

The Eastern and Oriental Express is a once-in-a-lifetime journey that takes you on an adventure through some of Southeast Asia’s most beautiful landscapes. You’ll pass through the vibrant city of Kuala Lumpur, which offers a rich blend of culture and natural beauty, as well as the stunning hill stations of Butterworth and Kanchanaburi.

One of the highlights of this journey is the opportunity to visit Bangkok, one of the world’s greatest cities. You’ll explore the bustling streets of the city, which offer a glimpse into Thailand’s rich history and culture, and enjoy the vibrant nightlife of the city.

6. Maharaja Express (India)

In India, we find the luxurious Maharaja Express, which takes you on a journey of discovery through some of the country’s most beautiful cities and landscapes, including Delhi, Agra, Jaipur, and Udaipur.

Starting point: Delhi, India
Destination: Mumbai, India
Distance traveled: 1400 km

The Maharaja Express is a luxurious and relaxing journey that takes you on an adventure through some of India’s most beautiful cities and landscapes. You’ll pass through the rolling hills and valleys of the Indian countryside, as well as the stunning hill stations of Shimla and Kulu.

One of the highlights of this journey is the opportunity to visit Delhi, one of the world’s greatest cities. You’ll explore the Red Fort, which offers a glimpse into India’s rich history and culture, and enjoy the vibrant nightlife of the city.

7. Glacier Express (Switzerland)

In Switzerland, we find the breathtaking Glacier Express, which takes you on a leisurely journey through some of the country’s most stunning mountains and valleys, including Zermatt and St. Moritz.

Starting point: Zermatt, Switzerland
Destination: St. Moritz, Switzerland
Distance traveled: 270 km

The Glacier Express is a once-in-a-lifetime journey that takes you on an adventure through some of Switzerland’s most beautiful landscapes. You’ll pass through the towering mountains of the Swiss Alps, as well as the stunning valleys and lakes of the country.

One of the highlights of this journey is the opportunity to visit Zermatt, one of the world’s greatest ski resorts. You’ll also have the chance to explore St. Moritz, which offers a unique blend of natural beauty and cultural richness.

8. Douro Line (Portugal)

In Portugal, we find the charming Douro Line, which takes you on a journey through some of the country’s most beautiful landscapes and historic stations, including Porto and Pocinho.

Starting point: Porto, Portugal
Destination: Pocinho, Portugal
Distance traveled: Approximately 200 km

The Douro Line is a once-in-a-lifetime journey that takes you on an adventure through some of Portugal’s most beautiful landscapes. You’ll pass through the rolling hills and vineyards of the Portuguese countryside, as well as the stunning valleys and lakes of the country.

One of the highlights of this journey is the opportunity to visit Porto, one of the world’s greatest cities. You’ll explore the historic city center, which offers a glimpse into Portugal’s rich history and culture, and enjoy the vibrant nightlife of the city.

9. Rocky Mountaineer (Canada)

In Canada, we find the breathtaking Rocky Mountaineer, which takes you on a journey of discovery through some of the country’s most stunning landscapes and scenic views, including Banff and Vancouver.

Starting point: Banff, Canada
Destination: Vancouver, Canada
Distance traveled: Approximately 800 km

The Rocky Mountaineer is a once-in-a-lifetime journey that takes you on an adventure through some of Canada’s most beautiful landscapes. You’ll pass through the stunning mountain scenery of the Canadian Rockies, as well as the vibrant city of Vancouver.

One of the highlights of this journey is the opportunity to visit Banff, one of the world’s greatest national parks. You’ll explore the park’s stunning natural beauty, which includes glaciers, lakes, and mountains, and enjoy the vibrant nightlife of the town.

10. Hiram Bingham Orient Express (Peru)

In Peru, we find the unique Hiram Bingham Orient Express, which takes you on a journey through some of the country’s most breathtaking landscapes and historic ruins, including Cuzco and Machu Picchu.

Starting point: Cuzco, Peru
Destination: Machu Picchu, Peru
Distance traveled: 130 km

The Hiram Bingham Orient Express is a once-in-a-lifetime journey that takes you on an adventure through some of Peru’s most beautiful landscapes. You’ll pass through the stunning Andean highlands, as well as the historic city of Cuzco.

One of the highlights of this journey is the opportunity to visit Machu Picchu, one of the world’s greatest archaeological sites. You’ll explore the ancient Inca ruins, which offer a glimpse into Peru’s rich history and culture, and enjoy the vibrant nightlife of the town.

11. Royal Scotsman (Scotland)

In Scotland, we find the luxurious Royal Scotsman, which takes you on a journey through some of the country’s most stunning landscapes and scenic views, including the Highlands and Edinburgh.

Starting point: Edinburgh, Scotland
Destination: Various
Distance traveled:

The Royal Scotsman is a luxurious and relaxing journey that takes you on an adventure through some of Scotland’s most beautiful landscapes. You’ll pass through the rolling hills and valleys of the Scottish countryside, as well as the stunning mountain scenery of the Highlands.

One of the highlights of this journey is the opportunity to visit Edinburgh, one of the world’s greatest cities. You’ll explore the historic city center, which offers a glimpse into Scotland’s rich history and culture, and enjoy the vibrant nightlife of the city.

12. Rovos Rail (South Africa)

In South Africa, we find the luxurious Rovos Rail Pride of Africa, which takes you on a journey through some of the country’s most breathtaking landscapes and scenic views, including Cape Town, Johannesburg, and Pretoria.

Starting point: Cape Town
Destination: Johannesburg
Distance traveled: 1300 km

The Rovos Rail is a once-in-a-lifetime journey that takes you on an adventure through some of South Africa’s most beautiful landscapes. You’ll pass through the rolling hills and vineyards of the Western Cape, as well as the stunning mountain scenery of the Drakensberg Mountains.

One of the highlights of this journey is the opportunity to visit Cape Town, one of the world’s greatest cities. You’ll explore the historic city center, which offers a glimpse into South Africa’s rich history and culture, and enjoy the vibrant nightlife of the town.

13. The Blue Train (South Africa)

The Blue Train is a luxurious and relaxing journey that takes you on an adventure through some of South Africa’s most beautiful landscapes. You’ll pass through the rolling hills and vineyards of the Western Cape, as well as the stunning mountain scenery of the Drakensberg Mountains.

One of the highlights of this journey is the opportunity to visit Cape Town, one of the world’s greatest cities. You’ll explore the historic city center, which offers a glimpse into South Africa’s rich history and culture, and enjoy the vibrant nightlife of the town.

14. The Ghan (Australia)

The Ghan is a once-in-a-lifetime journey that takes you on an adventure through some of Australia’s most beautiful landscapes. You’ll pass through the rolling hills and valleys of the Australian countryside, as well as the stunning mountain scenery of the Flinders Ranges.

One of the highlights of this journey is the opportunity to visit Darwin, one of the world’s greatest cities. You’ll explore the historic city center, which offers a glimpse into Australia’s rich history and culture, and enjoy the vibrant nightlife of the town.

15. The Eastern and Oriental Express (Singapore-Thailand)

The Eastern and Oriental Express is a once-in-a-lifetime journey that takes you on an adventure through some of Southeast Asia’s most beautiful landscapes. You’ll pass through the rolling hills and vineyards of the Portuguese countryside, as well as the stunning valleys and lakes of the country.

One of the highlights of this journey is the opportunity to visit Bangkok, one of the world’s greatest cities. You’ll explore the historic city center, which offers a glimpse into Thailand’s rich history and culture, and enjoy the vibrant nightlife of the town.

Conclusion

Each of these journeys offers a unique blend of natural beauty, cultural richness, and adventure that is sure to leave you in awe. Whether you’re traveling through the rolling hills and valleys of Europe, the stunning mountain scenery of the Swiss Alps, or the vibrant cities of Southeast Asia, each journey is a once-in-a-lifetime experience that will leave you with memories that last a lifetime.

So why wait? Book your next adventure today and get ready to explore some of the world’s most beautiful landscapes and scenic views. Whether you’re traveling through the heart of Australia, the rolling hills of Portugal, or the vibrant cities of Southeast Asia, each journey is a once-in-a-lifetime experience that will leave you in awe.

Recommendations

  • The Venice-Singapore Express: A luxurious and relaxing journey through some of Europe’s most beautiful landscapes.
  • The Ghan: A once-in-a-lifetime journey through some of Australia’s most beautiful landscapes.
  • The Golden Eagle Trans-Siberian Express: An epic journey across Russia and into Asia that takes you on an adventure through some of the world’s most breathtaking landscapes.
  • The Blue Train: A luxurious and relaxing journey through some of South Africa’s most beautiful landscapes.
  • The Eastern and Oriental Express: A once-in-a-lifetime journey through some of Southeast Asia’s most beautiful landscapes.

Tips

  • Be sure to book your journey well in advance, as each train is limited in capacity.
  • Pack comfortable clothing and shoes that are suitable for walking and exploring the countryside.
  • Bring a camera to capture the stunning scenery and natural beauty of the destinations.
  • Try local cuisine and drinks to experience the unique flavors and cultures of each destination.

Conclusion

Each of these journeys offers a unique blend of natural beauty, cultural richness, and adventure that is sure to leave you in awe. Whether you’re traveling through the rolling hills and valleys of Europe, the stunning mountain scenery of the Swiss Alps, or the vibrant cities of Southeast Asia, each journey is a once-in-a-lifetime experience that will leave you with memories that last a lifetime.

So why wait? Book your next adventure today and get ready to explore some of the world’s most beautiful landscapes and scenic views.

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from the United States, she developed a love for travel early on through family road trips and weekend adventures.Over the years, she has lived in several countries, with South Africa, Amsterdam, and Argentina holding a special place in her heart. Now based in London, UK, she continues to share her experiences through her writing, focusing on both well-known destinations and hidden gems.Through her blog and contributions to NationalTraveller.com, Olivia hopes to inspire others to explore the world with curiosity and an open mind.

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