The Most Scenic Train Journeys for Your Bucket List

Airplanes may be faster, and cars may be more flexible, but there’s something magical about traveling by train. With wide windows framing breathtaking landscapes, the soothing rhythm of the tracks, and the chance to relax without the stress of driving, train journeys are as much about the ride as the destination. For many travelers, scenic train trips are bucket-list experiences that combine comfort, beauty, and adventure.

This guide highlights the most scenic train journeys for your bucket list, covering iconic routes from around the world that promise unforgettable views.

Why Travel by Train?

Panoramic views: See landscapes you’d miss by air or highway.
Relaxation: Stretch out, enjoy dining cars, and skip airport security lines.
Cultural immersion: Travel alongside locals and fellow adventurers.
Sustainable travel: Trains often have a lower carbon footprint than flying.

1. The Glacier Express (Switzerland)

Known as the “slowest express train in the world,” the Glacier Express takes you through the Swiss Alps from Zermatt to St. Moritz. Panoramic windows showcase snow-capped peaks, deep gorges, and alpine meadows.

💡 Bucket List Highlight: Crossing the Landwasser Viaduct — one of the most photographed rail bridges in the world.

2. The Rocky Mountaineer (Canada)

Traveling through the Canadian Rockies, the Rocky Mountaineer offers glass-domed coaches and luxury service. Expect views of rugged mountains, turquoise lakes, and maybe even wildlife like bears or elk.

💡 Bucket List Highlight: Watching the sunrise over the Rockies while enjoying breakfast on board.

3. The Venice Simplon-Orient-Express (Europe)

A legendary luxury train, this art deco masterpiece connects cities like London, Paris, and Venice. With vintage cabins, fine dining, and elegant service, it feels like stepping back in time.

💡 Bucket List Highlight: Dressing up for dinner while the European countryside rushes by.

4. The Ghan (Australia)

Stretching nearly 3,000 kilometers from Darwin to Adelaide, The Ghan takes you through Australia’s Red Centre. It’s a true outback adventure with landscapes ranging from desert plains to tropical greens.

💡 Bucket List Highlight: Watching the stars from the train while crossing the outback.

5. The Trans-Siberian Railway (Russia)

The world’s longest railway stretches over 9,000 kilometers from Moscow to Vladivostok. This epic journey spans eight time zones and offers glimpses of Russian villages, forests, and Lake Baikal.

💡 Bucket List Highlight: Spending a night on the shores of Lake Baikal, the world’s deepest lake.

6. The Bernina Express (Switzerland to Italy)

This UNESCO World Heritage route connects Switzerland and Italy with stunning alpine scenery, spiral viaducts, and charming villages.

💡 Bucket List Highlight: Crossing the dramatic Brusio Spiral Viaduct.

7. The Blue Train (South Africa)

This luxurious route connects Pretoria to Cape Town, combining elegance with views of sweeping plains, vineyards, and mountains.

💡 Bucket List Highlight: Watching the South African sunset with a glass of wine in hand.

8. The West Highland Line (Scotland)

This journey takes you from Glasgow to Mallaig, winding through lochs, moors, and mountains. Fans of Harry Potter will recognize the Glenfinnan Viaduct, made famous by the Hogwarts Express.

💡 Bucket List Highlight: Snapping photos as the train crosses the Glenfinnan Viaduct.

9. The Darjeeling Himalayan Railway (India)

A UNESCO World Heritage site, this narrow-gauge “toy train” winds through tea plantations, mountain views, and charming villages.

💡 Bucket List Highlight: Riding through misty hills as the scent of tea fills the air.

10. The California Zephyr (USA)

Running from Chicago to San Francisco, the California Zephyr is considered one of the most beautiful train rides in North America. It passes through the Rockies, Sierra Nevada, and vast plains.

💡 Bucket List Highlight: Gazing at the Colorado River from the train’s observation car.

Tips for Enjoying Scenic Train Journeys

Book window seats for the best views.
Travel light — storage can be limited.
Bring snacks & drinks (though dining cars are available on many routes).
Download offline maps & entertainment for long journeys.
Take photos, but also enjoy the ride without your camera.

💡 For more inspiration, see our guide on Top Road Trip Routes for Families (opens in a new tab).

20 Inspirational Quotes About Train Travel & Journeys

“The journey, not the arrival, matters.” – T.S. Eliot
“Trains are wonderful… to travel by train is to see nature and human beings, towns and churches, and rivers, in fact, to see life.” – Agatha Christie
“Life is like a train ride. The journey is just as important as the destination.” – Unknown
“The train is a small world moving through a larger world.” – Elisha Cooper
“Trains tap into some deep American collective memory.” – Dana Frank
“Railway journeys should be thought of as functions of time, not distance.” – John R. Stilgoe
“The real voyage of discovery consists not in seeking new landscapes, but in having new eyes.” – Marcel Proust
“The train is a symbol of progress, of adventure, of possibilities.” – Unknown
“Trains are rolling libraries.” – Unknown
“Nothing is more wonderful than a train ride.” – Unknown
“The whistle of the locomotive penetrates into the innermost recesses of the soul.” – Unknown
“Travel by train allows us to feel the passage of time more keenly.” – Paul Theroux
“Trains are the most human of machines.” – Unknown
“You never forget your first train journey.” – Unknown
“Trains bring people together and take them apart, but they always move forward.” – Unknown
“To travel is to live.” – Hans Christian Andersen
“There’s something about the sound of a train that’s very romantic.” – Unknown
“Trains are time machines.” – Unknown
“A train journey is a meditation in motion.” – Unknown
“Oh, the places you’ll go.” – Dr. Seuss

Picture This

You’re seated by a wide train window, sipping coffee as snow-capped peaks rise in the distance. The rhythmic sound of the tracks lulls you into calm as you pass through valleys, cross bridges, and enter tunnels that reveal new breathtaking views. With every mile, the scenery shifts, and you realize this isn’t just transportation — it’s an adventure you’ll never forget.

Which scenic train journey will you add to your bucket list first?

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Disclaimer

This content is for informational purposes only. Train routes, availability, and experiences may vary by season and operator. Always confirm schedules and safety guidelines before booking. We disclaim all responsibility for outcomes based on this information.