The World's Most Scenic Rail Routes
From Alpine panoramas to coastal cliffside railways — every route here is chosen for its exceptional scenery, comfort, and cultural richness.
Plan your itinerary →
Editor's Pick: Glacier Express, Switzerland
The world's slowest express train — 8 hours of breathtaking Swiss scenery through 91 tunnels and 291 bridges, connecting Zermatt and St. Moritz at a leisurely alpine pace.
Discover the route →
Switzerland★ UNESCOBernina Express
A UNESCO World Heritage journey from Chur to Tirano over Europe's highest Alpine railway crossing at 2,253m.
Switzerland★ EpicGlacier Express
Connect Zermatt to St. Moritz through the Rhine Gorge, Furka Pass and spectacular Aletsch Glacier views.
USACoast Starlight
LA to Seattle: Pacific surf, volcanic peaks and redwood forests on America's most beloved long-haul service.
Russia★ LegendaryTrans-Siberian Express
Earth's longest railway — a transformative passage through Russia, Siberian taiga and the shores of Lake Baikal.
SE AsiaEastern & Oriental Express
Luxury rail from Singapore through Malaysia to Bangkok — colonial elegance meets tropical splendour.
MexicoEl Chepe — Copper Canyon
Through Mexico's Barrancas del Cobre, deeper than the Grand Canyon — one of the world's great rail engineering marvels.
Australia★ OutbackThe Ghan
Adelaide to Darwin through the Red Centre — a traverse of Australia's vast outback in legendary style.
South AfricaRovos Rail — Pride of Africa
Luxury from Cape Town to Dar es Salaam through game reserves and Africa's diverse, dramatic landscapes.
ScotlandWest Highland Line
Glasgow to Mallaig past Loch Lomond, Rannoch Moor and the Glenfinnan Viaduct — Scotland's most romantic route.
China / Tibet★ HighestQinghai–Tibet Railway
The world's highest railway, ascending through the Tibetan Plateau's otherworldly landscapes and endless grasslands.
NorwayFlåm Railway
One of the steepest standard-gauge railways in the world — from mountain plateau to fjordside village in Norway.
CanadaRocky Mountaineer
Vancouver to Banff through glacier-carved valleys and towering Rocky Mountain peaks — daytime travel only.
Before You Board
Book Ahead
Panoramic cars on famous scenic routes sell out months in advance. Book early for the best window seats.
Choose Your Side
Research which side of the train faces the best scenery — left or right matters greatly on mountain routes.
Check the Season
Spring blossom, autumn colour, or winter snow — many routes are far more dramatic at specific times of year.
Travel Light
Luggage storage is limited on older scenic trains. A compact bag lets you move freely between carriages.
Camera Ready
Keep your camera accessible — the best moments on scenic railways can last only seconds.