Train travel changes how you experience a destination. Instead of dealing with airports or focusing on the road, the journey becomes part of the trip.
As you are not driving or checking directions, you can either take in the scenery or switch off completely with a book or music.
Once on board, you can settle in and simply watch the world pass by. It is an easy way to see more of a country without constantly packing and moving on. When we visited Japan, we spent hours on trains watching the landscape shift from green fields to small towns and house styles you do not really see back home.
With that in mind, Feet Do Travel shares some of the best scenic train journeys around the world to add to your list when planning your next trip.
As you are not driving or checking directions, you can either take in the scenery or switch off completely with a book or music.
Once on board, you can settle in and simply watch the world pass by. It is an easy way to see more of a country without constantly packing and moving on. When we visited Japan, we spent hours on trains watching the landscape shift from green fields to small towns and house styles you do not really see back home.
With that in mind, Feet Do Travel shares some of the best scenic train journeys around the world to add to your list when planning your next trip.
Luxury train travel is about the journey, not just the destination
More Than Just a Beautiful Ride
Train travel comes in many forms, and that is part of what makes it so interesting. You start to notice details that are easy to miss when flying or driving. It is also a comfortable way to move between places, which is why many people, like our friends Tracy & Doug from Global Travel Planning, choose to make train travel part of their wider exploration and build it into how they experience a destination.
For instance, in the UK, you still have heritage steam trains and luxury train journeys like the Belmond Royal Scotsman, where the experience feels as much about nostalgia as it does about scenery. Elsewhere, slower heritage routes such as the Sagano Romantic Train in Kyoto, which runs along the Hozugawa Gorge, turn the journey itself into the attraction.
Then there are sleeper trains, which are a completely different experience again. In countries like Thailand and Vietnam, they are still a practical way to cover long distances. You fall asleep in one city and wake up in another, with everyday landscapes passing by in between. They are less about sightseeing and more about simply getting from A to B in a different way.
Railways have always been tied to trade and movement, but they also carry a harder history. Building and maintaining these routes has never been without risk. According to Gianaris Trial Lawyers, railway workers can be exposed to hazardous substances such as diesel fumes and asbestos, with some cases linked to serious illness. In some instances, this has led to a railroad lawsuit for lung cancer, as workers seek accountability for long-term exposure.
It is a reminder that behind modern train travel, there is a long history of human effort that is easy to overlook.
Train travel comes in many forms, and that is part of what makes it so interesting. You start to notice details that are easy to miss when flying or driving. It is also a comfortable way to move between places, which is why many people, like our friends Tracy & Doug from Global Travel Planning, choose to make train travel part of their wider exploration and build it into how they experience a destination.
For instance, in the UK, you still have heritage steam trains and luxury train journeys like the Belmond Royal Scotsman, where the experience feels as much about nostalgia as it does about scenery. Elsewhere, slower heritage routes such as the Sagano Romantic Train in Kyoto, which runs along the Hozugawa Gorge, turn the journey itself into the attraction.
Then there are sleeper trains, which are a completely different experience again. In countries like Thailand and Vietnam, they are still a practical way to cover long distances. You fall asleep in one city and wake up in another, with everyday landscapes passing by in between. They are less about sightseeing and more about simply getting from A to B in a different way.
Railways have always been tied to trade and movement, but they also carry a harder history. Building and maintaining these routes has never been without risk. According to Gianaris Trial Lawyers, railway workers can be exposed to hazardous substances such as diesel fumes and asbestos, with some cases linked to serious illness. In some instances, this has led to a railroad lawsuit for lung cancer, as workers seek accountability for long-term exposure.
It is a reminder that behind modern train travel, there is a long history of human effort that is easy to overlook.
Train travel through mountains is a stunning scenic journey
The Glacier Express, Switzerland
The Glacier Express is arguably one of the most famous scenic train journeys in Europe, and it is easy to see why.
Running between Zermatt and St. Moritz, the journey covers around 291 kilometres and takes roughly eight hours. It is often described as one of the slowest express trains in the world, which gives you time to actually take everything in.
Along the way, the train crosses more than 290 bridges and passes through over 90 tunnels. You move through alpine valleys, mountain passes, and small villages, with large panoramic windows offering uninterrupted views of the landscape.
The scenery changes with the seasons, from snow-covered peaks in winter to green alpine landscapes in summer, making it a route that feels different depending on when you travel.
The Glacier Express is arguably one of the most famous scenic train journeys in Europe, and it is easy to see why.
Running between Zermatt and St. Moritz, the journey covers around 291 kilometres and takes roughly eight hours. It is often described as one of the slowest express trains in the world, which gives you time to actually take everything in.
Along the way, the train crosses more than 290 bridges and passes through over 90 tunnels. You move through alpine valleys, mountain passes, and small villages, with large panoramic windows offering uninterrupted views of the landscape.
The scenery changes with the seasons, from snow-covered peaks in winter to green alpine landscapes in summer, making it a route that feels different depending on when you travel.
Train journeys that take days can pass through several time zones
The Trans-Siberian Railway, Russia
The Trans-Siberian Railway is less about individual views and more about scale.
Stretching around 9,288 kilometres between Moscow and Vladivostok, it is the longest railway line in the world. The full journey takes around seven days and crosses eight time zones.
What stands out is the distance. Forests, open land, and small settlements pass by for hours at a time, with very little interruption in between.
You spend long periods on board, moving through a routine that becomes familiar as the days go on. Conversations with other travellers tend to happen naturally, simply because you are all in the same space for so long. In this regard, it’s not too dissimilar to taking a cruise.
It is a journey that feels more immersive than rushed.
The Trans-Siberian Railway is less about individual views and more about scale.
Stretching around 9,288 kilometres between Moscow and Vladivostok, it is the longest railway line in the world. The full journey takes around seven days and crosses eight time zones.
What stands out is the distance. Forests, open land, and small settlements pass by for hours at a time, with very little interruption in between.
You spend long periods on board, moving through a routine that becomes familiar as the days go on. Conversations with other travellers tend to happen naturally, simply because you are all in the same space for so long. In this regard, it’s not too dissimilar to taking a cruise.
It is a journey that feels more immersive than rushed.
Banff in Canada is filled with rugged beauty
The Rocky Mountaineer, Canada
On the Rocky Mountaineer, you experience the rugged beauty of the Canadian Rockies, and it’s known for its dramatic scenery.
The journey between Vancouver and Banff covers roughly 600 miles (around 965 kilometres) over two days, with overnight stops included. Travel takes place during daylight hours, so you do not miss any of the views.
Glass-dome coaches give you a clear view of the surrounding landscape, including mountain peaks, deep canyons, and winding rivers. Wildlife sightings are also common along the route, which adds to the experience.
It is a route where the scenery does most of the talking - you simply sit back and take it in.
On the Rocky Mountaineer, you experience the rugged beauty of the Canadian Rockies, and it’s known for its dramatic scenery.
The journey between Vancouver and Banff covers roughly 600 miles (around 965 kilometres) over two days, with overnight stops included. Travel takes place during daylight hours, so you do not miss any of the views.
Glass-dome coaches give you a clear view of the surrounding landscape, including mountain peaks, deep canyons, and winding rivers. Wildlife sightings are also common along the route, which adds to the experience.
It is a route where the scenery does most of the talking - you simply sit back and take it in.
Visit the Taj Mahal when you take the Maharajas' Express, India
The Maharajas’ Express, India
Traveling on the Maharajas' Express offers a completely different take on scenic train travel. It feels like stepping into a different era, yet it’s combined with a luxurious experience.
The Maharaja’s Express and the Taj Mahal were both built by Emperor Shah Jahan in memory of his wife Mumtaz Mahal. It is in Agra that your journey will begin.
As you travel through India’s diverse regions, you encounter historic cities, grand palaces, and vibrant cultural landmarks. Routes vary from shorter four-day trips to week-long itineraries, covering up to around 2,700 kilometres across India.
The train itself is designed for comfort, but the real highlight is the variety of destinations. Each stop offers a different perspective, from architecture and history to everyday life in different regions of the country.
It is as much about the experience off the train as it is on it.
Closing Note
Each of these train journeys offers something slightly different. Some are defined by dramatic landscapes, others by distance, comfort, or the simple experience of slowing down.
What they all have in common is the way they change the pace of travel. Instead of moving quickly from place to place, you spend time in between, watching the landscape pass, crossing regions you might otherwise miss, and seeing a country as it actually is.
That is often what makes train travel memorable. Not just where you arrive, but everything you pass through along the way.
Traveling on the Maharajas' Express offers a completely different take on scenic train travel. It feels like stepping into a different era, yet it’s combined with a luxurious experience.
The Maharaja’s Express and the Taj Mahal were both built by Emperor Shah Jahan in memory of his wife Mumtaz Mahal. It is in Agra that your journey will begin.
As you travel through India’s diverse regions, you encounter historic cities, grand palaces, and vibrant cultural landmarks. Routes vary from shorter four-day trips to week-long itineraries, covering up to around 2,700 kilometres across India.
The train itself is designed for comfort, but the real highlight is the variety of destinations. Each stop offers a different perspective, from architecture and history to everyday life in different regions of the country.
It is as much about the experience off the train as it is on it.
Closing Note
Each of these train journeys offers something slightly different. Some are defined by dramatic landscapes, others by distance, comfort, or the simple experience of slowing down.
What they all have in common is the way they change the pace of travel. Instead of moving quickly from place to place, you spend time in between, watching the landscape pass, crossing regions you might otherwise miss, and seeing a country as it actually is.
That is often what makes train travel memorable. Not just where you arrive, but everything you pass through along the way.
Scenic Train Journeys FAQ
Are scenic train journeys suitable for solo travellers?
Yes, they are a good option if you enjoy a slower and more flexible style of travel. Shared spaces such as dining cars and lounges make it easy to meet people, while still having your own space to relax when you want it.
What is the best time of year to take a scenic train journey?
It depends on the region. Summer usually offers clearer views and longer days, while winter can completely change the landscape with snow.
Spring and autumn are often a good balance, with fewer crowds and seasonal colours which add something different to the journey.
How far in advance should you book scenic train tickets?
Booking in advance is recommended, especially for well-known or luxury routes. Many of these journeys sell out months ahead, particularly during peak travel periods.
Planning early also gives you more options for seating, cabins, and travel dates.
Yes, they are a good option if you enjoy a slower and more flexible style of travel. Shared spaces such as dining cars and lounges make it easy to meet people, while still having your own space to relax when you want it.
What is the best time of year to take a scenic train journey?
It depends on the region. Summer usually offers clearer views and longer days, while winter can completely change the landscape with snow.
Spring and autumn are often a good balance, with fewer crowds and seasonal colours which add something different to the journey.
How far in advance should you book scenic train tickets?
Booking in advance is recommended, especially for well-known or luxury routes. Many of these journeys sell out months ahead, particularly during peak travel periods.
Planning early also gives you more options for seating, cabins, and travel dates.
