Sure, you could book the fastest flight and get there in two hours flat. But where’s the fun in that? Some trips aren’t just about the destination — they’re about the journey. These train rides offer breathtaking scenery, leisurely travel, and an experience that's as memorable as the places they connect.
Forget tiny airplane seats and the joyless shuffle through security. Train travel is your chance to sit back, stretch out, and actually enjoy the ride. Watch the world go by as misty mountains, stunning coastlines, and the occasional sheep roll past your window. Sip your coffee and wonder why you ever rushed to get anywhere. These scenic routes are more than just a way to travel. They’re an experience all on their own. Below are some of the world’s most unforgettable train trips that prove getting there really is half the fun.
Route: Zermatt to St. Moritz
Duration: Approximately 8 hours
Highlights:
Crosses 291 bridges and passes through 91 tunnels
The route passes through a UNESCO World Heritage site, the Albula/Bernina Landscapes
Ascends to the Oberalp Pass at 2,033 meters (6,670 feet)
Panoramic windows offer views of the Swiss Alps, deep valleys, and picturesque villages
Route: Vancouver to Banff (First Passage to the West)
Duration: 2 days, with an overnight stop in Kamloops
Highlights:
Daylight-only travel for optimal sightseeing. There are overnight stops at hotels along the route.
Operates primarily during the tourist season (April to mid-October
Traverses the Spiral Tunnels and the Continental Divide
Offers luxury service with gourmet meals and panoramic views of the Canadian Rockies
Route: Oslo to Bergen
Duration: Approximately 7 hours
Highlights:
One of Europe's highest mainline railways
Passes through the Hardangervidda plateau and offers views of fjords, forests, and mountains
Includes about 180 tunnels and 22 stops along the route
Crosses a mountain landscape home to Arctic foxes, snow owls, and Europe's largest wild reindeer herd, which includes more than 9,000 animals roaming the area
Route: Glasgow to Mallaig
Duration: Around 5 hours
Highlights:
Traverses remote moors, lochs, and mountains
Crosses the iconic Glenfinnan Viaduct, featured in the Harry Potter films
Offers views of Ben Nevis and access to the Isle of Skye via ferry from Mallaig
Route: Christchurch to Picton
Duration: Approximately 5 hours
Highlights:
Runs along the Pacific coast, offering ocean and mountain views
Passes through the Kaikōura mountain range and near marine wildlife habitats
Chances to spot seals, dolphins, and possibly even whales along the route
Connects with ferry services to the North Island at Picton
Route: Stockholm to Narvik
Duration: Approximately 18–20 hours
Highlights:
Crosses the Arctic Circle and winds through Sweden’s Lapland wilderness
Passes snowy peaks, alpine lakes, and fjord landscapes along the Ofoten Line
Offers chances to spot the Northern Lights in winter or experience the Midnight Sun in summer
This route is frequently served by a sleeper train, giving travelers the chance to sleep while making the cross-border journey
These train rides make the journey just as memorable as the destination, with front-row views of some of the world’s most stunning landscapes, all from the comfort of your seat. Whether you're in the mood for adventure, some laid-back exploring, or a bit of both, these routes offer the kind of travel memories you’ll keep coming back to. Picture yourself sipping coffee while snow-covered mountains roll past or drifting off to sleep as the northern lights shimmer outside your window. This isn’t just getting from point A to B. It’s a chance to slow down, soak it in, and enjoy the ride. So if you're ready to skip the airport chaos and try something a little different, the rails are calling.
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