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5/21/2026
10 Epic Train JourneysSometimes a rail journey is exactly what is needed to fully experience a destination. No driving, no watching the road, no constantly pulling over for photos. Instead, relax in comfort while mountains, rivers, deserts, wildlife and remote landscapes unfold outside your window — often through places roads simply cannot reach. Luxury rail travel has also evolved significantly in recent years. New routes, elevated  onboard experiences, immersive excursions and renewed interest in slow travel have made scenic rail journeys one of the most sought-after travel experiences of 2026. Here are 10 epic train adventures to inspire your next journey. ROCKY MOUNTAINEER & CANYON SPIRIT — Canadian Rockies & American Southwest The iconic Rocky Mountaineer remains one of the world’s great scenic rail journeys. Its classic Canadian routes travel through the spectacular Canadian Rockies between Vancouver, Banff, Jasper and Lake Louise, crossing mountain passes, rushing rivers and dramatic canyons with overnight hotel stays along the way. In recent years, the company expanded into the United States with its Rockies to the Red Rocks route, now operating as Canyon Spirit. This elevated rail experience connects Denver, Moab and Salt Lake City, showcasing red rock deserts, dramatic canyons and landscapes rarely seen from the highway. Like the Canadian routes, both journeys operate entirely during daylight hours so you never miss the scenery. Glass-domed coaches, regionally inspired cuisine and engaging onboard hosts make the experience as memorable as the destinations themselves. These rail journeys pair beautifully with Alaska cruises, Canadian Rockies itineraries or national park adventures in Utah and Colorado.  GLACIER EXPRESS - Zermatt to St. Moritz Switzerland is famous for spectacular scenery, and the Glacier Express delivers some of the finest alpine views in Europe. Traveling between the mountain resort towns of Zermatt and St. Moritz, the train crosses 291 bridges and passes through 91 tunnels while traversing the heart of the Swiss Alps. Panoramic windows showcase deep valleys, charming villages, pristine lakes and snow-capped peaks, including the dramatic crossing of the Oberalp Pass at over 6,600 feet. The full journey takes approximately eight hours, though many travelers combine sections of the route with other scenic Swiss trains such as the Bernina Express or the Gotthard Panorama Express for a more extensive rail itinerary. With excellent rail connectivity from Zurich, Lucerne and Basel, the Glacier Express is also an easy addition to a Rhine River cruise or broader European itinerary.  THE ANDEAN EXPLORER - Cusco to Puno Peru’s Andean Explorer by Belmond offers one of South America’s most luxurious and scenic rail experiences. Traveling between Cusco, Lake Titicaca and Arequipa, the train winds through the dramatic Peruvian Andes, passing remote villages, rolling plains and snow-dusted peaks. The route between Cusco and Puno is especially popular, combining stunning scenery with refined onboard dining, elegant cabins and live performances inspired by local culture. Many travelers combine the journey with a visit to Machu Picchu, creating an unforgettable exploration of Peru’s history, culture and landscapes.  TRANZALPINE - Christchurch to Greymouth New Zealand’s TranzAlpine remains one of the world’s most scenic day trains. Crossing New Zealand’s South Island between Christchurch and Greymouth, the journey traverses the Canterbury Plains, the Southern Alps, dramatic river gorges and lush rainforest. The route offers constantly changing scenery in just under five hours, making it ideal for travelers who want to experience the South Island’s beauty without driving. Many visitors extend their stay on the West Coast to explore glaciers, Punakaiki’s Pancake Rocks, hiking trails and wild coastal scenery before continuing onward. The TranzAlpine is particularly popular as part of longer New Zealand self-drive or cruise itineraries. THE GHAN EXPEDITION - Adelaide to Darwin Australia’s legendary Ghan Expedition is one of the world’s most iconic rail adventures. Traveling between Adelaide and Darwin through the heart of the Australian Outback, the journey offers an unforgettable look at the country’s vast interior landscapes. Highlights include Katherine Gorge in Nitmiluk National Park, Alice Springs and Coober Pedy — the opal mining town famous for its underground homes and unique desert scenery. What truly sets The Ghan apart are the immersive off-train experiences, gourmet dining and exceptional service. Optional touring extensions to Uluru and the Red Centre make this journey even more extraordinary. For travelers wanting to experience Australia beyond its coastlines and cities, The Ghan delivers a true adventure. Fun fact: the train’s name honors the Afghan cameleers who helped explore Australia’s interior during the 19th century.  THE ROYAL SCOTSMAN - Edinburgh Waverley roundtrip The Royal Scotsman remains one of the world’s most luxurious rail experiences. Operated by Belmond, this intimate train carries just a small number of guests through the breathtaking landscapes of the Scottish Highlands. Mahogany-paneled carriages, fine dining, elegant cabins and exceptional service create a refined atmosphere reminiscent of classic rail travel’s golden age. Journeys include private castle visits, whisky tastings, guided hikes, wildlife spotting and exclusive access to historic estates and gardens throughout Scotland. For travelers seeking a deeply immersive luxury experience, the Royal Scotsman is difficult to match.  Photo credit: Belmond SIMPLON ORIENT EXPRESS - Across Europe Few rail journeys are as legendary as the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express. Beautifully restored 1920s and 1930s carriages transport guests across Europe in timeless glamour and elegance. Classic itineraries connect Venice, Paris, London and other European cities, while newer routes introduced in recent years now include destinations such as Istanbul, Prague and the Italian Riviera. Passengers enjoy multi-course fine dining, attentive white-glove service and elegant lounges accompanied by live piano music before retiring to beautifully restored cabins and suites. This is not simply transportation — it is one of the world’s great luxury travel experiences.  THE BALKAN EXPLORER - Venice to Istanbul Luxury rail journeys through Eastern Europe continue to grow in popularity, and the Balkan Explorer offers a fascinating way to experience the region’s rich culture, history and landscapes. Traveling between Venice and Istanbul, itineraries often include stops in Slovenia, Croatia, Serbia and Hungary, combining scenic rail travel with guided city tours, luxury accommodations and regional cuisine. The combination of historic cities, alpine scenery and lesser-visited destinations creates a unique European journey beyond the traditional tourist routes.  TRANS SIBERIAN JOURNEYS - Across Asia While geopolitical realities have changed traditional Russian-based Trans-Siberian travel in recent years, rail journeys inspired by the historic route still capture travelers’ imaginations. Many luxury operators now focus on alternative Central Asian and Silk Road rail experiences through destinations such as Mongolia, Uzbekistan and Kazakhstan, offering similar vast landscapes, cultural immersion and epic overland adventure. These journeys provide opportunities to explore remote regions, ancient trading cities and dramatic scenery while experiencing one of the world’s great rail traditions.  Photo credit: AmaWaterways ROVOS RAIL - Africa Often considered one of the most luxurious trains in the world, Rovos Rail offers unforgettable journeys across southern and eastern Africa aboard beautifully restored vintage coaches. Routes range from short luxury itineraries within South Africa to epic multi-country journeys visiting Victoria Falls, Namibia, Tanzania and Angola. Elegant wood-paneled suites, exceptional cuisine and off-train excursions create an experience reminiscent of classic rail travel from another era. Rovos Rail pairs perfectly with African safaris, Chobe River cruises and Cape Town stays, creating extraordinary multi-destination itineraries throughout the continent. This article was originally written in July 2021 and has been refreshed and updated to reflect current information.
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