10 best train trips

14 Best Train Trips to Take Across America for Breathtaking Scenery

Vacation in a new way to see some beautiful sights.

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While traveling by train can certainly be a more inexpensive option for a family getaway when compared to air travel or a boat cruise, that doesn't mean you'll be cramped and crowded. Many of the trips we have listed include luxury sleeper trains, amazing dining and, of course, unbeatable views. There are routes like the Surfliner, which runs along the Pacific Ocean (and would be an unforgettable destination for spring break ), the Grand Canyon Railway, a two-hour ride of bliss and tons more that are sure to pique your interest.

Let the best train rides in America also inspire you to make locomotives your transportation of choice even when you head to international destinations (we recommend you hop aboard Norway’s famous Flåm Railway ).

Still need help deciding where to go and what to pack? Check out Good Housekeepin g 's 2023 Family Travel Awards for expert advice, top-tested gear and more.

Amtrak Auto Train

If you’re traveling to a destination that requires use of a vehicle, Amtrak’s Auto Train allows you to pack it with you! It transports your car (or other recreational vehicles) as well as you and your family on a route from Washington, DC to Sanford, Florida.

Good Housekeeping’s Textiles, Paper & Apparel Lab executive director, Lexi Sachs boarded the train with her family for a trip to Orlando, which she described as “just as fun of an experience for my two kids” as their trip to Disney World.

Sachs also pointed out that the train trip featured a range of seating options, from coach to bedrooms with pull down beds, lovely views of the East Coast, delicious dinner and breakfast, and allowed her to feel like she wasn’t losing a day of vacation due to travel. Plus, Amtrak offers priority offloading, “which means your car comes off first,” Sachs said, adding that “It was definitely worth it in my opinion!”

America's National Parks with Rocky Mountaineer

See eight destinations over 11 days when you embark on this incredible journey through canyons and mountains. You’ll have the chance to explore Arches National Park with its many sandstone arches, Canyonlands National Park, which is full of rock columns and original Native American cave paintings and Yellowstone National Park, where you will see its majestic hot springs and geysers. Not only does this package include multiple sightseeing tours, but it also covers 10 nights of hotel stays and three meals.

Grand Rail Experience

Visit great American cities, including Washington, Chicago, Seattle, Los Angeles and New Orleans, on this 14-day cross-country journey. Included in the package is six nights of hotel accommodations, seven nights onboard one of Amtrak’s sleeper trains, sightseeing tours and priceless landscape views.

You also get to take your pick from attractions such as the Argosy Cruises Harbor Tour, Museum of Pop Culture (MoPOP), Woodland Park Zoo and Chihuly Garden and Glass for no additional cost.

Northern Rail Experience

Get your fill of adventure when you embark on this nine-day train vacation with stops in Chicago, Seattle, San Francisco and Muir Woods.

Amtrak offers an all-inclusive package with a hop-on, hop-off sightseeing tour, and breathtaking views of the great plains and the Pacific Coast. Plus you and your family will enjoy three nights of hotel accommodations and five nights on board Amtrak in private sleeping rooms. One meal is also included.

Alaska Railroad's Coastal Classic

Alaska Railroad's Coastal Classic departs from Anchorage and winds along the Turnagain Arm before turning off into the backcountry wilderness and eventually ending in Seward.

Look for views of the steep Chugach Range mountains plummeting right into the ocean, and the stunning shores of Resurrection Bay; wildlife sightings along the way could include beluga whales, sheep, bear and moose. Daily service is available seasonally, from mid-May through mid-September. Take a variety of tours in Seward — like glacier treks or sled dog rides — before heading back to Anchorage.

Amtrak’s famous Surfliner route runs between San Luis Obispo, Santa Barbara, Los Angeles and San Diego, with multiple daily departures.

The route runs along the Pacific Ocean — almost close enough to catch a wave — for gorgeous views throughout the journey. And yes, you can bring along your surfboard; special racks are designed to hold travelers’ outdoor gear.

Napa Valley Wine Train

If you love wine and vintage aesthetics, you absolutely must experience the Napa Valley Wine Train. Century-old railcars traverse a 150-year-old rail corridor on this 36-mile round-trip journey. The railroad once transported guests to a spa resort in Calistoga and now winds its way across the pastoral California landscape from Napa to St. Helena and back, stopping at the famed region’s wineries all along the route. Four on-board kitchens provide locally sourced, top-end cuisine for a full luxury dining experience.

Grand Canyon Railway

This trip re-creates the historic voyage to the Grand Canyon by rail, which opened to its very first passengers in 1901. Passengers aboard the Grand Canyon Railway depart from Williams Depot and make their way to the Grand Canyon Depot, which is the last operating log depot in the country. The depot is located right in the middle of the National Park’s historic district, near the storied El Tovar Hotel, and merely 200 yards from the edge of the canyon’s South Rim. In all, the trip covers 65 miles of scenic terrain, with unmatched views and photo opps.

Great Smoky Mountains Railroad

The Great Smoky Mountains Railroad takes passengers on a scenic rail journey through this beautiful mountain range. Choose from two versions of the trip, named for standout attractions: the Nantahala Gorge Excursion (44 miles) or the Tuckasegee River Excursion (32 miles). Both offer a range of seating classes, including an open-air gondola and first-class dining car. Specialty versions of the trip include wine and dine, fall foliage spotting, and even a Peanuts-theme Easter ride.

Cass Scenic Railroad

The steam-driven Cass Scenic Railroad takes passengers through the mountains of West Virginia on revamped flat cars that hauled lumber to the Cass mill more than a century ago. The 11-mile heritage railroad runs from May through October, offering a trip through both history and scenery. Ride to the overlook at Bald Knob, the third highest point in West Virginia, for unforgettable views and picture-taking spots.

Cape Cod Central Railroad

Cape Cod Central is a heritage railroad that operates on 27 miles of former New Haven Railroad tracks on Cape Cod. It takes passengers through marshes, cranberry bogs, dunes — places you can only access by rail. Come for a historic narrated daytime ride, Sunday brunch, sunset dinner, or a special festive holiday ride.

Sunset Limited

Travel between Louisiana and California on Sunset Limited, Amtrak’s Southernmost route. On the way from New Orleans through San Antonio, Tucson, Phoenix and Los Angeles, see diverse scenery including the bayou country, Southwestern deserts, and California mountains. Three trains depart weekly in each direction.

Coast Starlight

The Coast Starlight works its way along the west coast from Los Angeles to Seattle. On the route, pass Santa Barbara, the San Francisco Bay Area, Sacramento and Portland. Catch scenery from verdant valleys and forests to the snow-topped mountains of the Cascade Range and Mount Shasta and the Pacific Ocean shoreline to boot. This striking route runs daily.

Empire Builder

Amtrak’s famous Empire Builder route runs daily between Chicago and the Pacific Northwest. It covers portions of the Lewis and Clark trail, following the route of the pioneers. Urban views include the twinkling skyline of Minneapolis and St. Paul; natural landscapes include the North Dakota plains, Big Sky country in Montana and Glacier National Park. The route runs daily.

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8 great rail journeys to take across the USA

Jan 29, 2024 • 7 min read

Considerably more relaxing than driving or flying, the best train rides in the US offer a leisurely sightseeing experience.© Alex Potemkin/Getty Images

There’s no getting around the sheer size and scale of the USA – it’s an absolute, supersized whopper – and the best way to see it all is via train.

The US has close to 3.8 million sq miles (10 million sq km) of sublime mountain ranges, parched desert, entire states engulfed in deep snow, you-gotta-go-see-it-to-believe-it cities, endless prairie land, six whole time zones and lakes so large you could lose whole countries down there. So while traveling around by plane might make sense from a convenience point of view – it’s not quite six hours to dart directly from New York to LA – there really is no better way to experience the sheer grandeur of the country than by taking one of these train vacations.

Considerably more relaxing than driving or flying, the best train rides in the US offer a leisurely, nostalgic sightseeing experience, often passing through pristine landscapes inaccessible by other means. The US is rich with amazing train journeys, but the routes listed below are the cream of the crop. From California to New England ,  here are eight epic US train trips our editors have selected, taken from Lonely Planet's  Amazing Train Journeys .

1. The Sunset Limited

Route: New Orleans – San Antonio – Tucson – Phoenix – Los Angeles Distance and duration: 1995 miles (3211 km); 2 days

Amtrak's Sunset Limited is the ultimate American railroad ride and one of its most famous train journeys: east to west, coast to coast, clean through from the bars of New Orleans to the breakers of the Pacific Ocean. If you’ve always dreamed of taking a journey across the USA, but don’t much relish the prospect of two weeks spent cooped up in an automobile, then a ride on the Sunset Limited is the answer.

Sit back and let America’s landscapes buzz by: from Louisiana ’s bayous, past the high-rises of Houston , across the deserts of Texas and Arizona , over the Californian hills all the way to LA’s golden beaches. Saddle up, pardner: it’s gonna be quite a ride.

2. The Coast Starlight

Route: Seattle – Portland – Sacramento – Los Angeles Distance and duration: 1377 miles (2216 km); 35 hours

Trace America’s “left coast” in all its varied splendor. The 35-hour (OK, it’s Amtrak, so maybe more) trip between Seattle and Los Angeles curves alongside crashing Pacific waves, cuts through America’s lushest agricultural land and passes below snowcapped mountains and towering redwoods. Of all the Amtrak routes, the Coast Starlight offers the most scenic variety in the fewest hours.

It’s also the only Amtrak service with a dedicated parlor car, open only to passengers who book sleepers. The parlor conjures old-time rail romance, with wood paneling and soft lighting, plus a special menu and wine-and-cheese tastings. Highlights of this train ride include dramatic sunrise perspectives on 14,179ft (4322m)  Mt Shasta , and a gorgeous midday traverse of Oregon's Cascade Range.

3. Metro-North Hudson Line

Route: New York City – Poughkeepsie Distance and duration: 69 miles (111 km); 1½ hours

Depart from New York City ’s iconic beaux arts Grand Central Terminal , stopping to admire the ornate astronomical ceiling painting in the vaulted main concourse and to slurp up oysters and a martini at the famous Oyster Bar.

Then roll through Manhattan and the Bronx and into the glorious green Hudson River Valley. Hugging the eastern banks of the river, New York’s Metro-North's Hudson line travels deep into American history. The names of the stops along the way speak to the area’s origins: Native American (Ossining, Poughkeepsie); Dutch (Spuyten Duyvil, Yonkers, Cortlandt, Peekskill); English (Hastings-on-Hudson, Scarborough). It’s a land so famously beautiful an entire art movement – the Hudson River School – was once dedicated to capturing its glory. For the cost of a burger and a beer, this view can be yours for almost two hours.

4. The California Zephyr

Route: Chicago – Omaha – Denver – Salt Lake City – San Francisco Distance and duration: 2438 miles (3924km), 51 hours 20 minutes

For soaking up the scenic grandeur of the North American continent, nothing compares with Amtrak’s California Zephyr train. This classic three-day journey travels nearly 2500 miles (4000km) across prairies, deserts, the Rocky Mountains and the Sierra Nevada on its way from Chicago to San Francisco. The scenery is magnificent throughout – especially when seen through the floor-to-ceiling windows of the lounge car – but if you can only do one section, opt for the riveting 185-mile (298km) stretch between Denver and Glenwood Springs, where the train travels through an often roadless wilderness of deep, narrow gorges near the Colorado River’s headwaters.

Near sunset, the train emerges into the majestic red rock desert of eastern Utah , then crosses overnight into the forbidding vastness of Nevada's sagebrush country, with salt flats and stark, arid mountains as far as the eye can see. Sunrise on day three reveals an entirely different desert: the blinding-white alkali flats and ghostly grey mountains near Winnemucca, Nevada. Just beyond the gambling-happy little city of Reno, the Zephyr climbs into the foothills of the Sierra Nevada, then enters California’s imposing granite high country beyond the photogenic frontier town of Truckee.

5. Amtrak Downeaster

Route: Boston – Portland – Brunswick Distance and duration: 145 miles (233 km); 3 hours 25 minutes

As car-free city breaks go, this train escape is hard to beat, chugging from the downtown main streets of urban Boston to Maine ’s rural greens in under four hours. That’s from the seventh most densely populated city in the US to the state with the highest percentage of forest coverage, all in less time than it takes to cook an old-style Yankee plum pudding.

Even better, every stop on the Amtrak Downeaster features historic New England cities and towns, parks and seascapes, cottage arts and crafts, world-class shopping and stellar foods fashioned from farm-and-sea-fresh ingredients.

6. The New Mexico Rail Runner

Route: Albuquerque – Santa Fe Distance and duration: 97 miles (156 km); 90 minutes

One of America’s great unsung commuter railways, the New Mexico Rail Runner Express is a regional train that runs down the Rio Grande Valley , connecting the state’s largest city, Albuquerque, with its cultural and political capital, Santa Fe.

On the way it crosses the wide, high desert, giving views of arid mountains in all directions, and even passes through several of the state’s Native American tribal lands. A no-nonsense, clean and quick journey, its highlights are the sweeping views from the upper seats of the double-decker carriages. Taken as a day trip or a scenic but practical form of intra-state transport, the Rail Runner is a wonderful introduction to New Mexico ’s epic landscapes.

7. The Empire Builder

Route: Chicago – St Paul or Minneapolis – Spokane – Portland or Seattle Distance and duration: 2764 miles (4448 km); 46 hours

The Amtrak Empire Builder from Chicago to Seattle glides through Wisconsin 's woodlands, Minnesota's lake country and the North Dakota prairies en route to a western horizon swarming with snow-capped Rocky Mountain peaks.

From Browning , Montana, an unforgettable 60-mile run along the southern edge of Glacier National Park leads to the park entrance at West Glacier, where nature lovers will want to break their journey before continuing to Seattle.

8. The Vermonter

Route: Washington, DC – New York City– Springfield – Essex Junction ( Burlington ) – St Albans Distance and duration: 611 miles (983 km); 13 hours 45 minutes

The Amtrak Vermonter runs once daily from Washington, DC to St Albans, VT. This is the most scenic route east of the Mississippi, especially in its northern reaches, where it snakes for four hours through the bucolic green hills and photogenic villages of rural Vermont.

Starting from the nation's capital, Washington, DC, the train runs north through one of the USA's greatest metropolises, New York City, before bowling out through Connecticut , Massachusetts and New Hampshire en route to the bucolic Vermont countryside and St Albans.

This article was first published Dec 4, 2020 and updated Jan 29, 2024.

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• Train Travel

The 10 Best Train Trips to Add to Your Bucket List

See recent posts by Katherine Alex Beaven

Traveling by train can be a romantic way to see the world. Flights may get you to your destination faster, but the slow pace of riding the rails provides a one-of-a-kind experience. Plus, when you’re traveling through some of the most beautiful landscapes on earth, it becomes truly unforgettable. Train travel may not be as popular in the United States, but it’s a common — and even preferred — way to get around in several countries throughout the world. It’s also more eco-friendly than flying or cruising, and since it was one of the original forms of mass transit worldwide, hundreds of pre-existing rail lines offer access to some more remote areas. With that in mind, here are 10 fantastic train trips to add to your travel bucket list.

1. Qinghai-Tibet Railway

Qinghai–Tibet Railway; traveloriented/Flickr

Where It Goes: Xining, China to Lhasa, Tibet

How Long It Takes: 20 hours and 55 minutes

Why not start at the top with the world’s highest train ride? The Qinghai-Tibet Railway climbs to heart-thumping heights of over 16,000 feet as it snakes through the Himalayas, transporting travelers between China and Tibet. Unlike several of the train journeys on this list, the Qinghai-Tibet Railway is a modern build, running its first trip in 2006. It’s also the first railroad to connect China and Tibet, giving a much-needed boom to the Tibetan economy. The gorgeous 1,215-mile journey only makes seven stops as it passes through four different biomes. Booking in between April and November bodes for better weather, though the stunning views of grasslands, wetlands, mountains, and deserts are always breathtaking. A few tips: Grab a sleeper train, eat through the Chinese and Tibetan dishes in the dining car, and be sure to spend a few days acclimatizing to the elevation before getting on the train.

2. Eurostar

Eurostar; Loco Steve/Flickr

Where It Goes: London, England to/from Paris, France

How Long It Takes: Two hours and 15 minutes

Eurostar is a popular way for folks to get from London to Paris (or vise versa), thanks to its quick travel time, but it has another draw that makes it a great bucket list train trip. For 20 minutes, you’ll actually be riding 150 feet underwater through the famed English Channel. Trains leave from St. Pancras/King’s Cross in London and arrive in Gare du Nord. While you won’t get much of a view from inside the train tunnel, Eurostar has a free and fun onboard VR component to the trip, called Odyssey. This feature allows passengers to virtually view an underwater world surrounding them as they pass through the Channel using either a VR headset (which you can purchase at the station) or a smartphone or tablet screen. Be sure to book your tickets early for the lowest prices.

3. Orient Express

Orient Express; Clem/Flickr

Where It Goes: Paris to Istanbul (original routing)

How Long It Takes: n/a

The Orient Express is one of the most famous train journeys in history, with movies and murder mystery novels undoubtedly adding to its mystery and intrigue. In its early decades, the Orient Express was the epitome of luxury travel, with high society and royalty riding its rails. Many people believe the name references a certain train, but it actually refers to a train route. Originally servicing Paris to Istanbul in the late 1880s, there were many iterations of the trains and routing before it ran its final trip in December 2009, a remarkable 126 years after its first journey. While they may have officially taken the Orient Express off the timetables, you can still ride its original route – all of which is included in a Eurail Global Pass .

4. Venice Simplon Orient Express 

Venice Simplon Orient Express; Adrian Scottow/Flickr

Where It Goes: London, England to Paris, France to Venice, Italy

How Long It Takes: Two days from London to Venice

Today, when most people talk about riding the Orient Express, they’re actually referring to the Venice Simplon Orient Expres s . This is a gorgeous privately-run set of immaculately restored train cars that run from London and Paris to Venice, Italy, and it is only related to the real Orient Express in name. Still, this luxurious adventure gives well-heeled riders a good glimpse of what train travel on the Orient Express would have been like in its heyday with its top-of-the-line retro interiors and frills-filled service.

5. Trans-Siberian Railway

Trans-Siberian Railway; Bernt Rostad/Flickr

Where It Goes: Moscow, Russia to Vladivostok, Russia   

How Long It Takes: Seven days

The Trans-Siberian Railway is another historically famous railroad that should be on your bucket list. It’s also the world’s longest continuous railway, clocking in at 5,772 miles from Moscow to Vladivostok — that’s about a third of the way around the world. Along the way, you’ll pass through eight times zones and have plenty of time to see the beautiful Russian countryside passing by the windows or sample food from the stalls set up on station platforms. Staying in the platzkart, a bunk-style sleeper set up with a dormitory vibe, gives you the most opportunity to interact with fellow passengers (though it has the least privacy). Or, you can opt for the private sleepers. Since mostly Russians ride this train, it’s also a great opportunity to join in on some local games and social drinks. However, if the idea of seven straight days on a train seems like it might make you go stir crazy, check out Vacations By Rail ’s Golden Eagle tour package for the Trans-Siberian Express, which stretches your journey to 14 days with on-the-ground activities and overnights at stops along the way.

Travel Tip: For a more scenic alternative, switch at Ulan Ude for the Trans-Mongolian Railway. This route follows an ancient route for tea exports, connecting Russia with China and ending in Beijing. Watch as you pass through beautiful, sometimes desolate, landscapes like the Gobi Desert.

6. Shanghai Maglev Train

Shanghai Maglev Train; Tom Page/Flickr

Where It Goes: Shanghai Pudong International Airport to the city center

How Long It Takes: 18 minutes

If you’re looking for a quick lift from the airport, there’s nothing faster than the Shanghai Maglev Train. Its 18-minute start-to-finish route is definitely the shortest trip on the list. It’s also the fastest operating train in the world, reaching up to 267 miles per hour as it shuttles passengers between the Shanghai Pudong International Airport and the city center. While the thought of getting on a train after a long-haul flight may seem draining, don’t worry — it’ll go by in a flash.

7. Glacier Express

Glacier Express; Cruise Express via Roderick Eime/Flickr

Where It Goes: St. Moritz and Zermatt in the Swiss Alps

How Long It Takes: Seven and a half hours

This gorgeous train ride is a favorite among many, as it’s arguably the best way to experience the Swiss Alps. It’s much more about the journey than the destination, plus it gives new meaning to the term slow travel, taking over seven hours to pass just 180 miles. But it’s one of the most scenic train journeys out there, so the slow pace is welcomed. Be prepared to ride on 291 bridges, through 91 tunnels, over mountainous curves, and into narrow passageways. Trains depart once daily and run year-round. Since the landscape can change with the seasons, this is one trip worth revisiting at different times of the year. The entirety of this route is covered with the Eurail Global Pass as well as the One Country Pass (as long as it’s for Switzerland), though you’ll need to pay extra for seat reservations.

8. Indian Pacific Train

Indian Pacific Train; Simon Yeo/Flickr

Where It Goes: Sydney to Perth, Australia  

How Long It Takes: Three days

If you’ve ever wanted to travel in comfort through the Australian outback, this train is your ticket. It’s bucket-list worthy for a few reasons. One: You’re essentially riding from the Indian Ocean to the Pacific Ocean. Two: Once you’re done, you’ve officially crossed an entire continent by train. And three: It gives you access to Australia’s hauntingly barren, but beautiful, outback — from the comfort of an air-conditioned coach. Departing from Sydney, you’ll be able to cozy up with a cuppa in your private sleeper car for three days while traveling the 2,698 miles to Perth (with four short stops). Along the way, you can peek out the windows and try to spot emus, koalas, and kangaroos; soak in the vast landscape of the Nullarbor Plain (which is also home to the longest stretch of straight railroad tracks — 297 miles — in the world); and even stretch your legs at the Kalgoorlie stop (part of Australia’s gold rush Golden Mile).

9. Maharajas’ Express

Maharajas’ Express; Simon Pielow/Flickr

Where It Goes: Various routes throughout India

How Long It Takes: Depends on route

India has the world’s third-largest passenger rail system, and rocking on the rails through this lively, diverse country should definitely be on your bucket list. While there are several local options for traveling by train through India , you’ll find a more comfortable (and likely safer) ride on one of the luxury tourist trains. The Maharajas’ Express is a truly decadent experience that comes with personal butler service, welcome flowers and gifts at each stop, beautiful decor, and of course, a heft price tag (though there are four different ticket class options). However, ticket prices include your choice of an excursion at each stop, all food and drinks, and access to an onboard doctor who also travels with the group on excursions. This is a once-in-a-lifetime train trip that works great as a honeymoon option, too.

10. Reunification Express

Reunification Express; plusgood/Flickr

Where It Goes: Hanoi to Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam

The Reunification Express is a nickname given to the railway that connects Hanoi with Ho Chi Minh City (locally referred to as Saigon). The original French-built rail line was cut in 1954, in the separation of north and south, but it was rebuilt, reunifying the country in 1973. Flights are a faster way to fly between these two popular cities, but those who take the train are rewarded with views through lush jungle landscapes, rice paddies, small countryside towns, and even bustling local areas. The train’s 1,072-mile run is a true window into Vietnam — a glimpse you won’t otherwise see by flying in. The train makes 10 stops and you can hop on and off as you please, but you’ll need a separate ticket for each journey. Popular tourist stops include Hue, Da Nang, and Nha Trang. Sleeper cars fit four people, and it’s common to share with other travelers or some locals.

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Top 10 most incredible train journeys in the world

Monday newsletters  always feature  top 10 travel lists  to inspire.

Today: Top 10 greatest train rides in the world.

The lure of rail travel has always had a romantic and adventurous air. In addition, train travel represents one of the most laidback ways of getting around, allowing you to sit back, relax, and enjoy the view. Some train rides are so spectacular – traversing the world’s most scenic destinations along snow-capped peaks or through orange-hued deserts – that they represent epic destinations in their own. Here’s my selection of the 10 most amazing train rides in the world.

There is more information below the slideshow. Think I missed one? Share your favorite train journey in the comments section , or take my  poll  below!

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10. DENALI STAR, ALASKA, USA

The Denali Star, the Alaska Railroad’s flagship train, links Anchorage to Fairbanks with stops in Wasilla, Talkeetna and Denali Park. On this route, sparkling salmon streams and stands of birch and spruce come into view, while carpets of fireweed add dramatic purple to the landscape. Like the name implies, Denali National Park – one of the  most spectacular National Parks in the USA  – is really the star attraction of the Alaska Railroad’s Denali Star Route. You might get lucky and see a bear, moose or caribou. And look out for what native Alaskans call ‘The Great One’: the 20,156 feet (6,144 m) tall Mt. McKinley, the highest mountain peak in North America.

• Official website : Denali Star

9. TRANZALPINE, NEW ZEALAND

The TranzAlpine train operates daily between Christchurch, Arthurs Pass and Greymouth – from the east coast to the west coast of New Zealand’s South Island. After departing Christchurch , the train crosses the fertile farmlands of the Canterbury plains and you can enjoy thrilling vistas over deep gorges as you travel along the ice-fed Waimakariri River. Then it traverses the mighty Southern Alps, where spectacular views of the chiseled alpine landscape will take your breath away at every turn. Finally, after a day long journey, the train arrives at Greymouth at the West Coast, a great base for visits to Punakaiki and the always popular glaciers at Franz Josef and Fox Glacier.

• Official website : TranzAlpine

8. ROVOS RAIL, SOUTH AFRICA

Rovos Rail – which promotes itself as the world’s most luxurious train – combines the best of a luxury hotel and the irresistible allure of leisure train travel as it traverses South Africa’s breath-taking scenery. The route covers the 1600 km (994 miles) between Cape Town and Pretoria in 3 days and two nights, with two stops on the way: the fashionable old town of Matjiesfontein in the Karoo and the historic diamond-mining town of Kimberley on the journey back. With discreet and friendly service, five-star cuisine and a selection of South Africa’s finest wines, Rovos Rail harks back to a simpler, more elegant era encompassing the timeless grace and high romance of African exploration.

• Official website : Rovos Rail
• Review : read my review of Rovos Rail here .

7. BELMOND HIRAM BINGHAM, PERU

In less than four hours, this elegant train completes the spectacular journey between the city of Cusco and Machu Picchu, the sacred Inca city high in the Andes mountains. Named after the US explorer who re-discovered Machu Picchu in 1911, Hiram Bingham’s striking blue and gold livery stands out against Peru’s verdant landscapes. Hosting up to 84 guests, the train’s carriages include two dining wagon, a bar wagon, and an open view scenery wagon to soak in the views. Decorated in the style of 1920s Pullman carriages, each train car has been furnished in polished wood and brass with large comfortable armchairs. The train is managed by Belmond , one of the  world’s most luxurious hotel brands .

• Official website : Belmond Hiram Bingham

6. GLACIER EXPRESS, SWITZERLAND

Switzerland is renowned for the quality and punctuality of its trains, and the Glacier Express is the showpiece of its railway system. The train, which travels from Zermatt to Davos or St. Moritz, is also referred to as the ‘slowest express train in the world’: the journey takes about 8 hours. There is a good reason for this slow pace: the train squeezes its way through untouched mountain landscapes, glamorous ski resorts, narrow valleys, tight curves, 91 tunnels, and across 291 bridges. The Glacier Express’ new Excellence Class sets standards that are as high as the mountain peaks along the legendary route. During the journey, guests taken care of by a concierge, be it with culinary delights, answers to personal concerns, and information about nature, culture and people along the journey.

• Official website : Glacier Express

5. THE GHAN, AUSTRALIA

Prepare for a holiday of unimaginable proportions as the legendary Ghan takes you deep into the heart of Australia. Run by The Great Southern Rail, the Ghan takes two nights and three days to make the journey from Adelaide in South Australia to Darwin in the Top End of the Northern Territory. The journey of 1,851 miles (2978 km) goes through the center of Australia and the vastness of the Outback. The distance covered alone is breathtaking, and the colours and desert terrain are life-changing. The train stops for four hours in both Alice Springs and Katherine, allowing for leg-stretching and some sightseeing. Onboard you will find sumptuous dining, elegant private cabins, attentive service, and the camaraderie of your fellow travellers.

• Official website : The Ghan

4. ROCKY MOUNTAINEER, CANADA

This two-day rail journey takes you from the mountain resort town of Banff in Alberta via the majestic Canadian Rockies to the cosmopolitan city of Vancouver, one of the world’s greatest cities . The passing scenery is nothing less than pristine wilderness: black lava cliffs and canyons, glacial lakes, turbulent rivers, bighorn sheep, and maybe even a black or grizzly bear. Onboard, with the Rocky Mountaineer’s GoldLeaf Service, travelers can indulge their senses with gourmet meals prepared by executive chefs, and expansive views through the panoramic windows of a bi-level glass dome coach to the Canadian Rockies. From entertaining you with stories about passing landmarks to topping up your glass of wine and calling out wildlife sightings, you can rest assured that everything will be taken care of.

• Official website : Rocky Mountaineer

3. QINGHAI-TIBET RAILWAY, CHINA

Covering a distance of 1,215 miles (1,956 kilometers), this is the world’s highest railway, connecting Xining, capital of Qinghai Province, and Lhasa, capital of Tibet. More than 50% the journey is situated at 13,000 feet (4,000 meters) above sea level, hereby crossing a fragile ecosystem with permafrost and lack of oxygen. The line incorporates the Tanggula Pass which, at 16,640 feet (5,072 meters), is the highest in the world. Every train has oxygen supplies for each passenger and a doctor onboard. The vistas of mountainous landscapes, snow-clad mountains, green foothills and the exciting sights of the Tibetan folklore guarantee a lifetime experience.

• Official website : Qinghai-Tibet Railway

2. VENICE SIMPLON ORIENT EXPRESS, EUROPE

A work of art in itself and a true Art Deco icon, the legendary Venice Simplon-Orient-Express train offers one of the most celebrated and romantic journeys in the world, from Paris or London to Venice or Istanbul. The journey crisscrosses Europe, rolling through sublime scenery to some of the old continent’s most alluring cities.  Belmond , which also manages the Hiram Bingham in Peru (cf. above), guarantees an unforgettable journey. Delightful vintage cabins, gastronomic cuisine and lively onboard entertainment make a journey on this luxury train one of the world’s finest travel experiences.

• Official website : Venice Simplon Orient Express

1. GOLDEN EAGLE TRANS-SIBERIAN EXPRESS, RUSSIA, MONGOLIA & CHINA

The epic Trans-Siberian Railway, linking Moscow to Beijing in 15 days, is the longest continuous rail line on earth. Spanning 6 time zones, this epic journey covers 5,000 miles (9,000 km) or over one-third of the globe. It links major cities to rural towns, from the might and splendour of European Russia to the country’s mysterious Far East, hereby crossing the Urals and traversing the immense wooded expanses of Siberia. You will hop off at stops en route, hereby discovering the last home of the Romanovs in Yekaterinburg, hiking to Lake Baikal, camping out in a traditional Ger in Mongolia, and exploring the Mongoliab capital city of Ulaan Baatar. The Golden Eagle is a luxury version of the Trans-Siberian, featuring en-suite bathrooms, air-con in the summer, full heat in the winter, laundry services, TVs, a resident pianist and an English-speaking doctor.

• Official website : Golden Eagle Trans-Siberian Express 

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13 comments.

Excellent post! You’ve inspired a new trip! I’m looking into the Trans-Siberian Express. Happy New Year! 🙂

We did the Denali Star and the Tranzalpine and they were fine. And instead of the train from Cusco to Machu Picchu we took one from Urubamba to Machu Picchu instead. But we voted for the Glacier express because of the views and the fact its a dining experience!

I did part of the Trans-Siberian Railway from Irkutsk to Vladivostok!

What about the Orient Express from Singapore to Bangkok?

“Chepe” from Chihuahua to Los Mochis through Copper Canyon in Mexico is way better than the Ghan or Rovos Rail.

All the places mentioned in the list were outside India, I am hoping to cover them sometimes. I believe India also has some amazing train journeys like Kashmir to Kanyakumari. Although I hadn’t covered that yet but heard a lot about it.

I had the pleasure of making the trip from Puno to Cuzco in Peru. It takes 12 hours to travel through the Andes, reaching altitudes of 4,000 meters. It is not as luxurious as the one in Venice, despite being from the same company (Belmond), but it passes through the desert, through the mountains, by the lakes, through small towns, and the service is complete: breakfast, lunch, shows, classes on drinks and a lot of Latin American culture. I thought it was better than the Cuzco-Machu Pichu train. Congrats for this incredible list!!!

I love your videos and this article was interesting. However, as the earth has a circumference of 25k miles, 5 k is one FIFTH, not one third. You pulled a Columbus.

Wow! This is amazing and I enjoy reading your article. I need to take a train, I don’t have the foggiest idea where, anyplace better than here. Thanks for the post.

Maybe it offers a little less luxury than the ones you list, but the Darjeeling Himalayan Railway passes through the most amazing scenery.

And how could I forget Scotland’s West Highland Line?

Excellent ! But one certainly cannot ignore the famous Palace on Wheels, Blue mountain Train , Darjeeling Toy train, Colombo – Kandy express etc…ICE and TGV don’t find any mention here and so are the fastest bullet trains of Japan…

We rode the Rovos Rail from Pretoria to Capetown, This is a two night excursion. The train & staff are beautiful. The food was ok. The biggest issue with this train is the SA rail system. Its a big mess. 16 hours after leaving Pretoria, we moved 78 miles, knowing our journey is 1000 miles. Many side stops were cancelled which made a poor trip. I wouldn’t do it again.

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The Best Train Trips to Take Across America

Explore the U.S. by train on these scenic train trips.

Since 1971, Travel + Leisure editors have followed one mission: to inform, inspire, and guide travelers to have deeper, more meaningful experiences. T+L's editors have traveled to countries all over the world, having flown, sailed, road tripped, and taken the train countless miles. They've visited small towns and big cities, hidden gems and popular destinations, beaches and mountains, and everything in between. With a breadth of knowledge about destinations around the globe, air travel, cruises, hotels, food and drinks, outdoor adventure, and more, they are able to take their real-world experience and provide readers with tried-and-tested trip ideas, in-depth intel, and inspiration at every point of a journey.

There's a romance to train travel — the leisurely pace of a rail trip compared to the hustle of an airport or a crowded highway encourages you to relax. There are the historic train stations and roomy seats, plus the chance to get up and walk around, visit the dining car, or just sit and take in the scenery passing by .

There are many train journeys you can take across the United States, with stops in exciting cities, historic landmarks, and national parks along the way. From Napa Valley to New England, here are 10 of the best train travel routes in the country.

Note that some of these routes have changed due to travel restrictions related to the ongoing pandemic . Other operators listed have postponed trips, so be sure to check availability before you plan your trip.

The Napa Valley Wine Train

The Napa Valley Wine Train takes riders through the picturesque wine country northeast of the Bay Area. The route follows a rail line originally built in 1864. Visitors take a three-hour, 36-mile round-trip journey from downtown Napa to picturesque St. Helena and back. After boarding the train at the McKinstry Street Station, travel through the old industrial section of Napa, then continue through the scenic vineyards of Northern California. On some routes, you can even hop on and off the train along the way — and don't forget to plan an overnight stay at one of the incredible hotels in Napa Valley .

The Pacific Surfliner

Travel along the ocean on this Amtrak train that travels 351 miles through southern California. Start in San Diego and head north, stopping along the way in quaint ocean towns like Carpinteria, San Juan Capistrano, and Ventura. Be sure to leave some time to explore Santa Barbara , or head all the way to the end of the line at San Luis Obispo before looping back.

The Coast Starlight

Ride up the West Coast on Amtrak's Coast Starlight , which goes all the way from Los Angeles to Seattle, passing through Santa Barbara, the San Francisco Bay Area, Sacramento, and Portland. The scenery along the way includes snow-covered peaks of the Cascade Range and Mount Shasta, forests and valleys, and long stretches of Pacific Ocean shoreline.

The Grand Canyon Railway

The Grand Canyon Railway , which dates back to 1901, offers riders a lesson in history from the Wild West and the opportunity to see the beautiful scenery in this iconic region. Kick back in the restored cars and listen to crews' incredible stories the crew as you ride the railway to the South Rim in a 65-mile trip across the high desert plateau.

Amtrak Cascades

Cross over the United States' northern border on Amtrak Cascades , stretching from Vancouver, Canada to Eugene, Oregon, passing through Portland and Seattle along the way. Stop in cities for day trips or overnight stays, and then hop back on a train to pass by Mount St. Helens and cross the Columbia River Gorge.

The White Pass Yukon Route

Ride this historic railway across the Yukon on this train trip that travels from Alaska into Canada. The 67.5-mile trip takes you between Skagway, Alaska, and Carcross, Canada, along the same route that the Klondike stampeders traveled more than 100 years ago. Stop along the way to tour the historic Bennett Station and museum.

The Rocky Mountaineer

The Rocky Mountaineer, which once only served Canada, bringing passengers from east to west with an exceptional display of scenery, now offers a U.S. route: Rockies to Red Rocks . The train steams through the American Southwest, traveling from Denver to Moab, Utah, with a stop in Glenwood Springs, Colorado. The train runs from April to November.

The Maple Leaf Train

Take a train trip that starts at Niagara Falls and ends in New York City on Amtrak's Maple Leaf train . Along the way, you'll travel through the scenic Hudson River Valley, New York's wine country, and the gorges of the Finger Lakes region. While at Niagara Falls, stop for a cruise on The Hornblower to the rushing falls or take a Journey Behind the Falls tour, which brings you 150 feet below ground to tunnels that lead to observation spots at the foot of the Falls.

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18 of the world’s best rail journeys

Some of the world’s wildest and most beautiful scenery is best enjoyed from a train window. From Lhasa to Lima, we choose brilliant and great value routes Top rail trips from the Man in Seat 61

London to Fort William

Duration: 419 miles/13hr Price (single): From £45 The Caledonian Sleeper, one of Britain’s last sleeper services (the other is the Night Riviera to Penzance), is getting a £100m upgrade. The new trains will have double beds, en suites, Highland food and Arran toiletries. They’ll run first on the Lowland route from London to Edinburgh/Glasgow in October, then join the Highland route to Fort William next year. The Highland service, called the Deerstalker, is one of the best train journeys in Britain. After Glasgow, it goes past Loch Treig to the foot of Ben Nevis. From Fort William, the line continues to Mallaig, across the Glenfinnan viaduct – of Harry Potter fame – for ferries to Skye. newtrains.sleeper.scot

Bilbao to Ferrol, Spain

Duration: 267 miles/12½hr Price: From £52 The narrow-gauge Feve line along Spain’s north coast is used mainly by locals and is perfect slow travel. Spend a week or more (a 30-day pass is €88.90), hopping on and off at medieval towns, fishing villages and beaches. The route skirts the coast and twists inland through green valleys. Inntravel has a new one-week self-guided trip by train from Cudillero to Ribadesella (from £595, inntravel.co.uk ). renfe.com

Trondheim to Bodø, Norway

Duration: 453 miles/10hr Price: From £18 The Nordlandsbanen Railway is the longest in Norway, and the only one in the country to cross the Arctic Circle. From Trondheim, it passes farms, forests, mountains, rivers and fjords before reaching Bodø, for ferries to the Lofoten islands. A monument in the Saltfjellet mountains marks the Arctic Circle. From here, passengers can see the midnight sun in summer and, with luck, the northern lights in winter – there is a sleeper as well as two daytime trains. There are nearly 30 stations en route, and the line is included in the Norway Interrail pass (from £155, interrail.eu ). nsb.no

Naples to Palermo, Italy

Duration: 196 miles/9hr Price: £11 There is no need to fly to Sicily. There are direct rail services from Milan (overnight sleeper), Rome and Naples (day and night), with the trains shunted on to a ferry at Villa san Giovanni in Calabria to cross the Messina Strait. These are some of Europe’s few remaining passenger ferry trains. The Naples train skirts Vesuvius, then largely hugs the coastline all the way to the toe of Italy. Pack a picnic, as there is no catering on board. Once in Sicily, the train divides into two, one heading south past Etna on the way to Catania and Siracusa, the other going west to Palermo, the capital. trenitalia.com

Bastia to Ajaccio, Corsica

Duration: 98 miles/3½ hours Price: £19 Corsica has 144 miles of narrow-gauge track, built through mountains over 22 years in the late 19th century. That enterprise, which took an incredible 22 years, has resulted in one of Europe’s most dramatic railways, with 32 tunnels and 52 bridges and viaducts, including one, the Pont du Vecchio, designed by Gustav Eiffel. The most spectacular stretch is between Corte and Bocognano, following the Gravona valley through gorges and past the spectacular 70-metre Bride’s Veil waterfall. Another line, from Ponte-Leccia to Calvi, hugs the north-west coast from L’Ile-Rousse. New flights started on 3 May from Stansted to Ajaccio, Bastia and Figura (from £98, aircorsica.com ). cf-corse.corsica

Mostar to Sarajevo, Bosnia

Duration: 73 miles/2hr Price: £5 Last summer, after two years of rebuilding, the line between Mostar and Sarajevo reopened with air-conditioned trains. This is a great train bargain, with rugged scenery, especially along the Neretva river. While the road sticks to the valley, the train climbs over the mountains, with viaducts, switchbacks and tunnels. From Sarajevo, there used to be a direct train to Zagreb, in Croatia. Negotiations between the two countries continue – check seat61.com for updates. zfbh.ba

Johannesburg to Cape Town, South Africa

Duration: 951 miles/26hr Price: £40 in a sleeper The Blue Train from Pretoria to Cape Town is one of the world’s most luxurious, with prices to match: from £895pp. But there are two non-luxury alternatives on the same route, starting in Johannesburg rather than Pretoria. The Shosholoza Meyl train is the cheapest, but still has sleeping cars and a restaurant. The Premier Classe train (from £189) has private sleepers, all meals included and a lounge-bar car. Passengers see exactly the same views of the Karoo desert, Hex river pass, Cape wine region and Table Mountain, but at a fraction of the cost. shosholozameyl.co.za ; southafricanrailways.co.za

Addis Ababa to Djibouti City, East Africa

Duration: 452 miles/13hr Price: From £26 For a real adventure, try the new line between Ethiopia and Djibouti, which opened last January with new trains and stations, replacing old tracks that shut in 2010. Trains call at Adama in the Rift Valley; cross the Awash river canyon over a 60-metre-high, 155-metre-long bridge; stop off at Ethiopia’s second city, colourful Dire Dawa; then finish at coastal Djibouti City. Tickets have to be booked in person at the station 24 hours in advance, and travellers should allow about 45 minutes for bag checks and immigration controls (you can’t board the train without a Djibouti visa). Ethiopia is planning other cross-border lines, to Kenya, Sudan and South Sudan, by 2020.

Kapiri Mposhi to Dar es Salaam, Zambia/Tanzania

Duration: 1,156 miles/46hr Price: From £17 The Tazara train is a great way to go on safari on a tiny budget. The route goes though Selous game reserve, one of the biggest in the world, for the chance to spot elephants, rhinos, hippos, lions, giraffes, zebras and more. That’s transport, two nights’ accommodation and wildlife viewing for under £20! By comparison, the luxury Rovos Rail tour follows the same route from Dar es Salaam before continuing to Angola or Cape Town, from £9,000 for 15 days. tazarasite.com

Los Mochis to Chihuahua, Mexico

Duration: 406 miles/16hr Price: £53 If this route, with its 86 tunnels and 37 bridges, doesn’t give you a reason to look out the window we’re not sure what will. The train rides through the canyons of the Sierra Tarahumara as it runs from the coast to the city of Chihuahua. It’s the perfect route for a cross-country adventure – passengers can make up to three different overnight stops at no extra cost. chepe.com.mx

Sudbury to White River, Canada

Duration: 298 miles/9hr Price: From £36 The epic, two-night Churchill to Winnipeg route – offering passengers the chance to spot everything from polar bears to the northern lights – is currently suspended after flooding damaged track and bridges. However, there are plenty of other Canadian rail adventures, such as this ride, informally called the Budd Car, that links many remote settlements in northern Ontario that are only accessible by rail. The wilderness route goes through rich forests and past shimmering, crystal-clear rivers, all of which travellers can gaze at in comfort through the train’s large windows. The train runs three times a week, and is particularly popular in October for the fall colours. viarail.ca/en

Anchorage to Fairbanks, Alaska

Duration: 356 miles/12hr Price: From £137 The Denali Star is the Alaska Railroad’s flagship train, winding past rivers, canyons and mountains; highlights include the view from the Hurricane Gulch bridge (pictured), and, on a clear day, the sight of Denali, North America’s highest mountain. The journey can be spread over a few days, with nights in Anchorage and the national park (£600 for five nights). The trains runs daily from 16 May to 16 September, and on winter weekends and selected weekdays. alaskarailroad.com

Lima to Huancayo, Peru

Duration: 206 miles/12hr Price: From £87 Most travellers to Peru will take the tourist train from Cusco to Machu Picchu. It’s a fun ride (albeit a busy one) but for a more unusual experience, try the journey from Lima to Huancayo, the charming capital of the central highlands. The second-highest passenger railway journey in the world, it reaches a height of 4,782 metres as it rolls through the Andes. Before planning a trip, however, note that the train only runs once or twice a month; check the website for timetables. ferrocarrilcentral.com.pe

ASIA Mettupalayam to Udagamandalam, India

Duration: 29 miles/5hr Price: About 30p The Nilgiri Mountain Railway to Udagamandalam (or Ooty) hill station is India’s only rack and pinion railway, part of the Unesco-listed Mountain Railways of India. Its blue-and-cream trains ply the steepest track in Asia. The uphill leg takes about five hours, but it’s just three-and-a-half back down. It runs past ravines, tea plantations and forested hills; the train crosses 250 bridges and passes through 16 tunnels. This year, steam trains have been reintroduced, though priced for tourists (weekends to 24 June, from £8.60). Book well in advance. irctc.co.in

Colombo to Jaffna, Sri Lanka

Duration: 190 miles/6¾hr Price: About £3.50 For decades northern Sri Lanka was virtually cut off by the civil war, and second city Jaffna lost population and prestige. But the line from the capital reopened in 2013, and now foreigners and Sri Lankans alike are exploring the city and its fascinating Tamil culture. Intercity trains are supposed to take less than seven hours, though delays are frequent. Reservable first- and second-class tickets go on sale 30 days in advance, but there’s no online booking: visitors need to use an agency such as visitsrilankatours.co.uk . Book well in advance to snaffle a seat in an observation car (selected trains only) with large windows for watching the scenery change from lush to dry, dotted with bright-striped Hindu temples.

Xining to Lhasa, China/Tibet

Duration: 1,225 miles/21hr Price: From £55 The Qinghai-Tibet Railway is the highest in the world, climbing to a breathtaking 5,231 metres at the Tanggula Pass. There are direct long-distance trains to Lhasa from several major Chinese cities, including Beijing and Shanghai, but it is advisable not to go straight there but to spend a couple of days acclimatising to the altitude in Xining (2,300 metres) along the way. (The train carriages do have oxygen pumped into them, though, and extra oxygen tubes for passengers.) Foreign nationals need a permit to enter Tibet – this is best arranged through an authorised travel agency. The scenery of the Tibetan plateau is breathtaking: arid steppe crisscrossed by frozen rivers, with a backdrop of snow-covered peaks. There are plans to extend the line to the subtropical town of Zhangmu on the Nepal border by 2020.

Poipet to Sisophon, Cambodia

Duration: 30 miles/1¼hr Price: Free (to 31 July) From 2009, there were no passenger trains in Cambodia. Then, in 2016, the southern line from the capital, Phnom Penh, to Sihanoukville in the south reopened. Last month, part of the northern line reopened, too, for the first time in 45 years. So far, there is just a short section in operation, from Poipet, on the Thai border, to Sisophon, Cambodia’s fourth city, but it will be extended south to popular Battambang at the end of the month, then on to Pursat and Phnom Penh (209 miles in total). Best of all, travel on the line is completely free until the end of July. A new route is also being planned between Phnom Penh and Vietnam’s Ho Chi Minh City. When both lines are completed, it will open up train travel between Thailand, Cambodia and Vietnam.

Belgrave to Gembrook, Victoria

Duration: 15 miles/2hr Price: £28 Australia has mammoth train journeys, such as the 2,698-mile Indian Pacific from Sydney to Perth and the Ghan from Adelaide to Darwin. Puffing Billy is not like those: the century-old steam train chugs through the Dandenong Ranges near Melbourne. After the historic Monbulk Creek trestle bridge, it enters a ferny forest that’s home to echidnas and koalas. It is good for families, and a lot more manageable than a cross-country epic. puffingbilly.com.au

Browse The Guardian’s selection of some of the world’s best rail journeys on the Guardian Holidays website

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The best train trips in the world: 2023 Readers’ Choice Awards

By Todd Plummer

Ah, the allure of train trips . Adventurers and the eco-conscious are drawn to this glamorous, old-world mode of exploration for the impeccable slow-travel vibes, but there’s also something to be said about the perspective found onboard a train; you’re experiencing the landscape and scenery in a way that you can’t experience in any other mode of travel. A train trip often brings you where everyday roads cannot, whether it’s through untouched Malaysian jungles on the revamped Belmond Eastern and Oriental itineraries relaunching in 2024, or high into the Canadian Rockies with Rocky Mountaineer. For our annual Readers’ Choice Awards – which capture the travel experiences our readers love best, from hotels and airlines to cruises , islands , and luggage – we called on all of you to rank the best of the best rail journeys out there. Here, dear readers, is how the dice fell.

20. Inca Rail, South America

If you’re interested in taking a train to Machu Picchu (and unless you’re a mountain goat, we suggest you do), Inca Rail offers a level of convenience that is difficult to match – and it’s also worth mentioning that the first class service is priced more accessibly than other luxury operators servicing the same route. While on board, you can expect a tasty menu prepared with organic ingredients grown right in the Sacred Valley, live Peruvian music, ample windows through which you can admire the staggering Andean scenery, and a spacious Observatory Lounge complete with an open-air balcony. For fresh and frothy Pisco sours this good, this is one train that’s well worth the price of admission.

19. Transcantabrico Gran Lujo, Spain

Take in all the sights and flavours of Spain ’s iconic northern coastline on this luxurious sleeper train which, over the course of a week, makes its way between San Sebastián and Santiago de Compostela. You’ll enjoy onboard cuisine that celebrates each of the distinct regions through which this train passes, from Galicia to Basque Country. A unique aspect of this train is that it remains stationary overnight, allowing for late-night excursions and explorations that are uncommon on other sleeper train experiences.

18. Glacier Express, Switzerland

It’s been said that the Glacier Express is the slowest express in the world – it takes eight hours to traverse the 180-mile journey – but boy, do the views here invite a slow journey. Connecting the resort towns of Zermatt and Saint Moritz, the train provides an up-close perspective of some of this mountainous country’s most iconic natural features, including the Matterhorn, Piz Bernina, and the Rhine Gorge (dubbed Switzerland ’s Grand Canyon). Book into Excellence Class, and you’ll be served Champagne at your seat, followed by a six-course meal complete with wine pairings.

17. The Canadian, Canada

Take in every mile of the vast Canadian landscape from The Canadian , a special sleeper service offered by VIA Rail, the country’s national rail carrier. Keep in mind that this train is more about sightseeing from the cars than actually getting off and doing anything. But if you’re travelling in the comfort of Prestige Class –with your own private cabin, private washroom and built-in TV screen monitor with video selection – you’ll be perfectly content to take in the journey from the privacy of your very own picture window.

16. The Ghan, Australia

Completed in 1929, The Ghan runs through the heart of the Australian continent, from Adelaide in the south to Darwin in the north. It may have only started running its current route in 2004, but its history dates to the 19th century, its name harkening to the Afghan camel trainers and riders who first helped chart a course through the country’s interior. The three-day all-inclusive journey sees the train lilting its way through Australia’s Red Centre with diverse landscapes passing by. Travel through the expansive ridges of the MacDonnell Ranges, witness the awe-inspiring beauty of Simpsons Gap, and visit the opal town of Coober Pedy.

15. JR Kyushu 36+3, Japan

This train’s unusual name derives from Kyushu being the 36th-largest island in the world, and there being three key stakeholders on this journey: the passengers, the local community, and the rail company, JR Kyushu. It isn’t a sleeper train, instead offering a series of weeklong roster of one-day itineraries around the perimeter of Kyushu – a do one, do them all, or do as many as you like situation – but the journey is no less enriching for it. The inside feels like a ryokan, featuring immaculate woodwork made from local techniques, comfortable furniture, and a mix of private and communal spaces. It’s a gorgeous way to get off the beaten track on this gorgeous Japanese island, packing in a number of stops and towns into a single day of productive – yet comfortable – sightseeing.

14. Eastern & Oriental Express, A Belmond Train, Southeast Asia

Snaking its way between Singapore and Bangkok , the “ E&O ” is the stuff of train enthusiasts’ legends. Classical design lovers will love the polished wood-panelled corridors trimmed with silk, the old-world dining room replete with polished silver and white-linen covered tables, and the Bar Car, reminiscent of 1920s jazz clubs. Indeed, a ride on the E&O is something out of a bygone era of glamorous travel. Order a Singapore Sling at the bar, take it to the outdoor viewing platform as the Malaysian jungle rolls on by, and you just might forget what year we’re living in. (The E&O is still on a pandemic-era pause, unfortunately, but it is expected to be returning to service in 2024.)

13. Northern Belle, Europe

It’s all about the food – and the scenery, too, but mostly about the food – onboard this lovingly restored 1930s train , which zig-zags its way across the English, Scottish and Welsh countryside. Each of the journeys on offer are day trips, so they require less of a time (and money) commitment than other luxury trains. But what the Northern Belle lacks in length, she more than makes up for in quality: The meal services are exquisite, offering fine dining crafted mostly from UK suppliers, so you can enjoy classic British fare as the heaths, meadows, and dales roll on by.

Sarah James

CNT Editors

Olivia Morelli

12. The Maharajas' Express, India

There are luxury sleeper trains, and then there are luxury sleeper trains like the Maharaja’s Express , where a greeting of marigold garlands and rose petals showered at your feet kicks off the journey before your personal butler escorts you to your room. The Junior Suite rooms are surprisingly spacious, especially by train travel standards, and come with full-sized closets, comfortable beds, private bathrooms, and satellite TVs. Both of the onboard watering holes – the Safari Bar and the Raja Club – have plenty of chairs, comfy sofas, books and board games. Each day of the itinerary includes special opportunities to experience India through the train’s luxurious and singular perspective: like an early-morning champagne breakfast on a private hillside overlooking the Taj Mahal.

11. Royal Scotsman, A Belmond Train, Scotland

It’s about the journey, not the destination, right? Nowhere is train travel more indulgent – or convenient! – than on Belmond’s Royal Scotsman , which departs from and arrives at Edinburgh ’s Waverley Station. With only 40 guests onboard, the train circumnavigates the heart of the Scottish Highlands , passing such landmarks as the Kyle of Lochalsh and Cairngorms National Park. There’s even a dedicated spa carriage, where the specialists are trained to synchronise their motions with the natural lilts and tilts of the train. If that’s not luxury, we’re not sure what is.

10. Belmond Hiram Bingham, A Belmond Train, South America

Named after the US explorer who supposedly “discovered” Machu Picchu in 1911, the Belmond Hiram Bingham train line is as grand as the man’s claims. The round-trip journey connects the city of Poroy (just west of Cusco) to the Lost City and Sacred Valley of Machu Picchu. The Belmond Hiram Bingham turns on the turn-of-the-20th-century charm, from gleaming polished wood and brass surfaces to lavish meals and accommodations, which offer plenty of space to stretch out: the perfect setting for viewing the mountains and rivers zooming past the window.

9. Golden Chariot, India

Experience a mix of Southern India’s greatest hits and lesser-explored destinations on board the iconic purple and gold Golden Chariot , which connects the Indian states of Karnataka, Goa, Kerala, Tamil Nadu and Pondicherry. All itineraries depart from Bengaluru, with options for both three-night and six-night journeys. This train’s strength is its access to off-beat attractions than what you’ll find on the well-worn Golden Triangle, such as the ruins of Hampi. With sparse crowds and a comfortable train to retreat to at the end of each day, it’s an approach to India that captures all the magic this country has to offer.

8. Golden Eagle Danube Express, Europe

A pioneer in luxury trains for three decades, Golden Eagle is perhaps best known for its Silk Road and Trans-Siberian routes, but the Danube Express unlocks an approach to Southern and Eastern Europe which is no less breathtaking and engaging. The “Castles of Transylvania” route from Istanbul to Budapest is particularly unique – spend all day learning about Vlad the Impaler’s history through guided tours, then spend all night luxuriating in the comfort of the bar car or in the privacy of your room. It’s a combination of Europe’s best cities and most dramatic natural landscapes that are hard to experience in one go any other way.

7. Rocky Mountaineer, North America

Travelling in a coach outfitted with picture windows and glass-dome ceilings means that a Rocky Mountaineer journey leaves no sight unseen as you traverse the dramatic scenery between Vancouver , British Columbia and Banff or Jasper, Alberta. Sample local Canadian beer, wine and snacks as you kick back and enjoy the ride. The staff’s friendly service and animated storytelling help bring the landscape to life. It’s personal touches like those which keep travellers coming away from this trip amply satisfied time and time again. Since it was founded in 1990, Rocky Mountaineer has transported more than two million guests, making it the largest privately-owned premium tourist train in the world.

6. Rovos Rail, Africa

This extravagant railway has been travelling throughout Africa for over thirty years. The experiences start before you even board – when departing from Pretoria, Rovos Rail travellers are granted exclusive access to a private lounge, where Champagne and canapés greet them – and a strict “no cellphone” rule is maintained for your own good. Enjoy the moment(s) provided by this line, which range from cosy digs to formal-attired evenings, as well as full-sized, freestanding clawfoot tubs in the grandest compartments. All Rovos Rail journeys include off-train cultural, historical and safari excursions so guests can experience all the wonders that Southern Africa has to offer. The three-night Cape Town journey is a classic, but if you’re feeling extra adventurous and have a few more nights to spare, opt for the newer fifteen-day “Trail of Two Oceans” itinerary, originating in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania, crossing Zambia, traversing a sliver of the Democratic Republic of Congo, and concluding in Lobito, Angola.

5. Belmond Andean Explorer, A Belmond Train, South America

Weaving through the Peruvian Andes at 14,000 feet, the Belmond Andean Explorer transports passengers between Arequipa and Cusco on one- and two-night journeys. There are just thirty-five cabins on board, each outfitted with alpaca wool blankets and handwoven fabrics for an authentic yet luxe feel. Two dining cars and two bar cars serve the whims of every guest with bites like alpaca tortellini and (of course) Champagne. The train also makes excursions to Lake Titicaca, where guests can learn about local customs, visit Incan ruins, and take in breathtaking views.

4. British Pullman, A Belmond Train, England

The British Pullman ’s experience is magical no matter where you’re seated. Once you depart London , you’ll embark on a journey through the bucolic British countryside, touring cities and towns like Cambridge, York, and Canterbury along the way. The restored carriages date back to the 1920s and 1930s, so expect Art Deco touches, polished interiors, and classically prepared multi-course meals – this is the same train line that has served British royalty and government officials for years, after all.

3. Venice Simplon-Orient-Express, Europe

Year after year, the world’s most iconic locomotive continues to be a standard-setter in luxury. Of course, the decadent interiors are a fantasy of 1920s Art Deco design, but it’s the impeccable service that keeps this train firmly ensconced in a class of its own. Bags are whisked off from the platform and magically reappear in your cabin, no glass ever runs empty, and the beds seem to make themselves anytime you step outside of your cabin. By day you can revel in the scenery of the French countryside and Swiss mountain scenes, and by night, the formal dress code feels anything but stuffy – in fact, playing dress up and making your way to the Champagne bar is, we think, one of the coolest experiences anyone could have on a train. For 2023, this over-the-top train is getting even more luxe updates, including eight new suites, two of which are original 1920s and 30s carriages carefully restored by expert French craftsmen and designers – so there’s no time like the present to book that bucket-list trip.

2. Palace on Wheels, India

India’s best-known train, the Palace on Wheels , offers a number of trips that range from a couple of days to week-long excursions. Embarking from New Delhi through the Land of Kings, trips take you through the famed Pink City of Jaipur, in Rajasthan, where guests are greeted by majestic UNESCO sites like the Amer Fort as well as 16th-century palaces. You can also visit Agra, home to the Taj Mahal and the perfect stop for a tour of some of the country's most iconic sites. Along the way, enjoy regional cuisine in well-appointed, colourful carriages decked out in Indian textiles.

1. Seven Stars in Kyushu, Japan

Train lovers consider this opulent Japanese locomotive among the most spacious and comfortable of them all. Every inch of Seven Stars' Kyushu train – from the beds to the bathroom sinks, to the woodwork, to the porcelain dinner plates – is handmade by Japanese artisans, and the service is simply exquisite, with each journey limited to a positively intimate twenty passengers; but it’s not just about the onboard experience with Seven Stars. These four-day, three-night trips travel a circuit around the island of Kyushu, making stops at the region’s best shrines, onsens, porcelain studios, and more, so you truly feel like you’re exploring an authentic side of Japan , far away from the more obvious tourist tracks.

A version of this article originally appeared on Condé Nast Traveler .

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USA TODAY 10Best

Ride on: 10 must-experience train rides in the US

Best Train Ride (2023) April 28, 2023

Sometimes the journey is just as important as the destination. Such is the case for passengers who step aboard these 10 trains – voted by our readers as the best in the United States – that offer beautiful scenery and memorable rides. 

No. 10: Saratoga Corinth and Hudson Railway - Corinth, New York

Spring, summer and fall trips through the southern Adirondack Mountains aboard this scenic railway really lean in with picnic table seating on an open-air flatbed car, with the option of coach and first class seating available as well. Fall "leaf peeping" tours are a given, but the Saratoga, Corinth and Hudson Railway also runs March "Snow Trains" and offers kids the rare opportunity to ride the rails in the locomotive along with the train engineer.

No. 9: Wilmington & Western Railroad - Wilmington, Delaware

The Wilmington & Western route was laid in the 1870s, and today, the same track hosts one of the most popular tourist railroads on the East Coast. Excursions through Delaware’s Red Clay Valley depart from Greenbank and travel through Faulkland, Wooddale, Ashland, Yorklyn and Hockessin.

No. 8: Cape Cod Central Railroad - Hyannis, Massachusetts

Peer into cranberry bogs, salt marshes and other landscapes seldom seen by Cape visitors on sightseeing and dinner excursions aboard this scenic railroad. Operating over 27 miles of track, itineraries include departures in popular towns like Hyannis and Buzzards Bay and a traversal of the iconic Cape Cod Canal. "This beautiful 2-1/2-hour train around Cape Cod is fun for families, but I personally like it as a romantic day date, especially boarding the train right before noon and enjoying a Sunday Jazz brunch in the middle of the summer," says expert Shea Peters.

No. 7: Great Smoky Mountains Railroad - Bryson City, North Carolina

The Great Smoky Mountains Railroad, based in Bryson City, North Carolina, takes passengers on a journey through valleys, inside curving tunnels and across magnificent gorges. Year-round excursions take place on steam- or diesel-powered locomotives, with diverse themes and packages to choose from.

No. 6: Georgetown Loop Railroad - Georgetown, Colorado

Completed in 1884, Colorado's historic narrow-gauge Georgetown Loop now operates a mix of diesel-electric and steam engines from Georgetown to Silver Plume. On the 75-minute round-trip route, passengers can ride in box cars with bench seating that is open in the summer or fully enclosed parlor cars during the holiday season. Optional silver mine guided walking tours during the summer take visitors deep into Leavenworth Mountain for a glimpse of working in a 19th-century mine.

No. 5: The Broadmoor Manitou and Pikes Peak Cog Railway - Manitou Springs, Colorado

The Broadmoor Manitou and Pikes Peak Cog Railway is the highest railway in America (and the world's highest cog train) reaching a height of 14,115 feet. This 9-mile journey takes passengers to the top of Pikes Peak, traveling along Ruxton Creek and through Deer Park along the way.

No. 4: Cuyahoga Valley Scenic Railroad - Peninsula, Ohio

The Cuyahoga Valley Scenic Railroad is one of the best ways to explore Cuyahoga Valley National Park located in northeast Ohio. The train travels north-south between Independence and Akron, with stops for both pedestrian and bike passengers. In addition to scenic rides through the park, the train also hosts evening excursions (Ales on Rails, Cocktails on Rails or Grape Escape) as well as a Murder Mystery train.

No. 3: Skunk Train - Fort Bragg, California

The California Western Railroad, known as the Skunk Train, got its start hauling lumber in Mendocino County; these days, the old-growth trees hidden within the Noyo River Canyon are the cherished stars of the journey. Skunk Train trips departing from Fort Bragg include a 2-hour excursion to the majestic Wolf Tree, a towering coastal redwood, and special summer trains are pulled by the Chiggen, a 1909 steam locomotive. Train trips can be combined with redwood hikes, electric railbike excursions traveling up to 25 miles along the Noyo River or a forest bar accessible only by rail.

No. 2: Cumbres & Toltec Scenic Railroad - Chama, New Mexico

One of the most authentic steam-operated railroads in existence, the Cumbres & Toltec Scenic Railroad runs for 64 miles between Chama, New Mexico and Antonito, Colorado, passing through the San Juan Mountains and the scenic Conejos Valley along the way. This moving National Historic Landmark represents one of New Mexico's most spectacular day trips.

No. 1: Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad - Durango, Colorado

The historic Durango and Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad once hauled silver and gold between these two Colorado towns. Today, visitors can hop aboard for this 7-hour round-trip journey through some of Colorado's most impressive scenery, with a stop in Silverton to explore the historic mining town.

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Nominees are submitted by a panel of experts. 10Best editors narrow the field to select the final set of nominees for the Readers’ Choice Awards. Readers can vote once per category, per day. For any questions or comments, please read the FAQ or email USA TODAY 10Best .

The Experts

Annita thomas.

Annita is the on-air personality of Travel With...   Read More

Annita is the on-air personality of Travel With Annita radio show, the recipient of two Gold Lowell Thomas Travel Journalism Awards. With 40 years of travel experience she has been to 119 countries and territories, and has worked in several areas of the travel industry. She started her travel career with Pan American World Airways and later worked for the Atlanta CVB during the 1996 Olympics. The multi-media journalist not only host a travel show on terrestrial radio, but also a Lowell Thomas Bronze Award winning podcast - Quarter Miles Travel featuring stories based on the U.S. Mint coins programs. She writes for Upscale Magazine and is an ambassador for Oprah Daily digital magazine. Annita's mission is to inspire Baby Boomers and Empty Nesters to go out and explore the world, creating memorable experiences. She values storytelling, cultural awareness, sharing human interest stories and highlighting sustainable travel brands. Her mission is to help shape the listeners and readers perspective of beautiful destinations around the world. She is the proud fur-baby mom of two fun loving Chocolate Labs, Boris and Natasha. Her favorite destination - the last place she visited. Her favorite travel quote - “Let’s Go!” 

Kristen Lummis

Kristen Lummis is a freelance writer based in...   Read More

Kristen Lummis is a freelance writer based in Western Colorado. The mom of two now-adult sons, Lummis broke into her writing career through snowsports, founding the website  braveskimom.com  in 2010 to provide family-friendly tips across a full range of winter topics. And while skiing is Lummis’ first true outdoor love, she grew up camping, hiking, biking, kayaking and traveling extensively with her family — pursuits that she continues today. She prides herself on unbiased opinions, based on activities and destinations she’s visited and experienced. Lummis is honored to be considered an “expert” for 10Best. Follow her @braveskimom on Instagram and Facebook. 

Kyle McCarthy

Kyle McCarthy is the co-founder and editor of...   Read More

Kyle McCarthy is the co-founder and editor of Family Travel Forum, the trusted resource for family vacation planners since 1996. FTF’s award-winning publications: MyFamilyTravels.com , America’s Most Popular Family Vacations and  The Family Vacationist  e-newsletter  provide destination reviews, tips and  seasonal roundups  for all aspects of travel. Ms. McCarthy, author of a dozen Frommer’s guidebooks, also contributes to US News, CNN and other publications. She can be found on most social networks @familytravelforum.

Robin Raven

Robin Raven is an author and journalist who covers...   Read More

Robin Raven is an author and journalist who covers such topics as travel, culture, and vegan dining. Her work can be seen in The Washington Post, Travel + Leisure, Reader's Digest, and many other publications. Robin is the author of Santa's First Vegan Christmas, The Kindness Workbook: An Interactive Guide for Creating Compassion in Yourself and the World, and The Little Book of Self-Soothing. She also blogs about travel and life at RobinRaven.com.

Shea Peters

Shea Peters is a NYC based writer and frequent...   Read More

Shea Peters is a NYC based writer and frequent world traveler that looks to the history of a location in order to tell the story. Growing up in a Southern family that loves to travel, Shea has seen 44 of the 50 US states and believes that every place has a story worth telling, regardless of how populated or rural. She's currently a regular contributor discussing travel, culture, history, food, wellness, and business at Travel + Leisure, Elle, Harper’s Bazaar, Oprah Daily, Women’s Health, TripAdvisor, Cosmo, and Revolt TV. When she's not traveling, rooting for some unlikable sports team, or taking a pilates class, you can find Shea in her rooftop garden that is currently flourishing above the streets of New York City. You can follow Shea on  Instagram  and  Twitter .

Catherine Smith

Catherine Smith, Readers' Choice Awards...   Read More

Catherine Smith, Readers' Choice Awards Production Manager and Social Media Director for USA TODAY 10Best, has a special interest in unique culinary experiences and  off-the-beaten-path adventures. Catherine is the founder of  Her Bags Were Packed  where she focuses on helping  women release emotional baggage through solo travel and self-discovery.

10Best Editors

USA TODAY 10Best provides users with original,...   Read More

USA TODAY 10Best provides users with original, unbiased and experiential travel coverage of top attractions, things to see and do, and restaurants for top destinations in the U.S. and around the world.

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The best train rides in the USA for seriously gorgeous views

From coastal routes to journeys through the mountains, these train rides spotlight all of America's most stunning scenery.

From redwood groves to sprawling desert landscapes to miles of picturesque countryside, America has no shortage of stunning scenery across its 50 states. One of the best ways to take in all the beauty is by hopping aboard a train. 

While a road trip through America is always a great choice to see the country's sights, we'd argue train travel is even better. Not only is riding  on a train a timeless experience with notes of romance and nostalgia, but there's no airport stress or need to be at attention behind the wheel. Instead,  you can sit back, relax and simply stare out the window as you take it all in. 

Below, you'll find the best and most scenic train rides across the country. On the West Coast, take in ocean views aboard the Coast Starlight (from Los Angeles to Seattle ) or the Surfliner, which hugs the California coast for miles. On the East Coast, the Mount Washington Cog Railway takes you through the Mount Washington area in New Hampshire. Looking for something even more adventurous? Head to Alaska  to catch the Denali Star’s 350-mile trek from Fairbanks to Anchorage.

Whether you're looking for a multi-day adventure or a route that only lasts a few hours, these train rides won't disappoint.

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Best train rides in the USA

1.  Rockies to the Red Rocks

Denver, co to moab, ut.

Trip length: Two days

The first U.S. offering from luxury Canadian company Rocky Mountaineer, the ' Rockies to the Red Rocks ' trip takes passengers on a two-day ride from Denver to Moab—passing through stunning Rocky Mountains and southwest scenery along the way. Best of all? Passengers will witness all that gorgeous nature from the train's glass-dome top! That's right, we're talking about unobstructed views of some of the most gorgeous scenery in the USA . The 2024 season runs from April 14 through October 9.

2.  Coast Starlight

Los angeles, ca to seattle, wa.

Trip length: 36 hours

Traveling by train instead puts a spin on the classic left-coast road trip. The advantages? There are zero wrong-turn fights and way more photo ops. The 1,377-mile Coast Starlight route hits the best of the West: Santa Barbara, San Francisco, Sacramento, Portland, and more. On the 36-hour trip, bounce from your seat to the dining car and the 'sightseer lounge car,' where all the seats face the panoramic, floor-to-ceiling windows. 

3.  Pacific Surfliner

San diego, ca to san luis obispo, ca.

Trip length: 8-9 hours

If you're looking for a train ride with ocean views, you can't beat Amrak's Pacific Surfliner , which travels along a 351-mile route, many of the trip is directly along the California coast. The route starts out in San Diego before meandering up through Anaheim, Los Angeles, Santa Barbara, and other stops before ending in San Luis Obispo in the central part of the state. 

4.  The Grand Canyon Railway

Williams, az to the grand canyon, az.

Trip length: 2 hours 15 minutes

Sure, you may have been to the Grand Canyon already, but have you ever admired Grand Canyon country by train? On The Grand Canyon Railway , you’ll depart from Williams, Arizona, and roll through pine forests and prairies, spotting pronghorn and bald eagles, before arriving two hours and 15 minutes later at the epic South Rim. All of the historic cars of the Grand Canyon Railway have fascinating former lives and some have glass-dome ceilings for unstoppable panoramas. 

5.  The Empire Builder

Chicago, il to portland, or.

Trip length: 45–46 hours

There is only one word to describe this journey: epic. The Empire Builder runs daily between Chicago and the Pacific Northwest, mirroring much of Lewis and Clark’s original expedition. It passes through a greatest-hits list of must-see sites, from the urban (St. Cloud and Minneapolis) to the great outdoors (big-sky country and Glacier National Park ). The trip totals 46 hours, which warrants booking at least a roomette with seats that convert to beds so you can fully stretch out once you’ve gotten your fill of landscapes under the moonlight. 

6.  The Alaska Denali Star

Anchorage, ak to fairbanks, ak.

Trip length: 12 hours

This 350-mile stretch through the heart of Alaska highlights the state's beautiful, rugged wilderness. Between the birch forests, rushing rivers, caribou- and bear-spotting, views of Mt. McKinley and a stint through Denali National Park, there’s a reason this is the Alaska Railroad ’s flagship sojourn. If you can swing it, splurge on a GoldStar upgrade and take in the spectacular scenery from an open-air viewing car, with absolutely nothing between you and the wild. 

7.  Skunk Train

Willits, ca.

Trip length: 2 hours

Hopping aboard  Skunk Train  is like traveling back in time—this historic train has been traversing Mendocino County in California since 1885. Today, you can choose from a variety of routes and experiences. The most popular journey is Wolf Tree Turn. This 16-mile route will take you through old-growth redwood groves within Noyo River Canyon, over trestle bridges, and under tunnels, ending with a stop in Crowley, where you can take in the majesty of one of the oldest trees in the area, the Wolf Tree. Enjoy snacks and beverages (including alcoholic ones) before heading back toward Willits.

8.  The Great Smoky Mountains Railroad

Bryson city, nc.

Trip length: 3.5 hours

It may be pint-size, but Bryson City, the departure point for this rail-riding adventure, is rich with local gems like barbecue joints, a soda fountain and a brewery. The Great Smoky Mountains Railroad has various routes, but the four-and-a-half-hour Nantahala Gorge excursion is a scenery-serving star, snaking along the forested Nantahala River and crossing the Fontana Lake by bridge. Foliage lovers, take note: The leaves here are breathtaking during the fall.

9.  The Mount Washington Cog Railway

Bretton woods, nh.

Trip length: 3 hours

Like the Little Engine That Could, this antique train chugs daily up Mount Washington , depositing its passengers at the 6,288-foot peak, the highest in the Northeast. A working museum of sorts (the track dates to 1852), the Cog has the elevated feel of a gondola, only you’re in a sturdy little train. At the top, take in the sweeping views of Canada and the Atlantic on a clear day. 

10.  The Napa Valley Wine Train

Napa valley, ca.

Trip length: 3 to 6 hours on average

On this California Wine Country track, you can get intoxicated by the scenery alone: picture-perfect wineries and hills carpeted in lush rows of vines. But you’ll have a little help, what with all the vino you’ll be sipping alongside your onboard multicourse meal—both lunch and dinner are options. The roving restaurant aboard the Napa Valley Wine Train comprises a collection of vintage Pullman railcars complete with mahogany panels and brass hardware. So go ahead and soak it all up—you’re not behind the wheel, after all.

11.  California Zephyr

Emeryville, ca to reno, nv.

Trip length: 6 hours 45 minutes

At more than 2,400 miles long, the  California Zephyr —stretching from San Francisco to Chicago—is Amtrak's longest route. While we don't recommend you do the route in its entirety (unless that floats your boat), we highly recommend the route stretching from the Bay Area (hop on in San Francisco or Emeryville) to the Lake Tahoe area (get off in Reno or Truckee). This scenic journey is an ideal way to get to Tahoe, beat the traffic, and take in dreamy views.  

12.  The Hawaiian Railway Society

Trip length: 1.5 hours

Train travel takes a turn for the tropical on this 90-minute jaunt across Oahu in an old sugar-cane hauler traveling at the lickety-split speed of 15 miles an hour. The ride aboard the Hawaiian Railway Society shows you a rarely-seen version of Hawaii, filled with old sisal plantations and ghost towns. Time your trip for the second Sunday of the month and you can book a seat in the elegant 1900 parlor car that was the personal ride of Oahu Railway & Land Co. founder Mr. Dillingham. It's worth noting, however, that reservations are now required to ride the train. 

13.  Durango Narrow Gauge Railroad

Durango, co to silverton, co.

Trip length: 3.5 hours

One of the most scenic ways to experience one of the most scenic states; a ride on the Narrow Gauge Railroad isn’t merely photo fodder, but a full immersion into the wild, wild west. The train has been rolling between Durango and Silverton since 1882, when it was tasked with transporting silver and gold out of the San Juan Mountains. The 45.4-mile route runs in both directions along the Animas River, crisscrossing it five times, and passing by old stagecoach trails and long-deserted mining camps as it winds between 14,000ft high peaks.

14.  The Ethan Allen Express

New york city, ny to burlington, vt.

Trip length: 7 hours 35 minutes

While the destination is a major draw, getting there is half the fun on this five-and-a-half-hour journey from New York City to Vermont. On the Ethan Allen Express , you’ll cruise through the postcard-perfect towns of New York’s Hudson Valley; hit Saratoga Springs, as famous for its horse races as its hot springs and snake around Vermont’s fittingly named Green Mountains, before landing in charming little-big city Rutland, with its historic downtown and one helluva farmers' market.

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Train & Rail Tours in North America

Relax and admire breathtaking views in North America only accessible by train journey. With 23 North America train tours lasting from 5 days up to 25 days, you're sure to find a railway carriage with your name on it on a route that will leave you speechless.

23 Train tour packages in North America with 1,332 reviews

• Train & Rail

Via Railway Experience｜5-Day Vancouver to Rockies Railway Full Experience Tour Departure

Overall it was a very good experience. The tour is organized and the entire team were nice and helpful. The tour was great in the sense that you get to see a lot in a few days which is great. You also get explanation and details of every spot. I highly recommend this tour to anyone who is interested in discovering the Rocky Mountains. The only thing I would change is to exclude the Vancouver part, if you are going from TO I advise to go strait to Calgary and start the tour from there. We did the 5 days excursion from TO to Vancouver then to Jasper, Banff …Calgary. And we had a flight delay going to Vancouver of 2 days so arrived on the same day we had to head to Jasper and that was very exhausting. In conclusion, it’s a great tour to consider and totally worth it :)

• 10% deposit on some dates Some departure dates offer you the chance to book this tour with a lower deposit.

Wonders of the Maritimes & Scenic Cape Breton with Ocean Train to Montreal

Very rewarding tour! We visited places we would probably never have found on our own. Beautiful country, comfortable hotels. Our tour guide kept things interesting and our motorcoach driver was unflappable. And we were lucky with weather. Moderate temperatures and only one rainy day.

• Ocean Cruise

Western Canada by Rail with Alaska Cruise

Good tour . But first section of the train ride was not good as I expected . Unable to see much beauty of Canda. Unfortunately I was unable to see any bears , beauty of Lake Louise due to weather changes . However we had experienced in beauty of winter .

• In-depth Cultural

Ontario & French Canada with Ocean Train to Halifax

Great Canadian Rail Journey

I really had a great time all the people were so friendly and nice .The accommodation was fantastic the meals really good and James was full of info and a very helpful friendly guy.It was the trip of a lifetime .

Canadian Rockies by Train

This was s bucket list trip. I was really looking forward to taking the train through the Rockies and it did not disappoint. The scenery was beautiful.

• €100 deposit on some dates Some departure dates offer you the chance to book this tour with a lower deposit.

Spectacular Rockies and Glaciers of Alberta (Classic, 9 Days)

Eastern City Lights: Toronto to Quebec City by Rail

Western Canada’s Grand Rail Circle Tour

Canadian Rockies, Alaska & Arctic Circle - Okanagan Valley > Banff

Spectacular Rockies and Glaciers of Alberta (Small Groups, 9 Days) (from Banff to Vancouver)

Canadian Train Odyssey

I would like to see more meals offered. Not use to locating evening meals in unknown city. Understand if stopping at place and everyone buys their own, but evening meals???? Breakfast in past has been standard.

Western Canada by Rail

Truly stunning mountain scenery through the Rockies to Vancouver with guest appearances from bears, elk, eagles and gophers! A well paced and organised trip led by an excellent guide Sibylle. Travelling in style on the Rocky Mountaineer was a memorable experience, even though we were in Silver Leaf. A class operation. A minor gripe that there was so little time at the end of the tour in Vancouver and Vancouver Island, luckily we added a couple of extra nights in Vancouver to explore the city.

Great Canadian Rail Journey with Alaska Cruise

Canadian Train Odyssey with Alaska Cruise

What people love about train & rail tours in north america.

We enjoyed our tour very much, the sights were beautiful, staff we well informed. A highlight for us was the optional evening photographic tour. The only thing stopping me from giving five stars was the last day felt very rushed, especially at the Banff gondola as the queue to get on took half an hour and not enough time allocated to our lunch at the Lake Louise Chateau, we had to ask the waitress to bring out the dessert while we were eating the main as we only had 15 minutes until the bus left. Allocate a bit more time for those things and you will get five stars.

Our overall experience was good, but were very disappointed by our stay in the last hotel, the Fairmont Queen Elizabeth in Montreal.

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4 great scenic train rides across the US

Want to truly immerse yourself in the vastness of the USA? There's no better way than to take a scenic cross-country train trip.

During these long-distance train rides, the journey is just as exciting as the destination itself. Relaxing in your seat as you watch the U.S. landscape out your train car window slowly change from cities to farmlands or from wide-open plains to towering mountains is an experience that's worth the extra transit time.

Amtrak offers many overnight and multiday scenic train rides across the U.S. from the East Coast, the West Coast and everywhere in between. Route names like the Empire Builder, the Coast Starlight and the California Zephyr are enough to inspire wanderlust for any traveler.

Whether you're new to train travel or an avid rider of the rails, here are four bucket list-worthy U.S. train rides to take for stunning scenery, plus some tips on how best to book and enjoy them.

Tips for cross-country train travel

While taking a cross-country train trip can be a rewarding experience, as it offers days to leisurely sit back and enjoy scenic landscapes, many people have worries about how best to book such a long trip and what to expect when it comes to sleeping arrangements. TPG has a few tips to help you get on board with the concept and easily plan your journey.

Browse routes by region

A good first step to take when looking for a route that's right for you is to search Amtrak's "Browse by Region" menu. You can pick a large area of the country from which to start or finish your trip.

Once you click on an area, Amtrak will provide lists of highlighted long-distance routes, as well as shorter point-to-point trips. You can then select a route like the Capitol Corridor in California before being directed to ticket purchase menus.

Explore Amtrak Vacations

Amtrak offers curated vacation packages to rail travelers via its Amtrak Vacations website. These tours can include side trips (via bus) to national parks , sightseeing tours in cities and hotel lodging on stopovers along the route. You can search for packages around vacation themes like "Fall Foliage" and "Multiple National Parks."

Amtrak's set of "Most Scenic Journeys" vacation packages include trips lasting up to two weeks that combine rail travel and additional tours. Think of these trips like cruises with shore excursions . Some of the scenic journey-designated options focus on national parks, while others are big-city oriented.

You can click on each option's details to find itineraries, dates and prices. Then, all that's left to do is book your rail vacation.

Consider famous routes

A shortcut to finding scenic cross-country rail routes on Amtrak is to visit its Amtrak Vacations website and click on "Famous Rail Routes." This set of approximately 20 different overnight train routes gives you a great set of suggestions for your own potential cross-country journeys.

For more details on the fixed routes, click on any of the tabs. Once you've chosen a route, you can either book a package tour with Amtrak Vacations or go to the regular Amtrak website and book a point-to-point trip.

Weigh your accommodation options

Taking an overnight or a multiday train trip means you'll need to sleep aboard the train. All of Amtrak's long-distance train trips provide a variety of seating and room arrangments.

The cheapest way to travel is to simply book a seat on the route. While Amtrak's seating is comfortable, with more legroom than you'll find in an airline's business class, it may not be the way you want to travel for many hours. You can get up, walk the train and stop in the cafe car, but this can still be a tough way to travel during a multiday journey.

Fortunately, Amtrak provides several classes of accommodations on cross-country trips, ranging from shared roomettes with fold-out bunks to bedrooms, larger family bedrooms and suites complete with private bathrooms and showers. Should you book one of these rooms on a cross-country itinerary, you'll enjoy access to a separate dining car.

Prices for the various ticket classes vary widely between routes and dates, so check potential itineraries to find the best option for you.

4 scenic train trips to take in the US

Now that you know the basics when it comes to picking a long-distance train route, you'll want to narrow down your options. Although there are many scenic routes in the U.S., here are our four favorites.

California Zephyr: San Francisco to Chicago

Amtrak's California Zephyr route travels between San Francisco and Chicago on a three-day journey. The 51-hour trip (on the west-to-east path) begins in nearby Emeryville, California, then travels through central California farmlands up into the Sierra Nevada mountain range. Along this part of the route, you'll enjoy spectacular panoramas from glassed-in viewing cars.

The train continues through Reno and the Nevada deserts into Salt Lake City before traveling up into the Rocky Mountains to reach Denver . You'll descend into the wide-open plains of Nebraska and eventually wind your way into the Windy City.

This trip is a great way to immerse yourself in the American West, as you'll get a true feeling of the vastness of the region and the variety of terrain that makes up the country.

One-way prices start at $141 per person for a seat in coach and $688 for a room.

Empire Builder: Seattle to Chicago

The Empire Builder train route connects Chicago and Seattle on a 46-hour journey connecting the Midwest and the Pacific Northwest. The train loosely follows the Lewis & Clark National Historic Trail, the route the explorers took to map out the region acquired during the Louisiana Purchase.

Meriwether Lewis and William Clark would have appreciated sitting back in the train's viewing cars to enjoy eyefuls of Montana 's Big Sky Country, Glacier National Park , the Cascade Range and the vast plains of North Dakota. Additionally, the explorers would have marveled at the metalwork of North Dakota's towering Gassman Coulee Trestle bridge.

Should you wish to depart or arrive in Portland, Oregon, instead of Seattle, know that there's an alternate route of the Empire Builder from this Pacific Northwest city, so you can plan your itinerary based on your preferences.

One-way train fares from Chicago to Seattle begin at $150 per person, while rooms cost at least $651.

Southwest Chief: Los Angeles to Chicago

Traverse the American Southwest on a southern route between Los Angeles and Chicago. The Southwest Chief route departs daily and takes roughly 40 hours to cross eight states.

For some of the journey, the train follows the classic American road trip thoroughfare of historic Route 66 . However, unlike its car-friendly neighbor, the train route offers views you won't find while driving the highway, as it winds on twisting tracks that travel through narrow red-rock canyon passages before offering wide-open vistas of mountains and deserts.

The train's main stops include Kansas City, Missouri; Albuquerque, New Mexico; and Flagstaff, Arizona. You can also take advantage of excursions from the train when you purchase one of Amtrak's vacation packages. For example, you can visit the Grand Canyon (by train or bus) while the train is stopped in Williams, Arizona.

Even if you never leave the train, the views along the way are enough to create lasting memories.

Expect to pay at least $146 per person for a coach seat on this one-way route or a minimum of $899 for a room.

Crescent: New York City to New Orleans

See the American South on this 30-hour journey between New York City and New Orleans . Departing the urban landscape of the Big Apple, this route will take you through the Northeastern cityscapes of Philadelphia , Baltimore and Washington, D.C. , among other destinations.

Once it exits the urban corridor, the train winds through the countryside of Virginia and the Carolinas, offering stops in Charlotte, North Carolina, and Greenville, South Carolina. Then, it continues through the Deep South states of Georgia, Alabama and Mississippi before reaching its final stop in New Orleans.

Tickets for this one-way route start at $139 for a seat in coach and $580 for a room.

Bottom line

Traveling by train across the U.S. gives you a unique perspective of the scale and scope of the American landscape. While it may be slower than flying across the country, rail travel gives you the opportunity to sit back and savor the journey, appreciating the changing views as the hours roll by.

The four scenic cross-country train trips highlighted here are only some of Amtrak's many long-distance journeys available to book. By exploring Amtrak's website, you can find many different rail journeys in nearly every part of the U.S. Best of all, most offer an array of seating options, so you can choose the ticket that best suits your travel preferences and budget.

Amtrak Guide

By train travelers for train travelers, 10 best amtrak trips on the east coast.

Full of historic places, coastal towns and rolling mountains, the East Coast of the United States is great to explore by train. You can easily travel between major cities or enjoy a scenic train ride to quieter areas with beaches, parks and even ski resorts. Here are the best Amtrak trips on the East Coast to start planning your rail vacation.

This website is reader supported and not affiliated with Amtrak. We may earn a small commission from links on this page.

Niagara Falls

One of the most majestic sights in the United States, Niagara Falls can be reached via the Empire Service and Maple Leaf Amtrak routes (book tickets to Niagara Falls, NY). Trains depart New York City and other cities in New York state, including Poughkeepsie, Albany and Utica. On the way to the falls, you’ll travel through the beautiful Hudson River Valley and have views of the Hudson River (a fall trip is a great way to see the stunning foliage).

Due to the train schedule, it’s best to stay two nights in Niagara Falls area in order to have a full day to see the sights.

New River Gorge

The Cardinal Amtrak route is one of the most scenic on the East Coast, with travel through the New River Gorge in West Virginia. Consider booking your tickets to Charleston, WV from cities including New York, Philadelphia, Baltimore and Washington D.C. You can rent a car in Charleston and drive about two hours to reach the New River Gorge National Park (hiking, rock climbing, campgrounds, whitewater rafting). Or simply stay in Charleston until it’s time to board an eastbound train for the return trip back through the gorge.

From Chicago and other Midwest cities, travel to White Sulphur Springs Station to see the gorge and stay overnight at the Greenbrier Resort . One of the many resort activities is whitewater rafting on the New River — fees apply, but transportation is included. Alexandria and Washington D.C. are also good places to end the trip due to the nearby airports in case you want to fly home.

Keep in mind that the Cardinal only runs three times per week, so you may see unavailable dates when searching for tickets.

A ski getaway, fall foliage destination and charming summer vacation spot, Vermont is a year-round destination. Vermonter trains travel through the scenic Hudson River Valley and views are also beautiful once you are in Vermont, especially in the fall and when snow is on the ground. You can connect with trains on this route in cities including Washington D.C., Baltimore, Philadelphia, New York City and New Haven.

The state capital is Montpelier (pictured above). Book your tickets here for fresh maple syrup, hiking trails at Camel’s Hump State Park and ski resorts, including Smugglers’ Notch (water park open in the summer), Bolton Valley, Stowe Mountain, Mad River Glen and Sugar Brush. The Ben and Jerry’s factory tour in nearby Waterbury is also a must-do if you like ice cream.

In addition to Montpelier, Burlington is another recommended city for an overnight stay. It’s a college town on Lake Champlain with a waterfront bike path , many summer events and nearby ski resorts.

Maine is a charming summer or fall Amtrak trip from Boston on the Downeaster route . In addition to views of scenic villages, marshes, streams and the coastline, you can get off the train to explore beaches, festivals and nature areas. Book tickets to Wells , Saco or Old Orchard Beach (pictured above) to spend time near the ocean. The  Rachel Carson National Wildlife Refuge  and Wells National Estuarine Research Reserve are also unique places to visit in Wells, and kids will love  Funtown Splashtown USA  in Saco and the  Palace Playland  in Old Orchard Beach.

Foodies should consider a Maine train trip in the fall to check out the Harvest on the Harbor festival in Portland . September is also a great time for a trip; you can visit Maine’s lighthouses for free during Maine Open Lighthouse Day .

Two East Coast Amtrak routes travel to Canada, so if you have a valid passport, you can take an international trip via train. Book tickets on the Maple Leaf to visit Toronto or on the Adirondack to reach Montreal (pictured above). Both trains depart from New York City, and you’ll have wonderful views of the Hudson River Valley before crossing the border.

Which city should you visit? Montreal has a European atmosphere and lots of history and parks to explore. Travel time from New York City is about 11.5 hours. Toronto is larger than Montreal and very cosmopolitan — lots of shopping, entertainment, multicultural neighborhoods — similar to Chicago and New York City. Travel time on Amtrak is about 13 hours from Manhattan. Plan to stay in Canada at least two nights if you want time to sightsee.

Escape the cold weather (or head to the beach any time of year) with an overnight train trip to Florida from major cities on the East Coast. The Silver Meteor , Silver Star and Auto Train travel to many Amtrak stations in Florida . You must transport a vehicle and pay the related fees to travel on the Auto Train, which departs near Washington D.C. and travels non-stop to Sanford, Florida.

There are beautiful water views in Maryland and Virginia, and you’ll go to sleep in the Carolinas and wake up in Florida, making the trip go by quickly, especially if your destination is in North or Central Florida. Popular stops include Orlando (for Universal Studios and Walt Disney World ), Tampa, West Palm Beach, Fort Lauderdale and Miami.

Blue Ridge Mountains

Most people use the Northeast Regional to travel between big cities on the East Coast, but trains also travel into Virginia’s Blue Ridge Mountains. Select Roanoke as your destination, which is in a mountain valley near many hiking trails and places to mountain bike and paddle . As a bonus, the Virginia Museum of Transportation is in town, which has many railroad exhibits.

Due to the train schedule, you’ll need to stay in Roanoke at least one night. Plan to stay two or more if you want to take a drive on the scenic Blue Ridge Parkway , visit local attractions or enjoy the many outdoor activities. You’ll also need to start this trip north of the mountain range, such as in Charlottesville, Alexandria, Washington D.C., Baltimore, Wilmington, Philadelphia or New York City.

Allegheny Mountains

The Capitol Limited route also provides mountain and river scenery on the East Coast. Trains travel through the Allegheny Mountains in Maryland and Pennsylvania, plus stop in two historic mountain towns: Harpers Ferry, West Virginia and Cumberland, Maryland . Both destinations are near hiking trails and historic attractions, plus you can ride the Western Maryland Scenic Railroad in Cumberland.

To quickly get to the most scenic part of the trip, start in Washington D.C. From there, you can travel 3.5 hours to Cumberland or stay on the train for a few more hours until Pittsburgh . You can also start the trip in Chicago and from cities in Indiana and Ohio and travel overnight to reach the mountains. Plan your trip in late spring or summer to view the most scenery.

Dutch Country

The Keystone Amtrak route travels through Dutch Country farmland from New York City, Philadelphia, Newark (including the airport station) and other cities on the East Coast multiple times each day. It’s a relaxing day or overnight trip that’s great for families, couples or solo travelers. Exit in Lancaster to learn about the Amish community, purchase local food at Central Market or have a fun-filled day at Dutch Wonderland .

Harrisburg , Pennsylvania’s capital, is another destination to plan a trip around, especially in the summer. The charming city is on the Susquehanna River, and top attractions include the National Civil War Museum and State Museum of Pennsylvania . Hersheypark and Hershey’s Chocolate World are also about a 25-minute drive away. Uber and Lyft are transportation options if you don’t want to rent a car.

New Orleans

For a long-distance train adventure, New Orleans is at the end of the Crescent route, which departs from many cities on the East Coast. You’ll travel through small towns and cities in the Southeast before crossing over Lake Pontchartrain via the longest railroad bridge in the United States.

Be sure to check out the amazing food, music and festivals in New Orleans while you’re there. You can walk or ride streetcars around the city to explore the Garden District , French Quarter , Jackson Square and old cemeteries . Other top sights include the National World World II Museum , Audubon Zoo and the New Orleans Museum of Art .

Plan to stay in New Orleans at least two nights if you want to have a full day in the city. You can then take a train or flight back to the East Coast or continue your rail vacation by booking tickets on the Sunset Limited or City of New Orleans routes. Trains on these routes depart from New Orleans and travel through Texas, Arizona, California, Mississippi, Tennessee and Illinois. Top destinations include Chicago, Memphis, Houston, San Antonio, Palm Springs and Los Angeles.

More Information

• East Coast Amtrak Routes
• 10 most scenic Amtrak routes
• Best Amtrak trips from Boston
• 15 best Amtrak day trips from NYC
• 8 best Amtrak cross-country trips
• 20 best Amtrak trips from Baltimore
• 5 most scenic Amtrak routes on the East Coast
• Amtrak’s 15 long-distance routes and the places they go

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10 Beautiful Train Trips in Europe

Posted: January 12, 2024 | Last updated: January 12, 2024

Switzerland is renowned for its scenic train routes—but don’t sleep on Bosnia and Herzegovina, Bulgaria, and Scotland too.

Photo by Guitar photographer/Shutterstock

Train travel in Europe is getting better and better. Expanded timetables, updated trains, extended routes, and new connections mean that there’s really no reason to get a polluting short-haul flight across the continent in 2024.

If you like your travel by night, a sleeper links Paris and Berlin again, while a brand-spanking- new service between Austria and Germany offers swanky new sleeping facilities and even capsule hotel–like pods for solo travelers. Poland has lucked out: 2024 brings double the connections between Kraków and Berlin, and Wrocław is now hooked up with Vienna. A new route from Liège to Maastricht via Aachen , meanwhile, unfurls Northern Europe to curious travelers who want to see something outside the capitals.

Hanging around in airports also means you miss out on some of the most beautiful countryside Europe has to offer. These 10 train trips carve through some of the most scenic landscapes in Europe. You won’t want to get off.

Its 25 miles of track through Alpine scenery made the Semmering Railway an architectural wonder in the mid-1800s.

Photo by Photofex_AUT/Shutterstock

1. Semmering Railway, Austria

The Semmering Railway is one of the oldest railway lines in Europe and was the first to be recognized by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site. Work on the railway started in 1848, and the line got the UNESCO nod exactly 150 years later. UNESCO tends to not get this kind of thing wrong: The railway was a marvel of engineering back then, and the line’s 16 viaducts and 15 tunnels have stood the test of time. Jump on at Vienna to get to Semmering. The route slices through 41 kilometers of fir-laden mountain passes in eastern Austria, treating passengers to jaw-dropping views of lush Alpine valleys.

2. U Trinichellu, Corsica, France

This little old-fashioned train shuttles you along the northwest coast of Corsica from L’Île-Rousse to Calvi, stopping in beach towns along the way. It’s a pick-and-choose train line: Most of the stops are on request. But don’t worry if you don’t like your choice—the tickets are hop on, hop off, so you can take a day to test all of the beaches on the Balagne coast, traveling with the sparkling Mediterranean on one side and craggy pine forests on the other.

3. Cinque Terre Express Train, Italy

The Cinque Terre have to be seen to be believed: five villages comprising a mishmash of ochre, yellow, and pink houses pressed into cliffs on the Ligurian coast. Monterosso, Vernazza, Corniglia, Manarola, and Riomaggiore are the five “terre” that are part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site, and you can explore all of them in one day—the train takes you from one end to the other in just 20 minutes.

4. Train de la Rhune, Basque Country, France and Spain

Can’t decide whether to holiday in France or Spain? Basque Country, a region with beautiful landscapes, straddles the two countries, and Train de la Rhune allows you to have the best of both worlds. The Rhune, a 900-meter-high mountain, rises out of the Pyrenees mountain range that fringes the border between France and Spain. The vintage “little Rhune train,” as it’s called, climbs this iconic summit over the course of 35 minutes past wild grazing ponies and small copses. At the end you’re rewarded with a breathtaking view of a patchwork quilt of green fields joining all seven Basque provinces on either side of the border.

5. Belgrade, Serbia to Bar, Montenegro

This is a bucket-list type of journey—and only costs about €24. The train going from Belgrade in Serbia to Bar in Montenegro (or the reverse journey) crosses 435 bridges over deep gorges, winds its way through imposing mountain passes and small towns that look like frontier outposts, and hugs bright, teal-blue lakes and rivers. The ride takes a solid 11 hours, though—and more if the train breaks down, which unfortunately has been known to happen .

6. Rhodope Railway, Bulgaria

Step back in time on Bulgaria’s last operational narrow-gauge railway, running between the small towns of Septemvri and Dobrinishte in western Bulgaria. The railway connects remote mountain villages, so it’s a humdrum commuter train for locals, but the peaceful views of farmland, gorges, and woods are a draw for tourists. Fun fact: The highest train station in the Balkans is Avramovo, at 1,267 meters above sea level, and this train delivers you there, where you can alight for a quick photo op before jumping back on to continue the journey.

7. Flåmsbana, Norway

Do you know any other trains that make a special stop so passengers can get close to a huge, roaring waterfall? Kjosfossen waterfall is just one of the highlights of the Flåm railway line, which takes you from one of Norway’s most picturesque fjords, two meters above sea level, all the way up to the mountain station of Myrdal, at 876 meters above sea level. It’s regularly voted one of the most beautiful train trips in the world, and is certainly one of its most vertiginous, with 80 percent of the journey running on a gradient of 5.5 percent.

8. Bernina Express, Switzerland

You can take this trip any time of year. If you go in summer, you’ll be threading your way through sunny green Swiss meadows, but on a winter trip you’ll see the landscape transform into a snowy winter wonderland. The Bernina Express is equipped with massive windows so you can see the scenery, but here’s a top tip: If you don’t mind swapping the fancy decor of the Bernina Express for something a bit less swish, you can also take one of the regional trains along the same route and even hop on and hop off with the same ticket. The route starts at Tirano in Italy, snakes round the iconic Brusio spiral viaduct, and climbs toward the mountains. After hitting the summit more than 2,000 meters above sea level, you slither down through the desolate Bernina Pass and dramatic Alpine valleys before arriving in Chur, Switzerland.

9. Sarajevo to Mostar, Bosnia and Herzegovina

This train ride may be one of the best kept secrets in Europe. Sweeping, Jurassic Park–style views greet you as the train winds its way around rolling hills, taking you past deep gorges and emerald lakes. And although the journey alone makes the trip worth it, it also connects two of the most fascinating cities in Bosnia and Herzegovina . Explore Sarajevo’s layers of history, from the Latin Bridge, where Franz Ferdinand’s assassination ignited the First World War, to the Tunnel of Hope, a tunnel used to transport supplies during the siege on the city in the Bosnian War. The city’s also known, of course, for its great food, excellent coffee culture, and mix of architectural styles. When you’ve had your fill, head to Mostar to visit Stari Most bridge—which you have to see once in your lifetime.

10. Jacobite Express, Scotland

You probably know this train by its other name: the Hogwarts Express. Yes, this is the steam train that puffs its way over the majestic Glenfinnan Viaduct in the Harry Potter movies. It runs from Fort William to Mallaig, and in between, travelers are whisked past the best of Scotland’s epic Highlands scenery, from Britain’s highest mountain, Ben Nevis, to its deepest freshwater loch, Loch Morar. On arrival in Mallaig, you can continue the journey by getting a ferry to the Isle of Skye, which has miles of hiking trails through fairy-tale landscapes.

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10 Cities With the Best Public Transportation, From Medellín to Stockholm

By Laura Walsh

From the cable cars of Medellín to London’s double-decker buses, cities with the best public transportation systems make it easy to travel efficiently, affordably, and sustainably—all while offering a unique glimpse into a society's values.

In some cities around the world—as in Stockholm and Moscow —public transportation isn’t just about getting from point A to point B either. Instead, these transitory spaces have been elevated to become attractions in their own right, featuring impressive feats of art, architecture, and design. Most of the cities included on this list have also excelled at providing step-free access, making independent travel accessible for those using wheelchairs or strollers.

These are truly exceptional global systems: well-designed with residents and dignity at their core, but thoughtfully executed to warmly welcome travelers from around the world. Below, see the 10 cities with the best public transportation around the world—ranked in no particular order—based on a variety of factors including accessibility, sustainability, efficiency, dependability, cleanliness, and design.

1. Hong Kong

Hong Kong’s public transit system offers such extensive, affordable, and accessible service that the majority of residents do not own cars.

Hong Kong’s Mass Transit Railway has an unbelievable on-time rate of 99.9%, with 97 of its 98 stations accessible from the street level. Additionally, each station offers free WiFi, charging stations, and clean public toilets; many now include breastfeeding rooms, too. With rides that cost only about 60 cents, it is impossible to find a cheaper, faster, or more predictable way to get where you want to go.

You can also take in the spectacular sights of the city while riding the double-decker Hong Kong Tramway, or gaze down below from the impressively steep heights of the Peak Tram funicular. For island hopping, take the Star Ferry across the harbor from Hong Kong Island to visit Kowloon while enjoying the jaw-dropping skyline.

How to experience it: Take the 10-minute Star Ferry from Hong Kong Island to Kowloon for $3.70 HKD (US$ 0.50) for an upper deck seat.

The Delhi Metro is a beacon of cleanliness and a model of safety and efficiency. India’s largest mass rapid transit system connects the country’s capital to adjoining satellite cities with a total of 12 color-coded Metro lines and 288 stations (an additional 45 new stations expected by 2026). The Delhi Metro was also the world’s first transit system to receive UN carbon credits for reducing greenhouse gas emissions and today gets 35% of its power from renewable sources.

Trains run every 2-5 minutes during peak hours (and every 10 minutes during off-peak). With clean bathrooms and elevators at every station, the Delhi Metro is ahead of many in providing a transportation system that affords independent access with dignity for all.

To help prioritize a safe environment, the Delhi Metro introduced women-only carriages in 2010 that are now available on each train.

The trains and stations are all air-conditioned, making Delhi's metro a fast and comfortable way to traverse the vast city that’s often hot and humid. Fares are calculated based on distance and start at just $0.12.

How to experience it: Relax in Delhi on the Yellow Line: explore the Garden of the Five Senses (Saket Station) or Lodhi Gardens (Jor Bagh Station).

The Moscow Metro cruises onto this list thanks to its unwavering commitment to efficiency and its extraordinary stations. During rush hour, the trains of the Moscow Metro run every 90 seconds. But once you step into these breathtaking stations—also known as the “palaces of the people”—you may find yourself slowing down to take it all in. Emulating the grandeur of Russia’s historical palaces, Moscow’s Metro is an attraction in itself and demonstrates that even something as seemingly basic as public transportation is deserving of care and artistry.

The Moscow Metro probably won’t win any awards in the easy-to-understand category, but with almost 300 stations and 17 lines—including two circular lines which eliminate the need to travel to the city center for transfers—it is the fastest, most affordable, and the most inspiring way to get around.

How to experience it: Stations you won’t want to miss: Park Kultury, built with five types of marble and connected to Gorky Park, the stained-glass filled Novoslobodskay, and Mayakovskaya station, named for the famed Soviet artist.

Tokyo’s metro is vast, clean, fast, and reliable. It’s a breeze to figure out where you need to go—even if you don’t know the Japanese alphabet. Thanks to the sensible naming, numbering, and color-coding of the stops, there are numerous ways to locate your destination all while enjoying a comfortable ride (in almost virtual silence).

Convenient to almost every attraction in the city of Tokyo, the metro serves nearly 7 million people every single day and is globally recognized for its rigorous cleaning and maintenance (the trains are deep-cleaned every 15 days). Tickets are available for purchase at every station; adult fares start at 180 Yen (around $1) and increase depending on how far you’re traveling.

Many stations are equipped with elevators and lifts, making the metro accessible for those using wheelchairs or with strollers or luggage.

How to experience it: Check out Shinjuku Station, the Guinness Book of World Records holder for the world’s busiest train station serving over 2.7 million passengers per day on 12 different train lines.

Alex Erdekian

Charlie Hobbs

Steph Koyfman

5. Singapore

Singapore is a city and a nation rolled into one on an island nearly the same size of New York City. As the third-most densely populated country in the world, well-designed transportation that can move millions is essential for this small nation.

Singapore’s MRT (Mass Rapid Transit) currently has 6 lines with 140 stations and is scheduled to double in size by 2040. In a country of just over 5.5 million people, Singapore’s MRT carries an outstanding 3 million every day.

The MRT’s trains are fast and predictable, running every 5 to 7 minutes most of the day and every 2 to 3 minutes during the morning rush. The MRT’s reach is complemented by the LRT, a light rail system with 2 lines and another 40 stops.

With station signage and announcements in Singapore’s four official languages—English, Chinese, Malay, and Tamil—the MRT makes it remarkably easy to navigate without a car or a care. They have also installed protected walkways on every quarter-mile leading to every MRT station, making it easier to walk to transit, monsoon or shine.

How to experience it: Don’t miss Singapore’s breathtaking Garden by the Bay located at the MRT station with the same name on the Thomson–East Coast Line.

London’s transit is such an integral part of the city that their red double-deckers are instantly recognizable as national symbols of the UK. Pioneers of the world’s first underground railway, London’s transit system is vast and continues to expand. The “Tube” serves 5 million people every day on 11 lines and 272 stations—nearly half of which operate 24 hours a day.

Beyond the traditional Underground is the newest addition to London's transit system, the Elizabeth line . First launched in 2022, the new energy-efficient railway connects London's outer suburbs to the heart of the city, bringing an additional 1.5 million people within a 45 minute commute of central London. Visitors can travel from Heathrow Airport to central London in 45 minutes onboard Elizabeth line trains that run every half-hour.

Numerous above-ground options allow for simultaneous sightseeing, like the Overground with 6 lines and the iconic double decker buses with 675 routes, the IFS Cloud Cable Car, or the robust bikeshare system tied to an ever-expanding network of “cycleways.”

How to experience it: Stroll through one of London’s 3,000 parks, like Hyde Park, located at the Paddington Station on the Elizabeth line.

Seoul is home to some of the world’s largest, fastest, and most reliable public transit systems. The city goes the extra mile to make sure its public transportation is easily navigable by people from all over the world.

For example, stations have signage in Korean and English and stops are announced in Korean, English, Chinese, and Japanese. To make navigation even easier, each line is color-coded and numbered, and every station has a corresponding number for identification. Many stations also feature restaurants, shopping boutiques, convenience stores, and even surprise concerts.

Buses are also color-coded by distance and destination type, and all bus stops are clearly marked—plus, many offer heated seats. Every metro station is accessible by elevators, climate-controlled, and equipped with clean public restrooms and breastfeeding rooms.

Onboard the trains, every subway car has yellow “priority seats” reserved for the elderly, those with physical disabilities or illnesses, and people with young children. Additionally, every car has pink seats reserved for pregnant women.

How to experience it: Take Seoul’s metro to Anguk Station (Line 3) to the 1000-year-old Changdeokgung Palace , a UNESCO Heritage site with opulent grounds and gardens featuring 56,000 plants.

8. Medellín

Medellín’s metro system is a stellar example of how well-executed transit can be fun, functional, and help uplift an entire city.

The Metro de Medellín opened in 1995 and is the only rail-based transit system in Colombia . In addition to its clean and rapid rail options, the city is also served by a tram, a bus rapid transit line, and hundreds of other bus lines—many of which can be used in conjunction with the Metro.

The real show stopper is the Metrocable, a gondola lift system with a 7-line network that soars over the city and connects numerous neighborhoods.

Though cable cars have typically been used for tourism, Medellín was the first city to include them as part of a mass public transportation system. The cable cars connect downtown Medellín to communities isolated by the steep hills surrounding the mountainous city—in some cases cutting a 2 hour commute to just 30 minutes. Medellín’s Metro was thoughtfully-planned with community input and is a symbol of pride for the city.

How to experience it: Take in the lush hillsides around Medellin while riding Metrocable Line K to Parque Arvi where you can find unbeatable bird-watching, wildflowers, and over 50 miles of hiking trails.

9. Washington, DC

Washington, DC’s transit system is the second busiest in the United States and serves the nation's capital as well as surrounding areas in Virginia and Maryland. With extensive rail and bus service, complemented by a bikeshare system, the DC Metro makes it incredibly easy to live in or visit Washington, DC without a car.

Each Metro station is reachable by elevator, ensuring everyone, including those with strollers or wheelchairs, has access to the entire system to travel independently—without having to rely on the kindness of strangers.

DC’s Metro stations also demonstrate a commitment to health and hygiene. Last month, the Metro completed renovations of all 169 of its public restrooms, a massive undertaking that took 14 years.

Trips on the DC Metro start at just $2 within Washington, DC but traveling to/from Virginia or Maryland is distance-based.

How to experience it: The Smithsonian stop on the Orange, Blue, and Silver lines is home to numerous free museums like the African American History and Culture Museum and the Air and Space Museum .

10. Stockholm

Last but certainly not least is Stockholm . Sweden's capital city is made of 14 islands connected by a robust public transport network including a metro system with 100 stations, ferries, buses, and trams.

Stockholm’s metro, the Tunnelbana (or T-bana) forms the world’s longest art gallery . Though initially envisioned as a way to reduce traffic, Stockholm’s underground embraces another worthy goal: making art accessible to people of all economic backgrounds. Today, 94 of the T-bana’s 100 stations feature the work of 250 artists, including paintings, sculptures, and large-scale installations.

The art at most stations depicts the history and culture of the surrounding neighborhoods, providing a colorful escape from the city’s gray winters. If you have a chance to visit, don’t miss the otherworldly Rådhuset station or Solna Centrum. The red cave-like ceiling mimics a forest sunset—look closer and you’ll find sporadic wall illustrations depicting social commentary from 1970s Sweden. Free guided art tours are available from June to August every Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday at 3p.m., starting from the SL Customer Centre at T-Centralen.

As you’d expect, the Stockholm metro is clean, climate-controlled, and sustainable. When you’re done soaking in the stunning stations of Stockholm metro, you can also see the city and attractions by ferry, for the same price as a bus or metro ticket (SEK 42 or about $3.86).

How to experience it: To see Stockholm from the water, hop on the SL ferry line 80 and visit popular tourist attractions such as the Abba museum or wander around nature in Djurgården, a National City Park.

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