Catching trains on a daily basis can get the better of you – but these incredible train journeys around the globe are set to change the way you feel about rail travel! Read on or click here for our infographic about the most interesting train journeys in the world.
1. Train to Machu Picchu – Peru
Can’t be bothered to trek the trail? Trains to Machu Picchu are easy to come by in Peru and you’ll find yourself winding through gorgeous terrains, valleys and canyons, and past the mountain peaks of the Andes.
You can choose from either Peru Rail or Inca Rail trains here, depending on how luxurious you want your train ride to be – though the Belmond Hiram Bingham is the ideal choice if you want fine dining and a bar.
2. Rocky Mountaineer – Canada & USA
If you’re a train lover or just someone that loves a great journey, the Mountaineer is a travel and life changer!
On this trip, you’ll saunter through the Rocky Mountains, with views encompassing glaciers, gorges, lakes and deserts. Alternatively, you can take the Whistler route if you fancy a spot of skiing – or you can combine your rail journey with a cool Alaskan cruise.
3. The Ghan – Australia
Hop on this train for a ride that’s just under 3,000kms – and spectacular. The Ghan takes you from Adelaide, through the red centre of Australia and all the way up to Darwin, with stop-offs at Alice Springs and Katherine.
It’s a stunning journey at the least, and you can wine and dine on board, as well as partake in off-train excursions.
4. Bernina Express – Switzerland & Italy
Perhaps the most relaxing train journey on the planet, the Bernina Express will welcome you on board and then slowly wind its way through the Swiss Alps. You’ll traverse breathtaking bridges, glimpse amazing chasms, chug up glaciers and travel through snowy mountain-scapes.
It’s also one of the few train trips in the world that will take you along the World Heritage RhB railway line.
5. The Blue Train – South Africa
It might sound like a children’s ride, but the South African Blue Train is renowned as one of the most decadent train journeys on earth.
From Pretoria to Cape Town, travellers on this luxury train will enjoy beautiful accommodation suites, elegant lounges, fine dining options, a jewellery boutique and even a butler! Scenery, schmeenary…
6. Lhasa Express Sky Train – China to Tibet
If you’ve ever wanted to climb to amazing heights and high altitudes via train, this is your chance!
The Qinghai-Tibet line is the world’s highest elevation railway that will take you through almost 2,000 kilometres of uninterrupted mountain and plateau landscapes. It goes so high that the carriages require their own oxygen supply. Yikes!
7. Bergen Railway – Norway
High altitudes reign on the Bergen as you travel from Oslo to Bergen and take in the spectacular views in between, including Europe’s highest mountain plateau. There’s also the opportunity to stop at a range of skiing spots and resorts along the way.
8. Amtrak Coast Starlight – USA
Journey along rugged coastlines, with beautiful Cascade mountain ranges and dazzling blue waters to boot! The Coast Starlight is a must-do train journey when visiting California, taking just over 35 hours to go from Seattle to Portland, San Francisco and Los Angeles (or vice versa).
If you choose to travel north-bound instead, you should definitely consider combining your rail trip with a cruise to Alaska, where you’ll get to see everything from mammoth glaciers to frolicking whales.