8 of the Greatest Train Rides on Earth
These are the best train trips in the World that truly move you, and we don't just mean in the literal sense. The moment you step onboard these trains, you're instantly transported to another place and time, full of rich history, breathtaking scenery and romantic allure. Join us for a peek into 8 of the best train rides on earth, and learn how you can make one part of your next vacation escape!
1. The Bernina Express
Taken for a mile for a mile, the Bernina Express - running from Chur and St. Moritz in eastern Switzerland to Tirano in Northern Italy - is considered the most scenic journey in the world, and for good reason. The 90-mile, four-hour trek is every bit as amazing as you may have heard, journeying through 55 tunnels and 196 bridges, and offering unforgettable views of the spectacular alpine landscape, massive waterfalls, dramatic glaciers, and deep ravines. The red carriages feature panoramic windows so there are no bad seats, and you can enjoy food, drinks, and live commentary on board.
Railbookers' vacations featuring the Bernina Express:
Classic Glacier and Bernina Express
Discover two of the world's most scenic train journeys, the Glacier Express and the Bernina Express! Enjoy Switzerland's scenery on this classic four-night vacation with stops in the cities of Interlaken and Chur. Watch lush fields, rushing rivers, snowy mountain passes, and glaciers pass by from the panoramic windows of these two famous trains.
Venice and the Bernina Express
Take the most scenic route imaginable to Venice! Travel from Switzerland on the Bernina Express and wind through the spectacular Alpine scenery towards the warmth and magic of Italy. Spend nights in Zurich and Milan en route, and relax by the azure lagoon and tranquil canals of Venezia, one of Europe's most iconic gems.
2. The Flam Railway
Feel like you're on top of the world - literally - at the start of the 310-mile railway running from Oslo to Bergen in Norway - the highest major train route in Northern Europe. The journey from the mountain station of Myrdal down to Flam deep in the fjord has been voted one of the most scenic rail journeys in the world, and is also one of the steepest normal track railway lines, dropping 2,824 feet to the fjord below in just under an hour. Take in the awe-inspiring views of rugged mountains, deep valleys, and thundering waterfalls as you descend into the Aurlandsfjord.
Railbookers' vacations featuring the Flam Railway:
Grand Norway in a Nutshell
Discover the best of Norway and the spectacular Norwegian fjords on this seven-night ultimate vacation! Your journey begins in the Norwegian capital of Oslo, where you’ll experience all the top attractions of the beautiful harborside city. Then, take an unforgettable rail journey to Flam on the Flam Railway, voted the most scenic rail journey in the world. Spend two nights in beautiful Flam seeing all the sights, eating delicious local cuisine, and taking an unforgettable journey by safari rib boat through the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Aurlandsfjord. From Flam, take another scenic journey by ferry through dramatic fjords to colorful Bergen for two days of sightseeing and scenery. From Bergen, return to Oslo on the famous Bergen line for a final night in the city.
Essential Fjords and the Norwegian Coast
Discover mountains and incredible fjords on this unforgettable train vacation to Norway. Arrive in Oslo for an overnight stay before traveling by rail to Myrdal and taking the legendary Flåm Railway down through spectacular scenery to Flam. Then, take a relaxing fjord cruise on the magnificent Aurlandsfjord and Nærøyfjord from Flam to the small village of Gudvangen before catching a bus through Nærøydalen to Voss. The Bergen Railway will drop you in Bergen, located along Norway’s southwestern coast. In Stavanger, explore its wooden houses and crowd-pleasing attractions and then you will complete your journey back to Oslo.
3. Venice Simplon-Orient Express
The iconic Venice Simplon-Orient Express is synonymous with everything that is 'luxury rail travel,' including glamour and sophistication, impeccable service, and iconic journeys that hearken back to a different time when rail travel was the epitome of style and class. Experience pure comfort, opulent interiors, fine dining, and convivial company along the tracks as you relive the 'golden age of rail travel' on this unforgettable journey to/from London to Paris and/or Venice, Florence, Rome, and Verona!
Railbookers' vacations featuring the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express:
Venice Simplon-Orient-Express to Venice
Journey from London to Venice aboard the iconic Venice Simplon-Orient Express and experience the journey of a lifetime. Enjoy excellent service, luxurious accommodations, and fabulous cuisine onboard the train as you pass through the mesmerizing scenery of the Swiss Alps to Venice. Spend three nights in the romantic lagoon-side paradise to round off your trip.
Venice Simplon-Orient-Express from Paris to Venice and Rome
Experience an incredible vacation combining the historic cities of Venice and Rome and the elegance of traveling onboard the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express. Travel overnight from Paris to Venice and spend two nights exploring this magical city before traveling first class to the Eternal City of Rome for a further two nights.
4. Rocky Mountaineer
A journey aboard the famed navy blue and gold carriages of the Rocky Mountaineer has topped many a bucket list over the years. Synonymous with true luxury, breathtaking adventures, delicious food, inspiring landscapes, and unparalleled service – Canada’s Rocky Mountains await, and this is a truly spectacular way to experience them! The thrilling two-day journey covers four different routes through the Rockies to Banff, Jasper, Lake Louise, Whistler, and Quesnel, over the old Canadian Pacific line to Vancouver, which created the modern nation of Canada in 1885. Experience glacier-fed lakes, lush forests, rushing rivers, and an abundance of wildlife right outside your window. If you book a “Gold Leaf” ticket, you will enjoy riding and dining in traditional-style Dome Cars for premium views and the utmost comfort.
Railbookers' vacations featuring the Rocky Mountaineer:
Grand Circle of the Canadian Rockies
Experience the splendor of the Canadian Rockies on this grand rail journey with Rocky Mountaineer and VIA Rail. Travel through the Canadian Rockies and along the Fraser River and Canyon to places no cars can go. Spend time exploring the iconic emerald lakes and beautiful waterfalls in the heart of the Canadian Rockies. Travel to the mountainside town of Banff, picturesque Lake Louise, and along the Icefields Parkway to the charming town of Jasper.
Trans-Canada and Rockies Adventure with Rocky Mountaineer
Take the ultimate tour of Canada from coast to coast, including journeys on two iconic trains! Starting in Toronto, first, discover the cascading waters of Niagara Falls on a breathtaking day trip before taking The Canadian train for an epic journey across rural landscapes to the heart of the Canadian Rockies. Explore the wonders of Jasper and Banff National Parks and the turquoise waters of Lake Louise before boarding the famed Rocky Mountaineer for the breathtaking journey through to Vancouver!
5. The Jacobite Steam Train
Discover one of Britain’s best-loved scenic railways on this epic 42-mile journey, through the dramatic, wild expanses of the Scottish Western Highlands. Travel by steam train on the vintage carriages of The Jacobite, starting at the highest mountain in Britain, Ben Nevis, in Fort William. Marvel at the natural sights out your window as the train winds through mountain and glen, and over massive viaducts to Europe’s deepest seawater loch, Loch Morar, on the way to Mallaig. You'll also stop at the charming village of Glenfinnan and pass scenic beaches before the commencement of your journey. This scenic line has come to have more recent popularity as the Hogwarts Express, as it was featured in the famous Harry Potter books and movies.
Railbookers' vacations featuring The Jacobite:
Complete Scotland by Rail
From the historic capital city to the rugged and dramatic coastline of the Highlands, Scotland’s fresh air, ancient castles, and rugged landscapes are best discovered by rail! Explore ‘Complete Scotland’ on your next vacation and take to the tracks around some of the most beautiful corners in the world – including a trip on the Jacobite Steam Train!
Grand Britain by Rail
Take the ultimate vacation through Britain by rail! You’ll uncover world-famous landmarks in London and Edinburgh, discover the prehistoric rocks of Stonehenge, spot quaint English villages on scenic cruises, and experience one of the most scenic train journeys on earth aboard the Jacobite Steam Train through the Scottish Highlands. This is truly a bucket list adventure for anyone with a love for all things British.
6. Eastern & Oriental Express
Experience relaxed sophistication onboard the Eastern & Oriental Express as you travel between vibrant cities like Bangkok and Singapore, through quaint villages and ancient monuments. Be pampered on board with luxurious, modern accommodations and 5-star cuisine, and enjoy fascinating cultural tours along the way. This exotic rail journey is simply the best way to experience all the wonders of the Far East. The rail line is comprised of 19 grand coach sleeping cars – featuring the signature green and cream paint and gleaming brass finishings the train is famous for. Indulge your fantasies of old colonial days while enjoying spacious, sumptuous coaches, with full en-suite facilities. Once onboard, order a Singapore Sling in the bar car and head out to the warmth of the veranda of the back carriage for an unforgettable memory on a truly iconic train.
Railbookers' vacations featuring the Eastern & Oriental Express:
Eastern and Oriental Express from Bangkok to Singapore
Enjoy the best of the Far East on this luxurious rail journey! Following an overnight stay in Bangkok, travel through Thailand, past the legendary River Kwai, and onwards to Malaysia aboard on the opulent carriages of the Eastern & Oriental Express. Finish your journey with an exciting two-night stay in Singapore.
Eastern and Oriental Express from Singapore to Bangkok
The best of the Far East is within reach on this epic rail experience! Following an exciting two-night stay in Singapore, board the opulent carriages of the Eastern & Oriental Express for a journey through Malaysia and Thailand, with stops at the royal city of Kuala Kangsar and the legendary River Kwai. The journey concludes with two nights in Bangkok, experiencing all the sights and sounds of this vibrant capital city.
7. Jungfrau Railway
The Jungfrau Railway is a narrow gauge rack railway that runs only five and a half miles from Kleine Scheidegg to the highest railway station in Europe at Jungfraujoch, between the Bernese Highlands and the Valais in Switzerland. The top, at 11,332 feet above sea level, is known as the 'Top of Europe,' and features breathtaking views of Europe's mountain ranges. While short, the journey is spectacular, and the experience from the top has been described as one of the best in all of Europe.
Railbookers' vacations featuring the Jungfrau Railway:
Switzerland's Lake and Mountains
Take the scenic trip of a lifetime through Switzerland on this exciting vacation by rail. Starting with overnight stays in Geneva and Montreux, continue the journey along the Golden Pass Line to Interlaken. Take a memorable trip to the highest railway station at the top of Jungfrau Mountain, before traveling through the Swiss Alps aboard the Glacier Express to Chur. Complete this incredible journey with a day trip across spectacular viaducts and past impressive glaciers on the Bernina Express to Tirano.
Scenic Switzerland from Zurich
This all-encompassing eight-night rail odyssey of Switzerland takes in the best this wonderful country has to offer. Start with a two-night stay in grand St Moritz from where you take a ride onboard the stunning Bernina Express train. Take the spectacular Glacier Express train to historical Zermatt for two nights, and enjoy the iconic Matterhorn Mountain via the Gornergrat Cog Railway. Travel to lakeside Lausanne for a relaxing night before continuing your journey along the Golden Pass line to the traditional Swiss town of Lucerne. Enjoy three nights here with day trips on the world’s steepest cogwheel train line on Mount Pilatus, and also to the highest railway station in Europe on the Jungfrau Railway.
8. Trans-Siberian Railway
The ultimate for lovers of epic train experiences, this journey across Russia and Mongolia, from Moscow to Vladivostok, along the Trans-Siberian Railway, is the pinnacle of the rail travel adventure. With stops in Kazan, Yekaterinburg, Novosibirsk, Irkutsk, Lake Baikal, Ulan Ude, and Ulaan Baatar, you will get to experience the vastness and grandeur of Russia’s rarely visited interior and the very best of Mongolia. By the time your journey ends, you will have passed through eight different time zones, a third of the world’s total! You will also have traveled an incredible distance of 6,500 miles through Russia and Mongolia.
Railbookers' vacations featuring the Trans-Siberian Railway:
Golden Eagle Trans-Siberian from Moscow to Vladivostok
This 15-day journey across Russia and Mongolia is one you will never forget! The entire journey, from Moscow in the west to Vladivostok on Russia's eastern coast and on to Beijing in China, comes complete with luxury suites, high-end amenities, and the very best in fine dining onboard the luxurious Golden Eagle train. Enjoy stops in Kazan, Yekaterinburg, Novosibirsk, Irkutsk, Lake Baikal, Ulan Ude, and Ulaan Baatar, with memorable sightseeing activities at each destination.
Trans-Mongolian Adventure, Beijing to Moscow
This 22-day cross-continental journey from Beijing to Moscow with stops in Ulaanbaatar, Irkutsk, Listvyanka, and Yekaterinburg promises to be an experience you will never forget. Bask in the gorgeous architecture and culture of Imperial China while visiting world-famous attractions, like the magnificent Great Wall and the Forbidden City. Spend the night in a traditional Mongolian dwelling in Gorkhi Tereli National Park in Mongolia’s capital city of Ulaanbaatar. Revel in the majesty of the stunning Lake Baikal. See a 19th-century wooden church in Listvyanka. Visit Yekaterinburg’s historic city center. Explore all the festive city of Moscow has to offer and tour the Kremlin and Red Square.
