From the Swiss Alps to the Rocky Mountains, these are the world's most incredible train journeys
As travellers seek eco-friendly alternatives to flying, train travel is enjoying a revival. The growing demand for scenic, leisurely journeys, opulent rail services, and new night trains redefines slow travel, blending nostalgia with sustainability.
Trains are not just about getting to your destination, though, they’re a part of the trip. You’re on holiday from the moment you set up thanks to great views, comfy seats or beds and delicious food.
With the introduction of flexible and affordable rail passes and more ticket options than ever before, trains are getting closer to becoming as economical as flights.
European rail travel, in particular, has seen a surge in interest, driven by eco-conscious Gen Z and Millennials prioritising sustainable, hassle-free journeys.
Why trains are better than planes
While flying remains popular, booking website Rail Europe reports a shift towards greener, more relaxed travel options.
“Trains offer a smoother experience compared to flying—you can board quickly, avoid baggage limits, and enjoy a stress-free journey,” says Rail Europe CEO Björn Bender.
He highlights night trains’ appeal for solo travellers, who value “savings on hotels and travel time,” while families and older travellers appreciate their comfort and convenience.
Leisure remains the top reason for rail travel, with a rise in longer, scenic trips. “Routes through areas of natural beauty, like Switzerland, are attracting those seeking more than just a point A to B journey,” Bender explains.
Looking ahead, Rail Europe is focusing on making train travel simpler and more accessible. “Transparency in pricing and ease of booking are key demands we’re addressing,” he adds.
New night train services and more scenic routes are standout options, catering to practicality and a desire for slower, more sustainable travel.
Here are some of the best rail journeys for 2025.
The Glacier Express, Switzerland
Dubbed the "slowest express train in the world", the narrow-gauge Glacier Express links St Moritz and Zermatt, offering a front-row seat to Switzerland's alpine landscape in a spectacular 8-hour journey.
As the train winds through the mountains, the scenery continuously shifts, slowly revealing towering peaks, deep valleys, and charming alpine villages.
The route crosses 291 bridges and passes through 91 tunnels, each offering a new perspective of the Swiss Alps. It then climbs to the Oberalp Pass, the highest point on the route, which offers epic views.
Onboard, the focus is on comfort and quality. The food? Think regional Swiss specialities and quality wines, adding a touch of gourmet excellence to the scenic journey.
The Orient Express, Paris to Istanbul
Luxury rail travel is pivotal in the revival of train journeys, tapping into a nostalgia for the elegance and grandeur of the golden age of rail.
One of the most significant developments is the return of the Orient Express, a rail journey from Paris to Istanbul that crime writer Agatha Christie immortalised.
From 2026, the Orient Express will invite travellers to relive the legend aboard 17 original Orient Express cars dating back to the 1920s and 1930s.
These cars, once part of the ‘Nostalgie-Istanbul-Orient-Express,’ have been meticulously restored and adorned with exceptional décor.
Interiors, crafted by French architect Maxime d’Angeac, showcase Art Deco-inspired elements, exquisite marquetry, and sophisticated furnishings, ensuring that every detail embodies the luxury of the original Orient Express.
The Reunification Express, Vietnam
Spanning over 1,700 kilometres, the so-called Reunification Express is an adventurous way to experience Vietnam, linking Hanoi in the north to Ho Chi Minh City in the south.
While no single train officially carries this name, the route captures the spirit of unity, with its history tracing back to 1936 when the French completed the line.
Services were disrupted in 1954 during Vietnam’s division, resuming on 31 December 1976 as a symbol of reunification.
This languid rail journey is as much about the experience as the destination. You’ll glide past misty mountains, peaceful rice paddies, and charming coastal towns, with ever-changing views outside your window.
Onboard, the slow, chugging pace allows you to feast on Vietnamese snacks, chat with fellow travellers, and soak in the buzz of local station stops.
Derry/Londonderry to Coleraine, Northern Ireland
Hailed by Michael Palin as “one of the most beautiful rail journeys in the world,” this 38-minute trip through Northern Ireland’s misty landscapes is short but spectacular.
Following the River Foyle out of Derry/Londonderry, the train glides into the lush green countryside before showcasing the Atlantic coastline and the golden sands of Benone Strand.
The views are the main highlight of this fuss-free train, with the tracks running alongside one of Northern Ireland’s most unspoilt beaches.
The picturesque station at Castlerock, designed by John Lanyon, is a key feature of the journey. This seaside village makes a perfect stop for a beach picnic or a wander through its charming streets.
From dramatic seascapes to rolling countryside, this short route distils Northern Ireland’s natural beauty into less than an hour - proof that epic journeys don’t need to be long.
The Ella to Kandy Train, Sri Lanka
Dubbed one of the most scenic train rides in the world, the popular seven-hour journey from Ella to Kandy takes you through Sri Lanka’s lush tea country.
Towering mountains, cascading waterfalls, and undulating green plantations fill the landscape as the train winds along narrow tracks.
When it comes to choosing your class, options abound. Air-conditioned First Class (AFC) offers reserved seats and cool comfort but no open windows, so you’ll miss the joy of leaning out the doors - a Sri Lankan train travel tradition.
For wide-open windows and a more local vibe, 2nd Class Reserved is ideal, with comfy seats and no standing passengers.
Feeling adventurous? Try 3rd Class Unreserved - same setup, but first-come, first-served seating adds to the mildly chaotic fun.
Tickets for unreserved classes are easy to snag; just turn up at the station, grab your ticket, and hop aboard the budget-friendly blue train.
Rovos Rail, South Africa
Established in 1989 by South African entrepreneur and train enthusiast Rohan Vos, Rovos Rail has built a reputation as one of the finest ways to slow-travel across southern Africa, offering a range of multi-day itineraries that showcase the continent’s most awe-inspiring landscapes.
Operating out of Pretoria, this private railway company provides unique journeys, whether winding through South Africa’s lush vineyards, Namibia’s stark deserts, or Botswana’s sweeping savannahs.
Step inside, and you’ll find a world of old-world elegance. The train's cabins evoke a bygone era, featuring polished wood, soft leather seats, and spacious suites that offer comfort and style.
The dining cars serve gourmet meals, while the swish lounge car is perfect for relaxing and watching the ever-changing scenery unfold.
The Rocky Mountaineer, Canada
Rocky Mountaineer, one of North America's most beloved rail journeys, offers four scenic routes through Western Canada, the Canadian Rockies, and the American Southwest, where rugged alpine landscapes and wildlife can be experienced exclusively by rail.
Considered Canada's crowning glory, the all-dome rail fleet operates exclusively during daylight, ensuring uninterrupted views of remote landscapes while delivering impeccable service.
Each route offers a unique experience, but the 'First Passage to the West' is especially memorable.
It follows the historic trails of 19th-century pioneers and weaves through towering mountains, rushing rivers, and verdant valleys.
The glass-domed coaches immerse you in the panorama, while outdoor viewing platforms allow you to get even closer to the action.
From wildlife sightings in the valleys to the dramatic cascades of Fraser Canyon, every moment aboard offers a new perspective.
The TranzAlpine, New Zealand
New Zealand’s TranzAlpine journey is a four-hour rail spectacle that takes you coast-to-coast across the South Island from Christchurch to Greymouth.
The train offers a front-row seat to some of New Zealand's most impressive landscapes, with rolling plains giving way to river gorges, glacial rivers, and the snow-dusted Southern Alps.
Open-air carriages provide an unparalleled connection to the landscape, while GPS-triggered in-seat commentary ensures you don't miss the journey highlights.
Ffestiniog Railway, Wales
Since 1832, the Ffestiniog Railway has been a cornerstone of Welsh heritage and features several lines chugging through the glorious Eryri National Park (Snowdonia).
Originally used to transport blue slate from the quarries of Blaenau Ffestiniog to Porthmadog’s harbour, this narrow-gauge retro railway now offers passengers a journey through Welsh history and nature aboard the flagship The Mountain Spirit service.
Your epic 13½ mile journey starts in the coastal town of Porthmadog, climbing steadily through lush fields, dense forests, and shimmering lakes towards Blaenau.
Upgrade to the gold service for Observation Bay seating and enjoy unparalleled views from this lovingly restored steam train.