9 Most Beautiful Train Journeys In The World

OT Staff & Waquar Habib

Rocky Mountaineer, Canada

This luxury tourist train runs through the Canadian Rockies from Vancouver to Banff or Jasper. Large picture windows, glass-domed cars, and dramatic mountain, river, and forest vistas dominate the journey.

A view of the Rocky Mountaineer | rockymountaineer/instagram

Venice Simplon-Orient-Express, Europe

A glamourous train offering historic Art Deco cabins and five-star service. It connects European cities in elegance, with dining cars, lush décor, and sumptuous experience steeped in travel nostalgia.

Inside Venice Simplon-Orient-Express | secretsofahostess/instagram

Doğu Express (Eastern Express), Turkey

Running over 26 hours from Ankara to Kars, this route passes Anatolian provinces, rugged landscapes, dramatic snow scenes in winter, and cultural stops near Turkey’s eastern border.

A shot of Doğu Express | skyscannertr/instagram

Seven Stars Kyushu, Japan

Luxury train journey across Japan’s southern island of Kyushu. Interiors designed by craftspeople, lavish woodwork, exquisite meals, short-distance but highly exclusive with personalised service.

A shot of Seven Stars Kyushu, Japan | japanprivatetour/instagram

Eastern & Oriental Express, Southeast Asia

Travelling between Singapore, Malaysia, and Thailand, this train weaves through lush jungle, paddy fields, coastal scenery. It combines colonial-era glamour with relaxed luxury and local cultural excursions.

A view of Eastern & Oriental Express | hotel.maniak/instagram

California Zephyr, United States

This long-distance Amtrak route crosses the Rocky Mountains and Sierra Nevada between Chicago and the Pacific coast. Vast open landscapes, dramatic vistas, changing terrain over many hours.

A shot of California Zephyr, United States | unionstationla/instagram

Glacier Express, Switzerland

A slow train linking Zermatt and St. Moritz, known for panoramic alpine views including snow-clad peaks, deep valleys, numerous bridges and tunnels, perfect scenery throughout each season.

Glacier Express, Switzerland | photos/instagram

The Ghan, Australia

Crossing Australia from Darwin in the north to Adelaide in the south, this journey traverses the Red Centre. Outback landscapes, deserts, remote stations, big skies and changing light.

A shot of The Ghan, Australia | ntaustralia/instagram

TranzAlpine, New Zealand

This route connects Christchurch and Greymouth across the Southern Alps. You pass through lush forests, gorges, waterfalls, wide plains and mountain vistas in just a few hours.

A view of TranzAlpine, New Zealand | greatjourneysnz/instagram

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