15 of the Greatest Train Journeys Around the World

Editor's note: Travel to Sinaloa is not recommended due to serious safety risks in this area. Please follow your government's guidance and travel advisories.

You might not think of Mexico as a country crisscrossed by train tracks and you’d be right. However, there is one train worth traveling for in this North American country—El Chepe. Running 220 miles (350 kilometers) between Los Mochis in Sinaloa to Creel in Chihuahua—and slicing through the Copper Canyon en route—a ride on El Chepe offers a new perspective on underappreciated northern Mexico. Stop off en route to enjoy the Sierra Tarahumara, National Park Cascadas de Basaseachi, and sweeping mountain views.

The concept of “quality not quantity” applies to the Snowdon Mountain Railway (Rheilffordd yr Wyddfa). Although only 4.7 miles (7.6 kilometers) long, the Llanberis to Snowdon journey offers some of the region’s most impressive views and allows easy access to the summit of Wales’ highest peak. However, due to the extreme weather conditions along this rack and pinion line, trains only run from roughly March to October.

Sometimes overshadowed by the perhaps better known Trans-Siberian Express, the Trans-Mongolian Express follows much the same route as its famous sibling from Moscow, although it branches off at Zaudinskiy to make the Mongolia border crossing farther south. (The third of the Trans- trifecta is the Trans-Manchurian route.) Even so, you’ll still be rewarded with spectacular views of snowy tundra, rolling hills, and rushing rivers as you make your way to China on this multi-day, truly once-in-a-lifetime train journey.

Often described as both slow and scenic—two qualities that aren’t half bad when combined—Switzerland’s Glacier Express takes close to eight hours to cover just 180 miles (290 kilometers) of the Swiss Alps. As you might expect, the beyond-the-window scenery is fantastic—think: snowy Alpine vistas, hillside forests, and vertiginous valleys. A particular highlight is crossing the Oberalp Pass, which sits some 7,000 feet (2,135 meters) in the air.

Stretching from Christchurch on the east coast to Greymouth on the west, the TranzAlpine is one of New Zealand’s most spectacular train journeys. Cross from the Canterbury Plains to the Southern Alps, passing by the Waimakariri River, Arthur’s Pass, and dense forests along the way for a 139-mile (223-kilometer) journey marked by New Zealand’s natural beauty and diversity. And given that it takes just five hours from start to finish, you can tackle it in one day. Not on the South Island? Check out North Island’s Northern Explorer route instead.

Of all the train journeys that traverse Peru, the Cusco to Machu Picchu route is easily the best known. However, it’s perhaps not the best; rather, that honor goes to the Puno to Cusco journey which cuts across the Peruvian Altiplano and rewards riders with stellar views of the Andes. Plus, it gives travelers the option to swap the nausea-inducing twists and turns of Peru’s roads for the sinuous curves of the PeruRail tracks. Llama sightings are just another bonus.

Although Japan is currently home to nine Shinkansen (bullet train) lines—including those which run between Tokyo and Osaka, as well as Osaka and Fukuoka—one of the best runs along the Tokaido Shinkansen line between the former and current Japanese capitals (Kyoto and Tokyo). This is because you’ll be treated to a high-speed but beautiful view of Mt. Fuji as you zip past. Just make sure you sit on the correct side depending on your direction of travel—left if heading north, right if heading south.

Stay onboard and enjoy the scenery from the comfort of your cabin to cross the vast Canadian expanse in just four days, whatever the weather; or, make the most of the trip and build in visits to Winnipeg, Jasper, and Sioux Lookout as you cross the country on The Canadian. Although one of Canada’s most luxurious train rides, it’s not the only one. If you’d rather focus your trip on the Rockies, opt for a ride on the Rocky Mountaineer train between British Columbia and Alberta.

You might recognize this striking train journey from the Harry Potter films. After all, Harry and friends took the “Hogwarts Express” along part of the Jacobite Steam Train route—from Fort William to Mallaig, to be exact, including across the Glenfinnan Viaduct. Nowadays, train enthusiasts can see the “Hogwarts Express” on a Warner Bros. Studio Tour in London, or take the 84 mile (135 kilometer) round-trip through some of Scotland’s most awe-inspiring and recognizable landscapes, from Arisaig and Fort William to Lochs Morar and Nevis.

Known for its network of sharp switchbacks, wooden rails, and all-round novelty factor, the Alishan Forest Railway is a century-old narrow-gauge railway which features dozens of tunnels and even more bridges. Offering some of the best views of the forest from all angles, one of the most popular stretches is the Chushan Line. Ride it early in the morning for sunrise vistas from Jade Mountain.

This magical, overnight train journey takes place aboard the double-decker Santa Claus Express and is as beloved by adults as it is by children. Depart from Helsinki and head farther north still to the outer reaches of Lapland, passing through Rovaniemi—Santa’s official residence, of course—as well as mile after mile of snow capped scenes. At the end point, and after posting your letter to Santa, you might be lucky enough to catch the northern lights.

Cover the highlights of South Africa on the Shongololo Express’ Pretoria to Cape Town route, including the Garden Route and more. Some itineraries even build in golfing stops for keen sportspeople, but you can just as easily skip the links. Pretoria to Cape Town isn’t the only available route either—you can instead head north to Zimbabwe, Mozambique, and Malawi or venture west into Namibia and beyond.

Follow the path of Sri Lanka’s colonial tea transporters on the Hill Country Line which, as you might imagine, offers unrivalled views over lush tea plantations and tiny mountainside villages. Slow but more than worth it, the journey offers some of its best views from the Nanu Oya to Ella stretch and booking tickets in advance for the most comfortable seats is recommended.

For pure train luxury, it takes a lot to beat the Belmond Royal Scotsman which trundles through sweeping Scottish scenery and boasts an onboard spa. After a quick facial, settle in and soak up the scenery as you pass by castles, lochs, and plenty of Highland cattle—you can enjoy the views from your suite or the dining car, where you’re sure to feel like a side character in a Poirot novel. With less murder.

Okay, okay, so we said the Scotland train journey probably couldn’t be beaten in terms of luxury. But the Maharajas' Express perhaps pips it to the post. A vacation in and of itself, traveling on the Maharajas’ Express makes for an unforgettable experience. With butlers in every carriage and many multi-day trip offerings—including the week-long Indian Splendor option, which features stops in places such as Agra, Jaipur, and Jodhpur—you’ll want for nothing onboard this world-famous train.