Best Train Rides Around the World You Must Experience

Glacier Express, Switzerland

First up on our list of the best train rides around the world is the iconic Glacier Express also known as the ‘slowest express train in the world,' this eight-hour journey stretches for about 291 kilometers between Zermatt and St. Moritz, two of Switzerland's most famous mountain resorts. Along the way, you'll see deep valleys, cross dizzying bridges like the Landwasser Viaduct, and pass snowy peaks and remote alpine villages. Inside the train, wide panoramic windows ensure you don't miss any views, alongside that passengers can even enjoy a delicious three-course meal served at their seats, paired with Swiss wines, all while watching the views. 

• Best time to ride: December to March for snow, May to September

• Approx budget: $250-$400 per person

• Nearest station: Zermatt Railway Station

Trans-Siberian Railway, Russia

Next is none other than the legendary Trans-Siberian Railway, which is also the longest continuous train ride in the world and easily one of the best train rides around the world for true adventurers. It stretches around 9,289 kilometers from Moscow to Vladivostok and takes about seven days non-stop, but most people break it up to visit cities and natural wonders along the way. This train crosses eight time zones and countless rivers, including the mighty Volga, passes the rolling Ural Mountains that separate Europe and Asia, and the shores of Lake Baikal, the world's deepest lake. One of the key highlights of this journey for passengers is seeing how the scenery changes from Moscow's architecture to Siberia's taiga forests and villages, attracting many travellers year round.

• Best time to ride: May to September

• Approx budget: $500-$1500 depending on class and stops

• Nearest station: Moscow Yaroslavsky Railway Station

Venice Simplon-Orient-Express, Europe

Next, the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express is truly among the best train rides around the world. It has an old Hollywood glamour vibe and is a luxurious train that carries travelers from London through Paris, Innsbruck, and Verona to Venice. You'll find art deco cabins, polished wood panels, crisp white tablecloths, gourmet meals and fresh flowers all creating a journey that transports you back to the 1920s. Many guests like to dress up for dinner and enjoy drinks in the piano bar as the European countryside slips by. It truly elevates your journey across Europe and allows you to spend a gala time with your friends and family.

• Best time to ride: March to November

• Approx budget: $3500-$7000 per person

• Nearest station: London Victoria Station

The Ghan, Australia

Next on our list of the best train rides around the world is The Ghan which covers about 2,979 kilometers from Adelaide in the south to Darwin in the north. The Ghan is mainly famous for its luxurious cabins and stunning outback views and passengers can watch the red desert roll by, spot wild kangaroos and camels of Australia, and hop off for guided off-train excursions in Alice Springs and Katherine Gorge. On board, guests enjoy hearty and delicious Aussie meals featuring local produce and fine wines and as night falls, you can sleep and relax in your private cabin, enjoying the passing views and the journey.

• Best time to ride: May to September

• Approx budget: $1500-$3000 per person

• Nearest station: Adelaide Parklands Terminal

Rocky Mountaineer, Canada

For many travelers, the Rocky Mountaineer is one of the absolute best train rides around the world and a bucket-list experience especially for nature lovers. This is a luxurious two-day journey that winds through the Canadian Rockies between Vancouver and Banff or Jasper. Along the way, you'll witness towering snow-capped peaks, scenic rivers and pine forests as well as waterfalls. Many visitors like to combine this rail trip with visits to Banff National Park and Lake Louise for added exploration and adventure. Visitors particularly enjoy the train's glass-domed coaches that provide panoramic views all while dining on gourmet meals inspired by local Canadian flavors of the region. 

• Best time to ride: April to October

• Approx budget: $1000-$2500 per person

• Nearest station: Vancouver Pacific Central Station

Bernina Express, Switzerland & Italy

Further along, Switzerland makes another appearance in our best train rides around the world list with the Bernina Express. This bright red train connects Chur in Switzerland to Tirano in Italy, passing through the Engadin Alps. The route includes approximately 196 bridges, 55 tunnels, and some iconic sights like the Landwasser Viaduct and the Bernina Range's glacial landscapes. Travelers across the globe are treated to sweeping views of snowy mountains, crystal-clear alpine lakes as well as cozy mountain towns. It's one of Europe's most scenic and short train rides and also a part of UNESCO World Heritage railway. 

• Best time to ride: All year round

• Approx budget: $70-$150 per person

• Nearest station: Chur Railway Station

El ChePe, Mexico

Additionally, Mexico's Copper Canyon Railway, locally known as El ChePe, is surely among the best train rides around the world. This 16-hour route winds from Chihuahua to Los Mochis through the massive Copper Canyon system, which is even larger than the Grand Canyon. The train goes around cliff edges, over high bridges, and through 86 tunnels, giving many scenic views and endless photo opportunities. Inside, you'll find comfortable seating and large windows to enjoy the wild scenery with your friends and family.

• Best time to ride: October to March 

• Approx budget: $100-$200 per person

• Nearest station: Chihuahua Railway Station

The Reunification Express, Vietnam

Next is one of Southeast Asia's best train rides around the world, named the Reunification Express, which connects Ho Chi Minh City in the south to Hanoi in the north. The train covers almost 1,726 kilometers over 30 to 35 hours, and winds along Vietnam's coast, passing green rice paddies, mountain passes, as well as fishing villages. The views of the sea crashing against cliffs are breathtaking, especially between Hue and Da Nang. Most travelers break the journey with stops in Hue, Da Nang, or Nha Trang to explore and unwind more. Though the train is pretty basic, the soft-sleeper cabins are cozy enough for a good night's rest while the countryside drifts by.

• Best time to ride: October to April

• Approx budget: $50-$150 per person

• Nearest station: Saigon Railway Station

Hiram Bingham, Peru

The Hiram Bingham is Peru's high-end version of the best train rides around the world. It takes tourists from Cusco through the Sacred Valley to the ancient wonder of Machu Picchu. This blue-and-gold train is like a five-star hotel on wheels, with comfortable rooms, fresh flowers, gourmet meals, as well as live music. The brief three-and-a-half-hour trip provides breathtaking views of the Urubamba River, Andean peaks, and green valleys filled with Inca terraces. Most guests combine this ride with a guided tour of Machu Picchu, making the journey just as beautiful as the destination itself.

• Best time to ride: May to September

• Approx budget: $400-$500 per person

• Nearest station: Poroy Station, Cusco

Northern Explorer, New Zealand

Finally, on our list of the best train rides around the world, we have the Northern Explorer in New Zealand, which really showcases the North Island's hidden beauty. This 12-hour train journey connects Auckland and Wellington, going through green hills, huge farmland, the volcanic Central Plateau, and the striking Raurimu Spiral. The main highlights of this journey include crossing high viaducts and spotting Mount Ruapehu, an active volcano that is frequently covered with snow. The carriages of this train have large windows and open-air viewing decks, which are ideal for taking photos plus breathing fresh mountain air. 

• Best time to ride: November to April

• Approx budget: $100-$200 per person

• Nearest station: Auckland Strand Station

Conclusion

These best train rides around the world truly prove that sometimes the journey can also be better than the destination. These rides offer you an opportunity to slow down and view the world from a new and slower viewpoint by fusing comfort with natural beauty. These train journeys promise to elevate your next trip beyond a vacation, whether you choose to explore and go through the snow-capped Alps, the Siberian plains, the canyons of Mexico, or even the tropical routes through Vietnam. So this year, get your loved ones together, pack your luggage, and prepare to embark on one of the best train rides around the world, making unforgettable memories along every track.