Evocative of a bygone age, there is something irrefutably romantic about traveling by train. From Switzerland to South Africa, we explore a selection of the world’s most memorable, scenic railway journeys.
1. The Trans-Mongolian Express – Russia to China
The Trans-Mongolian route starts in Moscow, Russia, and features at the top of many railway lovers’ bucket lists. As the train crosses Siberia’s border with Mongolia, passengers are greeted by parched red flats and grassy dunes sloping into the horizon. Fall asleep to gleaming lakes and rivers zigzagging their way around the tracks and wake up as passengers in China—glimpses of the Great Wall visible in the distance. Here, the train gains elevation, offering spectacular views across the sheer valleys and lush orchards down to the riverbanks, where men fish in time-honored fashion, wearing traditional pointed hats.
2. The Caledonian Express – United Kingdom
One of Britain’s few remaining sleeper services, the Caledonian Sleeper recently received a £100 million renovation, its 40-year-old carriages phased out and replaced with sumptuous new cabins and cars featuring air-conditioning, charging panels, WiFi, hotel-style keycards, and adjustable thermostats. Traveling from London to Fort William in the Scottish Highlands, the new trains incorporate both modern en suites and traditional Highland fare.
Known as the Deerstalker, the Highland service is one of Britain’s most impressive railway journeys. It journeys past the vast watery expanse of Loch Treig to the foot of Ben Nevis before passing across the historic Glenfinnan viaduct. From there, the Deerstalker continues on its way through craggy Scottish mountains, past opulent green, rolling foothills and blazes of purple heather, to the enthralling Isle of Skye.
3. Venice Simplon-Orient-Express – Europe
The iconic Orient Express remains the “gold standard” in railway magnificence, combining decadent Art Deco interiors with reputation for impeccable service and luxury. Upon embarkation, luggage is whisked away from the station platform, appearing in the passenger’s cabin as if delivered by house elves. On the Orient Express, the bubbly never stops flowing, with beds seemingly making themselves the moment the passenger steps outside of their cabin. Whether enjoying the quaint cottages of the French countryside or the majesty of the Swiss Alps, the Art Deco Champagne Bar is a spectacular location to sit and watch the world go by.
4. Shongololo Express – Southern Africa
Purchased by Rovos Rail in 2016, the Shongololo Express was created for passengers who are prepared to sacrifice luxury for the opportunity to see as much of southern Africa as possible, traveling through South Africa, Mozambique, Namibia, Swaziland, and Zimbabwe. With three itineraries available ranging from 12 to 15 days in duration, the Shongololo Express accommodates guests in two categories of en suite cabins with twin or double beds. Featuring observation cars, dining cars, and a bar car, Emerald Class also provides access to a small lounge area. All itineraries include options to visit historic, archaeological, and safari sites, with some also catering to golfers.
5. Denali Star – United States
The Alaska Railroad’s most iconic train, the Denali Star links Anchorage and Fairbanks, stopping off at Wasilla, Talkeetna, and Denali Park. While en route, passengers can observe streams full of salmon and forests of birch and spruce, with carpets of fireweed coloring the remainder of the landscape a vivid purple. One of America’s most spectacular national parks, Denali National Park is the star attraction, providing lucky passengers with an opportunity to spot moose, caribou, and bears.
6. Perurail’s Lake Titicaca Railway – Peru
Traversing the shores of Lake Titicaca and journeying to the beating heart of the ancient Inca capital, Lake Titicaca Railway traverses the Altiplano, cutting a scenic swath from Puno to Cuzco, passing the snow-dusted peaks and voluptuous valleys of the Andes. Passengers are invited to enjoy drinks in the bar and fine dining in the restaurant car. Alternatively, the open-air observatory car is the ideal location to enjoy the view as the train rumbles on through the Peruvian planes, where llama farmers can be seen as passengers zoom by remote villages and towns.
7. The Riviera Railway – France to Italy
Starting in the glamorous destination of Cannes in the south of France and ending in expansive Ventimiglia, Italy, this unforgettable journey through the internationally renowned French Riviera follows the coastline and takes just 90 minutes to complete. While gazing out across the sparkling Ligurian Sea, passengers on this double-decker train pass through lesser-known coastal hideaways like Antibes, Juan les Pins, and Cagnes-sur-mer.
A riot of neon pink bougainvillea tumble down the walls of whitewashed buildings beneath a cloudless sapphire sky. Pausing at both Nice and Monaco, the train offers glimpses of superyachts moored in the marinas, with teens playing volleyball, and Lamborghinis roaring in the streets. The train rolls on through uneven hillsides, before finally coming to its terminus in Ventimiglia. Located in northern Italy, this low-profile city boasts some of the best fresh seafood in all of Europe as well as dazzling Mediterranean views.