The Most Breathtaking Train Journeys You Can Take Right Now

By: Zoey Stewart Last updated: 06/11/2026

Remember when travel was actually fun? Not the part where you arrive at your destination, but the actual act of moving from point A to point B. Somewhere between endless airport security lines and cramped middle seats, we lost the joy of the journey.

But things are changing fast. We're in the middle of a massive global rail renaissance. People are tired of the airport sprint and are choosing to slow down.

According to recent industry data, specialty train travel bookings have skyrocketed. One major rail provider, Railbookers, reported that last year was the most successful in company history, with bookings jumping 35 percent year over year and showing a massive 51 percent surge for 2026.¹

So what's driving this sudden obsession? It comes down to a shift in how we value our time. Instead of rushing to cross a finish line, travelers want to experience every mile. Some are even linking multiple luxury trains together for multi-week adventures, a trend often called luxury train hopping.²

Whether you want to spend a couple of days crossing a desert or two months circling the globe, rail travel offers a front row seat to the world. It's the ultimate way to see the world in 2026.³ Let's look at some of the most spectacular tracks you can ride today.

The Alpine Marvel: Glacier Express in Switzerland

If you've ever dreamed of a postcard-perfect winter wonderland, the Glacier Express is your ticket in. This train is famous for being the slowest express train in the world, taking about eight hours to travel between Zermatt and St. Moritz.

But you won't want it to go any faster. The route takes you through the very heart of the Swiss Alps, crossing 291 bridges and passing through 91 tunnels.

The train has massive panoramic glass windows that curve into the ceiling, giving you unobstructed views of snow-covered peaks and deep gorges. If you book the Excellence Class, you get a five-course regional meal with wine pairings, served right at your seat.

It remains the gold standard for scenic rail travel because it turns a challenging mountain crossing into an effortlessly comfortable day of sightseeing.

Here's an insider tip for budget-conscious travelers. Skip the official Glacier Express and take the local regional commuter train that runs on the exact same tracks. The windows on the regional trains can actually be pulled down, allowing you to breathe the crisp alpine air and take spectacular, glare-free photos without any glass reflection.

If you want something shorter but equally dramatic, Norway's Flåm Railway is frequently voted the most beautiful train journey in Europe.⁴ In just 50 minutes, the train descends 2,800 feet from the high mountain station of Myrdal to the edge of the Aurlandsfjord, passing roaring waterfalls and sheer cliffs along the way.

Crossing Continents: The Ghan in Australia

Imagine cutting straight through the fiery red heart of the Australian Outback. That's exactly what you get on The Ghan, a legendary transcontinental journey that covers nearly 3,000 kilometers from Adelaide in the south to Darwin in the tropical north.

Over the course of 54 hours, the view outside your window shifts from the rolling green hills of South Australia to barren red deserts, and finally to the lush tropical terrain of the Top End. It's a stark, dramatic transition that shows you the true scale of the continent.

To make the most of this multi-day trip, consider upgrading to the Platinum Service. You get a spacious cabin with a double bed, a private bathroom, and access to a dining carriage that serves regional delicacies like kangaroo and barramundi.

If you're planning to book this legendary ride, keep these tips in mind:

• Pack light: Cabins have limited storage space, so bring a small carry-on and leave your large bags in the luggage car.

• Book early: These journeys often sell out a year in advance due to high demand.

• Take the excursions: The off-train trips, like exploring Nitmiluk Gorge, are included in your ticket and are worth every minute.

Mountain Majesty: The Rocky Mountaineer in Canada

Canada has some of the wildest, most rugged wilderness on earth, and there's no better way to see it than from a custom glass dome train. The Rocky Mountaineer winds through the dramatic peaks of the Canadian Rockies, offering views of rushing rivers, deep canyons, and occasional grizzly bears.

What's unique about this trip is that the train only travels during the day. You never have to worry about missing a spectacular view in the dark. Instead, you spend your nights in comfortable luxury hotels along the route, getting a good night of sleep before the next day of sightseeing.

For nature lovers, this is easily one of the most beautiful train routes in the world. The glass dome coaches make you feel like you're floating through the mountains, while the outdoor viewing platforms let you feel the mountain breeze and hear the roar of the rivers below.

If you want to experience this style of travel closer to home, the company also runs a route in the American Southwest called Rockies to Red Rocks, which takes you from Denver to Salt Lake City through stunning red sandstone canyons.

Cultural Immersion: The Seven Stars in Kyushu, Japan

Japan is famous for its high-speed bullet trains, but it also hosts one of the most exclusive luxury cruise trains in the world. The Seven Stars in Kyushu is a moving show of traditional Japanese craftsmanship and hospitality.

With only a few suites onboard, getting a ticket is so competitive that travelers must apply through a lottery system. Those who secure a spot are treated to an intimate journey around the volcanic southern island of Kyushu, featuring views of steaming hot springs, rugged coastlines, and rural villages.

The design of the train is a masterpiece. It blends Western and Japanese aesthetics, featuring delicate woodwork, handmade ceramic sinks, and rich textiles.

Onboard service is incredibly attentive, reflecting the Japanese concept of selfless hospitality. It's not just a ride, it's a deep dive into the culture, food, and natural beauty of a region that many tourists overlook.

The New Icons of Luxury Rail

The rail revival has also brought a wave of ultra-high-end trains that feel more like five-star boutique hotels than transport.

Take the brand new La Dolce Vita Orient Express in Italy, which launched its maiden voyages in April 2025.⁵ The train is a tribute to 1960s Italian glamour, featuring interiors with lacquered wood, brass accents, and Verona marble. You can take one or two-night trips from Rome to places like Venice or Sicily, while enjoying a menu designed by a three-Michelin-starred chef.⁵

Meanwhile, in the United Kingdom, the Britannic Explorer made its debut in July 2025 as the first luxury sleeper train to tour England and Wales. It has a botanical design, a dedicated spa car, and menus created by chef Simon Rogan. It's the ultimate way to see the Lake District or the Welsh countryside in complete comfort.

These new launches show that the demand for high-end rail experiences is stronger than ever.

If you're ready to plan your next great rail adventure, here are a few highly rated options to get you started

Your Ticket to Adventure

At some point, we convinced ourselves that travel should be as fast as possible. We chose the sterile efficiency of flight cabins over the slow, scenic rhythm of the earth passing by.

But when you look out a train window, you see how the world actually connects. You watch the mountains slowly rise from the plains, the forests give way to deserts, and the small towns blend into big cities. It's a perspective that flying simply cannot offer.

Whether you want to sip wine while winding through the Swiss Alps or watch the Australian sun set over red desert sands, there's a track waiting for you. It's time to pack your bags, find your seat, and let the world roll by.