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6 Best Train Journeys in The World

There is an enduring magic in rail journeys—an experience that blends timeless elegance with a sense of profound discovery. To embark on one of the world’s great train journeys is to surrender to the gentle rhythm of the tracks, where landscapes unfold like living artworks just beyond your window. These are not mere trips; they are rolling sanctuaries of luxury, inviting you to witness the world’s grandeur in unparalleled comfort.

 

Join us as we explore six extraordinary voyages that redefine what it means to travel. Each journey promises to envelop you in an atmosphere of indulgence and adventure, turning every mile into a cherished memory.


 

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Rocky Mountaineer First Passage To The West (Photo Credit: Rocky Mountaineer)

 

 

The Flåm Railway, Norway

Step into a Norwegian fairytale aboard the Flåm Railway, one of Norway's most spectacular train journeys. This engineering marvel ascends from the serene waters of the Aurlandsfjord to the mountain heights of Myrdal. In just one unforgettable hour, this 20-kilometre route climbs over 860 metres, passing through 20 hand-carved tunnels and clinging to steep cliffsides.

 

The breathtaking scenery of Norway unfolds before your eyes—emerald valleys, cascading waterfalls, and remote mountain farms perched on vibrant green slopes. A must-see highlight is the dramatic stop at the thunderous Kjosfossen waterfall, where you're enveloped in its magical mist. The Flåm Railway is a compact yet incredible experience, offering a glimpse into the untamed beauty and old-world charm of Norway’s landscapes.

 

Why we love it: One of the steepest standard-gauge railway lines in the world, rising over 860 meters in just 20 kilometers. Pause at the legendary Kjosfossen waterfall, where the train stops and you can step outside to feel the cool spray and catch a glimpse of a mythical Huldra dancer.

 

Route: Flåm to Myrdal

 

 

Rocky Mountaineer, Canada

Venture through the vast grandeur of the Canadian Rockies aboard the Rocky Mountaineer, where glass-domed coaches offer panoramic views of nature’s masterpiece. This daylight-only journey ensures you miss none of the unfolding drama as you travel between Vancouver and the iconic mountain towns of Banff or Jasper. Choose the "First Passage to the West" route to follow the historic path of 19th-century explorers, or opt for the "Journey through the Clouds" to witness the majestic Mount Robson, the highest peak in the Canadian Rockies. Both routes promise a tapestry of shifting landscapes.

 

For those seeking the ultimate cross-continental odyssey, Canada rail journeys offer a tapestry of shifting landscapes. Imagine gliding past snow-capped peaks that pierce the sky, turquoise lakes that gleam like jewels, and ancient forests where wildlife roams free. Onboard, gourmet cuisine crafted from local ingredients and attentive service create a spirit of celebration. The GoldLeaf Service elevates the experience further, with bi-level coaches and an exclusive outdoor viewing platform. This is a moving theatre of natural wonder, where you have the best seat in the house.

 

Why we love it: Unrivalled glass-domed carriages provide panoramic views of the Rockies’ spectacular glaciers, canyons, and wildlife all along the route. Travel only during daylight hours, ensuring that no moment of the journey’s breathtaking scenery is ever missed.

 

Route: Vancouver to Banff or Jasper

 

 

The Ghan, Australia

To board The Ghan is to embark on a legendary crossing of Australia’s heartland, a centrepiece of the most prestigious Australian rail journeys. This iconic train slices through the continent, journeying from the tropical greens of Darwin to the refined city of Adelaide, revealing the fiery, sun-baked soul of the Outback along the way. Discover more on The Ghan here.

 

Stepping into your cabin is like entering a private sanctuary on wheels. Platinum Service offers unmatched luxury, with spacious suites, full-size ensuites, and panoramic windows framing the ancient landscape. The journey is punctuated by immersive off-train experiences, such as dining under a canopy of stars in Alice Springs or cruising through the majestic Nitmiluk Gorge. The Ghan offers a rare perspective on the beauty and isolation of the Australian interior, all while wrapping you in five-star comfort.

 

Why we love it: Experience immersive off-train adventures, including starlit feasts in the Red Centre and river cruises through awe-inspiring gorges. Journey across three epic terrains—from the tropical Top End, through the legendary Outback, to the lush vineyards of South Australia—all within the cocoon of refined luxury.

 

Route: Darwin to Adelaide

 

 

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The Blue Train Daytime view of the Lounge Car (Photo Credit: The Blue Train)

 

 

The Blue Train, South Africa

A byword for opulence, The Blue Train offers a moving five-star hotel experience as it glides between Pretoria and Cape Town, making it one of the most iconic South Africa rail journeys. This is a journey that harks back to a golden age of travel, where elegance and indulgence are paramount.

 

The suites are sanctuaries of polished wood panelling and plush fabrics, complete with marble-tiled bathrooms and a personal butler attending to your every need. In the dining car, crystal and silverware sparkle as you savour exquisite cuisine paired with fine South African wines. As the train crosses the vast expanse of the Karoo, you can relax in the Club Car and watch the sun set over the African savannah. The Blue Train is a palace on wheels, offering a window onto the soul of the rainbow nation and showcasing the luxury of South Africa rail journeys. Discover our handpicked Blue Train Tours.

 

Why we love it: Suites feature marble-tiled bathrooms, personal butler service, and plush interiors reminiscent of a royal residence. Enjoy gourmet meals, vintage wines, and sunset views over the savannah from the comfort of the elegant Club Car.

 

Route: Pretoria to Cape Town

 

 

The TranzAlpine, New Zealand

Renowned as one of the world's most breathtaking rail journeys, the TranzAlpine invites you to traverse the ethereal landscapes of New Zealand’s South Island, weaving from the urban elegance of Christchurch into the rugged, untamed heart of Greymouth. This is the pinnacle of New Zealand rail journeys, where the train glides across the patchwork tapestry of the Canterbury Plains before ascending into the majestic, snow-dusted peaks of the Southern Alps.

 

The journey unfolds as a sensory masterpiece of geographic wonder. You will soar over the braided, turquoise ribbons of the Waimakariri River, navigate the shadows of deep, ancient gorges, and wander through the pristine wilderness of Arthur’s Pass National Park. Step out onto the open-air viewing carriage to inhale the crisp, crystalline alpine air and capture the unobstructed grandeur of these sweeping vistas. In just under five hours, the TranzAlpine offers an exquisite, moving gallery of New Zealand's dramatic and storied beauty, promising a sophisticated adventure you will long remember.

 

Why we love it: Features a unique open-air viewing carriage for an immersive connection to the alpine scenery. Crosses the iconic Southern Alps, offering panoramic vistas of braided rivers, ancient forests, and soaring mountain passes.

 

Route: Christchurch to Greymouth

 

 

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The Eastern & Oriental Express State Cabin (Photo Credit: The Eastern & Oriental Express)

 

 

The Eastern & Oriental Express, Southeast Asia

Step into a world of colonial glamour and exotic allure aboard the Eastern & Oriental Express. This magnificent train winds its way through the lush, tropical landscapes of Southeast Asia, linking Singapore, Malaysia, and Thailand in a journey that is both nostalgic and deeply romantic.

 

The carriages are a masterpiece of design, with interiors of cherrywood panelling, Thai silks, and Malaysian embroidery. As the train rolls past rice paddies, ancient temples, and dense jungles, you are cocooned in an atmosphere of slow-paced luxury. Evenings are an elegant affair, with guests dressing for dinner and enjoying a fusion of Eastern and Western cuisine. The open-air observation car at the rear of the train provides the perfect vantage point to absorb the sights, sounds, and scents of the tropics.

 

Why we love it: Offers curated excursions to sites such as Penang and the River Kwai, blending cultural immersion with five-star comfort. Showcases lavish Art Deco interiors and a legendary bar car, where you can sip cocktails to the gentle rhythm of live piano music.

 

Route: Singapore to Bangkok via Malaysia

 

 

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