All aboard the memory maker: The best train journeys in the world

All aboard the nostalgia express! For over two centuries, trains have been chugging along, connecting cities and hearts alike. From Paul Theroux's globe-trotting adventures in "The Great Railway Bazaar" to modern-day luxury coaches, train journeys have evolved so much. While some folks are all about those zippy bullet trains, we're here to celebrate the scenic route – the kind where you fight for that coveted window seat. In this blog, we're mapping out the world's best rail routes, from the snow-clad mountains of Switzerland to the sun-drenched coastlines of California. So, grab your ticket and join us on a whistle-stop tour of train journeys you simply must experience.

1. Stockholm to Narvik

Country: Sweden and Norway

Distance: 1,014 km

Train name: NT94

This 18-hour overnight train journey from Stockholm to Narvik train whisks you through Sweden's vast wilderness into Boden's rich history as dawn breaks. But wait until you reach Kiruna because that’s where the magic truly unfolds. You’ll see the huge Torneträsk lake on one side and snow-capped peaks on the other. Further crossing into Norway, the world outside your window morphs dramatically – fjords replace forests, and dizzying bridges span seemingly impassable terrain. In winter, this journey becomes a fairytale, with snow-draped trees and if you are lucky enough you’ll see the Northern Lights too!

This train is included with the Interrail Pass. Find tickets below.

2. Oslo to Bergen

Country: Norway

Distance: 430 km

Train name: The Bergen Line

Passing through 180 tunnels and 22 stops, this railway climbs to a breathtaking 4,058 feet on the Hardangervidda plateau, crowning it Northern Europe's highest. Oslo's urban graffiti fades into impossibly blue rivers and snow-capped peaks as each tunnel feels like a portal to another realm. In summer, lingering twilight paints the landscape in gold and purple hues, while in winter the scene transforms into a breathtaking expanse of white snow, just like in the movie ‘Snowpiercer’. Pro tip: go for the right-side window seat if you are traveling from Bergen,that's where you'll catch glimpses of cascading waterfalls and fjords. And if you can, take the Flåm Railway detour, a 20km branch line that descends 2,838 feet through 20 tunnels, offering some of the most dramatic scenery in Norway.

3. Cusco to Puno

Country: Peru

Distance: 389 km

Train name: The Titicaca Train

Operated by PeruRail, this luxurious journey takes you through the heart of the Andes, connecting the ancient Incan capital of Cusco to the shores of Lake Titicaca — world’s highest navigable lake. The train's elegant dining car serves gourmet Peruvian cuisine, while large panoramic windows offer unobstructed views of snow-capped peaks, grazing alpacas, and remote Andean villages. One minute you're passing quinoa fields, the next you're spotting vicuñas against stark plateaus. Sure, the oxygen's thin up there, but the views are worth any light-headedness. By the time Lake Titicaca's blue expanse comes into view, you'll be plotting ways to miss your flight home.

4. Christchurch to Greymounth

Country: New Zealand

Distance: 223 km

Train name: TranzAlpine train

Traversing New Zealand's Southern Alps, this journey showcases the country's diverse landscapes in just 4.5 hours. You'll witness the Canterbury Plains' patchwork fields blend into the rugged beauty of Arthur's Pass. The Waimakariri River gorge is a showstopper, with its turquoise waters snaking through mountainous terrain. What sets this route apart is its perfect balance of accessibility and raw wilderness. You're comfortably seated, yet surrounded by untamed beauty. The open-air viewing carriage lets you feel the crisp air while capturing Instagram-worthy shots.

5. Vancouver to Banff

Country: Canada

Distance: 900 km approximately.

Train name: The Rocky Mountaineer

The Rocky Mountaineer's "First Passage to the West" is a rail route that must be on your bucket list! The train follows the historic Canadian Pacific Railway route that first connected British Columbia to the rest of Canada. From Vancouver to Calgary, you'll see the Hell's Gate – a narrow passage where the Fraser River thunders through towering cliffs, snap selfies with Castle Mountain, and traverse the vertigo-inducing Kicking Horse Pass. Sure, it's pricier than your average ticket, but think of it as an all-inclusive package to Mother Nature's greatest hits. And the best part? You won't miss a thing – this train only runs during the daytime.

6. Adelaide to Darwin

Country: Australia

Distance: 3,030 km

Train name: The Ghan

The Ghan is one of the world’s longest train rides. This 3,030 km rail journey slices through Australia's core, serving up a geological feast from Adelaide's coastal charm, through Red Centre's vastness – a landscape that defies Instagram filters. Near Alice Springs, the MacDonnell Ranges rise like ancient sentinels. The train itself? Think of it as a moving hotel, with cabins that beat most city accommodations. By the time you hit Darwin, you'll have traversed a continent's worth of ecosystems. The Ghan also offers off-train excursions, allowing you to stretch your legs and explore iconic sites like Uluru. Plus, where else can you truthfully say you took a shower while crossing a desert?

7. Chur to Tirano

Country: Switzerland and Italy

Distance: 144 km approximately.

Train name: The Bernina Express

The Bernina Express is a masterclass in engineering prowess set against a backdrop of breathtaking Alpine scenery. This UNESCO World Heritage route features 196 bridges, 55 tunnels, and ranks among the world's steepest adhesion railways. A highlight is the iconic Brusio spiral viaduct, where the train loops around itself to gain elevation. Starting in Switzerland's oldest town, you'll journey through romantic gorges and past spectacular structures like the Landwasser Viaduct. Alpine lakes like Lej Pitschen and Lej Nair offer tranquil views that will leave you in awe. Ascending towards the Bernina Pass, you'll be treated to stunning views of the Morteratsch Glacier and the picturesque Lago Bianco, whose turquoise waters sparkle against the backdrop of snow-capped peaks.

Recommended tickets

8. Kandy to Ella

Country: Sri Lanka

Distance: 140 km

Train name: Operated by Sri Lankan Railways

Ever seen those viral Instagram shots of couples hanging out of train doors, framed by lush greenery? That's the Kandy to Ella line for you! This 140km journey through Sri Lanka's heart ensures you’ll chug past lush green tea plantations, misty jungles, offering peekaboo views of hidden waterfalls and exotic wildlife. Don't miss Nuwara Eliya, aka "Little England," where you’ll see some cool colonial architecture.

Expect to share smiles, snacks, and stories with locals and fellow travelers alike. By journey's end, you'll have a camera roll full of memories and a heart full of Sri Lankan warmth.

9. Pretoria to Cape Town

Country: South Africa

Distance: 1,600 km

Train name: The Blue Train

The Blue Train began in 1946 when the Union Limited and Union Express trains were upgraded and painted blue. These luxury trains quickly became synonymous with elegance and sophistication, attracting wealthy travelers and dignitaries such as Nelson Mandela and Margaret Thatcher. Over the decades, the Blue Train has undergone several renovations to maintain its status as a world-class rail experience. It whisks you from jacaranda-lined streets to the shadow of Table Mountain. En route, you'll see the Karoo's stark beauty transform into lush winelands. The train's luxurious suites offer panoramic views, while the elegant dining car serves gourmet meals paired with South African wines. As night falls, the observation car at the back of the train designed for viewing the African landscape becomes a stargazer's paradise, with the Milky Way stretching across the vast African sky.

10. San Francisco to Chicago

Country: USA

Distance: 3,924 km

Train name: The California Zephyr

The California Zephyr is one of America's premier long-distance train routes that typically takes around 51 hours passing through seven states: California, Nevada, Utah, Colorado, Nebraska, Iowa, and Illinois. As you ascend the majestic Rockies, brace yourself for the stretch between Denver and Glenwood Springs, where jaw-dropping gorges and sky-scraping peaks dominate the landscape. The Sierra Nevadas bring their own magic, with Lake Tahoe's pristine beauty leaving you spellbound. Don't doze off as you approach Grand Junction and Green River – the desert views here are utterly captivating. As night falls, the starry skies over the Midwest plains are a sight to behold. Throughout your journey, you'll pass through historic mining towns and follow the Colorado River's meandering path.

11. Kalka to Shimla

Country: India

Distance: 96 km

Train name: The Himalayan Queen

The Himalayan Queen is a UNESCO-listed narrow-gauge train that snakes through 102 tunnels and over 82 bridges, offering a front-row seat to nature's grand spectacle. The route itself is an engineering feat, with 919 curves that'll make your head spin (in a good way). Starting in Kalka at 656 meters, you'll climb a whopping 1,420 meters into the Himalayas. Opt for the Vistadome coaches with glass roofs to ensure you won't miss a thing – be it pine forests, milky-white waterfalls, or charming hill stations. Keep your eyes peeled for the Kinnaur Kailash Glacier known for its stunning beauty and spiritual significance. And if you're lucky enough to catch this journey in winter? Pure magic. The landscape transforms into a winter wonderland, with snow-laden branches and misty valleys creating a scene straight out of a fairy tale.

12. Sarajevo to Mostar

Bosnia and Herzegovina

Distance: 129 km

Train name: Bosnian Talgo Train

This three-hour journey through the heart of Bosnia and Herzegovina follows the winding path of the turquoise Neretva River, offering breathtaking views of the Dinaric Alps. As you depart Sarajevo, urban landscapes give way to the lush valleys near Konjic, widely regarded as the most picturesque stretch of the route. History enthusiasts, look out for the Jablanica Bridge which was destroyed during World War II and rebuilt. The journey ends with a stunning approach to Mostar via the iconic Stari Most bridge, its arch spanning the Neretva River. While beautiful year-round, the route is particularly enchanting in autumn when the surrounding forests burst into a riot of reds and golds.