Editor’s Note: This story has been updated with new information.
Can enjoy breathtaking views while traveling by air, especially during takeoff and landing. But there’s usually not much to see when you’re flying at 39,000 feet.
That’s one reason why train travel has long been one of the most popular ways to see the world. All in all, it’s a more comfortable way to get from one place to another – no plastic bags filled with small toiletries or endless crowds at airport security – and trains can wriggle through beautiful mountain valleys and connecting charming, secluded villages. They provide steady sweeping views of stunning landscapes that are sometimes difficult to reach in any other way.
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There are trains you yes to go (like the G train in New York City), but sometimes, a journey by rail can be a trip to and of itself. We’ve scoured the world, reviewed new itineraries, and talked to seasoned travelers about the world’s most beautiful railways: You know, the kind that makes you want to be as poetic as Paul Theroux.
From an Amtrak train that leaves New York City every morning to an ultra-luxurious locomotive transporting people back The Golden Age of Tourism (and more literally between two South African cities), here are 11 of the most beautiful train rides on Earth.
Rocky Mountaineer in the American Southwest
This iconic luxury train operator, known for its tours of Western Canada, is just Launch of the first route in the US in 2021. Travelers can travel from Denver, Colorado, to Moab, Utah, on the two-day “Rockies to the Red Rocks” cruise, which includes one night in Glenwood Springs, Colorado.
Because the train operates only during the day, you won’t miss a minute of the scenery from the glass-domed carriages with outdoor observatory as the towering Rocky Mountains give way to desert landscapes near by. like Utah’s Mars. After all, Moab is the gateway to Arches National Park, named for its surreal sandstone arches and rock formations.
This year’s rates start at $1,375 per person, including a night’s stay at the hotel.
Sri Lanka Railway in Sri Lanka
“The ride between Kandy and Ella takes you through colorful villages, lush rolling hills, tea plantations and more,” said TPG writer Lori Zaino. “It was a total cultural experience – the locals in my car sang and clapped the whole time. For an adrenaline thrill, go out the window (at your own risk) and watch the world go by.”
The seven-hour trip is incredibly cheap and a great way to explore the Sri Lankan countryside. Just make sure to choose a second class fare so you can look out the window and enjoy the view.
Book through an agent, as Zaino did, to get your tickets in advance (from around $15). While tickets purchased at the station can be as little as a few dollars, don’t underestimate the convenience of getting a seat before you arrive in Sri Lanka.
Pilatus Luzern in Switzerland
Book any train of any kind in Switzerland, and you’ll likely enjoy uninterrupted views of the Alps, charming alpine villages and glassy lakes. But for something a little more adventurous, head to Alpnachstad to take the Pilatus Luzern train, which is the steepest cog railway in the world – climbing an angle of just 45 degrees, although the journey only lasts about 30 minutes. .
But you’ll be rewarded with breathtaking views from the top of Mount Pilatus and – if you choose – the chance to get off and hike, hike or picnic in the surrounding mountains and valleys. Round-trip fares typically start at 72 Swiss francs, or about $74.
Related: 12 things that surprised me about my first luxury cruise
Northern Explorers in New Zealand
Fly to Auckland and get on a plane Northern explorers, the nation’s longest-running passenger train, runs through Hamilton, Otorohanga, National Parks, Palmerston North and Paraparaumu en route to the capital, Wellington. Exploring New Zealand by rail, you’ll see everything from volcanic peaks to rugged coastlines while stopping to hike the Tongariro Alpine Crossing or navigate the worm-lit rooms of Waitomo Caves.
“Every time I take the Northern Explorer train, I need to get back and forth between the two places without being in a rush,” travel writer and TPG contributor Elen Turner speak. After all, the 12-hour journey is not the fastest way to get around New Zealand. So be sure to expect a leisurely ride. Prices start at NZ$219 (about $125) for adults.
Rocky Mountaineer in Western Canada
“Trading across the Canadian Rocky Mountains on the Rocky Mountaineer train from Banff to Vancouver is one of those ‘you only live once’ experiences,” journalist Michele Sponagle told TPG, describing the original and most famous journeys of the luxury train. “It takes you through the most remote areas – areas that you could never reach in any other way. Imagine postcard-perfect views in every direction… (and) be prepared for the forced digital detox because you won’t get a cell signal or Wi-Fi access on board regularly throughout its journey. “
The “First Trip to the West” tour is a four-day journey from Vancouver to Banff, crossing the Continental Boundaries and passing through the so-called Spiral Tunnels carved into the Rockies. In 2023, fares start at $1,800 per person and include four meals, three nights in a hotel, a tour and tickets to the national park, as well as station transfers and baggage handling. Shorter itineraries on the Rocky Mountaineer start at around $1,300 per person.
Belmond Andean Explorer in Peru
Choose to experience the luxurious Belmond sleeper train for both stunning views and sumptuous interiors, such as the Andean Explorer, which travels from Cusco to Puno on Lake Titicaca and the sparkling white stone city of Arequipa.
No amenities are overlooked on board, and the ship is even equipped with oxygen tanks and masks for passengers who experience discomfort at altitude. Entry-level cabins typically cost from around $2,000 per person (based on two occupants) with meals and tours.
Green train in South Africa
Since the 1920s, South Africa’s Blue Trains have carried travelers between Pretoria (near Johannesburg) and Cape Town in luxury cars with panoramic windows – best for admiring the passing vineyards and scenic spots. main sights like Table Mountain.
“I took the Blue Train back in 2012 with a South African friend,” recalls Nadine Jolie Courtney, Elite Travel International’s luxury travel advisor. “I couldn’t have imagined a more spectacular way to see the South African countryside… It felt like stepping back in time to a bygone era of travel, overhead, with white tablecloths, private bathroom. (complete with bathtub!), a code dress for dinner and delightfully stunning scenery… The night sky is especially memorable. I didn’t know I’d seen so many stars, and it felt as if the entire Milky Way was visible.”
Rates in 2023 typically start at 43,440 to 53,605 South African rand, or $2,500 to $3,000 per person.
Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad in Colorado
Swanette Smith, also known as Grandma Points, recalls: “I’ll never forget Colorado’s unique vistas, cliffs, and be amazed by what’s around the next bend.
Take a ride on a vintage coal-fired steam locomotive and enjoy stunning views across the Animas River, navigating the San Juan National Forest and embracing the scenic edge of the mountains.
TPG’s executive news director, Scott Mayerowitz, said: “(It’s) short, 3 1/2 hours is really about perspective, not destination. Tickets start at $105.
Shinkansen in Japan
In addition to reliable service and super-clean cars, riding a Japanese bullet train is a great way to see the country’s scenery while traveling between Tokyo and Kyoto.
“On my way… I got to admire a beautiful view of (mountains) and Japanese towns, and if you’re lucky, you might spot the famous Mt. Fuji,” said the director. Senior marketing Adrianna Qi said. (If you’re starting out in Tokyo, watch out for the mountain to appear about 40 minutes into the journey – and be sure to secure a seat on the right side of the train.)
Both Qi and former TPG senior executive assistant, Christie Matsui, say you’ll want to be sure to pick up a bento at the train station first. Seven days Japan Railways Passing starting at $214.
Jacobite Steamboat in Scotland
“Above Steamboat Jacobiteused to play the role of the Hogwarts Express in the movie ‘Harry Potter’, passengers feel like they’re on their way to Hogwarts”, Canadian writer and travel photographer Johanna Read tell TPG. “Starting at the foot of Scotland’s tallest mountain, Ben Nevis, the train traverses Scotland’s moors and lakes, then slows down for photos as it passes through the 21 arches of the curved Glenfinnan Viaduct also featured in the film. . At the end of the line is the pretty seaside town of Mallaig, not Hogsmeade. “
Read recommends budget travelers consider the “less magical” ScotRail train, which follows an identical route. “You can (even) photograph the Jacobite engine as it departs from Mallaig before heading back to your own train,” says Read.
However, to ride on the Jacobite Steam Train, you have to shell out £52 for a round-trip ticket (about $58).
The Denali Star in Alaska
Discover Alaskan Wilderness by rail with a ride on the Denali Star, which brings visitors from Anchorage to the gates of Denali National Park for spectacular views of the route’s eponymous, the highest peak in North America.
Available in the summer only, the Denali Star has a 12-hour, 356-mile journey (from $187/person, one-way) that traverses the River Knik, navigates to Healy Gorge, weathers Hurricane Gulch hundreds of meters and boasts Mountain scenery during the journey. The Alaska Railroad also has a popular summertime coastal cruise.
For those looking for a view of the Northern Lights, the Aurora Winter Train travels through the far reaches of the land from mid-September to mid-May. Season tickets start at $218 one-way per person. from Anchorage to Fairbanks.
Maximize train travel
Redeeming points for a train ride through the Cape Winelands can be trickier than it is to fly, but it’s not particularly hard to maximize booking for your adventure.
If you’re booking a ride on one of the iconic Amtrak routes in the US, such as Adirondack or Pacific Surfliner, earning and using points remains an option across the board through Amtrak Rewards or a fixed value points program.
The Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card and Chase Sapphire Preferred Card will earn you 2 points and miles for every dollar on your train trips, while Ink . Business Preferred Credit Card and Chase Sapphire Reserve Earn 3 points per mile while traveling.
Built-in credit card protections is still relevant when booking a train adventure.
