7 of the Greatest Train Rides on Earth

By Railbookers Sunday, March 5, 2023 Read time: 5 minutes

The moment you step onboard these trains, you're instantly transported to another place and time, full of rich history, breathtaking scenery, and romantic allure.

These are the best train trips in the World that truly move you, and we don't just mean in the literal sense. The moment you step onboard these trains, you're instantly transported to another place and time, full of rich history, breathtaking scenery, and romantic allure. Join us for a peek into 7 of the best train rides on earth, and learn how you can make one part of your next holiday escape!

1. The Bernina Express

Taken mile for a mile, the Bernina Express - running from Chur and St. Moritz in eastern Switzerland to Tirano in Northern Italy - is considered the most scenic journey in the world, and for good reason. The 90-mile 4-hour trek is every bit as amazing as you may have heard, journeying through 55 tunnels and 196 bridges, and offering unforgettable views of the spectacular alpine landscape, massive waterfalls, dramatic glaciers, and deep ravines. The red carriages feature panoramic windows so there are no bad seats, and you can enjoy food, drinks, and live commentary on board.

Railbookers' holidays featuring the Bernina Express:

2. The Flam Railway

Feel like you're on top of the world - literally - at the start of the 310-mile railway running from Oslo to Bergen in Norway - the highest major train route in Northern Europe. The journey from the mountain station of Myrdal down to Flam deep in the fjord has been voted one of the most scenic rail journeys in the world, and is also one of the steepest normal track railway lines, dropping 2,824 feet to the fjord below in just under an hour. Take in the awe-inspiring views of rugged mountains, deep valleys, and thundering waterfalls as you descend into the Aurlandsfjord.

Railbookers' holidays featuring the Flam Railway:

3. Venice Simplon-Orient Express

The iconic Venice Simplon-Orient Express is synonymous with everything that is 'luxury rail travel,' including glamour and sophistication, impeccable service, and iconic journeys that hearken back to a different time when rail travel was the epitome of style and class. Experience pure comfort, opulent interiors, fine dining, and convivial company along the tracks as you relive the 'golden age of rail travel' on this unforgettable journey to/from London to Paris and/or Venice, Florence, Rome, and Verona!

Railbookers' holidays featuring the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express:

4. Rocky Mountaineer

A journey aboard the famed navy blue and gold carriages of the Rocky Mountaineer has topped many a bucket list over the years. Synonymous with true luxury, breathtaking adventures, delicious food, inspiring landscapes, and unparalleled service – Canada’s Rocky Mountains await, and this is a truly spectacular way to experience them! The thrilling two-day journey covers four different routes through the Rockies to Banff, Jasper, Lake Louise, Whistler, and Quesnel, over the old Canadian Pacific line to Vancouver, which created the modern nation of Canada in 1885. Experience glacier-fed lakes, lush forests, rushing rivers, and an abundance of wildlife right outside your window. If you book a “Gold Leaf” ticket, you will enjoy riding and dining in traditional-style Dome Cars for premium views and the utmost comfort.

Railbookers' holidays featuring the Rocky Mountaineer:

5. The Jacobite Steam Train

Discover one of Britain’s best-loved scenic railways on this epic 42-mile journey, through the dramatic, wild expanses of the Scottish Western Highlands. Travel by steam train on the vintage carriages of The Jacobite, starting at the highest mountain in Britain, Ben Nevis, in Fort William. Marvel at the natural sights out your window as the train winds through mountains and glens, and over massive viaducts to Europe’s deepest seawater loch, Loch Morar, on the way to Mallaig. You'll also stop at the charming village of Glenfinnan and pass scenic beaches before the commencement of your journey. This scenic line has come to have more recent popularity as the Hogwarts Express, as it was featured in the famous Harry Potter books and movies.

Railbookers' holidays featuring The Jacobite:

6. Eastern & Oriental Express

Experience relaxed sophistication onboard the Eastern & Oriental Express as you travel between vibrant cities like Bangkok and Singapore, through quaint villages and ancient monuments. Be pampered on board with luxurious, modern accommodations and 5-star cuisine, and enjoy fascinating cultural tours along the way. This exotic rail journey is simply the best way to experience all the wonders of the Far East. The rail line is comprised of 19 grand coach sleeping cars – featuring the signature green and cream paint and gleaming brass finishings the train is famous for. Indulge your fantasies of old colonial days while enjoying spacious, sumptuous coaches, with full en-suite facilities. Once onboard, order a Singapore Sling in the bar car and head out to the warmth of the veranda of the back carriage for an unforgettable memory on a truly iconic train.

Railbookers' holidays featuring the Eastern & Oriental Express:

7. Jungfrau Railway

The Jungfrau Railway is a narrow gauge rack railway that runs only five and a half miles from Kleine Scheidegg to the highest railway station in Europe at Jungfraujoch, between the Bernese Highlands and the Valais in Switzerland. The top, at 11,332 feet above sea level, is known as the 'Top of Europe,' and features breathtaking views of Europe's mountain ranges. While short, the journey is spectacular, and the experience from the top has been described as one of the best in all of Europe.