Top 10 Train Journeys in the World in 2027

The outcome you should expect

When you book any of the world's top train journeys in 2027, you are purchasing far more than transportation — you are buying a curated experience that delivers specific, measurable outcomes depending on the route and class you choose. For day-trip scenic trains like the Glacier Express or Bernina Express, expect to cover 122 to 291 kilometers in 4 to 7.5 hours, with panoramic windows, onboard meal service, and guaranteed window seats in premium classes. The revenue generated by these trains comes primarily from seat reservation fees — typically CHF 28 to CHF 49 on top of base rail fare — plus premium dining upgrades that can push a standard CHF 159 ticket to over CHF 400 in Excellence Class. For multi-day luxury sleepers like the Rocky Mountaineer or the Ghan, the outcome is a fully immersive journey where you wake up in a new landscape each morning, with all meals, off-train excursions, and cabin accommodations included in a single upfront fare ranging from $1,800 to over $15,000 for the most exclusive private trains. The tangible outcome is a memory bank of specific vistas — the Brusio Circular Viaduct on the Bernina Express, the Spiral Tunnels of the Canadian Rockies, the red desert of Australia's Red Centre — each tied to a precise moment on a timetable that has been refined over decades. You should expect that the best scenery often comes with trade-offs: the Glacier Express runs year-round but winter offers snow-blanketed peaks while summer reveals green valleys and alpine wildflowers; the Rocky Mountaineer operates only April through October, limiting your window but guaranteeing optimal daylight viewing. For budget-conscious travelers, the California Zephyr across the United States delivers 51 hours of Rockies and Sierra Nevada scenery for as little as $200 in coach, though you must bring your own food or purchase from the café car unless you book a roomette. The key outcome to anticipate is that these journeys are not interchangeable — a 7-hour Swiss panoramic ride and a 3-day Australian desert crossing serve entirely different travel goals, and matching your expectations to the specific route is the difference between a trip of a lifetime and a costly mismatch.

What drives that outcome

The exceptional experiences delivered by the world's top train journeys in 2027 are driven by a combination of engineering marvels, operational precision, and carefully designed service models that have been optimized over decades or even centuries. The Glacier Express, for example, achieves its "slowest express train" reputation through a route that climbs to 2,033 meters over the Oberalp Pass, requiring specialized rolling stock with panoramic glass roofs, tilting wine glasses to prevent spills on steep grades, and a kitchen that serves five-course meals at speed. The revenue model for these trains operates on a two-tier system: base rail fare covers the transportation, while mandatory seat reservations and optional upgrades to premium classes generate the bulk of profit. For the Rocky Mountaineer, which operates only during daylight hours and requires an overnight hotel stay in Kamloops, the service model is built around GoldLeaf double-decker domes with upstairs glass viewing and downstairs dining — a design that maximizes the scenic experience while creating natural upsell opportunities from SilverLeaf at roughly $1,800 to GoldLeaf at $2,500 or more. The Bernina Express, crossing the highest rail pass in the Alps without a cog system, relies on the UNESCO-listed Rhaetian Railway infrastructure that was built in the early 20th century, with spiral viaducts and tunnels engineered to maintain a gentle gradient despite the 2,253-meter altitude change. What drives the outcome on heritage routes like the Darjeeling Himalayan Railway is entirely different: narrow-gauge tracks, steam locomotives on some services, and the Batasia Loop — a spiral that allows the train to gain elevation in a confined space — create a deliberately slow, nostalgic pace that would be commercially unviable at scale but generates significant tourism revenue for the region. The Trans-Siberian Railway's outcome is driven by sheer scale — 9,289 kilometers across eight time zones — with second-class sleepers at a few hundred dollars competing against luxury private trains like the Golden Eagle at over $15,000, each serving entirely different traveler segments on the same tracks. The mermaid diagram below illustrates how the key drivers — infrastructure, service model, pricing tiers, and seasonal operations — interact to produce the final passenger experience.

Benchmarks and realistic ranges

To make an informed decision among the world's top train journeys in 2027, you need concrete benchmarks across five dimensions: duration, distance, cost, seasonality, and scenery type. For duration, the spectrum runs from the Flåm Railway's 1-hour, 20-kilometer descent from Myrdal to Flåm, dropping 866 meters past the Kjosfossen waterfall, to the Trans-Siberian's 7-day, 9,289-kilometer marathon across Russia. Realistic cost ranges vary dramatically by journey and class: the Darjeeling Himalayan Railway offers joy-ride tickets for a few hundred rupees — under $10 — while the Belmond Royal Scotsman starts at approximately £5,000 (about $6,300) per person for a 2-night loop through the Scottish Highlands, and the Golden Eagle private train on the Trans-Siberian can exceed $15,000. Mid-range options include the California Zephyr at $200 to $300 for coach or $500 to $1,000 for a roomette including meals, and the Ghan starting at AUD $2,500 (about $1,650) for Gold class on the 3-day Adelaide-to-Darwin crossing. Seasonality is a critical benchmark: the Rocky Mountaineer and the Ghan operate only in fair-weather months — April to October for Canada, April to October for Australia's dry season — while Swiss trains like the Glacier Express and Bernina Express run year-round, with winter offering snow-blanketed peaks and summer revealing green valleys and alpine wildflowers. The Flåm Railway also runs year-round, multiple times daily, making it one of the most accessible scenic journeys on the list. Scenery type benchmarks help you match the journey to your preferences: Alpine drama is best served by Switzerland's Glacier Express (291 bridges, 91 tunnels) and Bernina Express (highest rail crossing without cog); fjord scenery by Norway's Flåm Railway combined with the Bergen Railway across the Hardangervidda plateau; desert landscapes by the Ghan through Australia's Red Centre; Himalayan tea country by the Darjeeling Toy Train; and North American wilderness by the California Zephyr through the Colorado River canyons and Donner Pass. For comfort benchmarks, luxury trains like the Rocky Mountaineer, Belmond Royal Scotsman, and Eastern & Oriental Express include all meals and off-train excursions in their fares, while standard scenic trains charge only for the seat and require you to arrange your own lodging and food. The Glacier Express Excellence Class offers a guaranteed window seat, five-course meal, and personal concierge for roughly CHF 400 total, while Standard panoramic seats run about CHF 159 plus rail fare. Revenue benchmarks for the industry show that seat reservation fees — typically CHF 28 to CHF 49 on Swiss trains — generate significant incremental revenue beyond base fares, while luxury operators capture $1,800 to $15,000 per passenger through all-inclusive pricing models that bundle transportation, accommodation, meals, and excursions into a single premium ticket.

Risks, edge cases, and failure modes

Even the world's top train journeys in 2027 carry risks that can transform a bucket-list experience into a disappointment if not anticipated. The most common failure mode is seasonality mismatch: booking the Rocky Mountaineer in late October risks reduced daylight and potential early snow closures, while the Ghan in Australia's summer months (November to March) can experience extreme heat that makes off-train excursions uncomfortable. For the Trans-Siberian Railway, the current geopolitical situation creates significant risk — independent Russian travel is complicated by sanctions, visa restrictions, and safety concerns, leading many travelers to favor the Trans-Mongolian branch through Ulaanbaatar to Beijing instead of the full Moscow-to-Vladivostok route. Edge cases on Swiss trains include the Glacier Express running late due to weather on the Oberalp Pass, though the railway's robust infrastructure typically keeps delays under 30 minutes. The Bernina Express, while year-round, can experience reduced visibility in fog or heavy snow, negating the panoramic car value. For heritage trains like the Darjeeling Himalayan Railway, mechanical failures on steam locomotives can cause cancellations or substitutions with diesel engines, diminishing the nostalgic experience. Budget travelers face the risk of hidden costs: the California Zephyr's coach fare of $200 to $300 does not include meals, and the dining car can be expensive, while the Glacier Express's CHF 159 fare excludes the mandatory CHF 49 seat reservation and any food beyond basic service. Luxury travelers on the Belmond Royal Scotsman, which carries only about 40 guests, face the risk of full booking months in advance and cancellation policies that may not refund the full £5,000 fare. Another edge case is motion sickness on winding routes — the Flåm Railway's steep descent and the Brusio Circular Viaduct on the Bernina Express can cause discomfort for sensitive passengers. For the Eastern & Oriental Express, which was relaunched in 2024 after a hiatus, itinerary changes or service inconsistencies are possible as the operator stabilizes operations. The most significant risk for any journey is failing to book seat reservations in advance — the Glacier Express and Bernina Express frequently sell out weeks ahead during peak summer and winter seasons, leaving walk-up passengers with no panoramic seats available. Finally, the California Zephyr, while offering spectacular scenery through Glenwood Canyon and Ruby Canyon, shares tracks with freight trains and can experience delays of several hours, particularly on the second day through Colorado — a reality that can disrupt tight connection schedules in Emeryville or Chicago.

A practical rollout plan

To successfully experience any of the world's top train journeys in 2027, follow this step-by-step rollout plan that accounts for booking windows, budget optimization, and itinerary integration. The mermaid diagram below visualizes the decision flow from initial research through post-trip reflection.

Start by identifying your primary scenery preference: if Alpine drama is your goal, target the Glacier Express or Bernina Express; for desert landscapes, the Ghan; for fjords, the Flåm Railway combined with Norway in a Nutshell; for heritage value, the Darjeeling Himalayan Railway. Next, check the operating season — the Rocky Mountaineer and Ghan run only April through October, while Swiss and Indian routes operate year-round. Set a realistic budget: under $300 for coach on the California Zephyr or a Darjeeling joy ride; $500 to $1,000 for a roomette on Amtrak; $1,500 to $2,500 for Gold class on the Ghan; $1,800 to $4,000 for the Rocky Mountaineer; $5,000 to $15,000 for luxury sleepers like the Royal Scotsman or Golden Eagle. For day trips like the Glacier Express, book seat reservations 4 to 8 weeks in advance during peak seasons (July-August and December-February), and consider purchasing a Swiss Travel Pass if you plan multiple train days — it covers base fares on most routes, with only seat reservations extra. For multi-day journeys, book 3 to 6 months ahead, especially for the Rocky Mountaineer and Belmond trains which have limited capacity. Arrange connecting transport: for the Bernina Express, plan a return from Tirano via postbus over the pass or continue to Lake Como; for the California Zephyr, book a hotel in Emeryville or San Francisco for arrival night, as the train often arrives late. Pack appropriately: layers for Swiss alpine trains where temperatures can vary 20°C between tunnels and passes; insect repellent and sun protection for the Ghan's outback stops; a camera with a polarizing filter for the Glacier Express's glass roof. Confirm timetables 24 hours before departure — Swiss railways are punctual to the minute, but Amtrak and the Ghan can experience delays. During the journey, sit on the recommended side: right side traveling east on the Glacier Express for gorge views; right side traveling south on the Bernina Express for the Brusio viaduct; left side descending to Flåm for the Kjosfossen waterfall. After the trip, share feedback on platforms like Seat61 or Lonely Planet to help future travelers, and consider combining multiple journeys — for example, pairing the Glacier Express with the Bernina Express using a Swiss Travel Pass, or extending a Rocky Mountaineer trip with an Alaska cruise.

Related questions

What is the most scenic train journey in the world?

Switzerland's Glacier Express is widely considered the most scenic, covering 291 km across 291 bridges and 91 tunnels between Zermatt and St. Moritz in 7.5 hours with panoramic glass-roofed cars showcasing Alpine glaciers, gorges, and the Oberalp Pass.

Which train journey offers the best value for money?

India's Darjeeling Himalayan Railway, the UNESCO-listed "Toy Train," offers the best value at just a few dollars for a joy-ride ticket through Himalayan tea country with the iconic Batasia Loop and views reaching 2,258 meters.

How long does the Trans-Siberian Railway take to complete?

The full Trans-Siberian from Moscow to Vladivostok covers 9,289 km in about 7 days across eight time zones, though most travelers break the journey at Lake Baikal or take the Trans-Mongolian branch to Beijing.

Do luxury train journeys include meals and excursions?

Yes, luxury trains like the Rocky Mountaineer, Belmond Royal Scotsman, the Ghan, and Eastern & Oriental Express include gourmet meals and off-train excursions in their fares, which range from $1,800 to over $15,000 per person.

What is the best time of year to take scenic train journeys?

Season varies by route: Swiss trains run year-round with winter snow or summer greenery; the Rocky Mountaineer and Ghan operate April to October; the California Zephyr runs year-round but spring and fall offer the best visibility.

FAQ

What is the most scenic train journey in the world?

Switzerland's Glacier Express is widely considered the most scenic, covering 291 km across 291 bridges and 91 tunnels between Zermatt and St. Moritz in 7.5 hours. Glass-roofed panoramic cars showcase glaciers, gorges, and Alpine passes; it delivers the highest scenery density of any day train.

Which train journey is the best value?

India's Darjeeling Himalayan Railway, the "Toy Train," is the best value — a UNESCO-listed narrow-gauge ride through Himalayan tea country with the famous Batasia Loop, costing only a few dollars. It delivers world-class heritage and mountain views for a tiny fraction of luxury-train prices.

How long does the Trans-Siberian Railway take?

The full Trans-Siberian from Moscow to Vladivostok covers 9,289 km in about 7 days of continuous travel across eight time zones. Most travelers break the journey with stops at Lake Baikal or take the Trans-Mongolian branch through Ulaanbaatar to Beijing.

Do luxury trains include meals and excursions?

Yes. Luxury trains like the Rocky Mountaineer, Belmond Royal Scotsman, the Ghan, and Eastern & Oriental Express include gourmet meals and off-train excursions in their fares, which is why prices range from roughly $1,800 to $15,000+ per person. Standard scenic trains charge only for the seat.

What is the best time of year to book these journeys?

Season varies by route: Swiss trains run year-round with winter snow or summer greenery; the Rocky Mountaineer and Ghan operate April to October; the California Zephyr runs year-round but spring and fall offer the best visibility for the Colorado River canyons.

How far in advance should I book seat reservations?

For popular day trips like the Glacier Express and Bernina Express, book seat reservations 4 to 8 weeks ahead during peak seasons. For multi-day luxury sleepers like the Rocky Mountaineer or Belmond Royal Scotsman, book 3 to 6 months in advance due to limited capacity.

Sources

• https://www.glacierexpress.ch/en/
• https://www.rhb.ch/en/panoramic-trains/bernina-express
• https://www.rockymountaineer.com/
• https://journeybeyondrail.com.au/the-ghan/
• https://www.belmond.com/trains/europe/royal-scotsman/
• https://www.amtrak.com/california-zephyr-train
• https://whc.unesco.org/en/list/1276/
• https://www.seat61.com/
• https://www.lonelyplanet.com/articles/best-train-journeys-in-the-world
• https://www.visitnorway.com/things-to-do/nature-attractions/fjords/flam-railway/

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