Top 10 Train Journeys in the World in 2027

1. Glacier Express

The Glacier Express ranks first because it delivers the highest density of alpine scenery anywhere, crossing 291 bridges and 91 tunnels over 7.5 hours between Zermatt and St. Moritz. Its panoramic glass-roofed cars climb to 2,033 meters at the Oberalp Pass, with five-course meals served at speed. Standard seats cost about CHF 159 plus a mandatory CHF 49 reservation, while Excellence Class reaches roughly CHF 400 with a guaranteed window seat and concierge.

This journey suits travelers who want maximum visual reward per hour and are comfortable with a full day in a seated carriage. It trades away the overnight comfort of a sleeper train for unparalleled daytime views, and it surpasses the Bernina Express in sheer route length and bridge count. However, the Bernina offers a more dramatic 2,253-meter descent without cog assistance, making that pick better for engineering enthusiasts.

2. Bernina Express

The Bernina Express ranks second for its extraordinary 2,253-meter altitude change without a cog system, crossing the highest rail pass in the Alps on UNESCO-listed Rhaetian Railway infrastructure. The four-hour journey from Chur to Tirano features the iconic Brusio Circular Viaduct and spiral tunnels engineered to maintain gentle gradients. Panoramic cars cost around CHF 159 plus a CHF 28 to CHF 49 reservation fee, and the route runs year-round with winter snow or summer wildflowers.

This train is for travelers who appreciate engineering marvels and want a shorter, more accessible alpine experience than the Glacier Express. It trades away the Glacier Express's longer route and 291 bridges for a tighter, more dramatic descent and a different cultural endpoint. Compared to the Glacier Express, it offers similar panoramic glass but with more frequent daily departures, making it easier to slot into an itinerary.

3. Rocky Mountaineer

The Rocky Mountaineer ranks third because it offers a premium daylight-only experience through the Canadian Rockies with GoldLeaf double-decker domes featuring upstairs glass viewing and downstairs dining. Fares start around $1,800 for SilverLeaf and $2,500 for GoldLeaf, with all meals and off-train excursions included. The journey operates April through October, covering routes like Vancouver to Banff with the Spiral Tunnels and Fraser Canyon as highlights.

This journey suits travelers who want luxury and comfort without sleeping on board, trading away the convenience of a sleeper for hotel accommodations. It compares favorably to the Glacier Express by offering more inclusive pricing and off-train excursions, but it costs significantly more and has a shorter seasonal window. The Ghan below offers a similar all-inclusive model but crosses desert landscapes instead of mountains, making this pick better for alpine scenery enthusiasts.

4. The Ghan

The Ghan ranks fourth for its epic three-day, 2,979-kilometer crossing from Adelaide to Darwin through Australia's Red Centre, offering a unique desert landscape unavailable on any other top-tier train. Gold class starts at approximately AUD $2,500 (about $1,650), including all meals, cabin accommodation, and off-train excursions like the Alice Springs desert tour. It operates April through October during the dry season, avoiding extreme summer heat.

This train is for travelers seeking a multi-day immersive experience with a distinct cultural and geographic identity, trading away alpine scenery for vast outback vistas. It compares to the Rocky Mountaineer by offering a similar all-inclusive luxury model but with onboard sleeping quarters instead of hotel stops, making it more convenient for long distances. However, the Rocky Mountaineer's mountain scenery is more dramatic for most travelers, which is why it ranks higher.

5. Belmond Royal Scotsman

The Belmond Royal Scotsman ranks fifth for its exclusive, all-inclusive luxury experience through the Scottish Highlands, carrying only about 40 guests in an intimate setting. A two-night loop starts at approximately £5,000 (about $6,300) per person, covering gourmet meals, fine whiskies, and off-train excursions to castles and estates. The train features mahogany-paneled cabins, an observation car, and a spa carriage, with routes varying from Edinburgh to the Highlands.

This journey is for affluent travelers who prioritize exclusivity, service, and heritage over raw scenery, trading away the dramatic landscapes of the Rockies or Alps for rolling hills and lochs. It compares to the Ghan by offering a shorter, more intimate itinerary at a higher per-day cost, but with more personalized attention and cultural immersion. The Royal Scotsman's small capacity means booking months in advance is essential, and cancellation policies may not refund the full fare.

6. California Zephyr

The California Zephyr ranks sixth because it delivers 51 hours of spectacular North American wilderness across the Rockies and Sierra Nevada for as little as $200 in coach, making it the best value among long-distance scenic routes. The journey from Chicago to Emeryville spans 3,924 kilometers, passing through Glenwood Canyon, Ruby Canyon, and Donner Pass. Coach fare does not include meals, but a roomette costs $500 to $1,000 with dining car access.

This train is for budget-conscious travelers and adventure seekers who tolerate basic amenities for unmatched scenery per dollar, trading away luxury for authenticity. It compares to the Rocky Mountaineer by offering similar mountain views at a fraction of the cost, but with shared tracks and potential freight delays of several hours. The roomette provides a private sleeping space, though the dining car adds expense beyond the base fare.

7. Trans-Siberian Railway

The Trans-Siberian Railway ranks seventh for its sheer scale, covering 9,289 kilometers across eight time zones from Moscow to Vladivostok in about seven days. Second-class sleeper tickets cost a few hundred dollars, while the luxury Golden Eagle private train exceeds $15,000 per person. The route passes Lake Baikal, the Ural Mountains, and vast Siberian forests, with stops allowing passengers to break the journey.

This journey is for intrepid travelers seeking a once-in-a-lifetime endurance trip, trading away comfort and reliability for epic distance and cultural immersion. It compares to the California Zephyr by offering a longer, more challenging route with basic amenities, but the geopolitical situation in Russia creates significant visa and safety risks. The Golden Eagle option provides luxury but at a price point that rivals the Royal Scotsman with far less curated scenery.

8. Flåm Railway

The Flåm Railway ranks eighth for its concentrated intensity, descending 866 meters from Myrdal to Flåm in just 20 kilometers over one hour, past the Kjosfossen waterfall. It is one of the steepest standard-gauge lines in the world, with a 5.5% gradient requiring specialized braking systems. Tickets cost around NOK 570 (about $55) one way, and the train runs year-round multiple times daily, making it highly accessible.

This train is for travelers with limited time who want a spectacular alpine and fjord experience without committing to a full day, trading away depth for efficiency. It compares to the Bernina Express by offering a shorter, steeper descent but with less panoramic glass and no dining service. The Flåm Railway is best combined with Norway in a Nutshell tours, which bundle ferry and bus connections.

9. Darjeeling Himalayan Railway

The Darjeeling Himalayan Railway ranks ninth for its UNESCO-listed heritage value, offering a narrow-gauge steam-powered journey through Himalayan tea country for under $10. The two-hour joy ride from Darjeeling to Ghum reaches 2,258 meters, passing the iconic Batasia Loop spiral and offering views of Kanchenjunga. Steam locomotives operate on select services, while diesel engines cover most departures, and tickets cost just a few hundred rupees.

This journey is for history buffs and budget travelers who value nostalgia and cultural authenticity over comfort and speed, trading away modern amenities for a bygone-era experience. It compares to the Flåm Railway by offering a similar steep, scenic ascent but with far less infrastructure and reliability, as mechanical failures can cause cancellations or diesel substitutions. The low cost makes it accessible to all, but the open-window carriages are exposed to weather and soot.

10. Eastern & Oriental Express

The Eastern & Oriental Express ranks tenth for its revived luxury service through Southeast Asia, relaunched in 2024 after a hiatus, offering a unique cultural journey between Singapore, Malaysia, and Thailand. Fares start around $3,000 per person for a two-night itinerary, including all meals, excursions, and onboard entertainment in restored 1970s carriages. The route passes tropical landscapes, colonial-era towns, and the River Kwai, with a bar car and observation deck.

This train is for travelers seeking an exotic alternative to European luxury trains, trading away alpine or desert scenery for tropical and cultural immersion. It compares to the Belmond Royal Scotsman by offering a similar all-inclusive model at a lower price point, but with less established service consistency due to its recent relaunch. The itinerary changes and operational hiccups are possible as the operator stabilizes, so flexible travelers are best suited.

How we ranked these

We measured and weighted five dimensions across the top 10 train journeys: duration, distance, cost, seasonality, and scenery type. Each journey was scored on its scenic density, operational reliability, and value range, with luxury and budget tiers weighted separately. Seasonality windows and booking lead times were factored into a practical accessibility score.

We deliberately ignored subjective traveler reviews and social media sentiment, as these are prone to bias and inconsistent expectations. We also excluded geopolitical risks and personal safety concerns, such as those affecting the Trans-Siberian, because they fluctuate rapidly and are not intrinsic to the train experience itself. The focus remained on verifiable, stable attributes like infrastructure, pricing, and schedules.

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.

What is the cheapest way to ride the Glacier Express?

The cheapest way is to book a standard panoramic seat for CHF 159 plus a mandatory CHF 49 seat reservation, totaling about CHF 208. A Swiss Travel Pass covers the base fare, leaving only the reservation fee.

Which train journey has the steepest descent?

Norway's Flåm Railway descends 866 meters from Myrdal to Flåm in just 20 kilometers, passing the Kjosfossen waterfall. It is one of the steepest standard-gauge lines in the world, running year-round multiple times daily.

Are there any train journeys that operate only in daylight?

Yes, the Rocky Mountaineer in Canada operates only during daylight hours, requiring an overnight hotel stay in Kamloops. This design maximizes scenic viewing but limits the journey to April through October.

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.

What are the hidden costs on budget train journeys?

On the California Zephyr, coach fare of $200–$300 excludes meals, and the dining car can be expensive. The Glacier Express's CHF 159 fare excludes the mandatory CHF 49 seat reservation and any food beyond basic service. Always budget for these extras.

Which train journey has the highest altitude?

The Bernina Express crosses the highest rail pass in the Alps at 2,253 meters without a cog system, using spiral viaducts and tunnels. The Glacier Express reaches 2,033 meters over the Oberalp Pass, but the Bernina's altitude is higher.

Are there any risks of delays on these journeys?

Swiss trains typically stay under 30 minutes late, but the California Zephyr can experience multi-hour delays due to freight traffic. The Darjeeling Himalayan Railway may substitute diesel for steam on mechanical failure, and the Ghan can face heat-related schedule changes.

What is the best side of the train to sit on?

On the Glacier Express traveling east, sit on the right for gorge views. On the Bernina Express traveling south, sit on the right for the Brusio viaduct. On the Flåm Railway descending, sit on the left for the Kjosfossen waterfall.

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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