Call us eccentric, but we believe there’s nothing quite like a good old-fashioned train journey. Travel the world cross-country and feast your eyes on the landscape that unfolds before of you – whether it’s the rugged terrain of the Scottish Highlands or the snow-capped peaks of The Pyrenees. Get on board with our selection of the world’s greatest train journeys, and enjoy the ride.
AMTRAK Coast Starlight, West Coast America
Settle in for the long haul as this thickset train lumbers down America’s Western Coast, taking in the diverse landscape at a leisurely pace. That said, you wouldn’t want it to go much faster: at points the track is so narrow and the cliffs so precipitous, it’s a wonder this service is allowed. Scenic highlights include sunrise over the dramatic snow covered peaks of Mount Shasta and the glistening shorelines along the Pacific coast.
Los Angeles-Portland-Seattle
TranzAlpine, New Zealand
Widely touted as the most scenic train journey in New Zealand, the TranzAlpine transports passengers from the domesticated greenery of Christchurch to the wild and rugged landscape of Greymouth. En route you’ll pass through the sprawling farmland of the Canterbury Plains, the expansive Waimakariri River, and the spectacular alpine landscape at Arthur’s Pass.
Christchurch-Greymouth
The Jacobite, Scotland
Beginning at Fort William in the shadow of Ben Nevis, the highest mountain in Britain, the Jacobite is an old-fashioned steam train that snakes through the stunning Western Highlands. It passes through the famous Glenfinnan Viaduct en route – which will induce squeals of delight from any Harry Potter fans onboard.
Fort William-Mallaig
Glacier Express, Switzerland
Prepare yourself for a journey through the majestic landscape of the Alps peaked in snow, above lush green valleys, dotted with idyllic pastures and wooden chalets. It doesn’t get much more Heidi than this.
St. Moritz-Zermatt
Tren Crucero, Ecuador
Negotiating the vertiginous Ecuadorian Andes is a tall order at the best of times, but Tren Crucero accepts the challenge unperturbed. Over four days and three nights expect to huff and puff through a diverse landscape of moorland, mountains and tropical coastal vistas. Highlights include the spectacular Devil’s Nose and the Avenue of the Volcanoes, in which more than 10 volcanoes are ready and waiting – including the active Tungurahua volcano.
Quito-Guayaquil
The Shinkansen, Japan
Never has mankind known a train so fast as the Japanese bullet train, the world’s very first high-speed rail network. Reaching maximum speeds of 270km/h, you can expect immaculate service and crystal clear views of Mount Fuji rising in the distance.
Tokyo-Kyoto
Feature © mingman/iStock/Thinkstock
Written by insider city guide series Hg2 | A Hedonist’s guide to… whose guides cover all the best hotels, restaurants, bars, clubs, sights, shops and spas.
