Top 10 Great Rail Journeys | Best Train Journeys

I believe many travelers would agree that Traveling by train is much more peaceful and relaxing than others, even flying. May be it’s not that fast, but the visual options are much better. It’s actually very interesting to look at outside the train window while traveling anywhere. And it is a time honored tradition too. Though the importance of trains in our society is evident, today the humble railway is often taken for granted. Many of us use subways and light rail systems on a daily basis. Long distances on scenic passenger train rides has become a novelty and almost a thing of the past. But, hopefully there are still some open minded and relaxed matured fellas always looking for great rail journeys. The romantic nature of traveling in comfort and style while viewing a picturesque landscape is a truly memorable experience and probably that combination fulfillment refers to us as best train journeys.

It is a common belief, train travel is one of the most environmentally friendly affordable options for tourists. Of course train journeys are environment friendly, but not always cheap. There are those truly luxurious train rides which hark back to the elegance of yesteryear. Sadly some of the great rail journeys are among them. Oh, the class selection may comfort you a bit. Whether you’re first or third class, you’ll always get to take more luggage on a train than a plane!

10 Great Rail Journeys | Best Train Journeys:

Here we are completely determined to select the best train journeys among lots of great rail journeys worldwide. The top 10 great rail journeys in this list offer unparalleled scenic views, world-class service and luxurious amenities. These most beautiful and truly breathtaking train rides will definitely attract any train enthusiast in this generation.

Let’s check out the great rail journeys or the best train journeys in the world!!

10. California to Chicago (California Zephyr)

Top 10 Great Rail Journeys | Best Train Journeys, California to Chicago on California Zephyr
California to Chicago on California Zephyr ; image credit www.flickr.com

This is a trip on Amtrak’s longest railway aboard the California Zephyr. The great rail journey offers passengers a glimpse at the vast and varied scenery that the United States can offer. This epic train tour includes Sierra Nevada, Rocky Mountain all in full display. Again the average passenger quantity per year can explain its presence in this list of top 10 best train journeys.

In 2012 alone the train carried an estimated 376,000 passengers. I think this is another proof, traveling the old way is still in favor with many travelers. Undoubtedly this is a unique slice of Americana and a great way to explore the vast openness of the middle of the USA. May be, it’s the greatest opportunity for visiting the Land of the Free.

Also read: Top 10 tallest mountains in the World

09. Vancouver to Banff (Rocky Mountaineer)

Top 10 Great Rail Journeys | Best Train Journeys, Vancouver to Banff on Rocky Mountaineer
Vancouver to Banff on Rocky Mountaineer ; image credit raredelights.com

Here, the train name explains a lot about the scenic opportunities in this one of the most beautiful train journeys. This trip will let you experience the majesty of the towering Rocky Mountains in western Canada. And historically, this route retraces the path traversed by 19th century explorers. Passengers will also come to know where the Canadian Pacific Railway was completed.

There has been three levels of service offered aboard the Rocky Mountaineer train. Namingly those are Redleaf Service, Goldleaf Service and SilverLeaf Service. Goldleaf Service is my own favorite. It includes meals by award-winning chefs and the best view of the awe-inspiring scenery. This should be how you cross the continental divide in one of the best train journeys in the world.

Also Read: Top 10 best places to visit in America

08. Zermatt to St. Moritz (Glacier Express)

Top 10 Great Rail Journeys | Best Train Journeys, Zermatt to St. Moritz on Glacier Express
Zermatt to St. Moritz on Glacier Express ; image credit en.wikipedia.org

This has been a common recommendation from most of the travelers traveling Switzerland. Most of them believe, The Glacier Express is the premier way to travel through this country. The seven hour trip from Zermatt to either St. Moritz or Davos offers passengers spellbinding view of the Swiss Alps and charming vistas. One thing to remember, this is the slowest express train in the world so you’ll have plenty of time to take in the panoramic sights.

You can easily make yourself pampered with a three-course meal aboard the best train journey as well. Statistically, the train goes through 91 tunnels and over 291 bridges on the journey, which is I believe tremendous and most interesting for great rail journeys.

Also read: Top 15 most visited tourist attractions in the world

07. Oslo to Bergen (The Bergen Line)

Top 10 Great Rail Journeys | Best Train Journeys, Oslo to Bergen on The Bergen Line
Oslo to Bergen on The Bergen Line ; image credit en.wikipedia.org

This is a 500 kilometer journey across the Norwegian tundra, which definitely offers breathtaking spectacular views. The Flam Line, which is a branch of the Bergen Line, is a tourist route that slopes through the valley of Flamsdalen. Certainly for being one of the great rail journeys on earth, it offers passengers the opportunity to witness the beauty of the Norwegian fjord landscape.

Now, Flamsbana in Norway is known as one of the steepest train lines on normal tracks in the entire world. I think you should try this 7th of the best train journeys in the world.

06. Moscow to Vladivostok (Trans-Siberian Railway)

Top 10 Great Rail Journeys | Best Train Journeys, Moscow to Vladivostok on Trans-Siberian Railway
Moscow to Vladivostok on Trans-Siberian Railway ; image credit en.wikipedia.org

Probably, this iconic train trip will take you through almost the entirety of Russia. From Moscow on the European side of Russia to Vladivostok on the Asian side. Undoubtedly this is the longest railway in the world. This unparalleled trip is at 6th position in our list of top 10 great rail journeys/ best train journeys.

Travelers can also extend their trip by traveling on the Trans-Mongolian, which is Moscow to Beijing or the Trans Manchurian, which is through Manchuria to Beijing. Unbelievable but the truth is that the train journey can take between 16 and 21 days in this era of fast movement.

05. Venice to London (Venice Simplon-Orient-Express)

Top 10 Great Rail Journeys | Best Train Journeys , Venice to London on Venice Simplon-Orient-Express
Venice to London on Venice Simplon-Orient-Express ; image credit ja.wikipedia.org

The historic Simplon-Orient-Express is a luxury train. It traces its roots back to the 1920s and 30s. But the interesting fact is, the great train journey offers passengers a uniquely European taste of class to this time. With grandiose cabins and a staff to cater to your every need. Probably this is how the rich and famous travel across Europe by train occurs.

Panoramic views of the Italian countryside go perfectly with a glass of champagne. Tourists on this trip take the Bellmond British Pullman, which is of course another elegant historic train. And that is the final leg of the journey into London.

04. Singapore to Bangkok (Eastern and Oriental Express)

Top 10 Great Rail Journeys | Best Train Journeys, Singapore to Bangkok on Eastern and Oriental Express
Singapore to Bangkok on Eastern and Oriental Express ; image credit www.flickr.com

The Eastern and Oriental Express train is another luxury train, which travels through the exotic countryside of Southeast Asia on epic journeys throughout Singapore, Malaysia, Thailand and Laos. This one of the great rail journeys offers passengers a choice of three cabin types with ascending opulence – the Presidential, the state and the Pullman.

Entertainment like music and dancing and world-class cuisine from renowned chefs are also offered while traveling on this 4th best train journeys on the world.

03. The Indian Golden Triangle (Maharaja Express)

Top 10 Great Rail Journeys | Best Train Journeys, The Indian Golden Triangle on Maharaja Express
The Indian Golden Triangle on Maharaja Express ; image credit palaceonwheel.org

This is probably the one train journey with complete heritage interference in Indian flavor. As passengers on the Maharaja Express, tourists are treated to stunning service and first-class accommodation. The great rail journey starts at New Delhi and travels around the Golden Triangle through Agra, Jaipur and back to New Delhi.

Champagne is served aboard the train, but I think the trip wouldn’t be complete without a stop at the iconic and astonishing Taj Mahal. This extremely luxurious train features two high-end restaurants as well as two bars. We have to keep it at number three in our list of top 10 best train journeys.

02. Adelaide to Darwin, Australia (Ghan)

Top 10 Great Rail Journeys | Best Train Journeys, Adelaide to Darwin, Australia on the Ghan
Adelaide to Darwin, Australia on the Ghan ; image credit commons.wikimedia.org

The Ghan is an iconic Australian train that has been traversing the continent for a staggering 80 years. May be the most preferable way to explore Australia’s interior while sitting comfortably in a glamorous train. Of course it will let you avoid the sweltering heat. But the true experience will surely let you know, why this is the second of the great rail journeys in the world.

The three-day journey stops right in the middle of the Outback at Alice Springs. There you’ll get to take in the wonder of Katherine Gorge in Nitmiluk National Park. Definitely passengers will get the feeling of a perfect way to end their day, watching the blazing sun dip below the horizon.

01. Cape Town to Dar es Salaam (Pride of Africa)

Top 10 Great Rail Journeys | Best Train Journeys, Cape Town to Dar es Salaam on the Pride of Africa
Cape Town to Dar es Salaam on the Pride of Africa ; image credit rasktravel.com

If scenic view is an important parameter for best train journeys, undoubtedly the leading trip should come around somewhere Africa. Here comes the top of the experiences, a train that will take you through a dreaming sight viewing from Cape Town to Dar es Salaam. The lengthy but posh journey across Botswana, Zambia, Zimbabwe and Tanzania on a two week expedition.

Passengers will traverse through the Selous Game Reserve in south Tanzania. That one is the largest nature reserves in the world (may be one of the very few). Again, Passengers on this route can stop and enjoy the scenery at the great Victoria Falls and Chishimba Falls. If you are asking to me, definitely Africa can offer the best train journey even without much other features.

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