12 Great Train Routes

Since the first steam-powered locomotive was displayed in 1804, trains have shaped the course of humanity. By allowing people and freights to be carried along known routes at high speeds, trains made the world smaller, trade goods more available and travel faster. Thanks to the transcontinental railroad that connected America’s east and west, the United States became an economic superpower. Besides their cultural and historical significance, trains also allow you to travel in comfort while experiencing incredible vistas. These 12 train rides are some of the world’s most scenic and luxurious rides in the world, and should be experienced by everyone.

1. Hiram Bingham

Source If you want to travel the jungles of Peru in style, then the Hiram Bingham is for you! This deluxe train travels to Machu Pichu while providing its passengers with high-end accommodations and dining.

2. The Ghan

Source Australia's Great Southern Rail from Adelaide to Darwin is a 54-hour, 2,979 km (1,851 miles) train ride that crosses Australia from north to south. The name "Ghan" is actually an abbreviation of its original name - "The Afghan Express".

3. Darjeeling Himalayan Railway

Source Also known as “The Toy Train”, this train uses a vintage British B Class steam locomotive for its daily tourist trips. The train climbs the Himalayas up to heights of over 2,200m (7,200ft), on a route that is 78 km (48 miles) long. Considering it’s using such old locomotives, it’s astounding that it is still functioning so efficiently!

4. The Adirondack

Source This train runs between New York and Montreal through the magnificent Hudson valley and the Adirondack mountains, which gave it its name. While the train often suffers from delays, the 11-hour trip is so beautiful, most people agree that it's worth it.

5. The West Highland Line

Source Voted as the most scenic train ride in the world for several consecutive years, the West Highland Line travels between Mallaig and Glasgow in Scotland. The locals refer to it as 'Rathad Iarainn nan Eilean' ("Iron Road to the Isles").

6. Brocken railway

Source The highest mountain in Germany is called Brocken, and lends its name to this train. The Brocken train provides the most comfortable way to get to Brocken Mountain's nature reserve.

7. First Passage to the West

Source This track is famous in Canada for uniting the east and west of the country over a hundred years ago. Nowadays, this historic track offers a luxury 2-day ride along some of Canada's most gorgeous views.

8. Golden Eagle Trans-Siberian Express

Source The world's longest train ride, the Trans-Siberian Express is a 9,288 km (5,771miles) long ride, crossing Russia from Vladivostok in the east to Moscow in the west. The Golden Eagle is the most luxurious ride along this line, offering spacious sleeping cars, gourmet dining and the most scenic views in Asia.

9. The Maharaja Express

Source The most expensive luxury train in the world, the Maharaja Express enjoys a reputation of having the best service in the world. Mind you, the cheapest fare for an adult is nearly $7,000.

10. El Tren Crucero

Source Travel along Ecuador's Andes in luxury. This train chugs along the avenue of mountains, passing by dormant and even active volcanoes along its route. You can also experience the locals way of life along the route at various stops.

11. The Eastern & Oriental Express

Source The Eastern and Oriental Express has been awarded a place on the "World's Top 25 Trains" list by The Society of International Railway Travelers for its beauty, service, dining, and off-train experiences. It runs between Singapore's Woodlands Train Checkpoint and Hua Lamphong, Bangkok, stopping at Kuala Lumpur, Butterworth and Kanchanaburi.

12. Bergen Railway

Source Traveling in Norway from Bergen to Oslo, this train crosses Europe’s highest plateau on its 495 km (308 miles) long trip. It is considered to be one of the most beautiful rides in the world and has won high praise in the Lonely Planet travel guide.