11 Train Journeys That'll Make You Rethink Your Travel Bucket List

Right now is the perfect time to start rethinking the travels on your bucket list. Regardless of where you plan to travel, these incredible train journeys are sure to inspire at least one life-changing adventure.

1. Gotthard Panorama Express

The Gotthard Panorama Express offers a unique combination of a scenic train journey and travel by paddle steamer. All seating on the panorama train is exclusively first-class. Both parts offer views over some of Switzerland's most stunning scenery. Travelling from Lucerne, the first part of the trip is by paddle-steamer, travelling across Lake Lucerne to Flüelen. Whilst the boat has both First and Second Class sections, our customers are normally booked into the First Class section, which is typically on the upper deck, to best appreciate the views across the lake.  The second part of the trip is only available in First Class, onboard an air-conditioned train heading through one of the most scenic routes in all of Switzerland – the Gotthard Pass.

2. The Venice Simplon-Orient-Express

The Venice Simplon-Orient-Express travelling near Roppen, Austria. Luxury rail travel is synonymous with glamour, sophistication, impeccable service, and iconic journeys. Experience pure comfort, opulent interiors, fine dining and convivial company along the tracks as you relive the 'golden age of rail travel'!

3. The Bernina Express

The iconic Bernina Express train travels through breathtaking mountain scenery in Switzerland. Every inch of the landscapes along the tracks of the narrow-gauge Bernina Express route contributes to making the journey a scenic dream. Indeed, this is one of the most picturesque train journeys in the whole world. Luckily the huge, panoramic windows mean you won’t have to miss one scenic second.

4. The Belmond Royal Scotsman

The Belmond Royal Scotsman is an Edwardian-style adventure all on its own in Scotland. Experience the heart of the Highlands on a journey aboard the Belmond Royal Scotsman, where you travel through landscapes of pine-clad mountains, reflected in mirror-still lochs. Life onboard is relaxed yet indulgent. Dine on world-class cuisine, rich with Scottish specialities, and embark on thrilling excursions each day, this is the top choice for those exploring Scotland in style.

5. Eastern and Oriental Express

Take an exotic train journey onboard the green and gold carriages through the fabled East on the Eastern and Oriental Express. All aboard the slow train through Southeast Asia, a travelling memoir of a more elegant age. The Eastern & Oriental Express hosts guests in unrivalled style on a timeless adventure with exotic cuisine at white-linen-coated tables in the ornamental dining cars.

6. The Glacier Express

Travelling along the Landwasser Viaduct between Schmitten and Filisur, in the canton of Graubünden, Switzerland, the Glacier Express offers breathtaking views. One of Switzerland’s most scenic rail journeys, the Glacier Express’ reputation no doubt precedes it. Connecting Zermatt, nestled peacefully in the shadow of the Matterhorn, and resort-town-extraordinaire St Moritz, the train rolls at a remarkable 24 miles per hour, giving you ample time to soak up the views from the panoramic windows. Following the relaunch of the Excellence Class cars in 2019, the newly renovated 1st and 2nd class panoramic cars also leave nothing to be desired.

7. Rocky Mountaineer

Travelling onboard the Rocky Mountaineer gives passengers an entirely new perspective of the Canadian Rockies. A journey aboard the famed navy blue and gold carriages of the Rocky Mountaineer has topped many a bucket list over the years. Synonymous with true luxury, breathtaking adventures, delicious food, inspiring landscapes, and unparalleled service – Canada’s Rocky Mountains await, and this is a truly spectacular way to experience them!

8. The Jungfrau Railway

The Jungfrau Railway travels from Kleine Scheidegg to the highest railway station in Europe at Jungfraujoch, between the Bernese Highlands and the Valais in Switzerland. At an elevation of 3,466 metres above sea level, and connecting 4,000-metre peaks Jungfrau and Mönch, respectively, Jungfraujoch in Switzerland is known as the “Top of Europe” and as such, boasts some of the most impressive views on Earth. A highlight of any Swiss holiday, Jungfraujoch is like being in an ice-covered fantasy world, with year-round activities focused on the very best of snow sports, including skiing, snowboarding, hiking and climbing in the warmer months. Or maybe just relax with a warm beverage and admire the incredible scenery that surrounds you.

9. VIA Rail

VIA Rail is the national rail operator of Canada and operates many trains, including the Canadain which runs coast-to-coast between Toronto and Vancouver. You will experience a pleasant atmosphere with comfortable, spacious seats while watching the region’s breathtaking landscapes, and enjoying the many accommodation options onboard.

10. The Jacobite Train

Described as the greatest rail journey in the world, the Jacobite Train (also known as the Hogwarts Express if you’re a Harry Potter fan) runs 84 miles roundtrip between Fort William and Mallaig along the West Highland Railway Line. A trip on the Jacobite Steam Train is a must-do journey whilst in Scotland. A chance to take in the beauty of the West Highland line in style on a day trip from Fort William to the fishing village of Mallaig. The scenery is some of the most beautiful in the world, and the stunning journey will provide memories to treasure for a lifetime.

11. Eurostar

Imagine enjoying breakfast in London and then strolling the picturesque canals of Amsterdam in the evening. That's all possible with Eurostar Holidays. Consider our Grand London and Paris trip or our London, Paris, and Bordeaux trip for an effortless and stunning experience.