Why not skip the plane and skip the car? If you truly want a front-row seat to the world's greatest train rides and most beautiful landscapes, we have you covered. Here are seven of our most popular trains that you should put on your travel bucket list. Where will the train take you? All aboard!
The Glacier Express
Known as the “Slowest Express Train in the World,” the Glacier Express has always been an incredible, bucket-list train journey for travellers visiting
Switzerland. This legendary, eight-hour ride slowly weaves more than 150 miles across 291 bridges and through 92 tunnels in the picturesque Swiss Alps from the foot of the Matterhorn in Zermatt to St. Moritz. Passengers will marvel at views of the Oberalp Pass, Rhine Gorge and River, mountain chapels, remote alpine villages, and the towering Landwasser Viaduct. While every section of the Glacier Express is alluring in its own way, here's the breakdown of what's you'll experience.
Zermatt to Brig After leaving the Matter Valley, the train travels to the town of Visp, where the highest peaks of the Swiss Alps can be found. The route is quite narrow in many places, with massive rock walls rising up to the sky. Then, you'll descend down to Brig.
Brig to Andermatt Soon after the train departs Brig, it will cross the river Rhone and continue east into the Upper Rhone valley. From Realp, a flat stretch of track leads to Andermatt.
Andermatt to Chur In Andermatt, the Oberalp Pass begins and the Glacier Express winds its way up toward the highest point of the train journey. Between Ilanz and Reichenau, the Rhine Gorge is spectacular. There's a reason this region is referred to as the 'Swiss Grand Canyon.' Next, enjoy the long descent along the Rhine valley into Chur, the lowest point on the route.
Chur to St. Moritz From Chur, the Glacier Express changes direction toward Reichenau, where it curves to the south toward Thusis, Tiefencastel, and the Domleschg valley. The highlight of this section will surely be crossing over the Landwasser Viaduct before the train reaches Filisur and the Albula Tunnel. Take in views of the Upper Engadine Valley as you ride into St. Moritz.
The Flåmsbana
This iconic train journey from Flåm to Myrdal is said to be among the most beautiful in all of Europe. You'll board the train at Aurlandsfjord, a tributary of the Sognefjord, and travel into the mountains at Myrdal station. During the one-hour ride (the train travels at a slow speed of 25 mph), the Flåmsbana showcases the stunning landscapes of Western Norway. You'll see winding fjords, lush valleys, glacial lakes and rivers, and quaint Norwegian villages. There's only one travel class onboard but the views are incredible from either side. This trip can also be done in reverse starting at Myrdal station, which is reached by train from either Oslo or Bergen.
Venice Simplon-Orient-Express
The timeless glamour and romance of the roaring twenties are alive and well onboard the Belmond's Venice Simplon-Orient-Express. This journey between London and Venice (or vice versa) takes 24 hours and is actually a journey of two train. From London to Folkestone, you'll ride onboard a historic British Pullman. Then, you'll board the restored 1920s carriages of the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express from Calais to Venice. It won't take very long for you to realize the train's onboard services and experiences to be truly world class, especially once you're served your first glass of champagne from your dedicated steward. As you walk through the carriages, you'll have the opportunity to go back in time. Each car has been restored to its heyday and feature different names and décor, as well as different stories woven into its upholstery. To say you'll make plenty of memories is an understatement. Each journey is planned so the train passes the most picturesque scenery during the day. The best stretch? The landscapes between Brennero and Innsbruck are not to be missed! Experience Bar 3674, the social hub of the train, to enjoy signature cocktails while a pianist plays, and make sure to dress up. Choose from four different cabins: Single Cabin, Twin Cabin, Cabin Suite, or a Grand Suite. The windows in each cabin can be opened so you can take in the fresh air of the countryside and beautiful views.
There are no showers in the cabins, with the exception of the Grand Suites. Single Cabin The Venice Simplon-Orient-Express features five Single Cabins for solo travellers. These cars are located at the back of the train.
Twin Cabin These cabins have Pullman-style berths (one up, one down) that fold into a comfortable sofa during the day. Twin Cabins also come equipped with toiletries and a vanity with a washbasin.
Cabin Suite Adjoining Twin Cabins are connected to form a suite and feature two beds, individual vanities, and a window for each passenger.
Grand Suite Three ultra-luxurious Grand Suites are available onboard, aptly named "Paris," "Venice," and "Istanbul." The allure? A double bed that can be made into two twins, and a living area complete with a table, chair, sofa, and an en-suite bathroom. Each suite has unique decor to emphasize the distinctive aspects of each destination. Other amenities include preferential seating, guaranteed dining time for all meals, free-flowing champagne, private transfers to/from train stations, and complimentary designer bathrobes. Not to mention, when you first board, you are offered caviar, and an alternative "a la carte" menu during lunch or dinner.Jungfraubahn
If you're planning on travelling to Switzerland and Interlaken is one of your key destinations, why not experience the famous Junfraubahn? It's one of Switzerland's most sought-after train rides and the best way to view the spectacular Alps. Every hour, the Jungfraubahn train connects Kleine Scheidegg with Jungfraujoch, known as the Top of Europe. En route, you'll climb the north face of the Eiger, traverse the Mönch and scale Jungfrau at an altitude of over 11,000 feet! The train will stop for five minutes at the Eismeer (Ice Sea) viewing point before continuing its climb. At the summit, you can relax and enjoy Jungfraujoch's restaurants, coffee shop, post office, souvenir shops, the Sphinx Observatory and observation deck, the ice palace, and an open-air ice plateau.
The Bernina Express
To say the Bernina Express is an extraordinary train ride is an understatement. Taking passengers across the entire gorgeous canton of Graubünden, the Bernina Express features the kind of scenery Switzerland and Italy are known for. This direct train travels from Chur to Tirano in just four hours. The only factor you need to consider when booking your ticket is the daylight. In summertime, both directions travel during daylight hours. However, in winter, the final stretch of the northbound route is in the dark. What kind of landscapes will you see? High alpine scenery on the Bernina Pass, a Mediterranean atmosphere in Val Poschiavo, and the iconic Brusio Spiral Viaduct. Over the course of 76 miles, the train will cross 196 bridges and travel through 55 tunnels. Much of the journey is also on the Rhaetian Railway, which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. For the best views you should sit on the right side of the train going north to south, and the left side in the opposite direction.
GoldenPass Panoramic Line
From Lucerne to Montreux , the GoldenPass Panoramic Line is a spectacular train adventure—traversing eight lakes, six cantons, and three mountain passes. onboard three separate trains. Travelling from Lake Lucerne to the vineyards of Lake Geneva, passengers then journey forward via Lake Brienz to Interlaken. From there, you'll change onto the BLS regional express train along Lake Thun and through Simmental to Zweisimmen. Travel in style via Gstaad to Montreux onboard the MOB Panoramic and savour the beautiful landscapes from your window.
VIA Rail's The Canadian
Travelling from Vancouver to Halifax, or vice versa, the Canadian carries passengers across the majestic Rockies, quaint towns, passed waterfalls, lake country, vast forests, and golden prairie fields. Major city stops along this coast-to-coast adventure include Vancouver, Prince Rupert, Jasper, Winnipeg, Toronto, Ottawa, Montreal, Quebec and Halifax. The journey across Canada by train is easily one of the world's greatest, most memorable travel experiences. Not only are the landscapes breath-taking, but your moments onboard will be just as unforgettable. It's the best way to see parts of the country few will ever view in their lifetime.
