10 Best Train Journeys To Take In 2025
Trains are one of the best ways to see the world. Traveling on ground vs air lets you see sights and small towns you wouldn't have otherwise. These 10 best train journeys to take in 2025 offer captivating views, unique experiences, and comfort. Read on to discover the best train journey for you to take in the new year!
10 Best Train Journeys To Take In 2025
1.The Glacier Express
Overview: The Glacier Express is easily one of the most well known train journeys in the world. See the Swiss Alps from the comfort of a train of the fabulous Glacier Express. On the train you will be offered a comfortable seat, floor to ceiling windows, great wifi, and on board catering.
Route: Zermatt to St. Moritz
Countries: Switzerland
Distance: 181 miles (291 kilometers)
Time: 8 hours
Price Range: $
Booking Link: https://glacierexpress.ch/en/route
2. The Orient Express
Overview: The Orient Express is all thing luxury. With cars dating back to the 1920s you will feel like you have stepped into a different era on this train. The rooms are beautifully appointed with exceptional décor reimagined by architech Maxime d’Angeac. The original Orient Express will open again in mid-2026, but you can book a journey through Italy on La Dolce Vita by Orient Express right now.
Route: There are many lovely routes on this train! Our favorite is Venice To Tuscany.
Countries: Italy
Time: 3 Days, 2 Nights
Price Range: $$$$$
Booking Link: https://www.orient-express.com/la-dolce-vita/
3. The Rocky Mountaineer
Overview: The Rocky Mountaineer is a train company that offers rail journeys through the Canadian Rockies. There are a few different routes to choose from on The Rocky Mountaineer, but we recommend doing the Vancouver to Banff journey, which is 2 days and 1 night. On The Rocky Mountaineer you will be served locally inspired cuisine, have access to a viewing room with floor to ceiling windows, have comfortable seats, and great wifi. The Rocky Mountaineer is not a sleeper train so you will stop at night and stay at a luxury hotel.
Routes: There are routes with Rocky Mountaineer is both the USA and Canada. We recommend doing the Vancouver to Banff Route to see the best of the Canadian Rockies!
Countries: Canada
Time: 2 Days, 1 Night
Price Range: $$$
Booking Link: https://www.rockymountaineer.com/
4. The Andean Explorer
Overview: The Andean Explorer is a luxury train located in Peru. The elegant sleeper train is the first of its kind in South America. With 20 cabins on board guests can enjoy sights from the Peruvian countryside while indulging in all things luxury. On the train you will a have beautifully appointed bedroom and bathroom, access to a spa, and culinary delights from on board chefs. There are a few route to choose from on The Andean Explorer, but we recommend the Cusco > Puno > Arequipa route to see the best of Peru!
Route: Cusco > Puno > Arequipa
Countries: Peru
Time: 3 Days, 2 Nights
Price Range: $$$$
Booking Link: https://www.belmond.com/trains/south-america/peru/belmond-andean-explorer/
5. The Ghan
Overview: The Ghan is a luxury train experience that travels through the heart of Australia for Darwin in the north to Aledane in the south. This train that travels through the Australian outback has been around for 96 years! On The Ghan you will have access to delicious food made by chef on board, viewing rooms, excursions, and much more!
Route: Darwin > Adelaide
Countries: Australia
Distance: 1851 miles (2979 km)
Time: 10 Days
Price Range: $$$
Booking Link: https://www.journeybeyondrail.com.au/journeys/the-ghan/
6. The Royal Scotsman
Overview: The Royal Scotsman is a sleeper train that explores the best of Scotland. Owned by Belmond, the same company that owns the The Andean Explorer, The Royal Scotsman is a luxury train experience. On board you will find a spa, beautifully appointed cabins, fine dining, a cozy observation car, and more. There are routes for every kind of traveler on The Royal Scotsman (Highlands Tour, Taste Of Scotland Food Tour, Heritage Home and Gardens Tour, Whiskey Tour, and more)!
Price Range: $$$$$
Countries: Scotland
Booking Link: https://www.belmond.com/trains/europe/scotland/belmond-royal-scotsman/
7. The Maharajas’ Express
Overview - The Maharajas’ Express is one of the best ways to see India. Traveling to India and planning a trip to the country can be so stressful due to the scams and misinformation you will find on the internet. The Maharajas’ Express offers luxury tours of the country - perfect for first time visitors! On The Maharajas’ Express you will find spacious cabins, a few different restaurants, and a bar. There are a few different routes you can take on The Maharajas’ Express, we recommend the Indian Splendour as you will see the highlights of India!
Route: Delhi – Agra – Ranthambore – Jaipur – Bikaner – Jodhpur – Udaipur – Mumbai
Countries: India
Time: 7 Days
Price Range: $$$$$
Booking Link: https://www.the-maharajas.com/
8. The Shinkansen
Overview - Located in Japan, The Shinkansen is one of the fastest trains in the world (177 mph). The Shinkansen is much more affordable than the other trains we have listed with more than 100 departures daily. The Shinkansen is an ideal way to travel from Tokyo to Kyoto or Osaka and offers stunning views of Japan's countryside. TIP - Sit on the left side of the train to catch a sight of Mount Fuji!
Route: Osaka > Tokyo
Countries: Japan
Time: 2 hours
Price Range: $
Booking Link: https://www.jrailpass.com/shinkansen-bullet-trains
9. The Coastal Pacific
Overview: The Coastal Pacific is a lovely way to see New Zealand's South Island. The picturesque train journey is a great way to travel between cities and see New Zealand's countryside. On The Coastal Pacific, you will have the opportunity to see the Kaikōura Coastline, the vineyards of Blenheim, and the Canterbury countryside while on the way to Christchurch.
Route: Picton > Christchurch
Countries: New Zealand
Time: 1 Day
Price: $
Booking Link: https://www.greatjourneysnz.com/scenic-trains/coastal-pacific-train/
10. The Sunset Limited
Overview: See the best of the south west USA in the Sunset Limited. The Sunset Limited runs from New Orleans, Louisiana to Los Angeles, California with stops in cities in Texas, New Mexico, and Arizona. The Sunset Limited in run by Amtrak, so don't expect luxury. I would recommend stopping in the cities throughout the train journey to have a more comfortable trip.
Route: New Orleans > Los Angeles
Countries: USA
Time: Varys
Price Range: $$
Booking Link: https://www.amtrakvacations.com/vacation-types/famous-routes/sunset-limited
10 Best Train Journeys To Take In 2025 Wrap Up
Trains are a wonderful way to see the world. We miss so much when we just fly from city to city, so if you have the time, take a train! We hope that this guide to the 10 Best Train Journeys To Take In 2025 inspires you to travel via train in the new year. If you liked this post we think that you will love our Top 10 Spring Destinations To Visit In 2025 and Digital Nomad Hotspots: Best Cities For Remote Work In 2025. If you have been on any amazing train journeys lately please leave us a comment and tell us all about it.
Happy Travels,
Daisy
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