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Top Train & Rail Journeys Attractions
Train trips offer unique experiences, from traversing majestic mountain ranges to gliding through serene countryside. Each journey provides unique opportunities to explore varied landscapes, immerse in local cultures, and enjoy the unparalleled comfort and charm of rail travel.
- Looking at the rolling hills and Siberian villages
- Exploring different cities each day
- Taking Maharaja Express from Delhi and along the way visiting the colorful city of Rajasthan and the Taj Mahal in Agra
- Taking a rail journey through the Chunnel to France
- Looking at the breathtaking scenery from Botswana to South Africa
- Witnessing the dramatic fjords and coastal beauty on Norway’s Bergen Railway
- Riding the Glacier Express through the Swiss Alps
- Traversing the scenic Scottish Highlands on the West Highland Line
- Discovering the historic Silk Road on a luxury train through Central Asia
- Experiencing the iconic Trans-Siberian Railway from Moscow to Vladivostok
Train & Rail Journeys Tours & Travel Guide
Train & Rail Journeys Attractions & Landmarks Guide
A rail journey is one of the most pleasant ways to travel imaginable. Whether it's aboard a luxury sightseeing train in South Africa, Peru, Europe, or Alaska, or an adventurous trip through India or across Siberia, long rail journeys allow you to sit back, view the scenery, read a book, have some meals, get some sleep, and meet other passengers if you're so inclined.
Wherever you want to go, Travelstride will help keep you on track. You’ll find all kinds of train trips and guided vacation packages involving rail journeys to your favorite destinations, matching your duration, budget, and location preferences.
What Should I Expect from a Train Trip?
Train trips offer a unique and memorable experience, combining comfort, scenic beauty, and adventure. Traveling by train today might seem quaint and leisurely, but imagine how marvelous it would have been to experience its speed and modernity in the 19th century!
When you travel by train, you’re participating in what was the pinnacle of innovation. Here’s what you can expect when embarking on a train journey today:
Constantly Changing Panorama
One of the most remarkable aspects of train travel is the opportunity to enjoy breathtaking views of landscapes that are often inaccessible by other means of transportation.
Traveling by train provides a view of vast landscapes, unlike any other mode of transportation. Imagine gazing out across the expanse of Siberia, the impressive Alaskan landscape, and crossing through countries in Europe, seeing the change in topography.
It’s a stunning experience to look out at the landscape and see it pass by in the blink of an eye. Remember to bring your wide-angle lens for spectacular photographs!
Comfortable Accommodations
Train trips typically offer a range of accommodations to suit different preferences and budgets. You can choose from standard seats, sleeper cabins with private amenities, and luxurious suites with en-suite bathrooms. Modern trains have comfortable seating, ample legroom, and climate control to ensure a pleasant journey.
Onboard Dining
Expect to enjoy a variety of dining options on your train trip. Many long-distance trains have dining cars that serve freshly prepared meals, showcasing local and international cuisine. Some trains also offer gourmet dining experiences with multi-course meals served in elegant dining cars.
Socializing Opportunities
Train travel provides a unique social environment where you can meet fellow travelers from around the world. Lounge and bar cars are common on long-distance trains, offering spaces to relax, enjoy a drink, and share stories with other passengers.
Excursions and Activities
Many train trips include stops at key destinations along the route, offering organized excursions and activities. These may include guided tours of historic sites, nature walks, cultural performances, and opportunities for outdoor adventures. These excursions enrich the travel experience and provide deeper insights into the regions you are visiting.
A Relaxed Pace of Travel
Train travel is often more relaxed compared to other modes of transportation. There’s no need to worry about navigating roads or dealing with airport security. You can sit back, relax, and enjoy the journey at a leisurely pace, making it a stress-free travel option.
From quaint mountain towns in Switzerland to fascinating historical exploration in Bangkok to sampling local food in India, a rail journey covers more ground, allowing you to experience more in a shorter period of time.
On the other hand, sometimes the railway itself is the slowness in the equation. Chugging merrily along through the Alps, for example, time itself takes on a different meaning as you travel through the ancient mountains, taking in the scenery.
Narration and Information
On many scenic and luxury train journeys, onboard guides or pre-recorded narration provide information about the passing landscapes, history, and culture. This adds an educational element to your trip, helping you appreciate the significance of the places you travel through.
Most Famous Train Trips in the World
Train travel first began in the mid-1800s and caused a significant stir. Suddenly, access to cities and countries far away wasn’t that challenging. What would have taken several weeks by horse and carriage could now take significantly shorter, allowing a wider demographic to travel and get exposed to other cultures, languages, and customs.
Today, train tours offer some of the most iconic and unforgettable journeys across the globe. These famous train trips combine breathtaking scenery, rich history, and luxurious amenities, creating memorable experiences for travelers. Below are some of the most popular train trips that attract tourists from all over the world.
The Orient Express
The Orient Express is one of the most legendary train journeys, historically connecting Paris and Istanbul. Today, the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express offers an exquisite experience of traveling from London to Venice.
The route passes through the picturesque landscapes of France, Switzerland, and Austria before reaching Italy. The train is renowned for its luxurious carriages, vintage decor, and world-class service.
Passengers can enjoy gourmet meals in elegant dining cars, relax in plush cabins, and socialize in the opulent bar car. Along the way, there are stops in iconic cities like Paris, Innsbruck, and Verona, where travelers can explore historical landmarks and cultural attractions.
The Trans-Siberian Railway
The Trans-Siberian Railway is the longest train journey in the world, stretching over 9,000 kilometers from Moscow to Vladivostok. This epic route crosses eight time zones and offers breathtaking views of Russia’s diverse landscapes, from the Ural Mountains to the vast Siberian plains.
Key stops along the way include Yekaterinburg, Irkutsk, and Lake Baikal. The train provides various classes of service, including luxurious private cabins and more basic accommodations.
Onboard amenities include dining cars serving traditional Russian cuisine, a bar car, and comfortable lounges. Activities during the journey include guided excursions at major stops, cultural performances, and opportunities to experience local customs and traditions.
The Rocky Mountaineer
The Rocky Mountaineer offers an unparalleled journey through the majestic Canadian Rockies. Popular routes include Vancouver to Banff, passing through Kamloops and Jasper. This daylight-only train ensures passengers can experience all of the stunning scenery, including towering mountains, turquoise lakes, and lush forests.
The train features spacious, glass-domed coaches for optimal viewing and gourmet meals served at your seat or in elegant dining cars.
Stops along the route offer activities such as guided nature walks, helicopter tours, and visits to national parks. The train also provides exceptional service, with knowledgeable guides sharing stories about the region’s history and wildlife.
The Blue Train
The Blue Train in South Africa offers a luxurious travel experience from Pretoria to Cape Town. This 27-hour journey traverses the scenic landscapes of South Africa, including the Great Karoo desert and the lush vineyards of the Cape Winelands.
The train is famed for its opulence, featuring suites with private bathrooms, butler service, and elegant dining cars offering fine cuisine and South African wines.
Key stops include visiting the historical town of Kimberley, where passengers can explore the famous Big Hole and Diamond Museum. The journey also includes scenic views of Table Mountain as the train approaches Cape Town.
The Glacier Express
The Glacier Express in Switzerland is often called the slowest express train in the world. It offers an eight-hour journey between Zermatt and St. Moritz. This scenic route winds through the Swiss Alps, crossing 291 bridges and passing through 91 tunnels.
Passengers are treated to panoramic views of snow-capped mountains, deep gorges, and charming alpine villages. The train features spacious, panoramic carriages, first-class service, and gourmet dining.
Key highlights include the Oberalp Pass, the Rhine Gorge, and the Landwasser Viaduct. Along the way, passengers can enjoy onboard commentary detailing the history and geology of the regions they traverse.
The Ghan
The Ghan is a legendary Australian train journey that travels from Darwin to Adelaide, covering 2,979 kilometers through the heart of Australia. The route takes passengers through the tropical landscapes of the Northern Territory, the red sands of the Outback, and the fertile plains of South Australia.
The train offers luxurious cabins, fine dining, and a range of excursions at key stops, such as Katherine, Alice Springs, and Coober Pedy.
Onboard, passengers can enjoy gourmet meals featuring local ingredients, a lounge car for socializing, and informative talks about the regions being traversed. Off-train activities include boat cruises, guided walks, and cultural experiences with Indigenous communities.
The Maharajas' Express
The Maharajas' Express is India’s most luxurious train, offering several itineraries across the country. Popular routes include the "Heritage of India" journey from Mumbai to Delhi, with stops in Udaipur, Jodhpur, Jaipur, and Agra.
The train features opulent cabins, fine-dining restaurants, a bar, and a lounge. Each cabin comes with a personal butler, ensuring a high level of service.
The journey includes visits to iconic landmarks such as the Taj Mahal, Amber Fort, and the palaces of Rajasthan. Onboard activities include cultural performances, cooking demonstrations, and lectures on Indian history and culture.
The Royal Scotsman
The Royal Scotsman offers a luxurious journey through the Scottish Highlands, starting and ending in Edinburgh. The train travels through some of Scotland’s most breathtaking landscapes, including lochs, glens, and mountains.
Key stops include historic sites such as the Glenfinnan Viaduct and the Isle of Skye. The train features luxurious cabins, an observation car with panoramic views, and gourmet dining showcasing local Scottish cuisine.
Onboard amenities include spa treatments and evening entertainment. Off-train excursions include castle tours, whisky tastings at distilleries, and guided nature walks.
The Eastern & Oriental Express
The Eastern & Oriental Express offers a luxurious journey through Southeast Asia, traveling between Singapore and Bangkok. The route passes through lush landscapes, including rice paddies, tropical forests, and rivers.
Key stops include Kuala Lumpur, Penang, and the River Kwai. The train features elegant cabins, fine dining, and a bar car with live piano music. Passengers can enjoy gourmet meals inspired by Asian and European cuisines.
Onboard activities include cultural performances and informative talks. Off-train excursions offer opportunities to explore local markets, historical sites, and natural attractions.
The Bernina Express
The Bernina Express is one of Switzerland’s most scenic train journeys, traveling from Chur to Tirano. The route crosses the Swiss Engadin Alps and passes through the Bernina Range, offering spectacular views of glaciers, alpine meadows, and sparkling lakes.
Key highlights include the Landwasser Viaduct, the Morteratsch Glacier, and the Brusio Spiral Viaduct. The train features panoramic carriages for unobstructed views, comfortable seating, and onboard commentary about the regions traversed. The journey also offers opportunities for outdoor activities such as hiking and photography at various stops along the way.
The Alaska Railroad
The Alaska Railroad offers a spectacular journey through some of the most stunning landscapes in North America. One of the most popular routes is the Denali Star, which travels between Anchorage and Fairbanks. This route passes through the majestic Denali National Park, offering views of North America's highest peak, Mount Denali.
Key stops include Talkeetna, known for its charming small-town atmosphere and stunning views of the Alaska Range, and Denali, where passengers can take part in wildlife tours, hiking, and rafting.
The train features spacious cars with large windows for optimal viewing, comfortable seating, and an onboard dining service offering Alaskan cuisine. Passengers can also enjoy narration from knowledgeable guides who provide insights into the region’s history, wildlife, and natural beauty.
Activities along the journey include opportunities for flightseeing, visiting sled dog kennels, and exploring the vibrant cities of Anchorage and Fairbanks.
Train & Rail Journeys Reviews & Ratings
Perfect vacation!
Our trip to New Zealand exceeded all of our expectations thanks to Geoff's amazing service as our travel agent. He eagerly provided us with suggestions and tailored ...
Incredible, awesome, amazing experience
Our Real New Zealand Tours travel agent listened to our goals for the trip, how we wanted to travel, and what activities we wanted to do. Based on that, they create...
Self-designed 21 day trip to NZ
Geoff helped my wife and I to put together an itinerary that customized to our particular interests and preferences. At the outset he asked us where we'd like to go ...
Start of retirement
My wife of 31years and I wanted to start our retirement with a bang, and top travel delivered. Private guides with easy entry into all the major attractions, made ou...
Short Inca Trail with Action Peru Treks
We had a once in a lifetime experience with Action Peru Treks on the Short Inca Trail! Fredy was an attentive and knowledgeable tour guide! Highly recommend Action P...
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