Welcome aboard! There’s nothing quite like traveling by train and watching breathtaking landscapes unfold right before your eyes. Scenic train rides provide a unique opportunity to relax, soak in astonishing views, and connect with the world in a leisurely and immersive way. If you’re interested in model trains, it’s important to see some of the most scenic train rides in the world so you can feel inspired to take your train set to the next level!

The Glacier Express, Switzerland

The Glacier Express is a once-in-a-lifetime experience for those enchanted by alpine scenery. This train is one of the slowest in the world, traveling between Zermatt and St. Moritz, taking passengers on an eight-hour journey through the heart of the Swiss Alps.

Expect to pass picturesque valleys, towering snowy peaks, and charming Swiss villages while relaxing in comfortable panoramic carriages. Highlights include crossing the iconic Landwasser Viaduct and climbing to the breathtaking Oberalp Pass, the route’s highest point. It’s a ride that perfectly combines luxury, comfort, and stunning views.

Rocky Mountaineer, Canada

The Rocky Mountaineer is the ultimate way to explore the Canadian Rockies, offering an unforgettable blend of luxury and breathtaking landscapes. This train takes people to:

• Glacial lakes
• Rugged mountain ranges
• Dramatic canyons
• Dense forests

Passengers savor regional gourmet meals as they journey through some of Canada’s most iconic scenery, such as Lake Louise and Banff National Park. With multiple routes to choose from, this train ride is a must for nature lovers and adventure seekers alike.

The Ghan, Australia

The Ghan offers an extraordinary journey through Australia’s vast and diverse landscapes, connecting Darwin in the tropical north to Adelaide in the south. Over four days, people travel through arid red desert expanses, lush tropical regions, and remote outback towns. This legendary train provides luxury cabins, fine dining, and off-train excursions that allow passengers to explore highlights like Katherine Gorge and Coober Pedy.

West Highland Line, Scotland

The West Highland Line is one of the most scenic rail journeys in the world. This nostalgic Scottish train ride takes everyone through enchanting moors, shimmering lochs, and rugged mountains, offering a fairytale-like experience.

The journey also includes crossing the world-famous Glenfinnan Viaduct, known from the Harry Potter films as the route to Hogwarts. Whether someone is a film fan or simply in search of stunning natural beauty, this journey provides a memorable adventure through Scotland’s dreamy landscapes.

Coastal Pacific, New Zealand

The Coastal Pacific in New Zealand offers an unforgettable ride along the Pacific coastline, connecting Christchurch to Picton. This journey is a visual delight, with scenery that transitions from sandy beaches and turquoise waters to the rugged Kaikōura mountain range. Keep an eye out for marine life, as the route is home to seals and dolphins.

Belmond Hiram Bingham, Peru

The Belmond Hiram Bingham is a luxurious way to travel to the world-famous Machu Picchu in Peru. This first-class train offers an unforgettable experience with gourmet dining, live music, and opulent interiors inspired by 1920s Pullman carriages.

As passengers wind through lush valleys, misty mountains, and ancient landscapes, they’ll have spectacular views of the Sacred Valley. It’s a journey as magical as the destination itself.

Cinque Terre Express, Italy

The Cinque Terre Express is a ticket to exploring Italy’s stunning Ligurian coastline. This short but scenic route connects the colorful cliffside villages of the Cinque Terre, offering jaw-dropping views of turquoise waters, terraced vineyards, and quaint harbor towns.

The train makes frequent stops, allowing people to hop off and explore each unique village, from the pastel-painted houses of Riomaggiore to the charming streets of Vernazza. Whether someone is a foodie, a photographer, or just looking for a slice of Italian paradise, this coastal journey captures the authentic Mediterranean charm.

The Blue Train, South Africa

The Blue Train is not just a means of transportation; it’s a five-star hotel on wheels. This luxurious train takes passengers through South Africa’s diverse landscapes, including the arid Karoo desert and the lush Cape Winelands. Highlights include sweeping views of Table Mountain and the chance to spot wildlife from the window.

Bernina Express, Switzerland

The Bernina Express is a scenic masterpiece, linking Switzerland and Italy with a journey through the heart of the Alps. This United Nations Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) World Heritage route offers panoramic views of glaciers, dramatic viaducts, and emerald-green valleys. The train’s large windows ensure passengers don’t miss highlights like the spiraling Brusio Circular Viaduct or the snow-covered Bernina Pass, one of the highest rail routes in Europe.

TranzAlpine, New Zealand

New Zealand’s TranzAlpine journey is a feast for the senses, taking people from Christchurch to Greymouth across the breathtaking Southern Alps. This five-hour ride showcases an array of stunning landscapes, including:

• Rolling green farmlands
• Dramatic mountain passes
• Plunging gorges
• Calm rivers

It’s a perfect way to experience New Zealand’s rugged beauty and natural diversity in comfort.

Flam Railway, Norway

The Flam Railway is one of Norway’s most spectacular train journeys, offering a thrilling ride through steep mountains, cascading waterfalls, and quaint Nordic villages. This scenic route descends 867 meters over just 20 kilometers, making it one of the steepest railway lines in the world. Highlights include the beautiful Kjosfossen waterfall, where the train makes a stop for passengers to admire the view.

Darjeeling Himalayan Railway, India

The Darjeeling Himalayan Railway, also known as the “Toy Train,” is a UNESCO World Heritage journey through India’s scenic Darjeeling region. This railway weaves through tea plantations, misty peaks, and charming hill stations, offering a glimpse into the region’s rich history and culture. Along the way, passengers enjoy breathtaking views of the Himalayas, including Mount Kanchenjunga on clear days.

Kyushu Seven Stars, Japan

The Kyushu Seven Stars train is the epitome of elegance, combining luxury travel with Japan’s stunning landscapes. This multi-day journey takes passengers across Kyushu, an island known for its volcanic landscapes, hot springs, and picturesque countryside. The train features beautiful interiors, gourmet Japanese cuisine, and impeccable hospitality. With stops at charming towns and cultural landmarks, this train ride offers an unforgettable blend of natural beauty, culture, and luxury.

Al Andalus, Spain

Step back in time on the Al Andalus train, a luxurious journey through Spain’s Andalusian region. This vintage train features elegant carriages filled with old-world charm, taking people to vibrant cities like Seville, Granada, and Cordoba. This train ride is perfect for travelers seeking a mix of culture, history, and stunning scenery, all while traveling in style.

These scenic train rides throughout the world aren’t just about the destinations; they're about the journeys that take you there. These routes promise unforgettable experiences, and while you could travel and take these train rides in person, you could also build them yourself. Visit Only Trains and view our garden-scale trains, we can help bring the world of scenic train rides to your own home. Start planning today and bring these breathtaking landscapes to life!

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