Jaw-Dropping Train Journeys You Won’t Believe Exist
Amanpreet Singh | Mar 09, 2025, 08:00 IST
Train travel isn’t just about getting from one place to another—it’s an experience, an adventure, and sometimes, a breathtaking journey through landscapes you never knew existed. While famous routes like the Trans-Siberian Railway and the Orient Express steal the spotlight, there are hidden gems that offer equally mesmerizing views and unforgettable experiences.
Here are eight stunning train journeys you need to add to your bucket list!
Route: Hanoi – Ho Chi Minh City
Why It’s Special: This 1,700-kilometer railway slices through Vietnam’s lush countryside, pristine beaches, and misty mountains. Along the way, you’ll witness vibrant rice paddies, picturesque fishing villages, and breathtaking coastal views. If you want to experience Vietnam’s beauty beyond the tourist spots, this train ride is a must.
Route: Flåm – Myrdal
Why It’s Special: Often called one of the most scenic train rides in the world, this short yet spectacular journey takes you past snow-capped peaks, cascading waterfalls, and deep valleys. The train climbs nearly 900 meters in just 20 kilometers, making it one of the steepest railway journeys on Earth.
Route: Darwin – Adelaide
Why It’s Special: This legendary train journey takes you deep into the heart of Australia’s Red Centre. Covering 2,979 kilometers, The Ghan offers travelers an incredible transformation of landscapes—from tropical greenery to endless desert plains.
Route: Zermatt – St. Moritz
Why It’s Special: Known as the “slowest express train in the world,” this route offers uninterrupted views of the Swiss Alps, crossing 291 bridges and 91 tunnels. If you love winter wonderlands and fairytale-like mountain scenery, this journey is for you.
Route: Cusco – Machu Picchu
Why It’s Special: Luxury meets adventure on this train ride to one of the world’s most mystical destinations. The elegant Belmond Hiram Bingham offers live music, gourmet Peruvian cuisine, and stunning views of the Sacred Valley, making the journey just as magical as the destination.
Route: Xining – Lhasa
Why It’s Special: The highest railway in the world, this journey takes you to the "Roof of the World." You’ll pass by crystal-clear lakes, expansive grasslands, and towering snow-covered mountains at an altitude of over 5,000 meters. Oxygen-enriched cabins ensure you stay comfortable as you ascend into the breathtaking Tibetan Plateau.
Route: Cape Town – Pretoria
Why It’s Special: Dubbed the “most luxurious train in the world,” Rovos Rail combines old-world charm with stunning African landscapes. You’ll travel through rolling vineyards, sweeping savannahs, and wildlife-rich game reserves while enjoying five-star service onboard.
Route: Glasgow – Mallaig
Why It’s Special: If you’re a Harry Potter fan, this route should be on your radar! The train passes over the iconic Glenfinnan Viaduct, featured in the Hogwarts Express scenes. Beyond the movie magic, the route offers stunning views of Loch Lomond, Ben Nevis, and the wild Scottish Highlands.
If you’re looking to swap the stress of air travel for something slower, scenic, and soulful, these breathtaking train journeys offer an experience like no other. Whether it’s gliding past fjords, crossing deserts, or ascending into the clouds, these hidden gems will ignite your wanderlust and redefine the way you travel.
So, which one will you board first?
1. The Reunification Express, Vietnam
Why It’s Special: This 1,700-kilometer railway slices through Vietnam’s lush countryside, pristine beaches, and misty mountains. Along the way, you’ll witness vibrant rice paddies, picturesque fishing villages, and breathtaking coastal views. If you want to experience Vietnam’s beauty beyond the tourist spots, this train ride is a must.
2. Flåm Railway, Norway
Why It’s Special: Often called one of the most scenic train rides in the world, this short yet spectacular journey takes you past snow-capped peaks, cascading waterfalls, and deep valleys. The train climbs nearly 900 meters in just 20 kilometers, making it one of the steepest railway journeys on Earth.
3. The Ghan, Australia
Why It’s Special: This legendary train journey takes you deep into the heart of Australia’s Red Centre. Covering 2,979 kilometers, The Ghan offers travelers an incredible transformation of landscapes—from tropical greenery to endless desert plains.
4. Glacier Express, Switzerland
Why It’s Special: Known as the “slowest express train in the world,” this route offers uninterrupted views of the Swiss Alps, crossing 291 bridges and 91 tunnels. If you love winter wonderlands and fairytale-like mountain scenery, this journey is for you.
5. Belmond Hiram Bingham, Peru
Why It’s Special: Luxury meets adventure on this train ride to one of the world’s most mystical destinations. The elegant Belmond Hiram Bingham offers live music, gourmet Peruvian cuisine, and stunning views of the Sacred Valley, making the journey just as magical as the destination.
6. Qinghai-Tibet Railway, China
Why It’s Special: The highest railway in the world, this journey takes you to the "Roof of the World." You’ll pass by crystal-clear lakes, expansive grasslands, and towering snow-covered mountains at an altitude of over 5,000 meters. Oxygen-enriched cabins ensure you stay comfortable as you ascend into the breathtaking Tibetan Plateau.
7. Rovos Rail, South Africa
Why It’s Special: Dubbed the “most luxurious train in the world,” Rovos Rail combines old-world charm with stunning African landscapes. You’ll travel through rolling vineyards, sweeping savannahs, and wildlife-rich game reserves while enjoying five-star service onboard.
8. West Highland Line, Scotland
Why It’s Special: If you’re a Harry Potter fan, this route should be on your radar! The train passes over the iconic Glenfinnan Viaduct, featured in the Hogwarts Express scenes. Beyond the movie magic, the route offers stunning views of Loch Lomond, Ben Nevis, and the wild Scottish Highlands.
All Aboard for an Unforgettable Adventure!
So, which one will you board first?