7 Bucket List Train Voyages in the World
Are you a train enthusiast? Is a memorable multi-day iconic train journey on your bucket list? There are many ways to travel and to get places, but train trips are typically embarked on mostly for the luxurious and elegant once-in-a-lifetime adventure.
Our choice of the following train journeys is grounded in their recurrent presence on globally recognized lists of preferred train travel experiences. Our decision is made through extensive reviews and comments from travelers who consistently highlight these specific train trips as their favorites. These journeys have earned a reputation for excellence, making them top choices for discerning train travelers worldwide.
Our top Train Voyages in the world:
- The Most Iconic Train Trip – Venice Simplon-Orient-Express, Western Europe, is a luxurious and restored train service connecting London, Paris, Venice, and other destinations, providing a glamorous travel experience with vintage carriages, gourmet dining, luxurious sleeping compartments, breathtaking views of Europe’s landscapes, and an opportunity to explore historic cities.
- The Most Scenic Train Trip – The Glacier Express, Switzerland, is an 8-hour scenic train journey through the Swiss Alps, connecting Zermatt and St. Moritz. It features panoramic windows with stunning views of snow-capped mountains, glaciers, and villages.
- The Trip-of-a-Lifetime Train Trip – The Canadian, Canada, is a 4-day passenger train journey connecting Toronto and Vancouver, covering over 4,000 km and showcasing Canada’s diverse landscapes. Regarded as a trip of a lifetime, it provides a unique and memorable experience to appreciate the vastness and beauty of Canada.
- The Most Extravagant Train Trip – The Palace on Wheels is a lavish 7-day train journey through Rajasthan, India, exploring the region’s rich history, culture, and architecture, covering cities like Jaipur, Jodhpur, Udaipur, and Agra. The train offers luxurious cabins with en-suite bathrooms, elegant dining cars serving local and international cuisine, a bar and lounge car, cultural performances, and visits to historic sites, making it one of the world’s most extravagant and unforgettable train journeys.
- The Most Adventurous Train Trip – The Ghan, Australia, is a 54-hour passenger train journey through the heart of Australia, connecting Darwin to Adelaide, covering over 2,800 km and showcasing vast deserts, red rock formations, and historic outback towns. Regarded as one of Australia’s most adventurous train journeys, it offers a spectacular experience to appreciate the rugged and remote beauty of the Australian outback.
- The Most Luxurious Train Trip – The Blue Train, South Africa, provides a premium travel experience with private suites featuring private bathrooms and air conditioning. Passengers can enjoy gourmet meals prepared by onboard chefs, relax in the lounge car with a bar and entertainment facilities. Operating since 1946, The Blue Train has become an iconic element of South African tourism, offering a unique and luxurious way to appreciate the country’s beautiful scenery.
- The Most Photogenic Train Trip – The Belmond Andean Explorer, Peru, offers unique journeys through the country’s stunning Andean landscapes, with routes such as Cusco to Lake Titicaca and Cusco to Arequipa. The train features luxurious cabins, a lounge, a gourmet Peruvian restaurant, and an observation car with an open-air deck. Excursions to iconic attractions like Machu Picchu and the Colca Canyon are also included, providing a captivating way to experience Peru’s beauty and culture.
The décor and atmosphere of trains often bring us back to the golden age of rail travel, with rich colors, ornate details, and a sense of grandeur that is hard to find in modern travel. Imagine being served gourmet meals in elegant dining cars, enjoying cocktails in a plush lounge, or relaxing in a spacious room with comfortable furnishings. All this to the sounds of the gentle click-clack of the wheels on the tracks, the distant whistle of the locomotive, and the occasional soft rumble or sway of the carriages.
Many train routes pass through rugged mountains, pristine forests, or sweeping landscapes, providing you with an ever-changing terrain to marvel at. Depending on the trip, there may be stops along the way to explore nearby towns or natural attractions, adding to the overall experience.
How to Prepare for an International Train Trip
Preparing for an international train trip involves some planning and preparation to ensure that you have everything you need for a safe and enjoyable journey.
Check the Travel Requirements
Check the entry requirements for the country you will be traveling to, including visas and immunization requirements.
Book Tickets in Advance
Book your train tickets in advance to ensure availability and get the best prices. Make sure you find out exactly what is included in the package that you purchase.
Pack Appropriately
Be sure to check the baggage restrictions for the train company you’ll be traveling with and pack only what is necessary.
Bring Travel Documents
Make sure to bring your passport, visas, travel insurance, and other important travel documents.
I like to take photos of all important documents in case anything happens to the originals.
Research the Train Route
Research the train route you’ll be taking, including stops, stations, and connections. This will help you plan your journey and know what to expect. Will you be getting off the train and spending a few days in one place and then getting back on the train? You need to plan this before you go.
Learn the Local Language
If you’re traveling to a country where English is not the primary language, it’s a good idea to learn some basic phrases to help you communicate with locals and navigate the train system. Try Duolingo or Babbel to help you with your new language.
How to Choose the Right Train Trip for You
Everyone has different needs and interests, so take into consideration several of the following factors when researching for your train trip.
Scenic Beauty
Many people enjoy train travel because it allows them to take in stunning views of mountains, coastlines, forests, and other natural landscapes. If this is a priority for you, I suggest train trips that offer breathtaking scenery.
Comfort and Convenience
Trains that offer comfortable seating and private sleeper cars are best for longer multi-day trips, especially if you have sleep issues.
Safety and Security
Safety and security are important considerations when traveling, especially for solo travelers. Choose train trips that have a good reputation for customer service and reliability.
Accessibility
Do you have mobility issues or other disabilities? If so, make sure to pick train trips that are accessible and have accommodations for your needs.
Cultural and Historical Significance
Do you have a love of history and culture? If so, book train trips that pass through areas with significant cultural or historical significance. Ask if there are guides on the train to explain what you are seeing.
Popularity and Reputation
Also take into account the popularity and reputation of trains based on reviews and ratings from other travelers. Find real reviews and comments from fellow travelers on websites like Tripadvisor and Lonely Planet.
Bucket List Train Trips in the World
There are many epic train voyages in the world that offer unique and unforgettable experiences. Here are some of the most interesting ones that I think will inspire fellow train travelers.
Most Iconic Train Trip: Venice Simplon-Orient-Express – Western Europe
Photo: Venice Simplon-Orient-Express
The Venice Simplon-Orient-Express is a luxury train service operated by Belmond, which travels between London, Paris, Venice, and other destinations.
The train is a restored version of the original Orient Express train and offers you a glamorous and stylish travel experience. It features restored vintage carriages with elegant decor, gourmet dining in a stunning dining car, and luxurious sleeping compartments with plush bedding and en-suite bathrooms.
Photo: Venice Simplon-Orient-Express
The journey offers stunning views of Europe’s landscapes and a chance to explore historic cities along the way.
Photos: Venice Simplon-Orient-Express
The Venice Simplon-Orient-Express is considered one of the world’s most iconic train journeys, attracting travelers who are seeking a unique and historic travel experience.
Find out more about this iconic train trip here.
The Most Scenic Train Trip: The Glacier Express, Switzerland
Photo: Glacier Express
The Glacier Express is a scenic train journey that travels through the Swiss Alps, connecting the resorts of Zermatt and St. Moritz. The journey takes about 8 hours, covering 291 km and crossing 291 bridges and 91 tunnels.
It features panoramic windows, providing stunning views of the Swiss Alps, including snow-capped mountains, glaciers, and picturesque villages.
The journey includes a dining car, serving local Swiss cuisine and wine, and first and second-class seating options.
Photo: Glacier Express
The Glacier Express is considered one of the most scenic train journeys in the world, offering an amazing way to experience the genuine beauty of Switzerland.
Visit The Glacier Express website for more information.
The Trip-of-a-Lifetime Train Trip: The Canadian, Canada
Photo: Via Rail Canada
The Canadian is a passenger train operated by VIA Rail that travels across Canada, connecting Toronto and Vancouver. The journey takes about 4 days and covers over 4,000 km, offering stunning views of Canada’s diverse landscapes, including forests, lakes, mountains, and prairies.
The train features comfortable seating, sleeping compartments, and dining cars serving gourmet meals made with locally-sourced ingredients. You can also enjoy onboard entertainment, such as live music and educational presentations.
Photo: Via Rail Canada
The Canadian is considered a trip-of-a-lifetime train journey that offers a unique and memorable way to experience the vastness and beauty of Canada.
Visit Canadian Train Vacations for more information.
The Most Extravagant Train Trip: The Palace on Wheels, India
Photo: The Palace on Wheels
The Palace on Wheels is an indulgent train journey that travels through Rajasthan, India, offering a glimpse into the region’s rich history, culture, and architecture. The train journey takes about 7 days and covers several cities, including Jaipur, Jodhpur, Udaipur, and Agra.
The train features luxurious cabins with en-suite bathrooms, elegant dining cars serving local and international cuisine, and a bar and lounge car.
Photo: The Palace on Wheels
You can enjoy cultural performances, such as traditional music and dance, and visit historic sites, including palaces, forts, and temples.
Photo: The Palace on Wheels
The Palace on Wheels is considered one of the world’s most extravagant and unforgettable train journeys.
Head over to The Palace on Wheels website to get all the details.
The Most Adventurous Train Trip: The Ghan, Australia
Photo: Journey Beyond Rail
The Ghan is a passenger train operated by Great Southern Rail that travels through the heart of Australia, connecting Darwin in the Northern Territory to Adelaide in South Australia.
The journey takes about 54 hours and covers over 2,800 km, crossing vast deserts, red rock formations, and historic outback towns. The train features comfortable seating, sleeping compartments, and dining cars serving gourmet meals made with local ingredients.
Photo: Journey Beyond Rail
You can also enjoy onboard entertainment, such as cultural performances and educational presentations.
Photo: Journey Beyond Rail
The Ghan is considered one of Australia’s most adventurous train journeys, offering a spectacular way to experience the rugged and remote beauty of the Australian outback.
Is a train trip through Australia on your bucket list? Visit the website to find out more.
The Most Luxurious Train Trip: The Blue Train, South Africa
Photo: The Blue Train
The Blue Train is a luxury train service in South Africa that offers a premium travel experience. The train consists of private suites, each equipped with a private bathroom and air conditioning.
Photo: The Blue Train
You can enjoy gourmet meals prepared by onboard chefs and relax in the lounge car, which features a bar and entertainment facilities.
Photo: The Blue Train
The train travels between Pretoria and Cape Town, covering a distance of approximately 1,600 kilometers, and also offers shorter trips.
The Blue Train has been operating since 1946 and has become an iconic part of South African tourism, offering a unique and luxurious way to experience the country’s beautiful scenery.
Visit The Blue Train website.
The Most Photogenic Train Trip: The Belmond Andean Explorer, Peru
Photo: Andean Explorer
The Belmond Andean Explorer is a luxury train in Peru that offers a unique way to experience the country’s stunning Andean scenery.
The train offers several routes, including a two-day journey from Cusco to Lake Titicaca and a four-day journey from Cusco to Arequipa. You can choose from several luxurious cabins, each with its own private bathroom and shower.
Photo: Andean Explorer
Onboard amenities include a lounge car, a restaurant serving gourmet Peruvian cuisine, and an observation car with an open-air deck. The train also offers excursions to some of Peru’s most iconic attractions, including Machu Picchu and the Colca Canyon.
Photo: Andean Explorer
The Belmond Andean Explorer is a luxurious and indelible way to experience the beauty and culture of Peru.
All these train voyages offer outstanding ways to see some of the most incredible and iconic destinations in the world, and they should definitely be on the bucket list of any train travel enthusiast. I know my bucket list just got longer!
Margaret Shares Her Train Trip
Margaret Manning, founder of Sixty & Me, went on a 1-month train trip with Interrail a few years ago and here she shares her experience and reflections about the journey.
Trains Are Like Time Machines
I have always thought of trains as time machines. The rocking motion, combined with colorful scenes, whizzing past, takes you back in time. Train journeys help you to reflect on your present and plan for the future.
Interrail is Not Just for Students Anymore
Before gap-years in Thailand or Australia became the norm, train travel was a student rite of passage. Now, 40 years later, Interrail is looking to attract older travelers. They offer a senior pass that allows travel in 30 European countries and offers the comfort of first-class carriages and gourmet food. All this is available while you are whizzing across the continent, watching iconic cities and beautiful scenery fly by.
As a woman in her 60s, I was excited to accept Interrail’s offer to see their service firsthand. Seeing Northern Europe definitely appealed to me.
In addition, I wanted to inspire the women in the Sixty and Me Community to live their travel dreams. I wanted to prove that you are never “too old” or “too afraid” to travel solo by train.
Along the way, I found myself asking 5 questions about my personal travel style. As with so many trips, I ended up learning even more about myself than the cities that I visited.
Here are the questions that I encountered on my Interrail trip.
Do I Prefer Being Spontaneous or Sensible?
This is a dilemma that most of us face when we travel. We wonder how much we should plan vs. “just let things happen.” My quirky bohemian persona wanted the trip to be open and flexible. However, my more disciplined side forced me to book all of my train and hotel reservations in advance. When I needed help, the Interrail customer service team were incredibly patient and well-informed.
The compromise that I came to was as follows. I ended up planning all of the “big stuff” (hotels and the actual schedule). But, I left my time in each city much more flexible. This allowed me to feel free.
How Long Should I Stay in Each Location?
Like my younger self, I decided to skip through Europe at a breakneck pace. As a result, I only stayed one-and-a-half days in each of my destinations – Berlin, Copenhagen, Oslo, Stockholm, Hamburg, Amsterdam, Utrecht, Zurich, Milan, Lecce and Rome.
Each train journey was about 6-8 hours long, so, even though I love trains, it was somewhat tiring. On reflection, I probably should have spent more time in each city.
Should I Travel Solo or with a Friend?
I used to love traveling solo when I was a young woman. That said, I have to be honest that I was a bit nervous to set out by myself for such a long time. So, I decided to sprinkle in a few hostels into my itinerary. Not only were they cheaper than hotels, but, they gave me the opportunity to make some new friends.
In Copenhagen, I stayed at the most wonderful hostel, called Urban House. It was the least expensive place I stayed – and it was also my favorite! I had 5 roommates at Urban House and I loved every minute of the experience. I was actually the first up in the morning and the last to bed in the evening. So much for the stereotype about loud teenagers!
Before I left, I also looked for acquaintances in each of the cities that I knew I would be visiting. This gave me a social “anchor” in each city.
I even visited a cool “hippie” community in Copenhagen, called Christiana, where I recorded this video.
What Could I Do in Just One Day in Each City?
One of the biggest dilemmas that I faced on this trip was how to maximize my time in each city. One decision that I made at the very beginning of the trip was to take a “HopOn, HopOff” bus in each location.
Is it a “touristy” thing to do? Yes. But, it is still one of the best ways to see an entire city quickly. My pattern was to take a bus trip in the morning and return to the places that looked most interesting in the afternoon. Here’s a short video that I recorded from one of the bus stops in Stockholm.
Can Travel and Learning be Combined?
This trip was also unique for me because of the way that it ended. During my final week, I took part in a cooking class, compliments of a fabulous group called Flavours Holidays. Once again, this was an opportunity for me to try something a bit more structured – learning to cook in one of the most amazing places in the world.
I’m Back Where I Started, But, I Know the Place for the First Time
During my entire trip, Interrail was flawless. In just one month, I visited 12 destinations and 7 countries. That’s 6000 kilometers in less than 30 days! It was a wonderful experience and I’m so glad that I was able to experience everything that Interrail had to offer.
Looking back, I can say that train travel in your 60s is definitely different. I was certainly more aware of what was going on around me. I was probably a tiny bit more cautious too.At the same time, I’m more convinced than ever that train travel is perfect for older women. I hope that you will visit Interrail and consider them for your next big adventure.
Read ALL ABOARD! THE 5 THINGS I ABSOLUTELY LOVE ABOUT TRAIN TRAVEL
Let’s Have a Conversation:
Do you like train voyages? What train trips have you done? Which one(s) will you put on your bucket list? Tell us about it in the comments below.
Another fantastic Australian rail trip is on the Indian-Pacific which travels west/east from Perth to Sydney (& back, of course) & takes a few days to travel through some of the remote outback areas of Australia.
This was a great article. I am going to look into some of the possibilities. The Canadian certainly looks tempting.
Wow! I never considered this way of travel before and I am excited about doing the Canadian Rockies and possible the Orient train journeys!! Thank you for bringing this to my attention!