Iconic Train Journeys That Make for a Unique Vacation

Trains have long been a romantic and adventurous way to explore the world's most beautiful landscapes. Though they’re no longer the most convenient form of transportation, they remain a popular way to travel for those visiting other countries. 

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Iconic train rides include the Glacier Express, the Blue Train, the Ghan, and the Trans-Siberian Railway—each known for their unique routes and breathtaking scenery. 

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From the rugged Outback on the Ghan to the lush valleys on the Bernina Express, the following train journeys showcase diverse landscapes and rich cultural experiences. All aboard as we explore these various travel opportunities! 

Best Luxury Train Trips to Take in 2025 

For those seeking an elevated experience, the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express, Maharajas' Express, and The Blue Train offer unparalleled luxury, service, and unique experiences in 2025 and beyond. Whether staying in one country or passing through several, eSIM data plans allow for seamless connectivity during your trip. 

The Venice Simplon-Orient-Express (Europe)

Route: London, England → Venice, Italy 

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Type: Overnight 

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Why it's iconic: This luxurious train embodies the romance of the golden age of travel. Known for its Art Deco design and impeccable service, the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express offers travelers a nostalgic journey back in time to the 1920s and 30s. 

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For those wondering if the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express is worth it, the answer is, “Yes.” Opulence and nostalgia paired with luxurious service and stunning routes make it a unique and photogenic experience. 

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What to expect: Experience the breathtaking European countryside, cross the Alps, and pass through stunning cities like Paris and Venice. Onboard, indulge in gourmet dining, elegant cabins, and vintage décor. This iconic ride is one of Europe's best train journeys, ideal for those seeking luxury and history.

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The best time of year to take the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express is in the Spring and Fall. These seasons are ideal for temperate weather and beautiful scenery, enhancing the overall luxurious and scenic train travel experience.

The Maharajas’ Express (India)

Route: Delhi → Mumbai 

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Type: Overnight (4 to 7 days) 

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Why it's iconic: India's most luxurious train, offering a regal experience with lavish décor and rich cultural immersion. As far as luxury train trips in India go, the Maharajas' Express offers the epitome of luxury, with opulent suites, gourmet dining, and cultural excursions across India’s historic sites.

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What to expect: Visit iconic landmarks like the Taj Mahal and Udaipur’s palaces. Onboard, enjoy luxurious suites, fine dining, and entertainment. It's a royal feast for the senses. How much does the Maharajas' Express cost? The cost varies by itinerary but generally ranges from thousands to tens of thousands of dollars, reflecting its lavish accommodations and exclusive experiences.

The Blue Train (South Africa)

Route: Pretoria → Cape Town 

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Type: Overnight (2 days) 

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Why it's iconic: Synonymous with luxury, the Blue Train offers 5-star service through South Africa’s diverse landscapes. Often debated, which is better, The Blue Train or Rovos Rail? Both are exquisite, but the Blue Train is a floating five-star hotel. 

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What to expect: Enjoy gourmet cuisine, plush suites, and excellent service. The scenery includes savannas, rugged mountains, and vineyards. An onboard stop at Kimberley, famous for its diamond mines, adds to the unique charm. 

Famous Train Rides Across the World 

There’s a good chance you’ve heard of one of the following trains! Some of the most famous train lines include the Trans-Siberian Railway, Rocky Mountaineer, and Royal Scotsman, touted for their historic routes and dramatic landscapes.

The Trans-Siberian Railway (Russia)

Route: Moscow → Vladivostok 

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Type: Overnight (7 days, or longer with stops) 

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Why it's iconic: At over 9,000 km, the Trans-Siberian Railway is the longest train journey in the world, offering epic adventures through Russia's vast landscapes. It's particularly appealing to adventure travelers seeking unique experiences. 

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What to expect: Passengers can expect to traverse the Ural Mountains, endless Siberian taiga, and scenic Lake Baikal. Witness contrasts of vast forests, snowy plains, and remote villages. Cultural stops in cities like Yekaterinburg and Irkutsk enrich the experience. All of this is what passengers can expect to see on the Trans-Siberian Railway.

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The Trans-Siberian Railway is generally safe for tourists, provided you take usual travel precautions and plan ahead for the long journey. For those seeking a long-distance travel experience, the Trans-Siberian Railway and Indian Pacific in Australia (mentioned below) are exemplary for long-distance travel, offering comfort and diverse experiences across vast spaces.

The Rocky Mountaineer (Canada)

Route: Vancouver → Banff 

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Type: Day (2 days, with an overnight hotel stay) 

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Why it's iconic: Known for its glass-domed cars, offering unparalleled views of the Canadian Rockies, the Rocky Mountaineer provides stunning vistas of mountains, forests, and rivers. As one of two train rides with the best mountain views, the Rocky Mountaineer is notable for spectacular mountain views, traversing the Canadian Rockies. It’s widely considered the most beautiful train route in Canada and is celebrated for its stunning route through Western Canada, offering views of the Rockies, and its unique flora and fauna.

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What to expect: Enjoy dramatic landscapes, including mountain peaks, waterfalls, and possibly wildlife like bears or eagles. Tourists planning a trip should know it's one of the best train rides for nature lovers in North America.

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When planning a trip that includes the Rocky Mountaineer, book in advance, choose your desired route, and prepare for a multi-day journey through breathtaking Canadian landscapes, with optional outdoor excursions. Make sure you purchase an eSIM for Canada before you go! It’ll ensure you stay connected while traveling through the heart of Canadian majesty. 

The Royal Scotsman (Scotland)

Route: Edinburgh → Scottish Highlands 

Type: Overnight (2 to 7 days) 

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Why it's iconic: Combines the beauty of Scotland with first-class accommodations. It's a highly coveted experience among luxury train enthusiasts. 

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What to expect: Enjoy rolling green hills, ancient castles, and lochs. Off-train excursions include whiskey tastings and castle visits, making it ideal for those wanting to indulge while exploring natural beauty.

Common Query: What are the best luxury train trips for a honeymoon? 

The Royal Scotsman and Venice Simplon-Orient-Express provide romantic settings, breathtaking views, and intimate, luxurious experiences perfect for honeymoons.

High-Mountain Train-Rides for Unforgettable Views

If you’re planning a trip to Switzerland (or southern Germany, Austria or northern Italy) trains like the Glacier Express and Bernina Express traverse the Alps, offering riders postcard-perfect vistas of snow-capped peaks and serene lakes. If you find yourself in Latin America instead, the Belmond Hiram Bingham is a noteworthy option, conveying visitors to one of the most well-known historical sites in the world. 

The Glacier Express (Switzerland)

Route: Zermatt → St. Moritz 

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Type: Day (about 8 hours) 

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Why it's iconic: Dubbed "the world's slowest express train," The Glacier Express offers breathtaking views of the Swiss Alps. The Glacier Express is often regarded as the best train ride in Europe, offering unparalleled views of the Swiss Alps no matter the season. The train ride takes approximately 8 hours to travel between the Swiss towns of Zermatt and St. Moritz, offering a leisurely scenic journey.

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What to expect: Experience snow-capped peaks, deep gorges, and charming Swiss villages. Highlights include crossing the Landwasser Viaduct and the Oberalp Pass. The slow pace allows for leisurely enjoyment of the scenery, making it one of the top scenic train journeys worldwide.

The Belmond Hiram Bingham (Peru)

Route: Cusco → Machu Picchu 

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Type: Day (about 3.5 hours each way) 

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Why it's iconic: Named after the explorer who rediscovered Machu Picchu, this luxurious train offers an unforgettable path to the famed archaeological site. 

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What to expect: Enjoy gourmet dining and Peruvian hospitality as you travel through the Sacred Valley. Towering Andean peaks and lush valleys lead to the majestic Machu Picchu, making it a top choice for those seeking a breathtaking train ride in South America.

The Bernina Express (Switzerland & Italy)

Route: Chur, Switzerland → Tirano, Italy 

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Type: Day (about 4 hours) 

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Why it's iconic: Known for crossing the Alps, the Bernina Express is one of the most scenic rides in Europe, notable for spectacular mountain views. 

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What to expect: Travel through 55 tunnels and cross 196 bridges. The ascent to the Bernina Pass offers panoramic views of glaciers, lakes, and alpine meadows, making it a favorite for nature lovers. The route starts in Chur, Switzerland, and ends in Tirano, Italy, offering a beautiful ride through the Swiss and Italian Alps.

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The Bernina Express is renowned as one of the most scenic train rides in Switzerland for its scenic journey through the Swiss Alps, including the famous Brusio Spiral Viaduct. You’ll want to have an eSIM Switzerland plan for your trip so you can share pictures and track your route. 

Epic Train Journeys for Adventure Travelers 

The Ghan, Indian Pacific, TranzAlpine and Rovos Rail offer unforgettable adventures, with expansive routes that cross multiple time zones and natural wonders. Comprehensive eSIM data plans ensure you can stay connected during these scenic journeys. 

The Ghan (Australia)

Route: Adelaide → Darwin 

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Type: Overnight (3 days) 

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Why it's iconic: This legendary train traverses the length of Australia, from south to north, through the heart of the Outback. What is it like to travel on The Ghan? It's a transformational experience, full of contrasts and expansive landscapes. 

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What to expect: Witness a dramatic change in landscape from rolling hills to the desolate beauty of the Outback. Off-train excursions include visiting Katherine Gorge and Alice Springs, adding to the allure of this epic train adventure.  

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Journeys like The Ghan and the aforementioned Trans-Siberian Railway are top-rated for their unique overnight travel experiences spanning diverse terrains. 

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For those interested in Australia-specific train rides, the Ghan and Indian Pacific are standout routes, with The Ghan spanning north-south across the continent and Indian Pacific stretching east-west.

The TranzAlpine (New Zealand)

Route: Christchurch → Greymouth 

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Type: Day (about 5 hours) 

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Why it's iconic: Known for its scenic ride across the Southern Alps, offering an awe-inspiring view of New Zealand's landscapes. 

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What to expect: Vistas of the Canterbury Plains, Waimakariri River, and Arthur’s Pass National Park await. Lush forests and alpine scenery make it one of the most beautiful train rides in Oceania. If you’re a nature lover, the TranzAlpine in New Zealand is ideal, providing expansive views of untouched wilderness and natural beauty.

Rovos Rail (South Africa)

Route: Pretoria → Cape Town (also offers routes to Victoria Falls, Namibia, and Tanzania)

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Type: Overnight (3 days, or longer for extended journeys)

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Why it's iconic: Rovos Rail is often described as one of the most luxurious and elegant train journeys on the planet. With beautifully restored, vintage-style coaches, and an emphasis on slow, scenic travel, it allows passengers to enjoy Africa’s breathtaking landscapes in comfort. The Rovos Rail experience is comparable to traveling in a five-star hotel on wheels.

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What to expect: Passengers are treated to a grand, old-world experience, including plush private suites (some with full bathrooms), gourmet dining, and impeccable service. The train itself features mahogany paneling, classic furnishings, and open-air observation cars. Off-train excursions enhance the journey, with options like game drives and city tours.

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Common Query: Which is better – the Blue Train or the Rovos Rail? 

Both offer exceptional luxury in South Africa, but The Blue Train is famed for its five-star service, while Rovos Rail provides vintage charm.

Indian Pacific (Australia)

Route: Sydney → Perth (crosses the entire continent from east to west, with optional stops in Adelaide and Broken Hill)

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Type: Overnight (4 days, 3 nights)

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Why it's iconic: The Indian Pacific is one of the world’s longest and most famous transcontinental train journeys, stretching over 4,350 km (2,704 miles) across the breadth of Australia. The train is renowned for combining rugged adventure with exceptional onboard luxury, allowing travelers to experience the diversity of the Australian outback in comfort.

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What to expect: Travelers onboard the Indian Pacific enjoy first-class service, including gourmet meals, comfortable private cabins, and access to a panoramic lounge car with floor-to-ceiling windows. Along the way, the scenery changes dramatically—from the lush greenery of the Blue Mountains to the stark, endless expanse of the Nullarbor Plain, one of the longest stretches of straight railway track in the world. 

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There are also opportunities for off-train excursions in places like Broken Hill, Adelaide, and Kalgoorlie, enhancing the journey with cultural and historic stops.

Conclusion

Whether you're captivated by the romance of the past or the allure of natural wonders, these iconic train journeys offer something for every traveler. From the best luxury train trips to adventures across continents, these experiences are sure to leave a lasting impression. Time to pack your bags and add these incredible routes to your travel bucket list!