The 8 Coolest Train Trips You Can Take
Explore the World's Most Scenic and Unique Train Journeys Offering Adventure, Luxury, and Cultural Experiences
Glacier Express — Switzerland
Rocky Mountaineer — Canada
Shinkansen — Japan
The Ghan — Australia
Bernina Express — Switzerland & Italy
California Zephyr — USA
Trans-Siberian Railway — Russia
The Blue Train — South Africa
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Traveling by train is one of the most magical ways to explore the world. No airport chaos, no cramped cars, no constant stress—just wide windows, breathtaking views, smooth movement, and the calming rhythm of the tracks beneath you. Some train routes are so incredibly scenic and atmospheric that they feel more like time travel, meditation, and adventure combined into one unforgettable journey.
Here are eight of the coolest train trips you can take, each offering something unique—mountains, oceans, deserts, history, luxury, and pure wanderlust.
1. The Glacier Express — Switzerland
The Glacier Express is often called the slowest express train in the world, and that’s exactly what makes it magical.
Why It’s Special:
Panoramic glass windows reveal the Swiss Alps in all their glory—mountains, valleys, snowy peaks, and charming villages.
Highlights Along the Route:
291 bridges
Sharp mountain passes
The iconic Landwasser Viaduct
Best For:
Travelers who want peaceful luxury, postcard-like views, and a winter-wonderland experience.
2. The Rocky Mountaineer — Canada
One of the most famous rail journeys on Earth, taking you straight through the heart of the Canadian Rockies.
Why It’s Special:
The train only travels during daylight to make sure you never miss a view.
Highlights Along the Route:
Emerald forests
Glacier-carved lakes
Snowy mountain ranges
Wildlife sightings
Best For:
Nature lovers, photographers, and anyone craving dramatic landscapes.
3. The Shinkansen Bullet Train — Japan
While not a scenic slow journey, the Shinkansen offers something completely different: speed, innovation, and futuristic travel.
Why It’s Special:
Trains glide at speeds of up to 320 km/h while remaining unbelievably quiet and smooth.
Highlights Along the Route:
Mount Fuji (on Tokyo–Osaka line)
Coastal views
Perfectly on-time departures
Best For:
Fans of technology, efficiency, and the feeling of teleporting between cities.
4. The Ghan — Australia
Crossing the entire continent from north to south, this route is one of the longest and most iconic in the world.
Why It’s Special:
It reveals the deep-red Australian Outback like no other form of travel can.
Highlights Along the Route:
Endless desert landscapes
Outback sunsets
Aboriginal cultural stops
Best For:
Adventure seekers and travelers who love remote, dramatic scenery.
5. The Bernina Express — Switzerland & Italy
A UNESCO World Heritage journey where every turn brings a new breathtaking view.
Why It’s Special:
It climbs to one of the highest rail crossings in Europe, offering snowy landscapes even in summer.
Highlights Along the Route:
The Brusio Spiral Viaduct
Alpine glaciers
Italian lakes
Best For:
Travelers who want European charm, unforgettable views, and a blend of cultures.
6. The California Zephyr — USA
One of America’s longest and most scenic rail routes.
Why It’s Special:
It stretches from Chicago to San Francisco, crossing mountains, deserts, and historic landscapes.
Highlights Along the Route:
The Rocky Mountains
The Sierra Nevada
Colorado River canyons
Best For:
Backpackers, slow-travel fans, and lovers of wide-open American landscapes.
7. The Trans-Siberian Railway — Russia (and Beyond)
The longest train journey in the world, covering more than 9,000 km.
Why It’s Special:
It crosses seven time zones and connects Europe with Asia.
Highlights Along the Route:
Lake Baikal
Mongolian steppes
Endless forests and villages
Best For:
Hardcore travelers who want a life-changing, once-in-a-lifetime adventure.
8. The Blue Train — South Africa
One of the most luxurious train experiences ever created.
Why It’s Special:
It’s not just travel—it’s a five-star hotel on wheels.
Highlights Along the Route:
Golden savannas
Cape Winelands
Gourmet dining and private suites
Best For:
Luxury travelers and honeymooners who want elegance, comfort, and unforgettable scenery.
Conclusion
Train travel isn’t just transportation—it’s an experience, a story, a journey that becomes part of your memory forever. Whether you want mountains, deserts, luxury, culture, or pure adventure, these eight train routes offer some of the most magical travel experiences on Earth.
Forget rushing through airports. Forget the stress of driving. On these trains, the journey itself is the destination.