The World’s Top Ten Train Rides
I have to make a confession. This story should have been named “My Top Train Rides in the World.” It’s my column, so these are my (completely subjective) picks! So have your ticket punched and settle in for a round-the-world train trip… villas in Doha
№10: Norway’s Flam Railway —
This is the quickest trip on our list, taking less than an hour. It will transport you from Myrdal Mountain Station to Flam, following the Aurlandfjord the entire way. With deep gorges, dense-green trees, craggy hills, and thundering waterfalls, the Norway of travel posters comes to life outside the window. The train travels slowly and even stops at some of the most scenic locations.
Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad (USA), №9 —
Put your chaps on and your boots on, pardner. And you almost hope to see Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid galloping atop the surrounding ridges on this trip into the Old West. And those ridges are absolutely stunning. On a narrow-gauge train with coal-fired, steam-powered engines, you’ll be winding through deep, rugged canyons in Colorado’s San Juan National Forest, much like miners, cowboys, settlers (and bandits) did.
№8: Switzerland/Italy Bernina Express —
This is the highest rail crossing of the Alps, connecting Chur, Switzerland, and Tirano, Italy, and takes you from glaciers to gardens. There will be 196 bridges, 55 tunnels, and more impressive switchbacks than you can count. You’ll also walk by picturesque views of cottages and small villages dotting the sun-dappled valleys below.
№7: Russia’s Trans-Siberian Express
From Moscow’s onion-domed churches and huge government buildings to the otherworldly landscapes of Vladivostok in Siberia, this could be the world’s longest railroad journey — 5,600 miles, seven time zones, and seven days. Natural wonders such as the Ural Mountains, Lake Baikal, and the Siberian tundra will be encountered along the way. And you’ll get to know the Russian people — usually over some vodka, cabbage, and beef.
№6: South Africa’s Blue Train —
It has been transporting the fortunate few between Pretoria, Cape Town, and Durban since 1946, through the mountains, deserts, savannahs, and veldts. Personal butlers attend to your every need, and each suite comes equipped with a video monitor that allows you to see exactly what the engineer sees. The Blue Train bills itself as “A Window to South Africa’s Soul.” And you’ll understand why within minutes of boarding.
№5: Simplon-Venice The Orient Express, with stops in the United Kingdom, France, and Italy — Even if it isn’t the original, every train named “Orient Express” has to be included in a Top Ten list. This train, which runs between London, Paris, Innsbruck, Verona, and Venice, has beautifully restored coaches from the early twentieth century, with occasional trips to Rome, Krakow, Budapest, and Istanbul. The food and service on board are truly world-class.
№4: Peru Rail — Peruvian Railways — Peruvian Railways — Peruvia
Take the train from Cusco to Machu Picchu, which passes through the Andes. In the foothills, you’ll pass through green valleys and colorful villages. Then you’ll follow the Urubamba River up to jagged green peaks over 10,000 feet, and then on to Machu Picchu at 8,000 feet. With each mile, you’ll get closer to a true “Bucket List” item: Hiram Bingham’s discovery of the mysterious Inca city in 1911.
№3: Canada’s Rocky Mountaineer —
This train provides spectacular two-day journeys through the Canadian Rockies between Vancouver and Banff or Jasper, with large viewing windows. You’ll fly over Alberta’s plains and valleys, as well as British Columbia’s snow-capped peaks and rainforests. You’ll also get a taste of seaside Vancouver’s trendy, multi-ethnic urban fun, as well as Banff and Jasper’s breath-taking mountains and colors.
№2: The “Coastal Classic” Train of the Alaska Railroad, USA —
There’s a reason the ancient Athabascans dubbed this area “Alyeska,” which means “Great Land.” And as it winds through the wilderness between Anchorage and Seward, this train ride will remind you why. You’ll pass several glaciers as you ascend into the breathtaking Kenai Mountains. You can link to Kenai Fjords National Park from Resurrection Bay, which offers whale-spotting cruises, sea kayaking, and dog sled rides.
And now for my personal favorite…
№1: The Royal Scotsman (The Highland Journeys), Scotland —
On two- to five-night journeys from Edinburgh through the Scottish highlands, you’ll see ever-changing landscapes of sweeping glens, craggy peaks, ice-blue lochs, and heather-filled coasts. You’re one of only 36 people on the island, and you have your own cabin and an open-deck observation carriage. This is the Scotland of Rob Roy and Braveheart, with its dark castles, foggy moors, and thatched-roof cottages. And, on rare occasions, the distant wail of bagpipes.