Forget about traffic jams, sore legs or fighting for the last available seat on the bus: train travel is where holiday magic truly happens! While some cherish the freedom of the car, the fitness highs of the bicycle, or the budget-friendly bus, others are lured by the gentle rocking of the carriage and uninterrupted views only a train journey can offer. It’s one of the world’s most eco-friendly ways to travel, letting you soak up jaw-dropping landscapes in comfort. And let’s face it: not all train rides are created equal. Here are five of the most spectacular railway trips recommended by Lonely Planet—each promising memories to last long after you leave the station.
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Why Choose a Train Journey?
- It’s an environmentally-friendly mode of transportation.
- Offers passengers a chance to relax and enjoy varied landscapes.
- Often provides a greater level of comfort compared to other modes of public travel.
- Some routes have become destinations in themselves, loved by tourists worldwide.
The Five Breathtaking Train Experiences
- Rocky Mountaineer (Canada): Frequently named among the most beautiful trains on earth, the Rocky Mountaineer covers the incredible 957 kilometers between Vancouver and Banff. Over a leisurely 37 hours, travelers are treated to transparent lakes, mighty canyons, and lush forests. If luck’s on your side, you might even spot a black bear or a grizzly. Now there’s a photo to make your friends jealous!
- Chur to Tirano (Switzerland to Italy): From the early 20th century, this railway masterpiece has delighted travelers along its 156-kilometer journey. Recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site thanks to its sensational natural backdrops, the route from Chur (Switzerland) to Tirano (Italy) unfolds over 4 hours and 30 minutes. Imagine glacier-capped mountains, endless spruce forests, and massive waterfalls rolling by your window. The engineering is just as epic: this line tackles a staggering 55 tunnels and 196 bridges. Whoever said trainspotting wasn’t thrilling?
- The Ghan (Australia): Dubbed Australia’s answer to the Orient Express, The Ghan has nothing to envy from its famous European cousin. Inaugurated in 1929, it’s played a defining role in connecting Australia’s north and south coasts. The full journey from Adelaide to Darwin is an astounding 2,979 kilometers—and you’ll need 54 hours to complete it, according to guidebooks. That’s plenty of time to write a novel, spot a kangaroo or simply lose yourself in the outback’s timeless expanse.
- Shinkansen (Japan): With speeds peaking at 320km/h, the Shinkansen is a shimmering symbol of Japanese pride. The newest line (in service since 2016) departs Tokyo, winding its way to Hakodate’s port at the southern tip of Hokkaido (the most undeveloped island in the archipelago’s north). Passengers revel in sea views and tranquil rural scenes—a welcome relief from the capital’s electrifying energy. And true to Japanese form, the impeccable service is an experience in itself.
- Caledonian Sleeper – The Deerstalker (UK): This legendary British railway truly earns its storied reputation. Among several routes, the Deerstalker stands tall, linking London (England) to Fort William (Scotland) in undeniable style. Much of your 13-and-a-half-hour journey is spent gazing at verdant landscapes, especially the famous Scottish Highlands. For those wanting to prolong the adventure, carry on to the village of Mallaig. This gives you the chance to cross the spellbinding Glenfinnan viaduct—yes, the very one from several Harry Potter films. If you don’t wave at the magical trains, did you even go?
What Makes Train Travel Stand Out?
- Unique comfort that blends movement and relaxation.
- Uninterrupted, panoramic vistas you simply cannot enjoy when driving (unless you want to risk your license!).
- Opportunities for wildlife sightings and encounters with remarkable engineering feats.
- Chance to plug into local culture or simply disconnect and let the world roll by.
Final Thoughts: All Aboard for Unforgettable Memories
Train journeys are more than just a way from A to B—they offer a moving stage for nature’s finest performances and showcase human achievement, all while whispering the promise of adventure. Whether you’re seeking glacier-capped peaks, canyons teeming with forests, lightning-speed rides through Japan, or magical Scottish bridges that’ll delight Harry Potter fans, these world-renowned routes guarantee experiences to cherish. So why not trade the traffic for a ticket, and let your mind—and the rails—carry you somewhere truly spectacular?
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