The Most Scenic Train Journeys in the World in 2026

Trains are back in 2026: 22% less CO₂ than the equivalent flight, scenery a plane never sees, and a journey that is the destination. Here are eight signature routes, from budget regional trains to luxury overnight experiences. Whether you are a seasoned rail enthusiast or a first-time train traveller, these journeys will change how you see the world.

Europe — luxury and pragmatism

• Glacier Express (Switzerland, Zermatt-St Moritz) — 8 h, 291 bridges, full panoramic glass. The journey crosses 91 tunnels and climbs to 2,033 metres at the Oberalp Pass. Onboard dining includes Swiss classics with views of the Matterhorn. Book the panorama reservation (CHF 49 mandatory) at least two weeks ahead.
• Bergen-Oslo (Norway) — 7 h crossing the Hardanger plateau, snowy even in June. The line climbs to 1,222 metres and passes the Langfoss waterfall. The Finse station, at the highest point, was used as a filming location for Star Wars.
• Cinque Terre (Italy) — regional pass between Levanto and La Spezia, stopping at 5 cliff-side villages. Each village has its own character, and the train lets you hop between hiking trails. A day pass costs EUR 18.20 and includes unlimited travel all day.

Asia — mythic distances

• Trans-Mongolian (Moscow-Beijing) — 7 days, Lake Baikal, Gobi Desert. The Beijing-Ulaanbaatar-Moscow route via Mongolia is the cleanest option in 2026. Second-class sleepers offer four-berth cabins with samovars at each carriage end for tea and noodles.
• Reunification Express (Hanoi-Ho Chi Minh, Vietnam) — 33 h, rice fields, Hai Van Pass. The overnight sleeper from Hanoi to Da Nang is the most scenic segment. Book a soft sleeper cabin for around USD 35.
• Tibet Express (Xining-Lhasa, China) — peaks at 5,072 m, in-cabin oxygen supply. The journey crosses the Tangula Pass, the highest railway point on Earth. Tibet permits are required and must be arranged through an approved Chinese agency at least 30 days in advance.

Americas

• Belmond Andean Explorer (Peru, Cusco-Puno-Arequipa) — luxury overnight, Titicaca views, fine dining with local ingredients. The journey takes 2 nights and includes stops at Sumbay Caves and the Colca Canyon. Prices start at USD 1,200 per person.
• Rocky Mountaineer (Canada, Vancouver-Banff) — daylight-only, two classes: SilverLeaf (single-level dome) and GoldLeaf (bi-level dome with dining downstairs). The journey crosses the Canadian Rockies and takes 2 days, with an overnight stop in Kamloops.

How to book in 2026

• Glacier Express: CHF 159 ticket + CHF 49 mandatory panorama reservation. Book at least 2 weeks ahead in summer.
• Trans-Mongolian: book second-class sleepers 6 months ahead via China Railway or local agencies in Beijing.
• Belmond and Rocky Mountaineer: 9–12 months ahead, off winter/summer peaks. Prices rise significantly within 3 months of departure.
• Interrail Global Pass: from EUR 283 for 4 days in 1 month. Eurostar has been extended in 2026 to Cologne and Geneva, making it easier to connect European scenic routes.

A great train ride is never the shortest path between two cities — it’s the longest, for the right reasons.

European rail travel tips

The Interrail Global Pass offers flexible travel across 33 European countries. The pass is available for 4 to 15 travel days within a 1 or 2 month period. Night trains like ÖBB Nightjet connect Vienna to Rome, Zurich to Hamburg, and Paris to Vienna, saving both accommodation costs and daytime hours.

For more travel inspiration, visit our inspiration section.

Explore more rail routes with our Bergen guide and Swiss Alps guide. A foldable travel daypack and lightweight walking sandals are ideal for station hops. Sources: Wikipedia scenic trains, Seat61, Rail Europe.