The Best Train Trips in the World: 2024 Readers’ Choice Awards
Ah, the allure of train trips. Adventurers and the eco-conscious are drawn to this glamorous, old-world mode of exploration for the impeccable slow-travel vibes, but there’s also something to be said about the perspective found onboard a train; you’re experiencing the landscape and scenery in a way that you can’t experience in any other mode of travel. A train trip often brings you where everyday roads cannot, whether it’s through untouched Malaysian jungles on the recently revamped Belmond Eastern & Oriental Express, or high into the Canadian Rockies with Rocky Mountaineer.
For our 37th annual Readers’ Choice Awards—which capture the travel experiences our readers love best, from hotels and airlines to cruises, islands, and luggage—we called on all of you to rank the best of the best rail journeys out there. What surprised us this year was that, yes, many of the big-ticket, bucket list journeys we know and love held on tightly to their spots, but we also had some more humble newcomers: namely, two Swiss trains trains that are less about the Champagne and caviar service, and more about a deep love of the locomotive. Sound intriguing? Read on to see how the chips fell. These are the best train trips in the world, according to our readers.
This gallery has been updated with new information since its original publish date.
Courtesy Switzerland’s Jungfrau Railway20. Jungfrau Railway, Switzerland
New to the Readers Choice Awards this year comes this train connoisseur’s favorite: not a once-in-a-lifetime or over-the-top luxury sleeper, but an engineering marvel that brings you to the highest rail station in Europe, Jungfraujoch, perched at an 11,332-foot elevation. The journey itself up from Kleine Scheidegg is only about six miles long, and mostly through tunnels—but upon arriving at Jungfraujoch, you’re treated to some of the best mountain views accessible by train anywhere in the world.
Courtesy The Ghan19. The Ghan, Australia
Completed in 1929, The Ghan runs through the heart of the Australian continent, operating between Adelaide in the south and Darwin in the north. It may have only started running its current route in 2004, but its history dates to the 19th century, its name harkening to the Afghan camel trainers and riders who first helped chart a course through the country’s interior. To this day, the three-day all-inclusive journey promises access to parts of Australia’s Red Centre that can otherwise be quite challenging to access, like the expansive ridges of the MacDonnell Ranges, to the opal mining town of Coober Pedy.
Roberto Moiola/Sysaworld/Getty18. Bernina Express, Switzerland and Italy
A Readers’ Choice Awards newcomer that slices through 55 tunnels and over 196 bridges between Chur, Switzerland, and Tirano, Italy, the Bernina Express is the type of train that will make you weep for the state of American infrastructure: There’s no shortage of breathtaking Swiss mountain views here, but the real story is that this train runs along the Rhaetian Railway lines, which helped connect northern and southern Europe when the tracks were built in the early 20th century; the stunning landscapes here are, in and of themselves, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
The Canadian17. The Canadian
Take in every mile of the vast Canadian landscape from The Canadian, a special sleeper service offered by VIA Rail, the country’s national rail carrier. Keep in mind that this train is more about sightseeing from the cars than actually getting off and doing anything. But if you’re traveling in the comfort of Prestige Class—with your own private cabin, private washroom and built-in TV screen monitor with video selection—you’ll be perfectly content to take in the journey from the privacy of your very own picture window.
Courtesy Seven Stars Kyushu16. Seven Stars in Kyushu, Japan
Train lovers consider this opulent Japanese locomotive among the most spacious and comfortable–not to mention exclusive. With space for just twenty sleeping guests, you’ll need to apply to a lottery to score a space on this bucket list journey of them all. If you’re lucky enough to secure a space on board, you’ll be amply rewarded. Every inch of Seven Stars' Kyushu train—from the beds, to the bathroom sinks, to the woodwork, to the porcelain dinner plates—is handmade by Japanese artisans, and the service is simply exquisite; but it’s not just about the onboard experience with Seven Stars. These trips travel a circuit around the island of Kyushu, making stops at the region’s best shrines, onsens, porcelain studios, and more, so you truly feel like you’re exploring an authentic side of Japan, far away from the more obvious tourist tracks.
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Ludovic Balay15. Eastern & Oriental Express, A Belmond Train, Southeast Asia
The E&O is the stuff of train enthusiasts’ legends, and in February 2024 this storied train resumed service after its pandemic-era pause, complete with a new-and-improved itinerary between Singapore and the wilder parts of Malaysia. The new route offers a deeper exploration of Malaysia than ever before, including guided snorkeling on Langkawi and excursions to Taman Negara National Park. Despite the new itineraries, the train still has all the old world touches that people love: Singapore Slings in the Bar Car, an outdoor viewing platform, and the sense that you’ve become disconnected from modern life altogether.
Andrea Peto14. Golden Eagle Danube Express, Europe
A pioneer in luxury trains for three decades, Golden Eagle is perhaps best known for its Silk Road and Trans-Siberian routes, but the Danube Express unlocks an approach to Southern and Eastern Europe which is no less breathtaking and engaging. The Castles of Transylvania route from Istanbul to Budapest is particularly unique–spend all day learning about Vlad the Impaler’s history through guided tours, then spend all night luxuriating in the comfort of the bar car or in the privacy of your room. It’s a combination of Europe’s best cities and most dramatic natural landscapes that is hard to experience in one go any other way.
Maharajas' Express13. The Maharajas' Express, India
There are luxury sleeper trains, and then there is the Maharajas’ Express, where a greeting of marigold garlands and rose petals showered at your feet kicks off the journey. The Junior Suite rooms are surprisingly spacious, especially by train travel standards, and come with full-sized closets, comfortable beds, private bathrooms, satellite TVs, and personal butler service. Both of the on board watering holes–the Safari Bar and the Raja Club–have plenty of chairs, comfy sofas, books, and board games. Each day of the itinerary includes special opportunities to experience India through the train’s luxurious and singular perspective: like an early-morning Champagne breakfast on a private hillside overlooking the Taj Mahal.
Richard James Taylor/Courtesy Belmond12. Hiram Bingham, A Belmond Train, South America
Named after the US explorer who supposedly “discovered” Machu Picchu in 1911, the Hiram Bingham train line is as grand as the man’s claims. The round-trip journey connects the city of Poroy (just west of Cuzco) to the Lost City and Sacred Valley of Machu Picchu. It’s a short journey (just three to four hours each way), but in that time you’ll enjoy lavish meals (again, made all the more lavish by that 2024 menu refresh), to to accommodations that offer plenty of space to stretch out: the perfect setting for viewing the mountains and rivers zooming past the window.
Courtesy Golden Chariot11. Golden Chariot, India
Experience a mix of Southern India’s greatest hits and lesser-explored destinations on board the iconic purple and gold Golden Chariot, which connects the Indian states of Karnataka, Goa, Kerala, Tamil Nadu, and Pondicherry. All itineraries depart from Bengaluru, with options for both three-night and six-night journeys. This train’s strength is its access to more out-of-the-way attractions compared to what you’ll find on the well-worn Golden Triangle, such as the ruins of Hampi and Bandipur National Park. With sparse crowds, and a comfortable train to which you can retreat at the end of each day, it’s an approach to Southern India that captures all the magic this region has to offer.
Salvador Lopez/Emotion Cinema10. Rocky Mountaineer, North America
Traveling in a coach outfitted with picture windows and glass-dome ceilings means that a Rocky Mountaineer journey leaves no sight unseen as you traverse the dramatic scenery between Vancouver, British Columbia, and Banff or Jasper, Alberta. Sample local Canadian beer, wine, and snacks as you kick back and enjoy the ride. The staff’s friendly service and animated storytelling help bring the landscape to life. It’s personal touches like these that ensure travelers come away from this trip amply satisfied time and time again. Since its founding in 1990, Rocky Mountaineer has transported more than two million guests, making it the largest privately-owned premium tourist train in the world.
Belmond9. Royal Scotsman, A Belmond Train, Scotland
It’s about the journey, not the destination, right? Nowhere is train travel more indulgent—or convenient!—than on Belmond’s Royal Scotsman, which departs from and arrives at Edinburgh’s Waverley Station. With only 40 guests onboard, the train circumnavigates the heart of the Scottish Highlands, passing such landmarks as the Kyle of Lochalsh and Cairngorms National Park. There’s even a dedicated spa carriage outfitted by Dior, where the specialists are trained to synchronize their motions with the natural lilts and tilts of the train.
Courtesy Glacier Express8. Glacier Express, Switzerland
It’s been said that the Glacier Express is the slowest express in the world (it takes eight hours to traverse the 180-mile journey), but boy, do the views here invite a slow journey. Connecting the resort towns of Zermatt and Saint Moritz, the train provides an up-close perspective of some of this mountainous country’s most iconic natural features, including the Matterhorn, Piz Bernina, and the Rhine Gorge, dubbed Switzerland’s Grand Canyon. Book in Excellence Class and you’ll be served Champagne at your seat, followed by a six-course meal complete with wine pairings.
Courtesy Belmond7. British Pullman, A Belmond Train, England
The British Pullman’s experience is magical no matter where you’re seated. Once you depart London, you’ll embark on a journey through the bucolic British countryside, touring cities and towns like Cambridge, York, and Canterbury along the way. The restored carriages date back to the 1920s and 1930s, so expect Art Deco touches, polished interiors, and classically prepared multi-course meals. This is the same train line that has served British royalty and government officials for years, after all.
Courtesy Belmond6. Andean Explorer, A Belmond Train, South America
Weaving through the Peruvian Andes at 14,000 feet, the Andean Explorer transports passengers between Arequipa and Cusco on one- and two-night journeys. There are just thirty-five cabins on board, each outfitted with alpaca wool blankets and handwoven fabrics for an authentic yet luxe feel. Two dining cars and two bar cars serve the whims of every guest, andhe train also makes excursions to Lake Titicaca, where guests can learn about local customs, visit Incan ruins, and take in breath-taking views. This year marked a culinary overhaul of Belmond’s Peruvian trains, with a new menu that celebrates the vast diversity of Peru’s ingredients and cuisine.
Courtesy JR Kyushu5. JR Kyushu 36+3, Japan
This train’s unusual name derives from Kyushu being the 36th-largest island in the world, and there being three key stakeholders on this journey: the passengers, the local community, and the rail company, JR Kyushu. It isn’t a sleeper train, instead offering a weeklong roster of one-day itineraries around Kyushu’s perimeter. Do one, do them all, do as many as you like, but the journey is no less enriching for it. The inside feels like a ryokan, featuring immaculate woodwork made from local techniques, comfortable furniture, and a mix of private and communal spaces. It’s a gorgeous way to get off the beaten track on this gorgeous Japanese island, packing in a number of stops and towns into a single day of productive yet comfortable sightseeing.
Courtesy El Tren Transcantábrico4. Transcantabrico Gran Lujo, Spain
Take in all the sights and flavors of Spain’s iconic northern coastline on this luxurious sleeper train, which over the course of a week makes its way between San Sebastián and Santiago de Compostela (roughly, the Camino del Norte, or “Northern Route”). You’ll enjoy on-board cuisine that celebrates each of the distinct regions through which this train passes, from Basque Country to Galicia. A unique aspect of this train is that it remains stationary overnight, allowing for late-night excursions and explorations that are uncommon on other sleeper train experiences, and much more suited to late-night dinners and celebrations.
Lara Randlehoff/Rovos Rail3. Rovos Rail, Africa
This extravagant train has been traveling throughout Africa for over thirty years. The experiences start before you even board: When departing from Pretoria, Rovos Rail travelers are granted exclusive access to a private lounge, where Champagne and canapés greet them—and a strict “no cellphone” rule is maintained for your own good. Enjoy the moment(s) provided by this line, which range from cozy digs to formal-attired evenings, as well as full-sized, freestanding clawfoot tubs in the most grand compartments. All Rovos Rail journeys include off-train cultural, historical and safari excursions so guests can experience all the wonders that Southern Africa has to offer. The three- and four-night Victoria Falls journeys are classic, but if you’re feeling extra adventurous and have a few more nights to spare, opt for the eleven-night “Southern Cross” itinerary, a mesmerizing trip through South Africa, eSwatini, Mozambique, and Zimbabwe.
Belmond2. Venice Simplon-Orient-Express, Europe
Year after year, the world’s most iconic locomotive continues to be a Readers’ Choice Awards favorite, and a standard-setter in luxury travel generally. The decadent interiors are a fantasy of 1920s Art Deco design, but it’s the impeccable service that keeps this train firmly ensconced in a class of its own. Bags are whisked off the platform and magically reappear in your cabin, no glass ever runs empty, and the beds seem to make themselves anytime you step outside of your cabin. By day, you can revel in the scenery of French countrysides and Swiss mountain scenes, and by night, the formal dress code feels anything but stuffy—in fact, playing dress up and making your way to the Champagne bar is, we think, one of the coolest experiences anyone could have on a train. Plus, this train is always creating new ways to up the ante and retain its exclusive status. New for 2025: L’Observatoire, a sleeper carriage designed by French pop artist JR, which will be the most spacious accommodation on board, complete with double bed, ensuite bathroom, wardrobe, reclining daybed, lounge area, library, and secret tea room.
Courtesy Palace on Wheels1. Palace on Wheels, India
This year’s top honors go to India’s best-known train, the Palace on Wheels, which offers a number of itineraries that range from a few days to week-long excursions. Embarking from New Delhi through the Land of Kings, trips take you through the famed Pink City of Jaipur, in Rajasthan, where guests are greeted by majestic UNESCO sites like the Amer Fort as well as 16th century palaces. You can also visit Agra, home to the iconic Taj Mahal and the perfect stop for a tour of some of the country's most iconic sites. Along the way, enjoy regional cuisine in well-appointed, colorful carriages decked out in Indian textiles.
