If you ask many rail tourists, they would likely say that their time on the train was the most memorable part of their holiday. Many of us have spoken glowingly about their relaxing experiences on board the train, from soaking in the scenery from the observation car to sharing a meal in the dining car to drifting off to sleep in their bedrooms or roomettes as the train rocked them to sleep. This is all before they ever reach their final destination.
The greatest thing is that you may begin your rail holiday from any of the 500+ Amtrak stations in the United States, or from the one that is nearest to your hometown. If you want to enjoy the rail trip of your dreams, the possibilities are unlimited. Just one more thing: where are we going? If you’re planning a trip, you should definitely include these five unforgettable rail adventures. Alternately, consult with a Rail Vacation Specialist to design a personalized itinerary.
Rail travel has its own unique charm since it allows you to see sights in a whole new light. Lounge around as you see a nation. On the way to your next destination, you can take in the sights that are exclusive to train rides and visit places that might be inaccessible by other means to reach. An important aspect of your trip is the travel itself.
If you are a train travel enthusiast, you must enjoy the following world-class journeys:
The Swiss Glacier Express
Take in the magnificent views as you go via the Glacier Express.
Many people’s dream vacation includes riding the Glacier Express. Because of the stunning scenery and the Swiss efficiency, train travel in Switzerland is famous. The journey on the Glacier Express is the same. The eight-hour journey travels between Zermatt and St. Moritz. Witness the breathtaking splendor of the Swiss Alps, with its snow-capped peaks, picturesque alpine landscapes, and charming mountain communities. Incredible vistas of Oberalp Pass and the Matterhorn will also be yours to take in.
South African Blue Train
While riding the Blue Train, you can take in the sights of the Cape Winelands in South Africa.
Some have said that riding the Blue Train is the most opulent way to travel by rail. The distance between Cape Town and Pretoria is 1,600km (994 miles), and you can take in some breathtaking landscapes along the way. As it winds its way through the country’s central region, the train passes through the Cape Winelands, the Karoo’s arid scenery, and undulating hills. Travelers may anticipate first-class service, private rooms, gourmet meals, and total relaxation at this 5-star hotel on wheels!
You were unaware, were you? Among South Africa’s many luxurious rail options is the Rovos Rail, which travels not only throughout the nation but also to neighboring countries including Botswana, Zimbabwe, Zambia, Angola, and Tanzania.
Tracks in Scotland’s West Highlands
Explore Scotland by driving over the world-famous Glenfinnan Viaduct.
Taking in the breathtaking Scottish Highlands, this train ride is unlike any other in Britain—if not the globe! You can reach Oban, Fort William, and Mallaig from Glasgow by using the West Highland Line. Travel time ranges from three and a half to five and a half hours. The route passes through some breathtakingly beautiful landscapes, including mountains, lochs, and heather-covered moors. Rumbling over the world-famous Glenfinnan Viaduct—as seen in the Harry Potter films—is a part of the Mallaig line! Traveling by rail is the only certain way to see this part of the nation!
The Caledonian Sleeper is another fantastic overnight train that travels from London to various locations in Scotland.
From Switzerland to Italy, on the Bernina Express
The scenery is breathtaking, with vistas of northern Italy and Switzerland.
A scenic train trip that starts in Switzerland and finishes in northern Italy’s Tirano. The Bernina Express departs from Switzerland’s oldest city, Chur, and takes passengers through the breathtaking Swiss Alps, passing via mountain passes, glistening lakes, and spectacular viaducts. In all, the journey takes four hours, but it is well worth it for the tranquility, beauty, and unique perspective it provides on this region of Europe.
Navigating Norway’s Flam Railway
Travel to the fjord town of Flåm by using the Flåm Railway.
Unparalleled rail travel awaits you on the Flåm Railway (Flåmsbana). Among Norway’s most popular tourist destinations, it stretches for 20 kilometers between Myrdal and Flåm and provides breathtaking panoramic views. The scenic settlement of Flåm, situated at the innermost point of the Aurlandsfjord, may be reached by ascending the slopes. To reach Myrdal, take a train from either Oslo or Bergen. An hour-long train ride later, you’ll pass through stunning scenery replete with breathtaking vistas.
Experience with Northern Rail
Join us on a picturesque train ride from Chicago to San Francisco, stopping in Seattle along the way. We’ll travel from the vast Midwest plains to the calm Pacific Coast. As you ride Amtrak’s famous Empire Builder train along the Lewis and Clark path, you can take in the scenery. Get a feel for Seattle with a hop-on, hop-off bus trip. Learn about San Francisco’s famous landmarks. Muir Woods and Sausalito are two magnificent northern California destinations worth exploring. Finally, you’ll return to the “Windy City” by rail on one of the most scenic North American rail journeys. Get the lowdown on this train adventure!
Experience the Grand Rail
Anyone desiring a comprehensive cross-country Amtrak journey can start from Chicago on the Grand Rail journey! This cross-country excursion is guaranteed to delight train enthusiasts and daring sightseers alike, connecting Amtrak’s finest rail lines throughout the country, down the Pacific Coast, Amtrak’s southern route, and up through our nation’s capital! Visit Washington, DC, Seattle, Los Angeles, and New Orleans aboard Amtrak’s Empire Builder®, Coast Starlight®, Sunset Limited®, Crescent®, and Capitol Limited® trains, in that order. An absolutely fantastic train ride! Get the lowdown on this train adventure!
Three states: NY, NY, and Niagara Falls
Take a trip from Washington, DC, to the majestic Niagara Falls. See the Smithsonian Institution, pose for a photo op in front of the White House, and peruse the city’s many monuments while in Washington, D.C. After there, it’s on to New York City, where you can see Central Park, the 9/11 Memorial and Museum, Times Square, the Empire State Building, and more. On top of that, you’ll see a timeless Broadway musical! The breathtaking Niagara Falls are only over the border and a short climb from there. You may see the breathtaking Falls from that vantage point. It is an absolutely stunning sight! Get the lowdown on this train adventure!
A Train Ride Over the Grand Canyon
With a train like the Grand Canyon Railway, there’s no need to drive to the Grand Canyon. The trip to and back from the Grand Canyon will be an unforgettable experience. Beginning in Williams, Arizona—the last town on Route 66 to be bypassed by Interstate 40—you will travel 65 miles to reach the South Rim, passing through high desert plains and Ponderosa pine woods. Once you get there, you’ll know that seeing the Grand Canyon for yourself is the only way to really appreciate its beauty. Images fail to capture its true beauty. Get the lowdown on this train adventure!
Yosemite, Glacier, and the Grand Canyon National Parks
Get ready to be wowed by the breathtaking scenery of three of the most famous national parks in the United States: Yosemite, Glacier, and the Grand Canyon! Travel by train across breathtaking scenery as you take in all these breathtaking vistas. Visiting one of the United States’ Grand National Parks is like going on a once-in-a-lifetime trip into nature. Absolutely, without a doubt, you will create memories that will last forever! Get the lowdown on this train adventure!
When is the ideal season to do one of these rail trips?
When you should go on one of these train trips depends on your own choices, the weather, and the sights and sounds along the way. While certain train trips are only available at certain times of the year, others are available all year round. If you want to know when the train is most likely to arrive at your location, it’s best to look into that.
Conclusion
People from all walks of life are enchanted by the unique charm of train travel. These train trips provide everything and more, whether you’re looking for adventure, romance, cultural immersion, or just some quiet time to watch the world go by. Every trip, whether on the regal Orient Express or the wild Rocky Mountaineer, guarantees an adventure you won’t soon forget. If you want to make memories that will last a lifetime, why not include a train ride in your trip plans? Experience the enchantment firsthand as you set off on these extraordinary rail adventures.
