20 Epic Railway Journeys You Must Experience At Least Once In Your Lifetime

20 Epic Railway Journeys You Must Experience At Least Once In Your Lifetime

Chug through lofty mountain peaks and go past crystal clear rivers and streams as you embark on a rail adventure of a lifetime!

Ever thought of making a railway journey one of the highlights on your vacation itinerary? Wait, what?! Mention train rides, and you’re probably thinking about that early-morning commute where you get on and squeeze in with the dreary masses, desperate for more sleep (and a strong cup of coffee), heads bowed over mobile devices. You’re probably thinking… Why would I want to do that? Don’t worry, we aren’t talking about those train rides.

We’re talking about train adventures that involve snowy landscapes, majestic viaducts, luscious green landscapes and lofty mountains. We’re referring to epic railway journeys that are not your average means of transportation to school or work, but rather, experiences that you should totally add to your bucket list! If you’re looking to make your next vacation more memorable, trust us – going on any one of these railway trips will definitely transform you, and change how you plan your travel itinerary in the future.

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These railway expeditions promise absolutely sublime sceneries, lots of wide-eyed wonder and a treasure trove of stories to share with friends and family when you get back. Ready to tread off the beaten path? Here are 20 railway journeys to get you inspired!

1. Trans-Siberian Railway

Image credits: Boccaccio1

The Trans-Siberian Railway is surely on the bucket list of every adventure-seeker. Linking Moscow with the Russian Far East through a series of networks, this railway is the longest railway line in the world. With the Trans-Siberian, Trans-Manchurian and Trans-Mongolian Lines, you’ll get to go pass Russia, North Korea (Pyeongyang), China and Mongolia! Feast your eyes on spectacular sights like the Gobi desert and Lake Baikal while you’re on it!

How to get tickets: Book online here or at the train station itself

2. Tren Ecuador, Ecuador

Image credit: Tren Ecuador

Also known as the Train of Wonders, Tren Ecuador is a heritage tourist train that allows for a uniquely scenic way to tour around exotic Ecuador. This train brings you to sightsee famous tourist attractions such as the Otavalo area, Nariz del Diablo and the Avenue of Volcanoes.

If you’re keen on an even greater adventure, opt for a trip on the Tren Crucero, which is an awesome 4D3N railway trip along the Andes travelling all the way down to the Pacific Coast. Train Crucero just so happens to be South America’s Leading Luxury Train too, so know that you’re in for a real treat!

How to get tickets: At the ticket offices stated here

3. Tren a las Nubes, Argentina

Tren a las Nubes translates to “Train to the Clouds”, and you certainly shouldn’t expect anything less from your journey on this splendid heritage train service! It was given its name back in the 1960s when a film crew saw the train let out a stream of steam which did not immediately dissipate due to the cold mountain air in the region. The steam, which remained latent for a few moments resembled a cloud and thus the name was born!

Running through Salta Province in Argentina, the train is one of the three highest railways in the world – and connects the Argentine Northwest to the Chilean border in the Andes Mountain Range which is over 4,220m over sea level!

How to get tickets: Book online here or here

4. Jacobite Steam Train (Road to the Isles)

Image credit: Bloodworx

Harry Potter fans would definitely recognise the iconic Glenfinnan viaduct! Yes, this scene was featured in four of the famous Harry Potter film series. Whether you’re a Harry Potter fan or not, a train journey on the Jacobite steam train would definitely create memories that will last for a lifetime.

Starting from Ben Nevis (the highest mountain in Britain), the train will chug through Arisaig, towards the deepest freshwater loch in Britain (Loch Morar) as well as River Morar and finally, the journey culminates at Loch Nevis, the deepest seawater loch in Europe. Be sure to expect lots of stunning scenery and have your cameras at the ready!

How to get tickets: Book online here

5. Bergensbanen (Oslo to Bergen Railway)

Image credit: NSB Facebook

For those who would love to experience some mountain magic, the Oslo to Bergen train aka the ‘Bergensbanen’ is definitely a train that you should go on! The Bergensbanen will take you through majestic mountain planes and sublime fjords. Snowy peaked mountains and tranquil, blue fjords…how can you say no to this ride?

How to get tickets: Book online here

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6. The Rocky Mountaineer, Canada

Image credit: Roderick Eime

If you’re planning a trip to Canada, don’t just think of going to Niagara Falls and Hopewell Rocks. Make a trip through the Canadian Rockies Mountain Range with the Rocky Mountaineer Train! Marvel at jagged mountains with snowy ice-capped peaks and mirror alpine lakes that glisten in the sun, and watch the gorgeous world go by in the comfort of your little carriage seat.

Choose from various routes that will take you to the most jaw-dropping sights that West Canada has to offer, such as Vancouver, Jasper and Calgary, or opt for a round trip for a truly unparalleled experience like no other!

How to get tickets: Book online here

7. The Toy Train (Darjeeling-Himalayan Railway)

The Darjeeling-Himalayan Railway is also affectionately known as the ‘Toy Train,’ and it runs through the picturesque hilly areas of West Bengal, India between New-Jalpaiguri and Darjeeling. Who could resist hopping on something so adorably-named? Did you know that the UNESCO conferred the World Heritage Site status to this very railway in 1999? After two more railways were added, they then became known as the Mountain Railways of India.

How to get tickets: Book online here or at the station itself

8. The Maharajas’ Express, India

Voted as the world’s leading Luxury Train (for five times in a row, too!), The Maharajas’ Express can be found in India. The service runs on 5 circuits across more than 12 destinations which include North-West and Central India, and journeys range from 4 days to 9 days. This train certainly promises a pampering ride like no other!

Image credits: Simon Pielow

Sit back and have your own butlers serve you tea or just enjoy the view from your very own luxuriously furnished private carriage –  complete with plush bedding and lounging areas to boot! Who knew that you could have such a lavish experience on a train?

How to get tickets: Book online here

9. The Little Yellow Train, France

Image credit: Herbert Ortner

Decked in cheery, sunshine-yellow, Train Jaune is French for ‘Yellow train’. It is a historic metre-gauge electric railway that runs in the French Pyrenees, which are the mountain ranges between France and Spain. Get a chance to tour through dramatic scenery from an altitude of 427m at Villefranche de Confluent (the lower terminal) up to Bolquere Eyne, the summit at 1,592m above sea level (also the highest railway station in France)! How exciting is that?

How to get tickets: Book online here

10. Vietnam’s Reunification Railway

Image credit: Santi LLobet

Deep in the heart of Vietnam lies the Reunification Railway which connects Ho Chi Minh to Hanoi. Aptly named to symbolise the reunification of the north and south after the Vietnam War, exploring Vietnam by train is undeniably an eye-opening experience. Go past lush green paddy fields, thick vegetation and local farms as you take this winding 34-hour ride. Postcard-worthy train ride in Southeast Asia? Check!

How to get tickets: Book online here

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11. Harz Railways, Germany

Image credit: Harz Railways Website

Harz Narrow Gauge Railways promises lots of steam locomotive action with every puff, across a 140km, 1000m gauge network. The network is made up of Harzquerbahn, Selketalbahn and Brockenbahn superlatives, which takes you through a variety of stunning sights and sounds around Germany. Visit the quaint medieval towns of Quedlinburg and Goslar or the Brocken mountains in the high ranges of Northern Germany for an unforgettable ride!

How to get tickets: Book online here

12. The Blue Train, Africa

For a different kind of adventure through Africa, ditch those safari vehicles and get on The Blue Train! Linking up Pretoria and Cape Town, you’ll get to see diverse landscapes offered by the African continents. The route goes through endless scenic forests, over bridges and across lakes and rivers, and stop by the magnificent Kimberly, capital city of South Africa’s Northern Cape province. You’ll get to see for yourself where diamonds come from, as Kimberly is known for its deep, hand dug, diamond mines! Fascinating, huh!

How to get tickets: Book online here

13. The Indian Pacific, Australia

Image credit: Simon Yeo

The mighty Indian Pacific is part of the Great Southern Rail, which guarantees an amazing Australian adventure from Sydney to Perth. Spend this 4D3N train trip wandering around Broken Hill, Cook, Kalgoorlie and get to feast your eyes on the magnificent Blue Mountains, grand bush landscapes of Nullarbor to fields dotted with Aussie wildflowers, complete with exciting off-train excursions in between! If you’re looking for a way to explore the best of Australia, this is it!

How to get tickets: Book online here

14. Flåm Railway, Norway

Image credit: Norway Tourism

Imagine a train ride that meanders through the rocky cliffs of mountains past roaring waterfalls and bubbling, crystal-clear turquoise streams flanked by glorious greenery. What a supreme sightseeing experience, eh? Well, dreams do come true because there is Norway’s Flåm Line that branches from the aforementioned Bergen line. At a 5.5% gradient, it’s one of the steepest standard gauge railway lines in the world.

Go on a fairytale adventure from Aurlandsfjord to the high mountains at Myrdal Station where you’ll get to experience the best of Western Norway’s scenery!

How to get tickets: Tickets must be purchased locally in Norway at any manned train station or by calling NSB Call Centre, and they are not currently available at nsb.no or visitflam.com

15. The Glacier Express, Switzerland

Image credit: Switzerland Tourism

Bridging the railway stations of two mountain resorts, St.Moritz and Zermatt in the Swiss Alps, is The Glacier Express. This impressive railway line passes through World Heritage Site, Rhaetian Railway in the Albula and Bernina landscapes. Get ready for a cozy journey through the Swiss mountainscapes, The Glacier Express is known to be one of the slowest “express” trains in the world with a 7.5 hour journey across 291 bridges, 91 tunnels and across Oberalp Pass at 2,033m altitude!

How to get tickets: Book online here

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16. The Bernina Express, Switzerland to Italy

Image credits: Kabelleger / David Gubler (top); Emanuele (bottom)

The Bernina Express train connects Chur, Switzerland to Poschiavo, Switzerland and Tirano in Italy by crossing the Swiss Engadin Alps and also runs along the World Heritage Site, Rhaetian Railway in Albula and Bernina landscapes. However, this railway connects with a bus in Tirano to Lake Como in Italy and to Lugano in Switzerland. Sit back and enjoy the spectacular views from its gorgeous wide-panel glass windows!

How to get tickets: Book online here

17. Jungfraubahn, Switzerland

Image credit: Switzerland Tourism

Jungfraubahn, translating to ‘maiden’ or ‘virgin’, gained its namesake from the Jungfrau peaks that tower above it. the Jungfrau Railway is the second highest open-air railway in Switzerland and runs 9km from Kleine Scheidegg to the highest railway station in Europe – Jungfraujoch station.

Did you know that most of the railway that runs within the Jungfrau tunnel are built into the Eiger and Monch mountains? Passengers can get off and wander around the neighbouring mountains through windows carved into the mountainside! How cool is that?

Mountain air, colourful wildflowers and mountain scenery? Count us in!

How to get tickets: Book online here

18. Inlandsbanan (Inland Line), Sweden

Image credits: Inlandsbanan Sweden

Taking you through the breathtaking Swedish countryside is Inlandsbanan or Inland Line in Sweden. This line snakes north from Central Sweden to Swedish lapland, which is considered to be one of Europe’s last wildernesses. This slow “drive” through postcard-perfect terrain allows you to simply take time to marvel at the surroundings. The driver of the train even stops occasionally for passengers to get off and go strawberry picking or take a cool dip in one of the cool, glassy lakes!

How to get tickets: Book online here

19. Death Railway, Thailand

Image credit: xiquinhosilva

History buffs will surely appreciate this one. The Death Railway has derived its name from its notorious history, built by the WWII prisoners of war, as well as other Asian labourers. An eye-opening yet sobering experience, this two hour train ride is one of Thailand’s most popular and scenic train journeys, which starts from Kanchanaburi and ends at Nam Tok. It’s definitely worth a visit the next time you head to Thailand!

How to get tickets: Get from ticket station directly

20. Zentralbahn, Switzerland

The Zentralbahn whisks passengers from Lucerne to Engelberg all within the hour! You’ll get to sightsee charming villages, gorgeous lakes and alpine landscapes along the way, so this train ride is definitely far from boring! The best part? There’s an option to stop and go up to Mount Titlis in the world’s first rotating cable car, where you can look down on the grandiose panorama of ice glaciers below! An experience that will truly leave you speechless, no doubt!

How to get tickets: Book online here

WAIT A MINUTE! Before you leave for your epic train adventure, don’t forget to buy your travel insurance! Ensure that you and your loved ones are covered for your travel – and you even get to enjoy up to 25% OFF if you purchase it with your HSBC Credit Card!

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That’s it! 20 epic railway journeys that will truly leave you in amazed and wanting more. Ready to hop on one of these trains for the ride of your life? Then book those flights with your HSBC Credit Card and grab those train tickets… adventure awaits!


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About Author

Beatrice Tan
Beatrice Tan

Beatrice absolutely loves stargazing and often fantasises about going into space one day. However, since she won’t be an astronaut anytime soon, her heart is set on being a globetrotter instead. She is always craving for a new adventure, and believes that travel nourishes the soul. You can most likely find her strolling around the museum, or in a quiet café with her nose buried in a book, and a soy latte in hand.

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