Cars give us the freedom to come and go as we please. Air travel rouses excitement about landing in your final destination. But neither can quite capture the luxury and beauty of travel like a long-distance train ride.
When you take a long train ride, it’s not just about where you’re headed – it’s about taking in the sights and sounds of the journey there.
If this type of travel intrigues you, here are some of the best train rides around the world.
Jasper-Prince Rupert Route
This VIA Rail Canada trip takes you from Jasper National Park in the Rockies to Prince Rupert, British Columbia, on the Pacific Coast. The two-day journey gives you the opportunity to see stunning waterfalls, rivers and Mount Robson, the highest peak in the Canadian Rockies. Check the train schedule to make sure you can get a seat in the touring class – this will provide you an optimum viewing experience with extra-large panoramic windows.
Eastern & Oriental Express
This luxury liner offers guests a variety of different journeys, some lasting two days and some upwards of six days, taking you to destinations including Thailand, Malaysia, Laos and Singapore. Not only will you enjoy the scenery, but you’ll also get to have some fun along the way with off-train experiences like village visits.
Flåm Railway
If you don’t think you can handle being on a train for several days, but still want the experience, try this Norwegian trip. In 50 minutes, you will get a panoramic view of the wild and magnificent views of the landscape, including waterfalls, farms and fjords – the long, narrow, deep inlets of the sea between high cliffs that Norway is known for.
Taieri Gorge Seasider
Guests on this train ride get to see what is considered to be a highlight of New Zealand’s rail network. In 90 minutes, you will take in awe-inspiring views while traveling along Otago Harbour, climbing to the cliff tops to see the Pacific Ocean and the view over Blueskin Bay. You’ll want to have your camera for this trip between Dunedin and Waitati.
The Blue Train
This famous train travels the 994-miles from Cape Town to Pretoria, giving riders the opportunity to see some of the most diverse and spectacular scenery in the African subcontinent. The train only travels at speeds up to 68 miles per hour, which means a slow smooth ride with plenty of time to take in the sights along the way. If you are traveling on the southbound trip, you’ll stop for an excursion in Kimberely that will take you back in time to the days of the diamond rush. If you’re traveling northbound, you’ll enjoy an excursion in Matjiesfontein – you’ll get a glass of sherry and get to see the Victorian buildings and original 19th Century lampposts this town is known for.
Royal Scotsman
The name of this one says it all – you will receive the royal treatment on this train. A bagpiper greets guests and leads them to a champagne toast to kick off the ride. Based on your preference, you can choose a one to seven day tour of the heart of Scotland. Depending on which tour length you pick, your itinerary can include visits to castles and museums, an excursion to a whiskey distillery or a clay pigeon shoot. Get comfortable in this train’s early 1900s-era observation car, complete with plush armchairs, sofas, daily newspapers and, in the evening, cocktails and hors d’oeuvres before dinner. If that isn’t luxury enough, just wait. Dinners are either black tie or black suit events hosted in dining cars that date back to 1945 to 1960. The chef prepares the four-star meal with fresh ingredients that are purchased along the route and paired with premium complementary wines.
Photo from Trendymen.
