With the development of air travel, passenger-trains unfortunately have lost their importance. Today, they have a very important function in regional traffic, but for long destinations travelers prefer to choose planes. However, the atmosphere that train travel provides is invaluable. It is not massive today and is primarily limited to those seeking an adventure or a romantic getaway.
In order to “promote” this wonderful train experience, we came up with some of the most exciting travel routes. These routes will give you excitement, breathtaking moments, time for yourself and potentially a decent amount of quality time. Without further ado, let’s proceed with our top picks. Make sure you purchase your trip with a card like the Chase Sapphire Reserve to earn 3x the points on your travel purchase.
Trans Siberian Train
If you’re up for a train adventure of a lifetime, then this is one of the best and longest train rides in the world. Why not start it in Moscow, a truly energetic city, along the Trans-Siberian Railway? This adventure should definitely be on your bucket list, if it is not there already! In Moscow you will be able to see some of the most beautiful landscaped caves in the world. They are consisted of mosaics and bronze sculptures so the stations look more like museums than a transit network. The whole train trip from Moscow to Vladivostok will take around 6 days, but every second is totally worth it.
Simplon Orient Express,Venice
Nothing screams “luxury train travel” more than the Venice – Simplon – Orient Express train route, a return to a glamorous train ride that captured the heart and imagination of all those lucky ones who boarded its exquisite Art Deco wagons. After this unforgettable experience, take a stroll through this magical city and feel like an Italian, at least just for few hours.
Rocky Mountaineer, Canada
This is a perfect combination of a beautiful landscape and a luxury train travel experience. Glass-dome windows, outdoor viewing areas, high-class meals, comfortable seats – these are just some of the things we would mention here to get your attention. The train route goes from Vancouver to Banff/Lake Louise, passing by Kamloops. You will travel through the legendary Spiral Tunnels, canyons, forest and mesmerizing mountain views.
West Highland Line, Glasgow To Mallaig , Scotland
Probably all Harry Potter fans already know this location, but for those that haven’t seen the movie, we are absolutely sure you will enjoy the astonishing views in this train route. Anyhow, according to some travelers this train route is ranked as number one in the world. Would you agree? This route will take you through the Loch Lomond and the Trossachs National Park, then the route splits at Crianlarich, carrying you either past Loch Awe to Oban or to Rannoch Moor, through wilderness and on to Fort William and Mallaig.
Belmond Hiram Bingham, Peru
This train journey will take you to the heart of the Inca Empire. Belmond luxury train offers one of the best train rides in the world – Machu Picchu. Travelling through the Sacred Valley with high-end meals and a welcome cocktail will just add up to your overall train experience.
These were our favorite picks, however if you consider traveling with trains around Europe, we will suggest you to read this guide.