Some journeys are about the destination. These seven are entirely about the ride. The world's most beautiful train journeys do not simply move you from one place to another. They unfold landscapes, cultures, and experiences that could not be accessed any other way. From the glacial peaks of the Swiss Alps to the sacred highlands of Peru, these are the train journeys worth planning an entire trip around.
The Royal Scotsman does not feel like a train. It feels like a private country house that happens to be moving through one of the most dramatic landscapes in Europe. Operated by Belmond, this legendary journey through the Scottish Highlands carries just forty guests in carriages of polished mahogany, tartan upholstery, and hand-stitched detail that reflect the very best of Scottish craftsmanship.
This journey winds through the Highlands and into the far north of Scotland, passing through landscapes of breathtaking scale. Ancient glens, mirror-still lochs, and heather-covered moorland unfold outside the observation car windows in a continuous panorama of wild, unhurried beauty.
Excursions to highland estates, whiskey distilleries, and historic castles add depth to a journey that is as culturally rich as it is visually spectacular.
Discover it on our Great Rail Journey: Grand Taste of the Highlands, Northbound on Royal Scotsman.
The Bernina Express is a feat of engineering and a masterpiece of alpine scenery in equal measure. Running between Chur in Switzerland and Tirano in northern Italy, this UNESCO World Heritage railway climbs to over 7,000 feet through a landscape of glaciers, frozen lakes, and mountain peaks that define the very idea of the Swiss Alps.
The train itself is designed to make the most of what surrounds it. Panoramic windows run the full length of the carriages, ensuring that no view is missed from either side of the train. The crossing of the Bernina Pass, the highest railways crossing in the Alps, is a moment that stops conversation mid sentence.
For travelers connecting the Swiss interior with the Italian lakes, the Bernina Express transforms a transfer into one of the great travel experiences of a lifetime.
Explore the Alps with our Swiss Peaks and Italian Lakes Private Journey.
The Maharajas' Express is the most opulent train journey on earth. Modeled on the private rail carriages of India's formed maharajas (kings), this extraordinary train travels through Rajasthan and beyond in a level of luxury that very few trains anywhere in the world can match.
Fourteen carriages carry just 88 guests in suites and deluxe cabins finished with hand-carved woodwork, silk furnishings, and en suite bathrooms that would not look out of place in a five-star hotels. On board, butler service, a choice of restaurants serving Indian and Continental cuisine, a bar lounge, and a spa carriage ensure that every hour of the journey is as rewarding as the destinations themselves.
The journey passes through the heart of northern India, stopping at Agra for a private sunrise visit to the Taj Mahal, Ranthambore for tiger safari excursions, Jaipur's pink city palaces, and the ancient temples of Varanasi on selected itineraries.
Discover The Maharajas' Express on our India Explorer.Operating between Poroy near Cusco and Aguas Calientes at the foot of Machu Picchu, this Belmond train climbs through the Sacred Valley in Pullman carriages of polished wood, brass fittings, and rich upholstery that evoke the golden age of rail travel.
The scenery outside shifts from the high Andean plains around Cusco through cloud forest valleys of extraordinary richness, past rushing rivers and terraced mountainsides that recall the agricultural genius of the Inca civilization.
Brunch is served on the journey up, with live music from Andean performers adding warmth that makes the experience feel celebratory. The return journey at dusk includes cocktails and dinner as the Sacred Valley darkens around you. The train is exceptional, and the destination it delivers is one of the wonders of the world.
Experience The Hiram Bingham on our Classic Peru Adventure.
Japan's shinkansen network is the benchmark against which all high-speed rail is measured, and the Hokkaido Shinkansen represents its most ambitious expression. Connecting Tokyo with Hokkaido, Japan's northernmost island, the train travels at speeds of up to 320 kilometers per hour through a landscape that shifts dramatically from the dense urban energy of the Kanto plain to the wild, snow-covered wilderness of Japan's most remote island.
The journey passes beneath the Tsugaru Strait through the Seikan Tunnel, the world's longest undersea railway tunnel, before emerging into Hokkaido's extraordinary landscape of volcanic mountains, frozen lakes, and expansive farmland. The precision of Japanese rail service elevates every aspect of the experience.
Immaculate carriages, punctuality measured in seconds, and a quiet, considered onboard culture that reflects Japan's extraordinary national character make this journey as much a cultural encounter as a scenic one.
Explore the Hokkaido Shinkansen with our Japan Golden Route Explorer
The TranzAlpine crosses the Southern Alps of New Zealand's South Island in a single breathtaking day, connecting Christchurch on the Pacific coast with Greymouth on the wild West Coast. In four and a half hours, the train moves through a landscape of staggering variety.
The open-air observation carriage is where most passengers spend the majority of the journey, and with good reason. The views of the alpine peaks, river gorges, and beech forest are among the finest available train window in the Southern Hemisphere.
The TranzAlpine is an unhurried, genuinely accessible experience that delivers extraordinary scenery without requiring any particular physical effort. It's one of the great day journeys in world travel and an essential component of any South Island itinerary.
7. South Africa, The Rovos Rail
Rovos Rail has been described as the most luxurious train in the world, and it is a title the operator wears with quiet confidence. Running between Pretoria and Cape Town through the vast interior of South Africa, the extraordinary private train carries just 72 guests in vintage restored carriages of teak and brass, with suites that all include private lounges and full-length baths.
The route passes through the Karoo, South Africa's ancient semi-desert interior, a landscape of vast skies, flat-topped mountains, and silence so complete it becomes its own kind of luxury. Stops at Kimberley's historic diamond fields and the wine lands of the Western Cape add cultural and culinary depth to a journey that covers nearly 1,700 kilometers over two nights.
The attention to detail, quality of service, and the extraordinary landscapes outside the window combine to create a journey of rare, unhurried magnificence.
Experience the best of South Africa with our Rovos Great Rail Journey
Frequently Asked Questions
Do these train journeys need to be booked in advance??
Yes. Several journeys on this list, particularly the Maharajas' Express, the Royal Scotsman, and Rovos Rail, carry very limited numbers of guests and sell out months in advance. Keytours Vacations recommends booking as early as possible and handles all reservations as part of your broader itinerary.
Can Keytours incorporate these train journeys into a wider travel itinerary?
Absolutely. Every journey on this list sits within a destination that rewards deeper exploration. Our specialists design bespoke itineraries that build these train experiences into a complete journey, whether that is a Scottish Highlands adventure anchored by the Royal Scotsman or a Peruvian odyssey centered on Machu Picchu and the Hiram Bingham.
Which train journey is best for first-time luxury rail travelers?
The Bernina Express and the TranzAlpine are both exceptional entry points. Both are accessible, visually spectacular, and require no overnight commitment. For those ready to commit to a full luxury rail experience, the Royal Scotsman and Rovos Rail are the natural starting points.
Are these journeys suitable for solo travelers?
Yes. All seven journeys on this list welcome solo travelers, and several, particularly the Maharajas' Express and Rovos Rail, have a social atmosphere that makes solo travel genuinely enjoyable. Keytours can advise on the best options based on your travel preferences.
How do I start planning a trip around one of these train journeys?
Reach out to our team directly. Our specialists have first-hand knowledge of every journey on this list and will design an itinerary built around the experiences that matter most to you.
Choose Keytours Vacations and make your next vacation one to remember. Browse from one of our many customizable itineraries or contact a Personalized Travel Expert to get started.