While a plane might get you to your destination quicker, there’s something special about a truly amazing train journey – where the trip itself is half the joy. Whistling through lush countryside, reading as you watch the scenery go by has a certain charm.
Want to evoke old-school romantic notions of travel? Hop onto one of these picturesque trains…
1. Colonial Train, Sri Lanka
Once known as the Ceylon Government Railway after British colonial rail, this train ride from Ella to Kandy is superb. You’ll climb high into the tea plantations on the tracks and have insane views.
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2. Palace on Wheels, India
A train that’s exactly what it sounds like – pure and utter luxury. This train into the desert starts every Wednesday evening from New Delhi and ends the following Wednesday early in the morning, back at the same station.
There’s a spa on board and you’ll have your own butler.
3. Glacier Express, Switzerland
This scenic train connects two major mountain resorts of Zermatt and St. Moritz in the center of the Swiss Alps. What better way to go from slope to slope than this?
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4. Cusco to Machu Picchu, Peru
Arrive to Machu Picchu in style on the 360° Train that will bring you through the Peruvian countryside to the ‘lost city’. The wide, panoramic windows are perfect for soaking up the view, plus they serve Pisco Sours on board.
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5. Gelmer Funicular, Switzerland
With an inclination of up to 106%, this funicular is the steepest of its kind in Europe. If you are looking for an adrenaline rush, this is exactly where you should be.
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6. TranzAlpine, New Zealand
The world famous TranzAlpine train travels through some of New Zealand’s most incredible scenery on its route from Greymouth to Christchurch. Along the way you’ll see epic vistas, travel the edges of the ice-fed Waimakariri River and traverse the Southern Alps.
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7. Napa Valley Wine Train, USA
From wine tasting to gourmet meals, this is an authentic vino experience you don’t want to miss. Sip on a glass of red as the lush vineyards of the Napa Valley landscape pass you by.
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For a bonus train experience you can see this train up close and personal in the Famous Hanoi Train Street.
The Maharaja Express amazing. All the staff were amazing especially our butler, Jeet who was always 3 steps ahead of all our needs. All the daily tours were seamlessly planned and organized, attending to the individual needs to the guests. Truly an amazing experience that one needs to try once in your life!