Greatest Train Journeys on Earth

There is nothing more romantic than riding the rails. But not just any rails: We’re not talking about the commuter train to the London suburbs or the Amtrak between D.C. and New York. No, the train journeys that really enchant are the ones that incorporate stunning scenery and old fashioned, luxury service that transports you to another time and place. From South Africa to the Swiss Alps, here are five of the greatest train journeys on earth.

1. The Blue Train

The most well-known luxury train service in the world, The Blue Train has been making the 994-mile, 27-hour journey between Pretoria and Cape Town, South Africa since 1923. It’s a stupendous ride, not only from a scenically gorgeous perspective, but also for its downright opulent, old world train style that includes wood-paneled sleeping berths, gourmet food, fine wine and even cigars included in the ticket price.

2. Darjeeling Himalayan Railway

This railway, which is also recognized as a World Heritage Site, chugs up 6,500ft in elevation from India’s sunburned plains near Kolkata to the fresh alpine air of the Raj hill station at Darjeeling. It is a dramatic and breathtaking journey. The trains are British-built steam locomotives from the Victorian era, and during the 50-mile journey they double back through four zigzag loops to allow passengers to acclimate.

3. Trans-Siberian Railway

The mother of all epic train journeys is the 5,753-mile voyage across Russia from Moscow to Vladivostok on the Trans-Siberian Railway. Along the way, you’ll cross eight time zones and pass through little-visited sections of the country’s massive interior. Their are two ways to ride this stretch of rail. You can take the more affordable public train, Rossiya No 2, which takes six days and is a good way to meet the locals. Or splurge and take the Golden Eagle luxury train, for a Tsar-style experience complete with sleeping suites and fine dining.

4. The Rocky Mountaineer

Rolling the the majestic beauty of the Canadian Rockies, in the western portion of the country, The Rocky Mountaineer began service in 1990 and has since become a must-do for lovers of epic train rides. It passes some of the world’s most stunning alpine scenery as it follows icy river and stone cliffs into the folds of the majestic, craggy peaks.

5. The Glacier Express

One of the best ways to experience the Swiss Alps in style is on the Glacier Express. The seven hour journey between St. Moritz and Zermatt crosses 291 bridges and goes through 91 tunnels as well as past lush valleys, snowy gorges and miles upon miles of mountain scenery. The rail line was originally opened in 1920 so the world’s elite could explore the Swiss Alps in style. Today it remains that way, but is accessible to many more travelers with both first and second class ticket options.