All Aboard These 7 Scenic Train Routes In Europe
Europe's rail network covers more than 230,000 kilometers of track, and some of those kilometers happen to pass through landscapes so dramatic they make passengers forget their phones exist. From Swiss Alpine passes to Balkan mountain crossings, these 7 scenic train routes turn ordinary transit into the kind of experience travelers build entire trips around. Forget the highway. Grab a window seat.
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Glacier Express (Switzerland)
Dubbed the slowest express train in the world, the Glacier Express takes about 8 hours to travel 291 kilometers between Zermatt and St. Moritz. That leisurely pace is the point. Panoramic windows frame a rotating gallery of Alpine scenery as the narrow-gauge train crosses 291 bridges and threads through 91 tunnels, climbing to 2,033 meters at the Oberalp Pass before descending into the Engadin valley.
The route passes through a UNESCO World Heritage railway section, skirts the Ruinaulta gorge often called the Swiss Grand Canyon and glides over the famous Landwasser Viaduct. Onboard dining adds to the experience, with multi-course meals and Swiss wine served at your seat. First class, second class and the ultra-premium Excellence Class all offer those oversized windows. Seat reservations are mandatory year-round, and trains run daily except during a brief autumn closure.
How long does the Glacier Express take from Zermatt to St. Moritz? The Glacier Express covers the full route in approximately 8 hours, traveling at an average speed of about 24 miles per hour through high Alpine terrain with stops at several scenic stations along the way.
Do I need a reservation for the Glacier Express? Yes, seat reservations are mandatory for all Glacier Express passengers regardless of ticket type or travel pass, and reservation fees vary by season with lower prices during winter months.
Can I use a Eurail Pass on the Glacier Express? Eurail and Interrail passes cover the entire Glacier Express route with no additional ticket purchase required, though the mandatory seat reservation fee must still be paid separately.
Bernina Express (Switzerland to Italy)
The Bernina Express runs from Chur in southeast Switzerland to Tirano just across the Italian border, covering 144 kilometers in about 4 hours. It is one of the few trains in the world that crosses an international border while climbing to 2,253 meters above sea level without the help of rack-and-pinion gearing. The entire route follows a UNESCO World Heritage railway through 55 tunnels and over 196 bridges.
Highlights include the 65-meter-high Landwasser Viaduct, the turquoise Lago Bianco at the Bernina Pass summit and the Brusio Spiral Viaduct where the train makes a full 360-degree loop to manage the steep descent. The landscape shifts dramatically from icy glaciers and snow-capped peaks on the Swiss side to palm trees and Italian-style villages near Tirano. A connecting bus extends the journey to Lugano via Lake Como. Regional trains run the identical route at lower cost for travelers who prefer open windows and flexible schedules.
What is the highest point on the Bernina Express route? Ospizio Bernina station sits at 2,253 meters above sea level, making it the highest railway crossing in the Alps achieved without rack-and-pinion assistance on the Bernina Express line.
Is the Bernina Express worth the price compared to regional trains? Regional trains travel the same Bernina Express tracks with identical scenery but cost significantly less and allow flexible hop-on stops, while the official panoramic service adds oversized windows and audio commentary.
Do I need a passport on the Bernina Express? Yes, the Bernina Express crosses the Swiss-Italian border at Campocologno, so all passengers should carry a valid passport or EU identity card for the Bernina Express border crossing.
West Highland Line (Scotland)
The West Highland Line stretches 264 kilometers from Glasgow to Mallaig on Scotland's remote west coast, and it has been voted the most scenic railway in the world multiple times by Wanderlust magazine readers. The route splits at Crianlarich, with one branch heading to the port town of Oban and the other continuing north through Rannoch Moor to Fort William and then onward to Mallaig.
The Fort William to Mallaig section is the stretch that draws the biggest crowds, largely because of the 21-arched Glenfinnan Viaduct made famous by the Harry Potter films. The Jacobite steam train runs this section from April through October, adding vintage luxury locomotive charm to the already stunning scenery. ScotRail operates regular service year-round with just 3 departures daily, and Corrour station on the moor remains one of the most remote railway stops in Britain with no public road access.
When is the best time to ride the West Highland Line? Late September through mid-October offers golden autumn foliage along the West Highland Line with fewer crowds, though summer provides the longest daylight hours and Jacobite steam train service.
Can I see the Glenfinnan Viaduct from the West Highland Line train? Yes, every West Highland Line train between Fort William and Mallaig crosses the Glenfinnan Viaduct, and the Jacobite steam train sometimes pauses on the structure for photo opportunities.
How do I get to the Isle of Skye from the West Highland Line? The West Highland Line terminates at Mallaig, where CalMac ferries depart regularly for Armadale on the Isle of Skye, making the train a scenic gateway to Scotland's most famous island.
Bergen Railway and Flam Railway (Norway)
The Bergen Railway covers 496 kilometers between Oslo and Bergen in about 7 hours, crossing the Hardangervidda mountain plateau at 1,237 meters above sea level. It is Northern Europe's highest mainline railway. The route moves through forests, past lakes, over frozen plateaus and through 182 tunnels, with Finse station marking the highest stop at 1,222 meters. At Myrdal, travelers can connect to the legendary Flam Railway.
The Flam Railway descends 863 meters over just 20 kilometers from Myrdal to the fjord village of Flam, making it one of the steepest standard-gauge railway lines on earth. The train passes through 20 tunnels, including one with a 180-degree spiral turn inside the mountain, and stops at Kjosfossen waterfall for a 5-minute photo break. The popular Norway in a Nutshell tour combines both railways with a fjord cruise on the Naroyfjord, creating a single-day loop between Oslo and Bergen that is widely ranked among the world's best travel experiences.
How much does the Bergen Railway from Oslo to Bergen cost? Bergen Railway tickets start from approximately $97 one way when booked in advance through the Vy app, with prices increasing closer to departure and varying between standard and comfort class.
Is the Flam Railway included in a Eurail Pass? Eurail Pass holders receive a 30 percent discount on Flam Railway tickets rather than free travel, since the Flam Railway is a privately operated scenic line not fully covered by the standard Eurail network.
Should I take the Bergen Railway during the day or at night? Daytime Bergen Railway departures are strongly recommended for the stunning mountain and plateau scenery, as night trains save time but pass through the most dramatic sections in complete darkness.
Explore more incredible things to do in Norway beyond the tracks.
Cinque Terre Express (Italy)
The Cinque Terre Express is a regional train running between La Spezia and Levanto along Italy's Ligurian coast, connecting the 5 UNESCO-listed fishing villages of Riomaggiore, Manarola, Corniglia, Vernazza and Monterosso al Mare. The entire route covers just 12 kilometers, but the short tunnels between villages open onto fleeting views of Mediterranean cliffs and pastel-colored houses that define Italian coastal charm.
Awesome trains run every 20 to 30 minutes during peak season from March through November, and single tickets range from 5 to 10 euros depending on the time of year. The Cinque Terre Card bundles unlimited daily train rides with hiking trail access and national park entry for roughly 16 euros. Roads in the region are narrow and parking is nearly impossible, making the train the smartest way to explore all 5 villages in a single day. The Via dell'Amore coastal path and trails between Monterosso and Vernazza provide stunning alternatives between stations.
How much does the Cinque Terre Express cost per ride? Single Cinque Terre Express tickets range from 5 euros in low season to 10 euros in peak season, while the Cinque Terre Card at roughly 16 euros offers unlimited daily rides plus trail access.
What is the best village to start exploring Cinque Terre by train? Riomaggiore is the first Cinque Terre Express stop from La Spezia and makes a logical starting point, allowing travelers to work northward through all 5 villages toward Monterosso before returning.
Can I hike between Cinque Terre villages instead of taking the train? Yes, well-marked Cinque Terre hiking trails connect all 5 villages with walks ranging from 30 minutes to 2 hours between stops, and the train provides a convenient return ride after each hike.
Rhine Valley Railway (Germany)
The Rhine Valley railway runs between Koblenz and Mainz along the west bank of the Rhine River, passing through a UNESCO World Heritage landscape packed with more than 40 medieval castles, terraced Riesling vineyards and half-timbered villages. The 90-kilometer stretch takes about 90 minutes by regional train and offers views that inspired Heinrich Heine's poetry and Richard Wagner's operas.
Highlights visible from the train include Marksburg Castle, the only hilltop Rhine castle never destroyed, the island fortress of Pfalzgrafenstein and the legendary Lorelei rock at the river's narrowest point near St. Goarshausen. Travelers can hop on and off at villages like Bacharach, Rudesheim and St. Goar for wine tasting, castle tours and riverside walks. Combining the train one direction with a Rhine river cruise the other direction is a popular strategy that delivers the full Rhine Valley experience from both water and rail perspectives.
What is the most scenic section of the Rhine Valley Railway? The stretch between St. Goar and Bacharach is widely considered the most scenic Rhine Valley Railway segment, with the densest concentration of castles, vineyards and the famous Lorelei rock.
Can I use a Germany rail pass on the Rhine Valley Railway? Yes, the Deutschland-Ticket and Rhineland-Palatinate regional day passes both cover Rhine Valley Railway regional trains, making castle-hopping between Koblenz and Mainz extremely affordable.
When is the best time to visit the Rhine Valley by train? September and October offer the Rhine Valley at its most beautiful, with wine harvest festivals, golden vineyard foliage and comfortable temperatures ideal for combining train travel with riverside walks.
Belgrade to Bar Railway (Serbia to Montenegro)
The Belgrade to Bar railway stretches 476 kilometers from the Serbian capital to the Adriatic port of Bar in Montenegro, crossing the Dinaric Alps through 254 tunnels and over 435 bridges during an approximately 11-hour journey. Completed in 1976 under Yugoslav President Tito, it remains one of the most ambitious and dramatic railway engineering projects built in Europe during the second half of the 20th century.
The most spectacular section runs through Montenegro between Podgorica and Kolasin, where the train climbs to over 1,000 meters and crosses the Mala Rijeka Viaduct, which was the highest railway bridge in the world until 2001 at 200 meters above the river below. The route also skirts the shores of Skadar Lake, the largest lake in the Balkans. Tickets cost roughly 25 euros one way. There is no dining car, so travelers should stock up on food and water before boarding. Modern air-conditioned Serbian trains cover the first half of the route, while the Montenegrin section uses older rolling stock that adds a charming if rustic authenticity.
Which direction is best for the Belgrade to Bar railway scenery? Northbound from Bar to Belgrade is recommended for the Belgrade to Bar railway, as the gradual mountain ascent through Montenegro reveals the most dramatic scenery during daylight hours in all seasons.
Is the Belgrade to Bar train reliable and on time? The Belgrade to Bar railway frequently runs 30 minutes to over an hour behind schedule, so travelers should avoid tight onward connections and plan for delays as a normal part of the experience.
Do I need a passport on the Belgrade to Bar railway? Yes, the Belgrade to Bar railway crosses international borders between Serbia, a brief stretch of Bosnia and Herzegovina, and Montenegro, so a valid passport is required and border police check documents onboard.
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