7 Train Trips Around the World
The seven train trips around the world worth the fare are Switzerland's Glacier Express, Canada's Rocky Mountaineer, the seven-day Trans-Siberian, the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express, India's Maharajas' Express, South Africa's Blue Train and Australia's Ghan. Most are slow on purpose; the scenery is the point. Each offers scenery you can't see from a highway, with food and service built around the ride itself.
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Glacier Express: Switzerland's Alpine Marvel
Switzerland's Glacier Express earns its reputation as the world's slowest express train for good reason. The eight-hour journey between Zermatt and St. Moritz crosses 291 bridges and runs through 91 tunnels, with panoramic windows framing views of the Matterhorn, Rhine Gorge, and Oberalp Pass at 2,033 meters. Lunch comes to your seat, and part of the route runs through UNESCO World Heritage landscape. The Excellence Class elevates the experience with guaranteed window seats, five-course menus, and wine service in lounge-style seating limited to 20 guests. Separate summer and winter seasons, split by a maintenance break from mid-October to early December, let travelers choose between lush summer meadows and dramatic winter snowscapes along this narrow-gauge engineering marvel that has connected Alpine resorts since 1930.
What's the best time to ride the Glacier Express? Summer from May to September offers the longest daylight hours and warmest weather, while winter from December to March provides fairy-tale snow-covered landscapes and fewer crowds, though shorter days limit visibility of distant peaks.
Do I need reservations for the Glacier Express? Yes. Seat reservations are mandatory for all passengers regardless of class or rail pass status, and summer departures book solid months ahead, particularly for Excellence Class and popular mid-morning departure times.
Can the Swiss Travel Pass cover the Glacier Express? The pass fully covers the base train fare, but you'll still pay separately for mandatory seat reservations and any meal upgrades, with Excellence Class requiring an additional 540 CHF supplement on top of a first-class ticket or pass.
Rocky Mountaineer: Canada's Daylight-Only Journey
Rocky Mountaineer runs only in daylight, so passengers see every mile of the Rockies. Glass-dome coaches on routes between Vancouver, Banff, and Jasper reveal soaring peaks, rushing rivers, and wildlife from elevated vantage points. The GoldLeaf Service features bi-level cars with upper-level panoramic seating and lower-level dining rooms where chefs prepare regional cuisine throughout the journey. Overnight hotel stops in Kamloops or Whistler break up multi-day itineraries, allowing travelers to arrive refreshed at mountain destinations. First Passage to the West follows the historic 1885 Canadian Pacific Railway through Kicking Horse Pass, while Rainforest to Gold Rush, which ran its final season in 2026, ventured north through former BC Rail territory. Since VIA Rail sold the service to private owners in 1990, Rocky Mountaineer has won 13 World Travel Awards, eight of them for World's Leading Travel Experience by Train.
When does the Rocky Mountaineer operate? The train runs seasonally from April through October, with wildflowers in May, wildlife most active in June and July, and spectacular golden larch colors throughout September and early October.
What's included in Rocky Mountaineer fares? All packages include gourmet meals onboard, complimentary beverages throughout the journey, overnight hotel accommodations at designated stops like Kamloops, and luggage transfers between hotels, with GoldLeaf adding exclusive lounge access.
How long does the Rocky Mountaineer journey take? The classic two-day Vancouver-to-Banff journey includes one overnight hotel stop, while the three-day Rainforest to Gold Rush route, retired after its 2026 season, had two hotel nights in Whistler and Quesnel, with trains operating only during daylight hours typically from early morning to early evening.
Trans-Siberian Railway: Epic Continental Crossing
The world's longest railway journey spans 9,289 kilometers from Moscow to Vladivostok across eight time zones in seven days aboard the legendary Rossiya train. This epic continental crossing traverses Siberian taiga, skirts Lake Baikal's crystalline shores, and runs through remote country with few roads. Travelers can extend the adventure via Trans-Mongolian branches to Ulaanbaatar or Trans-Manchurian routes through Harbin to Beijing. First-class spalny vagon compartments offer private two-berth cabins with included meals, while second-class kupe provides four-berth accommodations popular with budget travelers. The dining car serves traditional Russian cuisine alongside regional specialties, though many passengers stock up on provisions at platform stops. On tourist-oriented trains, English-speaking attendants help international travelers.
Is the Trans-Siberian Railway safe for solo travelers? Onboard, attendants watch each carriage and compartment doors lock from inside. Check your government's current travel advisory for Russia before booking; several, including the U.S. and U.K., advise against travel there.
What's the difference between Trans-Siberian routes? The original Trans-Siberian runs Moscow to Vladivostok entirely within Russia, Trans-Mongolian branches south through Ulaanbaatar to Beijing offering varied scenery, and Trans-Manchurian crosses into China via Harbin, avoiding Mongolia entirely.
When should I travel the Trans-Siberian? May through September brings the warmest weather and longest days. December through February is colder and darker but easier to book, and the taiga is under snow.
Venice Simplon-Orient-Express: Art Deco Elegance
Belmond runs the train on restored 1920s carriages with their Art Deco interiors intact. Original sleeping cars gleam in navy-and-gold livery, while three restaurant carriages—Étoile du Nord, Côte d'Azur, and L'Oriental—serve gourmet cuisine on Limoges china. Routes connecting London, Paris, Venice, Vienna, Prague, and Budapest wind through Alpine passes and European cultural capitals. Historic Twin cabins feature Pullman-style berths converting to daytime sofas, while new Suites offer ensuite bathrooms and increased space. The annual Paris-Istanbul journey recalls the train's legendary past, though most travelers choose classic overnight Paris-Venice trips. Evening dress is part of the trip: passengers dress formally for multi-course dinners, and a pianist plays in the bar car. This remains one of the world's most authentic luxury train rides, down to the polished wood panels and brass fittings.
How much does the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express cost? Classic London-Venice or Paris-Venice overnight journeys start at several thousand pounds per person in Historic Twin cabins, with Suites commanding premium rates and Grand Suites with ensuite showers representing the pinnacle pricing tier.
Can you still take the original Orient Express? The regular Orient Express service ended in 2009, with today's Venice Simplon-Orient-Express operated by Belmond as a private luxury experience using restored vintage carriages rather than a scheduled passenger service.
What's the dress code on the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express? Smart casual clothing works for daytime, but dinner requires elegant evening wear—cocktail dresses or formal attire for women and jacket and tie for men.
Maharajas' Express: Royal India Unveiled
India's answer to the Orient Express recreates maharaja-era opulence with cabins named after precious gemstones—Diamond, Ruby, Emerald—each decorated with corresponding motifs and semi-precious stone accents. The train's two dining cars serve gourmet Indian and international cuisine on gold-edged Limoges china with Swarovski crystal glassware. Week-long journeys traverse Rajasthan's pink palaces, include sunrise Taj Mahal visits, venture into Ranthambore for tiger safaris, and conclude with evening prayers along Varanasi's Ganges. Butler service attends to every detail, while the Rajah Club bar and Safari lounge provide relaxation between excursions. Four distinct itineraries operate October through April when weather suits both train travel and outdoor exploration. Heritage of India runs from Mumbai to Delhi, The Indian Splendour reverses the route, Indian Panorama explores spiritual sites, and Treasures of India condenses the Golden Triangle into a shorter escape. Seven straight World's Leading Luxury Train titles at the World Travel Awards, from 2012 to 2018, plus an eighth in 2024, back up its claim to world-class luxury.
What's included in Maharajas' Express pricing? Fares cover all onboard accommodations, gourmet meals in both restaurants, premium alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages, guided excursions with transportation, tiger safari experiences at Ranthambore, and personal butler service throughout the journey.
When does the Maharajas' Express operate? The train runs seasonally from October through April when cooler temperatures make Rajasthan comfortable for touring and outdoor excursions, with peak booking periods during December holidays and February-March spring season.
How far in advance should I book the Maharajas' Express? Popular departures sell out six to 12 months ahead, especially December through March, so book early for the cabin and dates you want.
Blue Train: South African Icon
South Africa's Blue Train has run between Pretoria and Cape Town under that name since 1946, when the railway officially adopted the nickname passengers had used for its blue-and-cream carriages since 1937. The 54-hour journey crosses 1,600 kilometers of dramatically shifting landscapes—from highveld grasslands through semi-arid Karoo to lush Western Cape winelands. All-inclusive fares cover 24-hour butler service, chef-prepared meals, premium South African wines, and a mid-journey excursion to Kimberley's Big Hole diamond mine. Soundproofed suites feature ensuite bathrooms, individual climate control, and underfloor heating, converting from daytime lounges to comfortable sleeping quarters. Dinner is formal, with jazz and classical music in the dining car. A smoking Club car offers cigars and cognac, while the Observation car extends the lounge experience with panoramic windows. Notable passengers from Nelson Mandela to Margaret Thatcher have traveled these rails aboard what remains one of Africa's most prestigious hotels on wheels.
What's the Blue Train's route and duration? The signature journey runs between Pretoria and Cape Town covering 1,600 kilometers in 54 hours with two nights onboard, including an off-train excursion to Kimberley's diamond mine museum and lunch mid-journey.
Is there a dress code on the Blue Train? Smart casual attire works for daytime, but evenings require formal dress—elegant evening wear for women and jacket and tie mandatory for men at dinner.
When does the Blue Train operate to Kruger? The Pretoria-to-Kruger National Park journey runs only in selected months, takes about 19 hours one way, and pairs with private-lodge stays near South Africa's premier Big Five wildlife reserve in one of Africa's most famous safaris.
The Ghan: Across Australia's Red Centre
Named for Afghan camel drivers who first opened Australia's interior, The Ghan traverses 1,851 miles between tropical Darwin and temperate Adelaide across four days. The route crosses the outback's red center, where temperatures swing hard between day and night and feral camels roam. Platinum cabins have ensuite bathrooms and their own dining car. The Aurora Australis Suites, added in 2026, bring butler service and a personalized bar; the Aurora Suite is twice the size of a Platinum cabin and the Australis Suite three times. Off-train excursions break the journey at Katherine for Nitmiluk Gorge canoeing, Alice Springs for Outback experiences, and Coober Pedy to explore underground opal mining towns. Regional cuisine showcases barramundi, kangaroo, and Barossa Valley wines in the Queen Adelaide Restaurant.
Departures run March through November, avoiding the outback summer heat. With 28 stainless-steel carriages stretching more than half a mile, the train boards from split platforms. It is the only passenger train that crosses Australia north to south.
How long is The Ghan journey? The Ghan Expedition runs four days with three nights onboard between Darwin and Adelaide, while the standard Ghan covers the same route in three days and two nights, and Adelaide-Alice Springs segments provide shorter alternatives.
What's included in Ghan fares? All-inclusive pricing covers cabin accommodations, gourmet regional meals, premium Australian wines and beverages, guided off-train excursions at Katherine, Alice Springs, and Coober Pedy, plus luggage handling and transfers.
When should I ride The Ghan? The train operates March through November, with April-May offering mild autumn weather, June-August providing winter's clearest skies for stargazing, and September-October delivering wildflower blooms across the Outback landscape.
Plan Your Legendary Rail Journey with Miimu
Most of these trains sell out months ahead, and several run only part of the year, so the planning starts early. Sign up for Miimu to save and organize this guide into a living travel bundle you can update anytime. Add notes about preferred seasons, group routes by continent, track booking timelines, and keep everything ready for your rail adventure.
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