With the surge of eco-conscious travelers, the idea of going from Point A to Point B by means of flying is becoming more unattractive. Especially since Greta Thunberg, Swedish teenage environmental activist, brought light to the concept of flygskam which translates to flight shame, travelers are reminded to think deeply about their travel transportation options.

A great alternative that is making its way into many avid traveler’s itinerary is train instead of planes. 2020 looks forward to more healthy options for the planet and slow travel is making its way up to the list of traveler’s wishlist. Here are some of the most astonishing scenic train rides you can consider for your next trip categorised into continents!

Oceania

1. New Zealand’s The TranzAlpine

Considered the best scenic train ride in New Zealand, and regarded as one of the best in the world, the ride takes you from Christchurch to Greymouth on the South Island’s west coast before it goes through the glorious misty mountain scenery of the Southern Alps.

Transverse  the brilliant Canterbury Plains with the backdrop of the Southern Alps. The train also ascends through gorges and river valleys of the Waimakariri River, a sight that is unmissable! TranzAlpine trains are comfortable and perfect for enjoying scenery thanks to the huge panoramic windows. The train also runs daily throughout the year!

Duration: 4.5 - 5 hours

Distance: 223 km

2. Australia’s The Ghan

Always wanted to explore Australia but the huge charismatic wilderness intimidates you? The Ghan is reportedly one of the most comfortable ways to experience it! 

Running through the heart of the country between the South Coast at Adelaide and the North Coast at Darwin, The Ghan offers incredible views throughout the ride. Running since 1929, onboard there are dining features, private cabins and space for travelers to mingle!

Duration: 54 hours or 2 nights 3 days

Distance: 2,979 km

Asia

3. Japan’s Train Suite Shiki-shima

With its futuristic features, this luxury train service will surely blow your mind! Train Suite Shiki-shima offers an exciting range of journeys where you are able to deeply enjoy Japan’s incredible and rich nature and culture with immense comfort. 

An easy comparison would be a boutique hotel on wheels with the bookend of the train being observation decks that offers unobstructed views of Japan’s forests, fields and coastline. The magical and spectacular train is cosmically luxurious that even the dining menu is devised by the only Michelin-starred chef in the world, Katsuhiro Nakamura!

Europe

4. Glacier Express

Offering incredible views of the Swiss Alps, the Glacier Express route takes you through Valais, Uri and Graubunden where natural spectacles are in abundance. Stopping by the alpine village of Zermatt, you will find yourself in awe of the Matterhorn. 

You will also be able to take in the majestic beauty that is Rhine Gorge or otherwise known as the Grand Canyon of Switzerland. Known as the ‘slowest express train in the world’, the train squeezes itself through the Alps, narrow valleys, 91 tunnels and across an incredible 291 bridges!

Glacier Express also boasts huge panoramic windows on their carriages which offers uninterrupted views. Both the 1st and 2nd class coaches have the panoramic sealed windows that goes all the way to the roof so you could take in the endless skies above the Swiss Alps!

Duration: 8 hours

Distance: 300 km

5. Russia’s Golden Eagle Trans-Siberian

Undoubtedly the world’s greatest railway journey, the Trans-Siberian Railway runs across mysterious Russia, connecting the east and west, going from Moscow over the Urals to Vladivostok. One of the biggest features is going across Lake Baikal, the deepest lake in the world and holds 20% of the world’s freshwater. Not only that, there are also off-bound experiences included like visiting a nomadic family in a Mongolian ger on the way to the final destination.

At the end of the journey, you would have passed through 8 time zones and a third of the world’s total - isn’t that an incredible feat on its own? 

Duration: 14-15 days

Distance: 11,000 km

6. Balkan’s Belgrade to Bar Train

The Belgrade-Bar Railway Line is an incredible route that promises authentic culture and geographic wonders as it transverse the unsullied, rich natural landscapes. As the train ventures from the Serbian capital of Belgrade to Montenegro’s Adriatic Coast, magnificent views of the Dinaric Alps, canyons and bridges over river gorges will surely take your breath away.

The biggest highlight of this train route is Mala Rijeka viaduct, just before Podgorica, the capital of Montenegro. Standing at 200 meters high and 500 meters long, it was the highest railway bridge in the world, until 2001. 

Duration: 11 hours

Distance: 476 km

7. Norway’s Bergens Line

The Bergen Railway Line runs between Oslo and Bergen where all can travel comfortably as they indulge in incredible beautiful landscapes in Norway. It is also Northern Europe’s highest railway. While you can do the trip overnight for practicality, most do it in the day so as to not miss the impressive views. 

With 180 tunnels and 22 stops, there is enough time for all to stay onboard and to leave to see all the sights they stop by. The views range from low lands when the train leaves Oslo before moving on through forests and lakes. Later, the train moves upward to the mountains and to the highest point Finse Station which is located about 1222 meters above sea level.

Duration: 7 hours

Distance: 371 km

Africa

8. South Africa’s Shongololo Express

With an option to choose from three journeys, Rovos’s The Shonglolo Express transverse across South Africa, Namibia, Swaziland, Mozambique and Zimbabwe with a variety of off-train excursions. In operation since 1995, The Shonglolo Express offers one of the most interesting and value-packed ways to explore South Africa as you stay aboard a serviced hotel train. Marketed as a “three-star”, compared to Rovos’ usual five-star product, it is less formal at dinner making it a more affordable option.

The train travels during the night to the next stop on schedule so that each morning, guests wake up to a new and refreshing vista on the African soil. Due to their practical schedule, guests are able to productively divide their time during the holidays. There are also spaces for travelers to mingle!

9. South Africa’s Blue Train

One of the world’s premier luxury trains, this luxury rail cruise gives the guests an opportunity to view South Africa’s spectacular landscapes and visiting interesting tourist attractions along the way. Entering the train, you will be introduced to a world of timeless grace and elegance due to the decoration style of the train cabins. There are two routes that can be picked from: one between Capetown and Pretoria and another between Pretoria and Hoedspruit. 

The route from Pretoria and Hoedspruit is one of the most popular ones due to the availability of impressive tours that include many wildlife reserves and private safari lodges in the Greater Kruger and Sabi Sands area. The Kruger National Park is South Africa’s top three destinations and is one of Africa’s largest game reserves.

Duration: 3 days 2 night

Distance: 1,600 km

North America

10. California’s Napa Valley Wine Train 

The Napa Valley Wine Train is one of the best ways to experience Napa Valley’s exciting scenery and have been in service for over 30 years. This antique train is powered by two modified 1950s-era engines and is best of all, eco-friendly as it runs on a combination of natural gas and diesel fuel. The cabins cars are vintage and have been refurbished in order to charm the guests with their original glory including details such as mahogany paneling and etched glass partitions.

The train makes stops at many famous wineries on the way so you will not miss out! During winter, the train also engages a route that goes all the way to the North Pole as well as the train transforms into the Santa Train which welcomes kids of all ages. Round the year, there are also themed experiences such as “Murder Mystery Dining Tour” where you can don your best 1920s attire and enjoy an evening of mystery and mayhem. For the wine enthusiasts who are looking for an experience of a lifetime, the Napa Valley Wine Train is your pick!

Duration: 3 hours 

Distance:  58 km

11. Canada’s The Rocky Mountaineer

This Canadian luxury train offers a unique take on the rail routes connecting Vancouver, Canada and the Canadian Rockies, a beautiful untouched landscape of natural wonder. The Rocky Mountaineer travels by daylight through the wilderness of Canada’s West, offering incredible journeys in spacious glass-dome train coaches. 

One of the many perks of riding the train is the full glass dome which allows an unobstructed view of the sights. One of the many perks of riding the train is the full glass dome which allows an unobstructed view of the sights. The Rocky Mountaineer offers three different routes to explore the charming wilderness of Canada and the Canadian Rockies. 

There are also off-bound tours and activities offered so that you could curate custom vacation packages. Rocky Mountaineer works with local tour operators and travel experts so that you can make the most productive schedule for your holidays!

Duration: 2-3 days, depending on itineraries 

12. Arizona’s Grand Canyon Railway

In service since 1901, the Grand Canyon Railway and Hotel has been taking passengers on a journey to one of the seven wonders of the world. As the train moves onwards, the terrain changes from high desert to prairie and from prairie to pine. 

The Grand Canyon Railway provides a fun way to learn the history of the area with the help of authentic western characters who breathes life into the storytelling. By riding the train instead of automobiles, it is also a better way to enjoy the Grand Canyon as it preserves the pristine natural beauty of the wonder of the world.

13. Colorado’s Durango and Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad

Founded by the Denver & Rio Grande Railway in 1879, the line was initially constructed to haul silver and gold ore from Southwest Colorado’s San Juan Mountains. Soon enough, the passengers realised that the view was too brilliant for the route to just be transporting ore. Now, this family-friendly ride is for all to enjoy as it transverse across Colorado’s mountain splendor which is inaccessible by highway. This historic train has been in operation since 1882, carrying passengers on vintage steam locomotives, rolling along the incredible lines. There are also themed excursions on the train according to seasons with one for summer and one for winter/spring!

South America

14. Argentina’s Train to the Clouds

Leaving from Salta in Argentina, this Train to the Clouds or Tren a las Nubes rides all the way you into the Andes Mountains to an altitude of over 4000 meters. Originally built for economic and social reasons, it is now primarily utilised for tourists as part of a heritage railway. The line has 29 bridges, 21 tunnels, 31 viaducts, 2 spirals and 2 zigzags. The zigzag allows for the train to climb up driving back and forth parallel to the slope of the mountain. The railroad is also a major Argentinian attraction as it reached almost 14,000 feet above sea level, one of the three highest in the world! One of the biggest features of the region is also the incredible rock formations that the train passes by. 

Duration: 8 hours

Distance: 217 km

15. Ecuador’s Nariz del Diablo

As you ride the Nariz del Diablo, marvel over the impressive engineering feat of the zigzag railroads. Due to the mountain that climbs almost perpendicular walls, the railroad was built to ascend  more than 500 meters in less than 12.5km with steep ascents and descents. As you wind down the mind-blowing descent, enjoy the view of the narrow gorge of river Chanchan. One of the passengers favourite off-board experiences includes visiting the Inca ruins.

16. Peru’s Sacred Valley Train

From Urubamba to Machu Picchu, the Sacred Valley Train offers majestic Andean landscapes. The train itself is quite exclusive as it only accommodates 33 passengers! The ride also takes in the lesser known tracks between Urubamba and Ollantaytambo before joining the “main line” down to Machu Picchu.

The train also exudes the elegance of the 1920s which is reflected in the sumptuous Dining Car and Observation Bar Car. The train also makes a brief stop at the Belmond Hotel Rio Sagrado, where guests could board and disembark. 

Duration: 3 hours

With the many charming rail options, it is no wonder why trains are beginning to gain a bigger number of travelers utilising its service. Opportunities to stop by little villages or impressive sights in the midst of hours of traveling is such a thrill as passengers can take a break instead of just sitting through the whole distance. Plus, it is a better travel choice for the planet! Why not kickstart your 2020 travels with a train ride?