Once-in-a-lifetime train trips
One such journey is aboard the Aurora Winter Train in Alaska, which operates from mid-September to early May. This 12-hour rail expedition takes passengers through Alaska’s snow-covered landscapes, offering a chance to witness the Northern Lights and encounter local wildlife. The 351-mile track runs between Anchorage and Fairbanks, passing through Denali National Park & Preserve.
Jacobite Steam Train, Scotland
In Scotland, the Jacobite Steam Train, popular among Harry Potter fans, offers an 84-mile round-trip journey. It crosses the iconic Glenfinnan Viaduct, providing stunning views of valleys, lochs, and the Scottish Highlands. Operating between April and October, it starts from Fort William and ends at Mallaig on the West Coast.
Peru’s Belmond Andean Explorer, South America
Peru’s Belmond Andean Explorer, South America’s first luxury sleeper train, takes passengers through the Peruvian Andes, reaching heights of 14,000 feet. The journey, spanning one or two nights, offers mesmerizing views from Puno to Cusco.
The Glacier Express in Switzerland provides a front-row seat to the Swiss Alps. Starting near the Matterhorn in Zermatt and concluding in St. Moritz, it crosses breathtaking landscapes, including the Rhine Gorge and the Oberalp Pass.
TranzAlpine Train, New Zealand
New Zealand’s TranzAlpine Train is a spectacular 11-hour round trip between Christchurch and Greymouth. It traverses farmlands, deep gorges, and waterfalls, showcasing the diverse beauty of New Zealand’s South Island.
Rocky Mountaineer, Canada
The Rocky Mountaineer in Canada and the USA offers journeys through dramatic landscapes, with options starting in the Canadian Rockies or Vancouver and extending to Moab in Utah and Denver in Colorado.
Australia’s The Ghan, the world’s longest passenger train, traverses the Australian Red Centre, covering 1,737 miles from Darwin to Adelaide. This all-inclusive package includes off-train experiences like camel tours and helicopter rides.
Eastern & Oriental Express, Southeast Asia
In Southeast Asia, the Eastern & Oriental Express operates between Bangkok and Singapore. The train’s vintage décor and open observation car make the journey through Malaysia’s rice paddies and Thailand’s River Kwai a unique experience.
Dar es Salaam by Rovos Rail, Africa
Africa’s Dar es Salaam by Rovos Rail combines the romance of train travel with African safari adventures. The 15-day journey spans South Africa to Tanzania, passing through Botswana, Zimbabwe, and Zambia.
Lastly, the Seven Stars in Kyushu, Japan, offers itineraries that explore the island’s seven prefectures, seven major attractions, and the luxury of a seven-carriage train. The panoramic windows of the first and seventh cars offer stunning views of Japan’s countryside.