Why we do not rank routes
Picking five of the world’s most beautiful train rides would mean leaving out a great many excellent lines, and views depend on the season, the weather and which side of the carriage you sit on. Instead, this article looks at why trains work so well for sightseeing and how to plan a long journey without it becoming a chore.
Why trains suit sightseeing
Compared with driving or flying, a train offers several advantages for anyone who wants to look at the landscape.
- You can watch instead of drive. Nobody in the carriage has to concentrate on the road.
- Routes follow interesting terrain. Railways were often built along rivers, through valleys and across mountain passes, so lines can pass through places roads do not reach. Engineers used viaducts, tunnels, loops and bridges to cross difficult ground, and these structures are often part of the view.
- You can move around. Many trains have dining cars, observation cars, open platforms or large windows, and you can stand, stretch and change seats.
- The pace is gentle. Speeds allow you to take in details, from farmland and small stations to coastlines and forests.
- Lower stress. Compared with an airport, a station is often simpler to navigate, though the guide to public transit abroad is worth a look if the system is unfamiliar.
What makes a route scenic
Several features appear again and again. Mountain routes provide switchbacks, high passes and snow views; coastal routes run beside cliffs, beaches or estuaries; river valleys offer a calm sequence of villages and vineyards; desert and plains routes have huge skies and long horizons; and northern routes may pass lakes, forests and, in the right conditions, snow-covered scenery. Which one suits you depends on your tastes, and the idea of scenic rail journeys is best understood as a type of trip rather than a short list of famous names.
Trains of different types
Not all scenic trains are the same, and knowing the type helps you choose.
- Regular scheduled services are used by locals and are often the least expensive way to see a region. They may be crowded at commuter times and make many stops.
- Long-distance trains may run overnight, with seats, sleeper compartments or couchettes.
- Dedicated tourist trains are built for sightseeing, with panoramic windows, commentary and sometimes meals. They are usually more expensive and may run seasonally.
- Heritage and steam railways operate historic equipment, usually on short lines, often run by volunteers.
- Mountain railways such as rack or cog railways climb steep slopes to viewpoints.
Booking
Details vary by country and operator, so the following is a general guide.
- Check how booking works. In some countries you can simply buy a ticket at the station, while others require reservations, particularly on long-distance or tourist trains. Popular scenic services can sell out during peak season.
- Choose your seat deliberately. Which side of the train has the better view is often discussed on route pages and by operators. Ask or read the route description. Window seats are usually worth requesting, and some trains let you choose.
- Compare classes. Higher classes can mean more space, larger windows or meals, but not always. Check what is included.
- Look at passes. Some regions sell multi-day or multi-trip passes. Whether one saves money depends on how much you will ride, so do the arithmetic for your own itinerary.
- Read cancellation rules. Fares may be flexible or not, and travel insurance can sometimes help with disruptions, depending on the policy.
For a more detailed look at preparation, see the guide on how to plan a scenic train ride.
Pacing a long route
A long route can be wonderful but tiring if you try to fit too much in. Some suggestions:
- Break a very long route into two or more legs with a night in between, which also lets you see towns along the way.
- Ride the most scenic stretch in daylight. Overnight trains pass through landscapes in the dark, so check the timetable to see what you will actually see.
- Bring snacks and water, since food service varies and is not guaranteed.
- Pack a light layer, a charger, a book and a small bag for the seat. Packing light helps with narrow aisles and overhead racks.
- Allow for delays, especially on long distances or in winter, and avoid tight connections or same-day flights after a train.
Schedules and conditions
Timetables change by season and by year. Check the following shortly before traveling: whether the service runs on your date, departure times and stops, planned maintenance or track works, replacement buses, and weather-related disruptions. Some scenic lines operate only in summer or only on certain days. Border crossings may add time and paperwork, and the explanation of passport and visas outlines what to look at for international routes.
Making the most of the window
Arrive early to get settled, keep your camera ready but also put it down occasionally to simply watch, and consider that reflections in glass can spoil photos, so a dark cloth or jacket held to the window can help. Open windows or platforms, where available, can improve photography but need care.
Whichever route you pick, a good train trip tends to come from the right season, a seat with a view, and a schedule that leaves room to enjoy the ride.