Train travel is one of the best ways to travel, as it offers some of the best comfort, scenic views, and affordable costs. Here at Superior Cruise & Travel, we specialize in all-inclusive vacation packages and cruise travels (with some of the best cruise payment plans on the market), but we can appreciate epic train rides to and through some of our favorite countries. Because when it comes to train travel, it’s all about experience.
If you find any of our advice helpful, reach out to us for your future travel plans — or to book accommodation and activities once you’re off that train! Without further ado, here are some of the most amazing training rides in the world:
Bernina Express
The Bernina Express is hailed as one of the greatest train journeys in the world, and one of Switzerland’s many splendid options. In just four hours, the journey takes you across 196 bridges and 55 tunnels, all set to an Alpine backdrop. During the 90-mile trip, you’ll see waterfalls, ravines, and much more — and you can do so while sipping on a hot coffee and enjoying views through vista windows, crafted specifically to help travelers look out the windows without bothering their necks.
First Passage To the West
Rocky Mountaineer’s First Passage to the West takes passengers from Vancouver to Banff, covering a large portion of southern British Columbia. Exquisite scenery make this train ride a spectacular journey: there’s Fraser Canyon Hell’s Gate, the snow-capped Rockies, the Black Canyon, the blue-green waters of Kimbasket Lake, and the HooDoos rock formations (which are steeped in urban legend). This is more than just a train ride with a view, though: it’s a historic train ride, made famous by uniting Canada’s east to its west.
Tren a las Nubes (A Train To The Clouds)
The Train to the Clouds is a 7-hour journey from Salta, Argentina to Chile, and is the highest elevation train journey that doesn’t use a rack and pinion system. It climbs 13,800 feet and has quite the Andean scenery to boast: from multicolored rock formations to forested ranges, there’s plenty to pay attention to. The train ride takes you across 29 bridges, two spirals, two zigzags, and 21 tunnels. If you’re worried about the altitude, try and relax: there are always doctors on board for those that don’t adjust well, and oxygen tanks in preparation for the occasional traveler.
TranzAlpine
For a front-row seat to New Zealand’s most dramatic scenery, you’ll want to hop aboard the TranzApline. It begins in vibrant capital, Christchurch, and ends in Greymouth, formerly a historic gold mining town. The South Island’s Southern Alps take center stage here, but the train travels through many other jaw-dropping locations, including snow-capped mountains of Arthur’s Pass National Park, several subtropical rainforests, and the Waimakariri River. You’ll also pass through deep gorges and tunnels, and see plenty of animals along the way.
A pro tip advice: while you aren’t allowed to select tickets in advance during booking, you can call to request a seat that’s preferable to you. Generally, the left side offers better views, and you might want to request getting a seat closer to the viewing platform.
Trans-Siberian Railway
A list on epic train journeys around the world wouldn’t be complete without mentioning Russia’s Trans-Siberian Railway. This is the world’s longest rail route, at a staggering 5,772 miles long. It starts in Moscow and spans across the width of Russia to its east side, and is still being expanded. Riders on this eight-day journey will pass through the Ural Mountains, cross the Siberian Forest, cross a 3,227-foot bridge and gawk at breathtaking Lake Baikal, the largest freshwater lake in the world. The ride is fairly comfortable, and surprisingly affordable. For many, the Trans-Siberian Railway is a bucket-list item just waiting to be ticked off.
