The Best Train Journeys Around the World for 2026

In an era defined by speed and efficiency, the timeless allure of train travel offers a compelling alternative. It invites us to slow down, to savor the journey itself, and to watch the world unfold from the comfort of a window seat. More than just a mode of transport, a great train journey is a moving panorama of landscapes, cultures, and history. As you plan your adventures for 2026, consider trading the hustle of airports for the rhythmic poetry of the rails on one of these unforgettable routes.

The Rocky Mountaineer, Canada

For those seeking dramatic, unspoiled wilderness, the Rocky Mountaineer in Western Canada is a journey of a lifetime. This is not a sleeper train but a daylight luxury experience designed purely for sightseeing. As it winds its way through the majestic Canadian Rockies, passengers are treated to breathtaking views of snow-capped peaks, turquoise glacial lakes, and dense pine forests from bi-level, glass-domed coaches. The route between Vancouver and the mountain towns of Banff or Jasper is particularly spectacular, offering a front-row seat to one of the planet's most stunning natural theaters. Along the way, expert hosts share stories of the region’s history and point out wildlife like bears, eagles, and elk. It’s an immersive experience that connects you deeply with the grandeur of the North American wilderness.

The Venice Simplon-Orient-Express, Europe

Synonymous with the golden age of travel, the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express continues to capture the imagination with its blend of timeless glamour and romance. Stepping aboard its restored 1920s and 1930s carriages is like entering another world, one of polished wood, intricate marquetry, and plush fabrics. The classic journey between London and Venice meanders through the French countryside and the Swiss Alps, offering a constantly shifting backdrop of picturesque villages and staggering mountain passes. The experience is as much about the onboard life as it is about the scenery. Guests dress for dinner, enjoying gourmet meals in opulent dining cars before retiring to their private cabins, lulled to sleep by the gentle motion of the train. It is a celebration of slow travel, where the journey itself is the celebrated destination.

The TranzAlpine, New Zealand

Widely regarded as one of the world's great one-day train rides, New Zealand's TranzAlpine offers an astonishingly diverse cross-section of the South Island's landscapes. The journey travels from Christchurch on the east coast to Greymouth on the west, covering a distance of just 223 kilometers in about five hours. In that short time, it traverses the fertile Canterbury Plains, carves through the dramatic gorges of the Waimakariri River, and climbs into the magnificent Southern Alps. The engineering marvels of the route, including numerous tunnels and viaducts, are as impressive as the scenery. From the open-air viewing carriage, you can feel the crisp mountain air and fully absorb the panoramic vistas that make this journey so special. It’s a compact but incredibly powerful showcase of New Zealand’s rugged beauty.

The Ghan, Australia

To truly comprehend the vastness of the Australian continent, there is no better way than to traverse it aboard The Ghan. This legendary train travels nearly 3,000 kilometers from Darwin in the north to Adelaide in the south, cutting directly through the fiery red heart of the Outback. The three-day, two-night journey is an expedition into a landscape that is both harsh and beautiful, offering a glimpse into a part of the world few get to see. The train makes several stops for off-train excursions, allowing passengers to explore the underground opal mining town of Coober Pedy or take a boat cruise through the stunning Nitmiluk (Katherine) Gorge. As the scenery shifts from tropical Top End to arid desert to the rolling hills of South Australia, The Ghan provides a comfortable and captivating way to experience the soul of Australia.

The Bernina Express, Switzerland & Italy

Connecting Chur in Switzerland to Tirano in Italy, the Bernina Express is a masterpiece of railway engineering that offers some of the most spectacular alpine scenery in Europe. The route is so remarkable for its construction and its relationship with the landscape that it has been designated a UNESCO World Heritage site. The train climbs over the Bernina Pass without the use of cogwheels, ascending to an altitude of over 2,253 meters. Passengers in its panoramic cars are treated to views of glistening glaciers, deep ravines, and charming mountain villages. The journey's most famous feature is the circular Brusio Viaduct, an elegant spiral of stone that allows the train to navigate a sharp change in elevation. In just four hours, the Bernina Express transitions from the icy heights of the Alps to the palm trees of Italy, making it a dizzyingly beautiful and diverse experience.

Choosing a train journey for your 2026 travels is an investment in a different kind of adventure—one that prioritizes experience over expediency. It’s a chance to disconnect from the digital world and reconnect with the physical one, watching magnificent landscapes glide by at a pace that allows you to truly appreciate them.