The World's Most Thrilling Train Journeys

For adventure seekers looking for an excitement beyond the usual hike or bungee jump, consider a journey by train. Some of the world’s most scenic and exciting rail routes traverse mountains, jungles and stunning landscapes that would be nearly impossible to experience otherwise. Here some of the most epic and world’s most thrilling train journeys.

The Tren a las Nubes in Argentina

Nicknamed the «Train to the Clouds,» the Tren a las Nubes in Argentina’s Salta province is one of the highest railways in the world. Covering 217 miles between Salta and Polulos, the journey tops out at 13,779 feet above sea level.

From the comfort of vintage rail cars, you’ll cross 29 bridges, go through 21 tunnels and climb the stunning red mountains of the Andes. The vertigo-inducing route was built in the 1870s and is a legendary experience for thrill-seeking globetrotters.

Into the Sacred Valley, PeruRail’s Vistadome

For a glimpse into the heart of the Inca Empire, travel through the Sacred Valley of Peru on the Vistadome train, with breathtaking views through the glass ceiling and sides. Leaving from Poroy station, you’ll journey into the Andes mountains toward Machu Picchu, passing colorful villages, agricultural terraces and ancient ruins.

From the open-air balcony, savor a pisco sour while gazing at the peak of Huayna Picchu. The magical scenery and narrow valleys of the Sacred Valley are best experienced aboard this scenic train.

High in the Himalayas, The Darjeeling Himalayan Railway

A journey on the Darjeeling Himalayan Railway, also known as the «Toy Train,» offers a glimpse into the mighty Himalayas as it climbs 7,407 feet in just 50 miles. Established in 1881, the narrow-gauge line connects New Jaipaiguri and Darjeeling, passing through Siliguri and offering views of Mount Kanchenjunga.

The miniature steam engine maneuvers up steep slopes and around tight bends, surrounded by rolling hills blanketed in tea plantations. The leisurely pace means you can truly soak in the scenery and Himalayan ambiance.

Glacier Express in Switzerland

This train journey crosses 291 bridges and goes through 91 tunnels as it traverses Swiss mountains and valleys. It connects Zermatt and St. Moritz, two alpine resort towns. Passengers can see massive glaciers, snow-capped peaks and charming mountain villages along the way.

The Flåm Railway in Norway

This steep rail line climbs over 2,800 feet in just 12.5 miles. It passes massive waterfalls, snowy peaks and fjords along the Sognefjord, Norway’s longest and deepest fjord. The Flåm Railway is considered one of the steepest standard-gauge railways in the world, with a gradient of up to 55%.

The Golden Eagle Danube Express

For a luxury rail journey, the Golden Eagle Danube Express travels through Central and Eastern Europe, including Austria, the Czech Republic, Slovakia, Hungary and Romania. Passengers travel in elegantly restored sleeper cars with fine dining, enjoying tours of Budapest, Krakow, Prague and more along the way.

The Palace on Wheels

In Rajasthan, India, the Palace on Wheels luxury train lives up to its name with 14 salons decorated in Rajasthani style. The train travels through the Thar Desert with stops at historic forts, palaces and wildlife reserves. Passengers can go on a desert safari, see traditional Rajasthani entertainment and sample delicacies of royal Rajasthan.

The Canadian

The Canadian travels 2 nights and 3 days between Toronto and Vancouver, passing through the stunning scenery of the Canadian Shield and the Canadian Rockies.

Dome cars provide panoramic views of ancient glaciers, waterfalls, gorges and snow-capped mountains. Wildlife sightings of black bears, elk and bald eagles are common along this epic transcontinental journey.

The Ocean Express in Ecuador

This luxury train journey travels from Quito to Guayaquil, passing through the Andes Mountains down to Ecuador’s Pacific coast. Passengers travel in refurbished sleeper cars with fine dining, enjoying stunning views of volcanoes, rainforests and beaches along the way. Highlights include stopping at the Nariz del Diablo train station, one of the highest in the world at 11,641 feet.

The Golden Eagle Silk Road Express

This luxury train travels through Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, Turkmenistan and Iran, following the ancient Silk Road trading route. The 2-week journey visits historic Silk Road cities like Tashkent, Samarkand, Bukhara and Merv, with stops to see ancient madrassas, fortresses, mosques and UNESCO World Heritage sites. Local guides provide insights into the history and culture of each location.

The Shongololo Express

For an African rail adventure, the Shongololo Express travels through South Africa, Zimbabwe, Zambia and Tanzania. The train has three different routes visiting Kruger National Park, Victoria Falls, the Kalahari Desert and more.

Private cabins have twin or double beds and ensuite facilities. An onboard lounge car provides gorgeous views with meals, drinks and bar service. Guided tours visit historic sites along the way like Great Zimbabwe Ruins.

The Golden Pass Panoramic

This scenic rail line traverses the Swiss Alps, connecting Montreux on Lake Geneva to Lucerne. The journey features a combination of regular trains and panoramic trains with huge windows that provide nearly 360-degree views.

Passengers glide past Alpine lakes, mountain vistas and the Romantic town of Château-d’Oex, known for its hot-air balloon rides. The chilled yet breathtaking setting of the Swiss Alps is perfect for this all-day rail adventure.

The bottom line: Most Thrilling Train Journeys

For those in search of adventure, a rail journey allows for a thrilling experience of landscapes and scenery in a way that would otherwise be difficult to access. From the heights of the Tibetan Plateau to the depths of the Sacred Valley, a train ride through the world’s most thrilling train journeys that will provide memories to last a lifetime.