By KBC Associate 
Train travel is having a moment, and it’s no mystery why.
Compared to flying, trains offer incredible views of scenic landscapes and remote villages, including some that are difficult to access any other way. Plus, trains are a more relaxed way to get from one place to the next, with no 100-milliliter liquid rules or snaking security lines to worry about.
Here’s our roundup of the most scenic trains you can take around the globe — the ones that’ll have you feeling like a young Paul Theroux as you trundle through countryside, desert, mountains and more.
Related: Best European routes where you should take a train instead of a plane
Britannic Explorer, a Belmond Train in England and Wales
In July, Belmond will unveil the Britannic Explorer, the first luxury sleeper train in England and Wales. This service aims to showcase local culture with three- or six-night routes through the landscapes of Cornwall, the Lake District and Wales. During the day, passengers can choose from optional guided excursions to explore each region’s cultural and natural wonders. Back on the train, you’ll enjoy lunch, afternoon tea and dinner menus that highlight local specialties and were designed by chef Simon Rogan, whose restaurants collectively hold 10 Michelin stars worldwide.
Cabins on this opulent train start at 6,300 pounds (roughly $8,380) for three nights.
TPG tip: If those train fares stretch your budget, save on airfare to London — the starting point for the Britannic Explorer — by booking your flights with points and miles. British Airways Club is a great option, and you can transfer Avios from most major credit card points and miles programs at a 1:1 ratio.
Related: How 3 credit card bonuses got me a week in London
Eastern & Oriental Express, a Belmond Train in Singapore and Malaysia
This opulent sleeper train features its own piano bar, two restaurant cars, an open-air observation car and now a Dior Spa. As far as train travel is concerned, this journey is as luxurious as they come, with high-end service matched only by first-class views along the way.
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You can choose between various three-night itineraries that all start in Singapore and explore different parts of Malaysia. There’s the “Wild Malaysia” journey through Taman Negara National Park and Penang, the “Tastes of Tomorrow” trip with award-winning chefs and expert mixologists, and the “Festive Malaysia” trip in December.
It probably goes without saying that it’s not a cheap trip (prices for the Eastern & Oriental Express start around $4,650 per person), but it is one of the most luxurious trains you can ride.
TPG tip: You can also save money by booking your trip to Singapore with points and miles. For example, you can fly from San Francisco to Singapore for only 42,000 Singapore KrisFlyer miles plus $6 one-way.
Rocky Mountaineer in the American Southwest
This iconic luxury train operator, famous for its tours of Western Canada, launched its first route in the U.S. in 2021. Rockies to the Red Rocks takes guests on a two-day journey between Denver and Moab, Utah, with an overnight stop at the Colorado hot springs town of Glenwood Springs. (This isn’t a sleeper train, so guests stay in a hotel in Glenwood Springs.)
The train only operates during the day, so travelers won’t miss a minute of scenery from the glass-domed train cars with outdoor viewing decks as the towering Rocky Mountains give way to Utah’s almost Martian desert landscape. After all, Moab is the gateway to Arches National Park, named for its surreal sandstone arches and rock formations.
You can book the Rockies to the Red Rocks itinerary from $1,723 per person. Rocky Mountaineer plans to expand this route from Denver to Salt Lake City and rebrand it as Canyon Spirit in 2026.
TPG tip: You can save on domestic flights to Denver by using points and miles, and the Mile High City offers plenty of points hotels, including some affiliated with Hilton and Hyatt.
Related: Colorado’s ski train is back — and tickets start at $19 one-way
Gornergrat Railway in Switzerland
Perhaps the most unusual train journey on this list, Gornergrat Railway’s NostalChic Class train is a perfectly restored 1960s cogwheel train that carries only 22 guests once every week. While on this train, you’ll enjoy delicious aperitifs served by your own personal concierge before savoring a four-course feast at Gornergrat — the highest open-air railway terminus in Europe. Plus, every seat has a window to take in the mountain views.
The service ferries its passengers on an epic six-hour loop that starts and ends in the mountain resort of Zermatt. Fares cost 320 Swiss francs (about $380) for this truly unique rail experience.
TPG tip: Air France-KLM Flying Blue often has cheap award flights from the U.S. to Zurich Airport (ZRH) and Geneva Airport (GVA). From there, it’s a three- to four-hour drive to Zermatt. You can easily transfer points or miles to Flying Blue at a 1:1 ratio from all the major transferable points and miles programs.
Related: There’s a new high-speed train connecting 2 major European capitals
La Dolce Vita Orient Express in Italy
The new La Dolce Vita Orient Express sleeper train just launched May 1, and it comes courtesy of hotel group Accor. It’s an art deco masterpiece that takes you through the heart of some of Italy’s most iconic destinations.
Passengers can sip world-class cocktails between fine dining courses on eight different one- or two-night itineraries, including a Sicilian route that starts and ends in Palermo after circling through Agrigento and Taormina. Along the way, you’ll see charming villages and speed by the imposing Mount Etna. Other standout journeys include a romantic service between Rome and Venice and a wine lover’s route through Tuscan vineyards.
Two-day, one-night itineraries for the La Dolce Vita Orient Express start at 3,060 euros (about $3,420) per person in the offseason.
TPG tip: Members of Accor Live Limitless can earn 2,500 ALL points for every 1,000 euros spent on La Dolce Vita Orient Express, and unlock automatic elite status depending on which cabin or suite you book.
Related: Things that surprised me about my first luxury train journey
Bernina Express in Switzerland
You’ll see everything from glaciers to palm trees on this 4 1/2-hour panoramic train ride, which passes through 55 tunnels and nearly 200 bridges on its way from Chur, Switzerland, to Tirano — a small town just across the border in Italy. You’ll also pass over the spectacular Landwasser Viaduct, part of the Rhaetian Railway UNESCO World Heritage Site.
A first-class ticket for the Bernina Express will set you back around $160 one-way. Or you might consider getting a Swiss Travel Pass Flex (from $349), which entitles you to unlimited travel in Switzerland by train (including panoramic routes), bus or boat as well as admission to over 500 museums.
TPG tip: There aren’t many points hotels in Chur and Tirano, so you may opt to book your lodging through a credit card travel portal like Chase Travel or Capital One Travel in order to earn bonus points or miles or redeem points or miles on your stay.
The Northern Explorer in New Zealand
Fly into Auckland and board the Northern Explorer, New Zealand’s longest-running passenger train. It chugs through Hamilton, Otorohanga, Palmerston North and Paraparaumu, among other locations, en route to the capital, Wellington.
When exploring New Zealand by rail, you’ll see everything from volcanic peaks to the rugged coast. The roughly 11-hour journey isn’t exactly the fastest way to get around New Zealand, but it is one of the most beautiful. You can also add stops to hike the Tongariro Alpine Crossing or navigate the glowworm-lit chambers of the Waitomo Caves along the way. One-way fares for the Northern Explorer begin at 229 New Zealand dollars (about $135) for adults.
TPG tip: If you’d like to make the long journey to New Zealand in comfort, you can fly business class with 75,000 Chase points or try out Air New Zealand’s unique economy Skycouch.
Related: One of Australia’s most iconic train journeys is going into luxe overload for 2026
Rocky Mountaineer in Western Canada
The Rocky Mountaineer route through the Canadian Rockies is the luxury train’s original and best-known itinerary, exposing you to picture-perfect scenery in every direction. The now-iconic First Passage to the West Classic tour is a six-day journey from Vancouver to Banff (and vice versa) that crosses the Continental Divide and passes through the Spiral Tunnels carved into the Rockies. You’ll spend two days aboard the train, with two nights each in Vancouver and Banff and one night in Kamloops.
Fares for 2025 start at $2,243 per person and include select meals and five nights in hotels, as well as station transfers and luggage handling.
TPG tip: Air Canada Aeroplan offers flights within North America starting from only 6,000 points each way in economy, and Aeroplan is a transfer partner of several credit card currencies. Aeroplan also allows stopovers for 5,000 points each way.
Related: How to choose between Rocky Mountaineer’s most popular routes
Andean Explorer, a Belmond Train in Peru
No comforts are overlooked on the Andean Explorer, which is fitted with oxygen tanks and masks for passengers who find the high altitude uncomfortable.
The two-night Peruvian Highlands option travels from Cusco to the gleaming white stone city of Arequipa and includes a stop in Puno on Lake Titicaca. Entry-level bunk bed cabins start at $3,700 per person (based on double occupancy), with meals and tours included.
TPG tip: Before flying home, be sure to spend a few days in Lima, one of our favorite Latin American cities, to use your points and miles. This new IHG hotel is bookable starting from 25,000 points per night.
Related: Europe is getting a new winter sleeper train connecting 10 different destinations
The Blue Train in South Africa
Since the 1920s, South Africa’s Blue Train has carried travelers between Pretoria (near Johannesburg) and Cape Town in luxurious cars with panoramic windows — best for admiring the passing vineyards and major attractions like Table Mountain. Since this is one of the fancier sleeper trains on offer, expect formal dress codes at dinner, private ensuite bathrooms (complete with tubs if you book a luxury suite) and plenty of awe-inspiring scenery.
One-way tickets for the two-night journey on the Blue Train start at 36,325 South African rand (about $1,988) per person based on double occupancy, or 54,488 rand (about $2,982) for solo travelers.
TPG tip: If you’re looking for points hotels at either end of your trip, both the Park Hyatt Johannesburg and InterContinental Table Bay Cape Town are slated to open later this year. And check out how this TPGer visited South Africa using points and miles.
Related: The best Africa cruises for 2025 and 2026
Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad in Colorado
If you dream of riding in a vintage coal-fired, steam-powered locomotive while enjoying stunning views, the Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad is not only a great choice but also affordable. This service runs between two Colorado mountain towns, crisscrossing the Animas River, navigating San Juan National Forest and hugging the sheer edge of the mountains.
Rates start at $109 per person for a half-day loop from Durango to Silverton and back. Other offerings include a festive Polar Express train to pick up Santa Claus, complete with hot cocoa and twinkling lights.
TPG tip: Durango is a six-hour drive from Denver, or you may prefer to fly into the nearby Durango-La Plata County Airport (DRO). If you decide to make a road trip out of it, here are our top tips for renting a car on points and miles.
Shinkansen in Japan
In addition to reliable service and ultra-clean cars, Japan’s bullet train offers beautiful scenery while traveling between Tokyo and Kyoto on one of the great (and fastest) pioneers of rail. The Tokaido Shinkansen sweeps past stunning Japanese towns and incredible views of Mount Fuji — if you start in Tokyo, you should be able to spot the iconic mountain around 40 minutes into the 2 1/2-hour journey.
Tickets start at 13,320 yen (about $91) for a nonreserved seat when booked in advance online, or you can reserve a seat for just a few dollars extra. Top tip: Sit on the right-hand side.
TPG tip: There are many ways to visit Japan on points and miles, especially now that you can book Japan Airlines flights with JetBlue points. You’ll also have your choice of points hotels, including the Kimpton Shinjuku Tokyo, the Tokyo Edition, Ginza, and Six Senses Kyoto.
Jacobite Steam Train in Scotland
You might recognize the Jacobite Steam Train from the time it guest-starred as the Hogwarts Express in the “Harry Potter” movies, and it’s every bit as enchanting in real life.
Journeys start at the base of Ben Nevis, Scotland’s highest peak, and pass through the lochs and moors of the Scottish Highlands to the coastal town of Mallaig. You’ll have time to explore the town or take a wildlife cruise before hopping back on the train for the return journey. One of the key moments of the trip is crossing the Glenfinnan Viaduct, so be sure to have your camera ready as you speed across its arches.
The Jacobite Steam Train runs from April to October. Round-trip tickets start from 69 pounds (about $92).
TPG tip: To enhance your train-themed holiday, consider staying at The Caledonian Edinburgh, a historic former railway hotel and a member of Hilton Honors.
Related: The best credit cards for Amtrak and train travel
Denali Star in Alaska
Discover the Alaskan wilderness by rail on the Denali Star, Alaska Railroad’s flagship train. This service carries travelers from Anchorage to Fairbanks with a stop at Denali National Park for imposing views of the route’s namesake mountain (also known as Mount McKinley), the highest peak in North America. You’ll traverse the Knik River, navigate the Healy Canyon and pass hundreds of feet over Hurricane Gulch Bridge against a backdrop of mountain vistas and other iconic Alaskan views.
Rates for the full 12-hour Anchorage-to-Fairbanks itinerary start at $221 per person, but you can opt to book only part of the journey — for instance, Anchorage to Denali National Park for as low as $156. The Denali Star is only available in the summer season, between mid-May and mid-September.
TPG tip: Alaska Airlines Mileage Plan is a great choice for flying to Alaska on miles. The program is a 1:1 transfer partner of Bilt Rewards, and because you can transfer miles between Alaska Airlines and Hawaiian Airlines, you can effectively transfer Amex points to Alaska as well. But hurry up: American Express transfers to Hawaiian Airlines (and to Alaska Airlines) end June 30.
Bottom line
From ultramodern to nostalgic, these scenic rides help you see the world from a new perspective. There’s an option for every budget, and points and miles can help you save even more on getting to your destination.
If you can’t get enough of train travel, check out our roundups of spectacular European trains for summer and airlines that offer air and rail tickets in Europe.