Best Scenic Train Rides: Top Routes, Costs, and Tips

There’s a reason train travel still captures the imagination in an age of low-cost flights. Sliding through a mountain pass with nothing but glass between you and the valley below is a quiet thrill that no plane can replicate. This roundup brings together the most spectacular railway lines around the world, from Switzerland’s Alpine panoramas to Ireland’s Atlantic coast, with practical details on costs, booking, and seasonal timing to help you plan your next slow-travel adventure.

Iconic scenic train routes worldwide: over 20 ·
Length of the Flåm Railway, Norway: 20 km (12 mi) ·
Altitude of the Bernina Express, Switzerland: 2,253 m (7,392 ft) ·
Average cost of a first-class Orient Express ticket: $2,000–$8,000

What is the most scenic train ride in the world?

The answer depends on your measure — altitude, length, or sheer visual drama. Three routes consistently top global rankings.

Contenders for the top spot

• Bernina Express – crosses the Alps between Switzerland and Italy, climbing to 2,253 m (7,392 ft). It is a UNESCO World Heritage route.
• Flåm Railway – Norway’s 20 km (12 mi) descent from Myrdal to Flåm drops 863 m through cascading fjords. It is the steepest standard-gauge railway in Europe.
• The Canadian – traverses the Rocky Mountains over 4,466 km (2,775 mi) from Toronto to Vancouver.

Bernina Express – Switzerland to Italy

The Bernina Express departs from Chur or St. Moritz (Switzerland) and ends in Tirano (Italy) (Seat 61 – independent rail guide). Journeys run year-round with panoramic windows, and reservation is mandatory in summer.

Flåm Railway – Norway

At 20 km (12 mi) long, the Flåm Railway is one of the world’s steepest descents. Trains operate daily from April to October, with reduced winter service.

The Canadian – Canada

VIA Rail’s flagship crosses the Rocky Mountains over three nights, offering dome cars and sleeper cabins. It is the longest scenic ride on our list.

Bottom line: The Bernina Express offers the highest-altitude panorama with UNESCO recognition, while the Flåm Railway packs the steepest gradient into the shortest ride. The Canadian is for travelers who want days of immersive wilderness.

What is the prettiest train ride in Europe?

Europe is dense with beautiful railway lines. Three less-heralded routes stand out for their intimate landscapes.

Top European scenic routes

• Centovalli Express – links Locarno (Switzerland) to Domodossola (Italy) through lush valleys and over 80 bridges. Lonely Planet calls it “one of Europe’s most underrated railway journeys.”
• Heart of Wales Line – crosses rolling hills and medieval towns between Shrewsbury and Swansea.
• Le Petit Train Jaune – climbs to high Pyrenean passes in France, reaching an altitude of 1,593 m.

Centovalli Express – Switzerland/Italy

This two‑hour ride passes through chestnut forests and vineyard‑lined valleys. The panoramic cars make every bend a photo opportunity.

Heart of Wales Line – UK

With 30 stations over 192 km, this route offers a slow roll through the Welsh countryside. Advance tickets can be as low as £10.

Le Petit Train Jaune – France

Climbing from Villefranche‑de‑Conflent to Latour‑de‑Carol, this electric line was built in the early 1900s and remains a marvel of mountain engineering.

Bottom line: The Centovalli Express delivers the most concentrated valley scenery per minute, while the Petit Train Jaune rewards riders with high‑altitude solitude.

What is the most scenic train trip in Ireland?

Ireland’s railways hug the coastline and roll through limestone landscapes, offering some of Europe’s best value scenic rides.

Coastal journeys

• Dublin to Galway – Atlantic views and the Burren limestone region. A one‑way adult fare booked online can cost less than €30 (Lonely Planet (travel guide)).
• Derry to Coleraine – runs along the Antrim coast, past the Giant’s Causeway. An Ireland.com travel writer calls it “a coastal marvel.”
• Downpatrick to Inch Abbey – a heritage steam line through County Down countryside.

Dublin to Galway

This 2.5‑hour route passes through rolling farmland before opening onto the Atlantic at Galway. Booking online can save up to 50% compared with station purchase (Lonely Planet).

Derry to Coleraine

One of the UK’s most scenic stretches, this line runs parallel to the Causeway Coast. Translink’s Sunday Fun Day Tracker ticket offers unlimited Sunday travel for £10 (Lonely Planet).

Downpatrick to Inch Abbey

Operated by the Downpatrick & County Down Railway, this heritage service runs on select dates. Check ahead for 2025 timetables.

Bottom line: The Derry to Coleraine line gives the most dramatic coastal views per pound, while Dublin–Galway offers reliable daily service with cheap advance fares.

How much does it cost to ride the Orient Express?

The Venice Simplon‑Orient‑Express runs several European routes with art‑deco interiors. Prices depend on route, season, and cabin class.

Ticket pricing

• Full Paris to Istanbul journey starts at $5,000 per person (Seat 61).
• Shorter segments (e.g., Paris–Venice) range from $2,000 to $4,000.
• First‑class cabins include meals, champagne, and cabin attendant.

First‑class compartments

Each compartment is restored to 1920s glamour with mahogany and brass fittings. Overnight suites have ensuite bathrooms.

Shorter segments vs full journey

A Paris–Venice segment is one of the most popular, but the full Istanbul trip is the bucket‑list experience. Check both national railway sites and aggregators (Seat 61) because the same train can be cheaper on one site than another.

Bottom line: The Orient Express is a luxury splurge – $5,000+ for the full journey, but shorter segments offer a taste for half the price.

Where do I catch the Bernina Express?

The Bernina Express has two departure points in Switzerland and one terminus in Italy.

Departure stations

• Chur, Switzerland – main start for the full Bernina route (4.5 hours to Tirano).
• St. Moritz, Switzerland – alternative departure (2.5 hours to Tirano).
• Tirano, Italy – terminus; return journeys also possible.

Chur, Switzerland

Chur is easily reached from Zurich by InterCity train. The Bernina Express platform is signposted.

St. Moritz, Switzerland

St. Moritz is a high‑altitude resort town. The station is central and well connected.

Tirano, Italy

Tirano is in northern Lombardy, near the Swiss border. From there you can continue to Milan or Lake Como.

Bottom line: Most travelers start from Chur for the full UNESCO route, but St. Moritz offers a shorter ride with equally dramatic Alpine scenery.

Four iconic routes, four distinct experiences. The pattern is clear: each train delivers a specific kind of beauty – Alpine, fjord, coastal, or luxury – and the best choice depends on your budget, time, and appetite for adventure.

The Centovalli Express is one of Europe’s most underrated railway journeys – a ribbon of track through valleys that feel entirely forgotten by time.

– Lonely Planet editor

The Derry to Coleraine line is a coastal marvel, with the sea on one side and the Glens of Antrim on the other.

– Ireland.com travel writer

For travellers who crave genuine connection with landscape, the choice is clear: book the Bernina Express for Alpine grandeur, the Flåm Railway for sheer vertical drama, the Derry–Coleraine for Atlantic wildness, or the Orient Express for once‑in‑a‑lifetime luxury – but always compare prices on multiple booking sites and book early to save up to 50%.