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I'm a Luxury Train Travel Expert — and These Are the 5 European Journeys I Always Recommend

Why your next trip to Europe should be on a luxury train, according to one A-List advisor.

Golden Eagle Danube Express

La dolce vita orient express, venice simplon-orient-express, other popular trains.

• The Cost of Luxury Train Travel

Courtesy of Belmond

Traveling by train is one of the best ways to cover a lot of ground in a single journey. Not only does train travel provide a sense of ease and reduce the stress of planning, but it also adds an element of whimsy that can’t be replicated. Plus, it’s like being a member of an elite club; fellow passengers come from all over the world and friendships can be forged easily. 

For your next European adventure, sip Champagne, savor some caviar, and let someone else do the driving with these luxury train journeys.

Relax as the Golden Eagle Danube Express chugs through the Swiss Alps trimmed in snow, or continues on from Paris to Istanbul (the latter officially launches in 2025). This train is the ultimate in easy living. With its casual dress code and unique itineraries, the Golden Eagle is a perennial favorite. And despite its tiny kitchens, the Golden Eagle prides itself on its dining options. The food will always reflect the flavors of the countries you travel through, too. 

Italy’s new La Dolce Vita Orient Express is scheduled to leave Roma Ostiense station for the first time in spring 2025, and bookings are now available. The company has already announced its incredible new executive chef: German-born Heinz Beck, from the only three-starred Michelin restaurant in Rome, La Pergola. The train will pay tribute to “La Dolce Vita” in the 1960s, and elegance is key. It’s evident in the 31 cabins and suites, all with cozy bedding, chocolate wood accents, and massive picture windows.

Another favorite is the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express (VSOE) , complete with restored vintage cars. Especially popular is VSOE’s classic six-day, five-night Paris-to-Istanbul journey, offered in both directions twice a year. The vintage train retraces its famed route inaugurated more than a century ago by Orient Express creator Georges Nagelmackers.

If you really want over-the-top luxury, opt for the Grand Suite. A recent client of The Society of International Railway Travelers told us they loved the Vienna Grand Suite, which as a double bed, a private dining table, gorgeous tilework in the bathroom, heated floors, and walls with inlaid marquetry. Best of all, the young butler served never-ending Champagne and caviar upon request.

Consider Spain’s 28-passenger  El Transcantábrico Gran Lujo and 64-passenger Al Andalus Express . Their bar cars are the perfect place to chat over drinks, or meet fellow guests for a meal in the dining car. A recent client called Al Andalus a “gorgeous train with a superb staff.”

The Cost of Luxury Train Travel 

It’s worth noting luxury train journeys come at a hefty price, but our clients believe it’s worth it. Recently, two nurses from Durham, North Carolina, came to our company with the goal of traveling overnight on the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express from Paris to Venice. They'd been saving for years to make their dream come true, and decided to go for it. Upon return, they shared that they loved every minute. 

Eleanor Hardy is a member of Travel + Leisure's A-List, and as president of The Society of International Railway Travelers, she specializes in luxury rail travel. You can create an itinerary that fits your needs with Hardy by contacting her at [email protected] .

Related Articles

These are the Best Luxury Train Journeys in Europe

Oh, the romantic allure and timeless glamor of rail travel . With its liveried waiters and rolling landscapes, fine-dining and bar cars, plush velvet seating, and sumptuous suites evoking 1920s grandeur, luxury train travel evokes a sense of wonderment and nostalgia, a throwback to a slower, more genteel and mindful way to travel. 

“Trains are wonderful,” writer Agatha Christie once famously penned. “To travel by train is to see nature and human beings, towns and churches and rivers, in fact, to see life.” 

Perhaps nowhere do Christie’s words resonate more than aboard a meticulously restored vintage train, passing with unhurried intimacy, through the picture-postcard scenery of Europe. Savor the luxury of the legendary Venice Simplon-Orient-Express, A Belmond Train, home to the most storied set of carriages in the world — each filled with Art-Deco treasures (Lalique glass inlays in the Cote d’Azur; black lacquer panels in L’Orienta), or opt to hop aboard the Golden Eagle Danube Express, powered by steam, and stopping in cities like Budapest, Prague, Venice , and Berlin. Enjoy, too, the Edwardian-style Belmond Royal Scotsman , winding its way through the Scottish Highlands, past storybook castles, striking lochs, and glens, or be among the first to experience Italy’s soon-to-come vintage-glam Orient Express La Dolce Vita. Following our curated list of Europe’s most coveted train rides to add to your travel wish list. All aboard.

ORIENT EXPRESS LA DOLCE VITA

More than 45 years have passed since the Orient Express train — the legendary railway that redefined European train travel with its opulent interiors, lavish sleeping cars, and elaborate meals — closed its rail operations. But the historic grand dame is soon back on the rails. Making her debut in Italy as the country’s first luxury train, the new Orient Express La Dolce Vita is inspired by the golden age of Italian cinema and Federico Fellini’s iconic film, La Dolce Vita . The lavish train will commence its covetable journeys in Spring 2025 — preceding the much-anticipated openings of the first two Orient Express hotels: Orient Express La Minerva in Rome, followed by Orient Express Palazzo Dona Giovannelli in Venice.

Nostalgic Vibe 

While the original Oriental Express trains evoked a 1920s glamor, the new Orient Express La Dolce Vita pays homage to the 1960s and ‘70s, a legendary time in Italy’s history — of wellbeing, enjoyment, pleasure, and living life to its fullest. Designed by Dimorestudio, the train’s sumptuous decor gives nods to Italy’s famed cinematic presence  (Fellini, Sophia Loren, and Gina Lollobrigida) and cuisine. 

Luxury Train Ride Itinerary 

Traversing Italy’s most breathtaking scapes — dazzling coastlines, majestic mountains, and historic cities — the all-inclusive train will offer eight exclusive round-trip “Made in Italy” itineraries (each departing from Rome). Destinations include Venice, Matera, Tuscany, Piedmont, Portofino, Abruzzo, and Sicily . Onboard guests will enjoy dishes created by acclaimed three-Michelin starred Chef Heinz Beck. Bookings now open at orient-express.com .

VENICE SIMPLON ORIENT-EXPRESS, A BELMOND TRAIN

The decadent restored carriages aboard the 1920s Art Deco icon, Venice Simplon-Orient-Express, A Belmond Train , were the inspiration behind the Agatha Christie mystery Murder on the Orient Express .  This 17-carriage train has been operating since 1982 under the auspices of American James Sherwood, who meticulously restored vintage carriages from the original Orient Express trains. The train became a Belmond in 2014. In 2025, Belmond has announced plans to roll out  L’Observatoire, an exclusive sleeper carriage with interiors conceptualized and designed by world-acclaimed artist JR

The epitome of elegance and white-glove service, this romantic Belmond vintage steam train decked out with Art-Deco cars, continues to evoke old-world, 1920s glamor. From the ever-flowing Champagne and resident pianist who performs in Bar Car ‘3674,’ to Michelin-star French chef  Jean Imbert’s exquisite cuisine. Chef sources ingredients locally, along the way, so expect delicacies like lobster from Brittany and crisp tomatoes from Provence.

Luxury Train Journey

Journeys include London, Paris, Venice, Prague, Vienna, and Budapest, with the classic overnight route to/from London and Venice via Paris. In June 2024, for the first time in its four-decade history, the train journeyed to the Ligurian Coast, connecting Paris and Portofino, Italy. The Venice Simplon-Orient-Express also ran two departures of the historic Istanbul-Paris route; the weeklong journey weaves through France, Hungary, Romania, and Bulgaria.

THE PRESIDENTIAL TRAIN

Established in 1890, Portugal’s crown jewel, The Presidential Train , hosted kings, queens, popes, and presidents before retiring in the 1970s. Today the train’s home is Portugal’s National Railway Museum where it is a prized exhibit. For a few select dates in autumn (September/October) however, theater and event impresario Goncalo Castel-Branco returns the train to the tracks — transforming it into a gourmet restaurant on rails — complete with acclaimed Michelin-star chefs.

Everything about the interior of this opulent vintage train remains the same as it was in 1890, only the engine is ‘new’ (circa 1960s).  Passengers (50 max) board at Porto’s 100-year-old Sao Bento Station for the 125-mile ride along the Douro River to Quinta and Vesuvio, each curve revealing vistas of vine-covered slopes. Passengers relax and unwind in their private elegant mint-green walled cabins, before making their way to the dining car and piano bar to indulge in a five-course lunch by a world-renowned chef, paired with Portuguese wine (Douro Valley, of course).

Luxury Train Ride Itinerary

Most passengers book the nine-hour gourmet day excursion from Porto,  but we love the longer, three-day option, allowing for further exploration of Porto and the Douro Valley. The extension includes a private driver, fine dining in Porto’s top restaurants, and overnights at the Intercontinental Porto – Palacio das Cardosas and Six Senses Douro Valley .

BELMOND ROYAL SCOTSMAN

The Edwardian-style Belmond Royal Scotsman began its journey in 1985, however, the original carriages were soon retired and replaced with meticulously restored Pullman cars. Today the famed burgundy Belmond Royal Scotsman train winds its way through the Scottish Highlands, past storybook castles, striking lochs, and glens. Adding to the sense of history and tradition are kilt-clad bagpipers who greet passengers while boarding. 

Nostalgic Vibe

Lacquer-polished wooden panels, warm fabrics, and tartan woolen blankets perfect the feel of an Edwardian country house while ensuite baths come complete with steam showers. Visit the observation car where you can sink into one of the cushy sofas or step out onto the open-air veranda with a Scottish whisky (there are 65 varieties available). To further elevate your experience, visit the Dior Spa, paying homage to Christian Dior’s love for Scotland. The lavish spa car features two lacquered treatment rooms restyled with Dior’s iconic burgundy toile de Jouy motif; the bespoke spa menu, three tailor-made treatments (devised by the French Fashion House’s wellness experts). 

Luxury Train Journey 

The four-night trip from Edinburg up the coast to Aberdeen, through Inverness, and out to the beautiful harbor town of Kyle of Lochalsh is an enduring classic. Stops are made along the way to visit castles and distilleries,  and the train is silently docked each night so as not to be in motion during sleep. Sleep well in your plush bed fitted with soft Scottish wools and tartans.

THE BRITISH PULLMAN

Meticulously restored to its 1920s grandeur, The British Pullman has transported royalty and made its debut on the Hollywood screen. Now operating as one of England’s favorite dining venues, the historic train, draped in heritage upholstery and Art-Deco decor, peruses the English countryside, as its talented culinary team serves up British fare with a twist. Each menu celebrates the culinary highlights of the towns and cities along the route. Enjoy traditional English high tea, a who-done-it murder mystery lunch, or a five-course dinner.

‘Audrey,’ one of the train’s now-resplendent carriages, was damaged in a 1940 air raid at Victoria Station. After a thorough repair, the carriage went on to transport Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II, and the Queen Mother. Another carriage, Cygnus, made its appearance on the silver screen in the film Agatha, starring Vanessa Redgrave and Dustin Hoffman. In 2021, the famed carriage was reimagined by filmmaker Wes Anderson. Its reincarnation now features symmetrical marquetry, bold rectilinear shapes, and a feast of colors. Guests who book one of the new Pullman coupé (accommodating up to 4 people) by Anderson enjoy private check-in and priority boarding, free-flowing Veuve Clicquot champagne, exclusive menus featuring special additional courses, upgraded wine package, unique crockery and glassware selected by Wes Anderson.

The train departs from London Victoria, offering an array of day trips to Goodwood Revival, historic Bath or Chatsworth Houses, Highclere Castle, and Le Manoir aux Quat’Saisons. There are no sleeping compartments, but hotel stays along the route are offered. Most recently, British Pullman reprised its extremely popular Moving Murder Mystery experience and launched London’s first cabaret on wheels — a series of immersive evening journeys combining decadent dining, fine wines, and entertainment by leading theater company, Private Drama Events.

GOLDEN EAGLE DANUBE EXPRESS

Golden Eagle luxury trains were first introduced in 1989 (just prior to the end of communism) across the Soviet Union and Eastern Europe, marking the beginning of luxury train travel in the region. The Golden Eagle Danube Express, which journeys through Europe’s most magnificent and less explored cities, officially became part of the collection in 2015. 

Classic, elegant, and powered by steam, the sleeping cars come with wood paneling, brass fixtures, heated towel racks,  L’Occitane bath amenities, and your own personal butler. Dining cars, too, are a throwback to a bygone era, with white linen tablecloths, crystal glassware, and china – perfectly setting the stage for a gourmet three-course gourmet Hungarian dinner.  

Take the grand European tour, a two-week highlight reel of the continent’s famous cities: Venice, Prague, Berlin, Krakow, Vienna, and Budapest.

THE GLACIER EXPRESS

Often referred to as ‘the cinematic train,’ Switzerland’s legendary Glacier Express , which snakes slowly between the ski town of Zermatt and St. Moritz, began running in 1930 as a sightseeing train. It is said to be the ‘slowest express train’ in the world, covering a distance of 180 miles at a speed of 24 mph over the course of seven and a half hours. Passing through remote Alpine villages, deep green pastures dotted with cowbell-clanking cows, and snow-capped mountain peaks, the Swiss landscape, gleaned through panoramic windows, is dazzling.  

With its original restaurant car, oversized windows, and fairytale views, the train was already luxurious. But the introduction of an Excellence Class ticket has elevated the experience even more. The carriage is exclusive to only 20 passengers, each with a single window seat — the wide creamy leather seats come with an iPad (an interactive map points out highlights along the route), and grooved tables to keep Champagne from tumbling. Other amenities include personal concierge service, a private bar, and for at least a quarter of the journey, passengers dine on a five-course meal, served by white-gloved staff. 

The Glacier Express operates in both winter and summer (each season equally stunning) and the journey can be started from either Zermott or St. Moritz. The train meanders through 91 tunnels and over 291 bridges, and stops midway near Andermatt for passengers to disembark and take photos.

THE TRANSCANTÁBRICO GRAN LUJO

For years, a coal train, coined the Hullero, transported coal from Leon to the iron and steel works of Bilbao in northern Spain. In 1980, writer Juan Pedro Aparicio traveled rough on the Hullero — sharing the stories of the men who drove and rode on the train. His account of that journey started a movement to save the rail line. Today, El Transcantabrico Gran Lujo traverses northern Spain, offering 28 discerning travelers five-star service and luxury accommodations.

Chugging slowly along Spain’s Atlantic coast, this elegant vintage blue-and-white train feels more like a five-star hotel. Four of the train’s carriages are original 1923 Pullman coaches decorated to transport you back a century, yet all offer modern-day comforts like sumptuous suites with separate living rooms and ensuite bathrooms.  The scenery is spectacular,  the train winds along the lush landscapes and seaside paths of northern Spain’s Cantabrian coast, aka ‘Green Spain’. 

Opt for the seven-night trek between the Basque city of San Sebastian and World Heritage town Santiago de Compostela — passing by the Bay of Biscay, Cantabrian mountain range, and cultural centers like Bilbao, which includes a stop off at the Guggenheim Museum. Enjoy breakfast daily onboard, with stops for local fare.

Featured image by Stefan Schlumpf ;  Travel Curator may earn a commission from product or booking links on this page

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7 Best Luxury Trains in Europe that are Beyond Breathtaking

There is nothing quite as glamorous as luxury train travel in Europe. From the unparalleled scenery with sweeping mountain vistas rolling past your window to the romance and nostalgia of art deco decor immersing you in the enchantment of a bygone era, luxury trains offer travelers a unique way to experience all that Europe has to offer in comfort and style.

From the moment you board your luxury train, you will be transported to a different era where life moves at a slower pace. The luxurious accommodations, exquisite dining, and breathtaking scenery will inspire the world-class traveler within. White-glove service and live music will help you savor these luxury rail journeys before you arrive at your destination feeling refreshed and restored.

To help you navigate the world of luxury trains in Europe, we’ve curated the best luxury train journeys for you to add to your Europe itinerary.

7 Best Luxury Trains in Europe

Venice simplon-orient-express.

Featuring renovated cabins built in the 1920s, the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express is possibly the most iconic luxury train in Europe. Filled with Art Deco furnishings and décor, the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express has masterfully maintained its old-world glamour and charm.

What Sets It Apart

With a history of hosting famed parties and world-renowned guests, this legendary train is an extravagant experience like no other. The private cabins and luxurious suites offer ultimate comfort on your journey while the world-class dining from chef Jean Imbert uses fresh, locally sourced ingredients to give you a true taste of Europe. Settle into your sumptuous private cabin and watch the world slip by as you sip champagne before an elegant evening in the dining car. You’ll savor seasonal fare with a 4-course dinner prepared with culinary perfection amidst the plush decor and storied grandeur of the roaring 20s. After dinner, mix and mingle in Bar Car ‘3674’ where starry nights and stunning views of this continent’s famous cities play backdrop to the live pianist. Stay long enough and you can enjoy the famous midnight brunch, complete with lobster rolls, truffled club sandwiches, and signature cocktails. 

Iconic Route

For an amazing tour of the gorgeous landscapes across Europe, take the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express from Paris, France through Switzerland into Venice, Italy.

Explore This Train

The Presidential Train

The Presidential Train is a luxury train with an unparalleled experience. With a legendary past, this historic train used to carry Presidents, Kings, and even Popes. Since then, it has been carefully renovated to maintain its original charm and now has journeys throughout Portugal, offering the same regal experience for travelers.

This luxury train is truly an epicurean journey. Each excursion offers a unique food experience, always with a Michelin-starred chef guiding a four-course menu inspired by local fare and paired with the country’s finest wines – Niepoort. The magnificent views of Portugal’s landscapes will leave you speechless. From the colorful city of Porto to the incredible Douro Valley, you won’t be able to keep your eyes off these picturesque views. Watch the sun shine down on the grand river in Douro Valley as it follows along with this train, accompanying you on your journey.

This iconic route takes you through scenic Portugal, starting in the vibrant city of Porto and traveling to the enchanting Douro Valley.

British Pullman

The British Pullman features cars that have been lovingly restored to the elegant era of the 1920s. Travel back in time to the golden age of luxurious voyages on grand steam trains. This train features stunning Art Deco décor, expertly crafted meals, and amazing sights to see.

Journey through the English countryside and take in the incredible sights, including charming architecture, rolling hills, and even the White Cliffs of Dover. Spend an afternoon on this vintage train enjoying traditional High-Tea or their Murder Mystery Lunch, complete with thrilling entertainment and a five-course meal. As if this luxurious train couldn’t get any more cinematic, Belmond has partnered with iconic film director Wes Anderson who reimagined the Cygnus carriage to pay tribute to both the golden age of cinema and travel.

Take the round trip from London Victoria and visit breathtaking destinations such as Faversham, Canterbury, and Dover.

Royal Scotsman

The Belmond Royal Scotsman is well-known for its deep burgundy-colored cars. Rich with history and tradition, the Royal Scotsman is designed in a beautiful Edwardian style. Originally touring in 1985, the carriages were later replaced with restored Pullman cars.

Discover firsthand the breathtaking views of Scotland on this journey. Spend time in the Observation Car to enjoy these sights, from the gorgeous countryside to storybook castles. This Belmond train stops for grand excursions such as touring castles and distilleries and even to let passengers explore the great outdoors of Scotland. After a day of adventures, visit this luxury train’s lavish spa and enjoy a massage as you wind down from the busy day.

The iconic route of the Royal Scotsman begins in Edinburgh and runs across the West Highland Line, going through the Scottish Highlands and ending back where it began.  

Transcantabrico Gran Lujo

The Transcantabrico Gran Lujo explores Northern Spain in renovated Pullman cars from the 1920s. Relax in the cozy suites as you enjoy the breathtaking sights of Spain passing outside. Visit culturally rich cities filled with museums, art galleries, and historic buildings.  

The Transcantabrico Gran Lujo luxury train transports you to another time. Enjoy authentic Spanish cuisine, using fresh regional ingredients, and take in the stunning landscapes and architecture of Spain. This luxurious train has four spectacular salon cars built more than a century ago including The Tea Room, the Panorama car, and the entertainment room perfect for unwinding with a cocktail, book, or live entertainment. Soak in spectacular views from the Panorama car seeing everything from the countryside of Basque Country to the giant cliffs overlooking endless seas in the Bay of Biscay.

Travel the legendary route from San Sebastian to Santiago de Compostela, touring through stunning regions such as the Cantabrian Mountain Range and stopping in charming cities like Bilbao, the location of the famous Guggenheim Museum.

The Golden Eagle Danube Express

The Golden Eagle Danube Express takes you through Central and Eastern Europe to visit the hidden gems of this region. Offering gourmet cuisine, exquisite wines, and luxurious suites, the Danube Express provides the ultimate train travel experience.

This luxury train offers a unique experience, taking you to cities often less visited. The train also creates exceptional dining, reminiscent of the European cities it visits. You can relax in the bar car, soaking in the breathtaking sights of Europe during the day and enjoying the melodies of the resident pianist in the evening.

The Danube Express takes you through the gorgeous European countryside, stopping in cities like Budapest, Prague, Venice, and Berlin.

Northern Belle

The Northern Belle brings you on an adventure through England, Scotland, and Wales. This luxury train evokes the lavish style of the 1930s, taking you back to the golden age of railway travel. The cars have been expertly restored and beautifully designed to create an extravagant and unforgettable experience.

This train takes you through the idyllic countryside where you can discover Gothic castles, charming villages, and breathtaking landscapes. While aboard, soak in the elegant setting of this train and indulge in world-class dining made with the seasonal ingredients of the British Isles.

Take the Northern Belle in winter to stay warm while you enjoy the beautiful, snowy sights of the UK. Experience the extraordinary journey from Oxford to Gloucester to Cheltenham.

Final Thoughts: Luxury Trains Europe

These luxury trains are the perfect way to indulge in slow travel and spend a day or a week exploring the breathtaking European landscapes. Luxury train travel is an unmatched experience with exquisite cuisine and stunning views while you relax inside grand suites or meticulously designed carriages.  Whether you choose rail travel on the legendary Venice Simplon-Orient-Express , soak in the rolling hills of the Highlands on the Royal Scotsman , or indulge in the regal splendor of The Presidential Train throughout Portugal, these trains take you on a luxury rail journey that you won’t soon forget. You’ll relish in the art of slow living , the moment you board.

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The best train rides in Europe: 10 amazing journeys for 2024

Jan 16, 2024 • 8 min read

Incredible scenery awaits traveling through the Bernese Alps; Jungfrau, Switzerland © Thomas Barwick / Getty

There’s something magical about a journey by train.

Sometimes the magic is inside – on a train you have room to move and meet people, dine in a restaurant car with white tablecloths, and sleep in a private compartment between crisp, clean sheets with the sound of steel wheels swishing on the rails beneath you. Sometimes the magic is outside, in the landscape the train traverses – an adventure, an experience, an insight into the heart of a nation.

Below are some of the most beautiful train rides in Europe – some well known, some less so, some luxurious and expensive, others true bargains. From countryside views and mountain villages to alpine passes and landmark bridges (with a little wildlife spotting thrown in for good measure), the continent offers up some of the most scenic train rides in the world.

The best European train trips include the fabulous Bernina Express, the most enchanting Swiss Alpine ride of all, and the spectacular railway from Belgrade to Bar through the mountains of Montenegro . The latter is one of the most scenic train rides you’ve probably never heard of, with a bargain fare of just €21. So here they are, the 10 best train journeys in Europe, extracted from Lonely Planet's Amazing Train Journeys .

1. Settle to Carlisle, England

Route: Settle to Carlisle Best bit? Marveling at the Ribblehead Viaduct, one of the great views of northern England , preferably as a steam train thunders over. Distance:  113km (73 miles) Duration: 1 hour 40 minutes

England’s Settle-to-Carlisle line has long been synonymous with the fight to preserve beautiful and historic stretches of railway. But this is no heritage line. Proudly part of the British rail network and served by regular mainline trains, the railway enjoys a double life as a frequent host of steam specials and, even rarer, steam-hauled mainline services.

Whether you have the whiff of steam in your nostrils or the hard-working growl of diesel-hauled regular trains in your ears, the views from the carriages are pretty much unmatched on the English railway network.

Passengers can feast their eyes on mile after mile of magnificent Yorkshire Dales and North Pennines scenery, interrupted only by stations so sweet you would expect to find them pictured on a box of biscuits.

2. Le Petit Train Jaune, France

Route: Villefranche-de-Conflent to Latour-de-Carol Best bit? Holding your breath as you cross the gravity-defying Pont Gisclard. Distance:  63km (39 miles) Duration: 4 hours 30 minutes

Since 1910, the dinky, sunflower-yellow carriages of the Ligne de Cerdagne have been rattling and clattering their way through the rolling forests and saw-toothed mountains of the Pyrenees , and they have secured a special place in the hearts of many French travelers.

Affectionately known as the Canary, or Le Petit Train Jaune (Little Yellow Train), this mountain railway is frequently cited as the most scenic in France , but it’s definitely not a luxury service – it’s a rollercoaster ride on which you will feel the wind in your hair and the chill of the mountain breeze as you ratchet your way up to the highest train station in France. On y va!

3. Belgrade-to-Bar Railway, Serbia and Montenegro

Route: Belgrade to Bar Best bit? Levitating atop the 499m-long (1637ft), 198m-tall (650ft) Mala Rijeka Viaduct, one of the planet’s highest railway bridges, before the train glides over the Balkans’ largest lake, Skadar. Distance: 476km (296 miles) Duration: 12 hours

Dramatic is the operative word for this route, which rumbles over an unsullied, mountainous landscape from Serbia 's capital, Belgrade , to Montenegro ’s Adriatic Coast . During the 12-hour journey, the train disappears into the Dinaric Alps, charges through canyons, teeters on stilted bridges spanning river gorges and skims atop an ancient, tectonic lake.

Like the region it serves, the railway, which chugs across the heart of the Western Balkans , eludes most tourists’ maps. The reward for treasure-hunting travelers, who are informed (or lucky) enough to know where to dig: an embarrassment of authentic culture and pristine geographic riches at every bend.

4. The Bernina Express, Switzerland

Route: Chur to Tirano Best bit? Marveling at the astonishingly turquoise Lago Bianco from the route’s highest station, Ospizio Bernina (2253m/7392ft). Distance: 156km (96 miles) Duration: 4 hours 30 minutes

We can wax lyrical about the glacier-capped mountains, waterfall-draped ravines, jewel-colored lakes and endless spruce forests glimpsed through panoramic windows on Switzerland ’s Bernina Express – but, trust us, seeing is believing.

Rolling from Chur in Graubünden to Tirano in northern Italy in around four hours, this narrow-gauge train often tops polls of the world’s most beautiful rail journeys. It's certainly one of the most scenic train journeys in Switzerland.

Beyond the phenomenal Alpine landscape, the railway itself is a masterpiece of early 20th-century engineering, taking 55 tunnels and 196 bridges in its stride. The line is on the UNESCO World Heritage List – and with good reason.

5. The Heart of Wales Line, Wales and England

Route: Swansea to Shrewsbury Best bit? Disembarking at lonely Sugar Loaf Station for a walk or picnic around the iconic nearby knoll of the same name. Distance: 194km (121 miles) Duration: 4 hours

This is Swansea to Shrewsbury the slow and, frankly, surreal way. This one-carriage train traverses track through Wales and England that might easily have been consigned to a museum or an out-of-print book, but that has somehow defied time and logic to survive as a passenger route.

Expect a spectrum of scenery, alternating from the sand-edged estuaries of South Wales, via bucolic farming towns and tracts of forest and hill country you probably never knew existed, through to one of England’s prettiest medieval cities. This four-hour, 34-station zigzag passes almost no major sights or countryside villages, but a very high concentration of spectacularly zany ones.

6. Munich to Venice on the Brenner Railway, Germany, Austria and Italy

Route: Munich to Venice Best bit? Stretching your legs at 1371m (4498ft) Brenner Pass, the highest point on the trip. Distance:  563km (350 miles) Duration: 6 hours 30 minutes

The Brenner Railway is attractive for two key reasons: mountains and wine. There may be more technically astonishing high-altitude trains, but this was the first to cross the Alps, in the 1860s.

On a surprisingly speedy day trip, you pass through three countries – Germany , Austria and Italy – and descend from the snow line to sea level. You’re rarely far from highways, but the vineyard views are still stunning. Bonus: great European cities with historic architecture – Munich and Venice – are at either end.

7. The Kyle of Lochalsh Line, Scotland

Route: Inverness to Kyle of Lochalsh Best bit? Passing under the gentle grassy slopes of Fionn Bheinn – a munro rising high over Achnasheen. Distance:  135km (84 miles) Duration: 2 hours 30 minutes

Scotland has an abundance of windswept railways – the West Highland Line and the Far North Line to Thurso among them. Though comparatively unsung, perhaps the loneliest of all is the Kyle of Lochalsh Line – with trains rumbling doggedly from Inverness through desolate glens and past snowy munros, connecting the cold shores of the North Sea to the furious whitewater of the Atlantic.

It is a railway line full of poetry and beloved by aficionados – but it’s also a useful way for independent travelers to access remote nooks of the Highlands, and make a journey to the Isle of Skye.

8. Nova Gorica to Jesenice, Slovenia

Route: Nova Gorica to Jesenice Best bit? Catching a glimpse of picture-perfect Lake Bled’s church, castle and bright-blue water. Distance: 89km (55 miles) Duration: 2 hours

Here is a near-perfect railway adventure that most people have never heard of. Then again, you could be forgiven for missing it. The Bohinj Railway, after all, connects two places whose significance can be lost to modern travelers. Europe’s shifting borders and politics may have rather marooned the Nova Gorica–Jesenice line, but that only adds to the appeal.

An unassuming regional train rattling out of a faded-grandeur halt on the Italy– Slovenia border doesn’t even hint at what’s to come. The journey is a spectacular tour of Slovenia’s upland highlights, climbing through mountain towns and villages along the Soča River, passing through superb Alpine scenery close to Lake Bohinj , and past world-famous Lake Bled , offering photo opportunities galore.

9. The Centovalli Express, Switzerland and Italy

Route: Domodossola to Locarno Best bit? Taking in the Isorno viaduct, the site of Switzerland’s first bungee jump. Distance:  52km (32 miles) Duration: 2 hours

Often eclipsed by Switzerland’s more famous rail rides, this two-hour trundle from Locarno on the palm-rimmed shores of Lake Maggiore to Domodossola over the Italian border in Piedmont is something of an unsung beauty.

Brush up your Italiano to swoon in sync with fellow passengers as the dinky train clatters across 83 bridges and burrows its way through 34 tunnels. The views make for spirit-lifting stuff: waterfalls shooting past cliffside views, hillside vineyards, gracefully arched viaducts, slate-roofed hamlets, glacier-carved ravines and mile after mile of chestnut and beech forests, all set against the puckered backdrop of mountains that are snow-capped in winter.

10. Bergensbanen, Norway

Route: Oslo to Bergen Best bit? Gazing over the soul-stirring landscape of Hardangervidda between Geilo and Finse. Distance: 496km (308 miles) Duration: 6 hours 30 minutes

This astonishing train is one of the wonders of 19th-century railway building, and yet outside Norway hardly anyone knows about it. In just over six hours and some 490km (300 miles), it covers the spectrum of Norway ’s natural splendor: climbing canyons, crossing rivers, burrowing through mountainsides, swooping past fjords and traversing barren icescapes. All aboard for the Oslo to Bergen trainline, Bergensbanen: a mainline into Norwegian nature.

This article was first published Aug 20, 2019 and updated Jan 16, 2024.

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22 of the best rail journeys in Europe

See Europe how it was meant to be seen: from the window of a train! From mountain climbs to luxury sleepers, here’s the rail adventures you must add to your bucket list…

1. Glacier Express, Switzerland

Glacier Express, Switzerland (Shutterstock)

Best for… Seeing Switzerland in the slow lane

The journey: Zermatt to St Moritz (290km; seven and a half hours)

We say… Don’t be fooled by its name: the Glacier Express averages 38kph, but who wants to rush when the scenery is this spectacular?

Linking two of Switzerland’s best-loved ski resorts, the route is an opus of snowcapped peaks, rugged valleys, 291 bridges and wild tangles of alpine forest. The view will keep you glued to the train’s panoramic windows – though the traverse of the towering Landwasser viaduct might have you reaching for a second glass of Valais wine.

Top tip: In Zermatt you can extend your trip by taking Europe’s highest cog railway to the summit of Gornergrat (3,089m). The view of the Matterhorn is worth it.

Read next : Switzerland’s most stunning rail journeys

2. odontotos rack railway, greece.

Odontotos Rack Railway, Greece (Shutterstock)

Best for… Peaks and valleys

The journey: Diakopto to Kalavrita (22.5km; one hour)

We say… Making delightfully slow work of a wild Peloponnese gorge, this heritage railway – built in 1895 – is one of southern Greece’s final remaining narrow gauge lines.

It starts in the seaside town of Diakopto and weaves up to the mountain town of Kalavrita through hand-carved tunnels and plane-tree forests. En route, you’ll cross 49 bridges in total, as the Vouraikos River roils far below.

Top tip: To visit nearby Olympia’s ancient temples and stadium, take the small train from Katacolon – yet another narrow-gauge survivor.

3. Rhine Valley Line, Germany

The Rhine Valley Line, Germany (Shutterstock)

Best for… A riverside ramble

The journey: Cologne to Mainz (152km; two and a half hours)

We say… The Rhine Valley Line finds its muse just after Bonn, where it starts to tightly hug the waterline. Sure, you could take the high-speed intercity route and save yourself an hour on your journey, but then you’d miss out on the patchwork of vineyards, Koblenz’s hilltop fortress and the legend of Lorelei Rock.

Top tip: Interrail passes are valid on this line – and get you a discount on KD Rhine Line boats.

4. Venice Simplon Orient-Express, UK, France & Italy

Venice Simplon-Orient-Express (Shutterstock)

Best for…The ‘golden age’ of rail

The journey: London to Folkestone; Calais to Venice (1,636km; 24 hours)

We say… While the final descendent of the real Orient Express met its end in 2009, a US businessman had long since bought up 1920s and ‘30s carriages (many belonging to the original service) and resurrected its route to Venice.

This journey is played out on two heritage trains – the British Pullman on the UK leg and the VSOE between Calais and Venice – and as the mountains and meadows slip by, you can sip martinis in the piano bar, devour lobster in its Étoile du Nord restaurant car and just dream.

Top tip: Though the southbound journey is popular, the northbound experience is just as fabulous – and doesn’t book up so quickly.

Read next: The best new rail routes around the world for 2022

5. west highland line, scotland.

Glenfinnan Viaduct on the West Highland Lane, Scotland (Shutterstock)

Best for… The wildest of Scottish rides

The journey: Glasgow to Mallaig (264km; five and a half hours)

We say… After slipping away from Glasgow, the West Highland Line weaves some of Britain’s wildest scenery: to lonely moorlands, forest-bound lochs and crumbling castle ruins.

Up here, you’re more likely to spot red deer than humans – though the Glenfinnan Viaduct is familiar thanks to its cameo in the Harry Potter films. If travelling southwards, sit on the right-hand side of the train for the best views.

Top tip: The Royal Scotsman and Jacobite Steam Train are rather luxurious – if pricey – alternatives to this £16.80 (one-way) ScotRail journey.

6. Bernina Express, Switzerland & Italy

Bernina Express (Shutterstock)

Best for… Jaw-dropping (and ear-popping) views

The journey: Landquart to Tirano (163km; five hours)

We say… Starting this summer, you get even more bang for your buck on the Bernina Express , as its trans-alpine journey has been extended for around 50km. It now starts (or terminates) at Landquart before looping through the Prättigau mountains and over Zügen Gorge’s sheer-sided ravines.

Running between May and October, its climax is the 2,253m-high Bernina Pass, the gateway to Italy. It’s a smooth ride but one that’s big on drama, encompassing dizzying and panoramic views from the Brusio Spiral viaduct along the way.

Top tip: For the best views, grab a seat on the rig.

7. Mariazell Railway, Austria

The Narrow Gauge or Mariazell Railway in the Austrian Alps (Shutterstock)

Best for… Alpine hikes and hijinx

The journey: St Pölten to Mariazell (78km; two and a half hours)

We say… Traversing one of the wildest regions of the Austrian Alps, this narrow-gauge service is officially split into two sections: ‘Valley’ and ‘Mountains’.

The former stretches from St Pölten to Frankenfels, a land of pretty grazing meadows and gentle pathways (tickets allow you to hop on and off), while the latter climbs up through the ruggedly handsome Erlauf gorge and the peaks of Ötscher-Tormäuer Naturpark. Allow a full day – at least.

Top tip: For widescreen views, grab a first-class panorama carriage (May to October on weekend and holiday services), while heritage rail fans love the 100-year-old Ötscherbär train that runs from June to late September.

8. Inlandsbanan, Sweden

Inlandsbanan train pulling into Mora, Sweden (Shutterstock)

Best for… A jovial jaunt

The journey: Kristinehamn to Gällivare (1,288km; from two days)

We say… The Inlandsbanan is slow travel at its best, heading up past the Arctic Circle and into Swedish Lapland. In fact, its drivers love an excuse to stretch their legs, and scheduled stops to take a dip in Lake Siljan or visit Sami villages and their reindeer herds along the way are worth it.

Before you know it, you’re cooing over moose and foraging for berries under midnight sun (June to early July) – all thoughts of the timetable long forgotten.

Top tip: At each stop you can order fresh dishes from local restaurants, such as smoked Arctic char and lingonberry crumble.

9. Trenino Verde, Sardinia, Italy

The Green Train travelling through Italy (Shutterstock)

Best for… Island adventures

The journey: Palau to Tempio (59km); Sindia to Bosa (33km); Mandas to Laconi (37km); Mandas to Sadali (58km); Arbata to Gairloch (62km); times vary

We say… The best way to get under the skin of Sardinia is by catching the Trenino Verde – or Green Train – for a picturesque pootle around the island. The Mandas-Laconi line weaves through wild woodlands, the Palau-Tempio track culminates in a town famed for its cork groves, and Sindia–Bosa forges from the island’s untamed interior out to its western coast.

Top tip: Don’t be surprised if the conductor hops out to shoo sheep off the line, or to stop traffic at level crossings. Slow travel at its purest.

Read next: Italy’s most spectacular rail journeys

10. la ligne des cévennes, france.

La Ligne des Cévennes, France (Shutterstock)

Best for… Gallic grandeur

The journey: Clermont-Ferrand to Nîmes (304km; six and a half hours)

We say… Every twist and turn of this train line is an engineering marvel: it ticks off a mighty 106 tunnels and over a thousand bridges, as well as the seriously lofty (46m high) Chamborigaud viaduct.

With 29 long-legged arches arranged in a semicircular loop, Chamborigaud is a scene-stealer – although the track reaches its pinnacle on the summit at La Bastide (1,023m). There are gentler pleasures still to be found in the rolling vineyards of the Auvergne, the chestnut forests of Cévennes National Park and the track’s picturesque dalliance with the River Allier.

Top tip: Visit in springtime to see the area’s wildflowers in bloom.

11. Derry/Londonderry to Coleraine, Northern Ireland

Derry/L:ondonderry, Northern Ireland (Shutterstock)

Best for… A budget Irish beauty

The journey: Derry/Londonderry to Coleraine (55km; 38 minutes)

We say… This route doesn’t need five-star cabins or steam locomotives for wow-factor: it’s all about the scenery. Explore a banquet of windswept beaches, razor-edged cliffs and wild views on the no-frills Translink service.

Sit on the left-hand side (if travelling eastwards) and settle in for a ride that Sir Michael Palin hailed in his Great Railway Journeys series as “one of the most beautiful rail journeys in the world”, as you hop-skip peregrine falcon habitats and the thread the longest railway tunnels in Ireland.

Top tip: Stop for a yomp on the wide, wild sands of Benone beach.

12. Linha do Douro, Portugal

Pinhão Station, Portugal (Shutterstock)

Best for…Giving the city the slip

The journey: Porto to Pocinho (160km; three and a half hours)

We say… Don’t take a day cruise from Porto: hop on the Linha do Douro instead. Most boat trips only venture as far as the port-producing village of Pinhão, but this train line ploughs further into the heartlands, past great walls of rock and rambling quintas (wine estates).

Better yet, the track swaps between shores, so there’s no such thing as a duff seat. Pinhão Station must be one of Europe’s prettiest terminals, trimmed with intricate azulejo tilework, but look out, too, for the towering gorge around Régua and the ancient rock art of the Côa Valley at Pocinho.

Top tip: In Pocinho, linger over lunch and local port at Taberna da Julinha (+351 965 398 826) – its steaks are worth the trip alone.

13. Septemvri to Dobrinishte, Bulgaria

Tsepina on the Septemvri to Dobrinishte, Bulgaria (Shutterstock)

Best for… Making new friends

The journey: Septemvri to Dobrinishte (125km; five hours)

We say… Bulgaria’s only operating narrow-gauge railway is a lifeline to its remote south-west, so make room for the babas (grandmothers) heading to market.

The train travels at a glacial speed (you can walk beside it in parts), but it’s a journey to savour, with stops for hiking in Bansko, Velingrad’s hot springs and Belitsa’s dancing bear sanctuary.

Top tip: The train only has a simple café on board, so bring a picnic.

14. El Transcantábrico Clásico, Spain

León, Spain (Shutterstock)

Best for… Exploring the north

The journey: León to Santiago de Compostela (643km; four to eight days)

We say… Never has the pilgrimage to Santiago de Compostela felt so indulgent. El Transcantábrico ’s lavish compartments and plentiful excursions make for an easy, enlightening ride.

The Clásico itinerary hugs the northern coast, with stop-offs at the Guggenheim Museum in Bilbao, seafood suppers in Santander and, on longer trips, hiking in the UNESCO Biosphere Reserve of Picos de Europa National Park.

Top tip: The rail network actually runs between San Feliz and Ferrol – a few kilometres shy of León and Santiago de Compostela – so the trip is bookended by brief coach journeys.

Read next: 6 of the world’s most luxurious sleeper trains

15. belgrade to bar, serbia, bosnia & montenegro.

Mala Rijeka Viaduct, Serbia (Shutterstock)

Best for… A cross-country caper

The journey: Belgrade to Bar (476km; 10 hours)

We say… This Balkan line can’t be booked online with national operators, so you’ll need to get tickets at the counter, but once on board you’ll hop ravines and rivers with the greatest of ease, thanks to its 254 tunnels and 435 bridges.

It took railway engineers decades to blast through the Dinaric Alps, traverse the thick birch forests, skirt the shores of Lake Skadar and build the 200m-high Mala Rijeka viaduct, which, until 2001, was the tallest railway bridge in the world.

Top tip: Local sources state this train is currently only operating a night time service. Boo we say! But look out for the return of its day time schedule.

16. Golden Eagle Danube Express, Turkey to Hungary

Golden Eagle Danube Express (Shutterstock)

Best for… The east with ease

The journey: Istanbul (Turkey) to Budapest (Hungary) via Bulgaria & Romania (1,832km; seven days)

We say… On the Danube Express ’s ‘Castles of Transylvania’ route, you’ll whizz between two of Europe’s most beguiling cities in the lap of luxury.

Off-train excursions allow for easy exploration of medieval towns and Romanian castles, while the onboard experience includes opulent perks: think plush double cabins, starched linens and piano recitals.

Top tip: Spend your time socialising in the cocktail lounge; this journey tends to attract fascinating souls.

17. North York Moors Railway, England

Vintage passenger train on the North York Moors Railway (Shutterstock)

Best for… A time-travelling treasure

The journey: Whitby to Pickering (38.6km; one hour, 45 minutes)

We say… With a shrill whistle and a scorching blast, this steamy trip into the North York Moors National Park begins in lively Whitby, so spare time to visit its recenty reopened Abbey.

From there, it travels windswept dales, lush carpets of heather and, so it seems, time itself. Though devoid of most mod cons, the NYMR’s hundred-year-old steam trains make surprisingly quick work of these rolling moors, as you stop off for picnics and village walks along the way.

Top tip: For a taste of life at the steamy end, join the railway’s ‘experience days’ and ride on the footplate.

18. Bohinj Railway, Slovenia & Italy

Bohinj Railway, Slovenia (Shutterstock)

Best for… Slovenia made simple

The journey: Jesenice to Trieste (approx 150km; three hours)

We say… To ford the peaks of the Julian Alps to the northernmost sliver of Italian coastline, the Bohinj Railway must slice a route it has plied for over 110 years.

It was built as a strategic network for the Austro-Hungarian monarchy, but these days it’s catnip for hikers and cyclists who revel in the easy connections to Most na Soci, Lake Bled and Nova Gorica’s wineries.

Top tip: For a special trip, catch the heritage steam train (May to November) between Jesenice and Nova Gorica, where staff still don the uniforms of the old Austro-Hungarian Empire.

19. Semmering Railway, Austria

Semmering Railway, Austria (Shutterstock)

Best for… UNESCO-listed joys

The journey: Gloggnitz to Mürzzuschlag (41km; 40 minutes)

We say… Praised by UNESCO as ‘one of the greatest feats of civil engineering’, the Semmering teeters on two-storey viaducts and narrow mountain passes, with twists and steep inclines aplenty.

The reward for your fortitude? Swoon-worthy views of the Austrian Alps, and opportunities for great hiking or skiing. It took six years and 20,000 labourers to build this track, and this pioneering project from the 1850s became the blueprint for mountain railways all over the world.

Top tip: Gloggnitz is just an hour by train from Vienna, so don’t miss out.

20. Bergen Railway, Norway

Bergen Railway, Norway (Shutterstock)

Best for… Scandi splendour

The journey: Oslo to Bergen (500km; six and a half hours)

We say… Even in the cosy comfort of your compartment, Norway’s desolate Hardangervidda plateau will send a shiver down your spine. While the forests and lakes outside Oslo are beautiful, it’s the Bergen Railway ’s eerily empty mountain passes that steal the show.

Stretch your legs at Finse, the highest station on the line (1,222m), to see where Robert Falcon Scott and his crew trained in advance of their infamous 1912 South Pole expedition. A lonely spot indeed.

Top tip: Hop off at Myrdal and pick up the extraordinary 20km branch line to Flam (one hour), whose spiral tunnels and steep gradient will sweep you up further into these breathtaking mountains.

21. Brocken Railway, Germany

Brocken Railway, Germany (Shutterstock)

Best for… Saving your legs

The journey: Drei Annen Hohne to Brocken (19km; 51 minutes)

We say… The summit of Brocken (the Harz mountains’ loftiest point) is a doddle for these steam trains (which, if you book online, you’ll have to do in German). They climb thick pines and wildflower meadows up to the 1,141m peak, forming one of three lines on the Harz Railway, Europe’s longest network (140km) still running daily steam trains.

Top tip: Buy a one-way ticket and hike back down, walking the famed trail to Torfhaus.

22. Ffestiniog Railway, Wales

Ffestiniog Railway, Wales (Shutterstock)

Best for… Steaming Snowdonia

The journey: Blaenau Ffestiniog to Porthmadog (21.7km; one hour 15 mins)

We say… Operated by the oldestsurviving train company in the world, the Ffestiniog Railway has run for almost 200 years through Snowdonia National Park, and has a gleaming troupe of steam locomotives. The route is a rich feast of rivers, waterfalls, mountains and ancient woodlands, with a looping spiral section lending some thrills.

Top tip: Add on the Welsh Highland Railway – Ffestiniog’s sister route – between Porthmadog and Caernarfon to extend your fun.

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The 10 Most Beautiful Train Journeys Across Europe

• September 16, 2024

The Venice Simplon-Orient-Express is revealed to be Europe’s most ‘beautiful’ train journey among tourists.

Student travel company Rustic Pathways analyzed the number of Tripadvisor reviews containing beauty descriptors, such as ‘beautiful,’ ‘lovely’ and ‘spectacular’ across 29 scenic train journeys in Europe. Each train journey has been ranked based on the percentage of reviews containing these beauty keywords out of their total number of reviews.

• The Venice Simplon-Orient-Express

Topping the list of Europe’s most beautiful scenic train journeys is the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express, with 64.4% of its total 822 Tripadvisor reviews containing keywords describing the route’s beauty.  Over a third of reviews describe the Orient Express as ‘beautiful’ (275) and 264 reviews describe the journey as ‘wonderful’.

This luxurious, vintage train journey travels through various European cities. It typically starts in London and ventures through Paris, Innsbruck, Verona and Venice in restored 1920s cabins that cost from approximately $5,097 per passenger. The iconic train also stretches to Istanbul, Prague and Budapest.

• The Vale of Rheidol Railway

In second place is the Vale of Rheidol Railway, with 63.9% of its Tripadvisor reviews describing its beautiful journey. Of 1,280 reviews, 346 describe the train as ‘lovely’, 249 describe it as ‘beautiful’ and 191 describe it as ‘stunning’.

The steam train travels 12 miles through the Rheidol Valley, beginning at Aberystwyth in west Wales and journeying to Devil’s Bridge at an estimated $46 for an adult return ticket.

• The Kyle Line

The third most ‘beautiful’ scenic train journey in Europe is the Kyle Line, with 61.9% of its 190 reviews containing beauty keywords. Over 38% (73) of reviews describe the Kyle Line as ‘beautiful’ and 45 contain the keyword ‘stunning’.

This scenic railway train stretches from Dingwall to Kyle of Lochalsh, offering breathtaking views of the Scottish Highlands, including the Skye Bridge. An adult return ticket costs an estimated $33 but varies between seasons.

• The Flåm Railway (Flånsbana)

Fourth on the list is the Flåm Railway, with 61.7% of Tripadvisor reviews referring to the scenic train journey’s beauty. Of 1,230 reviews, 29% describe the railway as ‘beautiful’, 195 describe it as ‘spectacular’ and 114 describe it as ‘stunning’.

This Norwegian train runs between the small village of Flåm and the mountain station, Myrdal. The journey includes a dramatic elevation change of 2,838 feet from sea level to the mountains and costs approximately $90 for an adult return ticket.

• The Bernina Express

The Bernina Express closely follows in fifth place, with 61.1% of its 1,658 Tripadvisor reviews complimenting the train’s beautiful journey. Tourists have left 365 reviews containing the keyword ‘beautiful’, 262 containing ‘spectacular’ and 193 containing ‘stunning’.

Operating between Chur, Switzerland and Tirano, Italy, the Bernina Express travels through the Swiss Alps, reaching a peak altitude of 7,391 feet at the Ospizio Bernina station. A second class adult return ticket costs an estimated $150.

• The Settle-Carlisle Railway

The Settle-Carlisle Railways takes sixth spot, with 60.1% of its Tripadvisor reviews containing keywords related to the journey’s beauty. Of 772 reviews, 136 describe the railway as ‘lovely’, 125 describe it as ‘beautiful’ and 108 describe it as ‘stunning’.

This historic line travels through Northern England from Settle in North Yorkshire to Carlisle in Cumbria, with views of the Yorkshire Dales and the North Pennines, costing approximately $46 for an adult return ticket.

• The Ffestiniog and Welsh Highland Railways

In seventh place is the Ffestiniog and Welsh Highland Railways, with 59.6% of its reviews mentioning how beautiful the journey is. Tourists have left 3,290 reviews of the railway, with 884 containing the keyword ‘lovely’, 646 containing ‘beautiful’ and 407 containing ‘wonderful’.

These two interconnected narrow-gauge heritage railways run from Blaenau Ffestiniog to Porthmadog in North Wales, with passengers viewing the Snowdonia mountains. A combined journey ticket will cost passengers an estimated $105.

• The Gotthard Panorama Express

The Gotthard Panorama Express ranks eighth, with 57.7% of its total 111 Tripadvisor reviews containing keywords related to the train routes’ beauty. Over a third of reviews (38%) describe the journey as ‘beautiful’ and 17 reviews describe it as ‘spectacular’.

Starting in Lugano or Bellinzona, this Swiss train combines a rail route with a lake cruise, offering passengers views of the Alps and stunning lakes. A second class adult return ticket costs approximately $95.

• The Ravenglass and Eskdale Railway

Ninth on the list is the Ravenglass and Eskdale Railway, with 56.5% of its reviews referencing how stunning the train journey is. Of 1,171 reviews, 390 contain the keyword ‘lovely’, 214 contain ‘beautiful’ and 134 contain ‘wonderful’.

This narrow-gauge steam railway is located in the Lake District in Northern England and journeys through the scenic landscapes of the Eskdale Valley. An adult return ticket costs an estimated $24.

• The Brecon Mountain Railway

The Brecon Mountain Railway completes the top ten most ‘beautiful’ scenic train journeys in Europe, with 54.5% of its Tripadvisor reviews complimenting the route’s beauty. Tourists have left 1,476 reviews of the railway, with 447 including the keyword ‘lovely’, 255 including ‘beautiful’ and 160 including ‘wonderful’.

This narrow-gauge heritage railway offers a scenic journey through South Wales, where passengers can enjoy the landscapes of the Brecon Beacons National Park. An adult return ticket costs approximately $27.

Shayne Fitz-Coy, CEO of Rustic Pathways , commented on the findings:

“The close proximity of these percentages expressing the beauty of these scenic train journeys illustrates the beauty and sheer popularity of exploring Europe. Tourists clearly love visiting the continent’s mountains, lakes and valleys and showing their appreciation through positive online reviews.”

“With train travel providing a great way to explore Europe in a relaxed and slow pace, it is no wonder that these routes are praised so highly.”

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The World’s Most Luxurious Train Journeys to Take in 2024

Introduction – the allure of the world’s most luxurious trains.

Travelling onboard the most luxurious trains in the world allows passengers to appreciate the journey as much as the destinations along the way. The most luxurious train rides provide a slower and more laid-back approach to journeying to some of the world’s most spectacular sights and cities. The worlds most luxurious trains are much the same as the finest hotels, only they’re mobile with fantastic accommodation, service, and dining, and with continually changing breathtaking views.

The Pinnacle of Rail Luxury: Top 10 Luxury Trains in the World for 2024

What is the worlds most luxurious train? In many ways, the definition of luxury can differ from person to person. But, when it comes to the most luxurious trains in the world, there is a certain standard that must be met in order to be considered. We have gathered a catalogue of the best luxury trains in the world that stand head and shoulder above all others. Some you’ll have undoubtedly heard of, while others may come as a surprise as they have received less public attention through the years but are nonetheless among the pinnacle of luxury rail travel.

1. Venice Simplon-Orient-Express, Europe: Best luxury train journey in the world.

The Venice Simplon-Orient Express is owned and operated by Belmond and has often and rightfully been referred to as being among the most luxurious train rides in the world. With most of the train’s carriages dating back to the late 1920s, a London departure between March and November heading for spectacular Venice makes for an incredible cross-continent adventure. Or from Paris to Verona, often mistaken for being the most expensive train ride in the world, passengers sit in the lap of luxury for the entire journey.

2. Cruise Train Seven Stars, Japan: Often dubbed the world’s most luxurious train.

The Seven Stars in Kyushu is one of the lesser-known railway journeys but is one of the top 5 luxury trains in the world. Launched in 2013 and Japan’s premier luxury sleeper train, this journey distinctly contrasts with other luxurious trains. Its seven carriages feature a lounge car with panoramic windows, a salon car, a tea room, a bar, a gallery shop, and twelve sumptuous suites where passengers can relax and want for nothing.

3. The Ghan, Australia: A contender for the title of the most luxurious train journey in the world.

The Ghan has rightfully earned its spot among the top 10 luxury trains in the world, having been in service since 1929 with a route between Adelaide and Darwin. Passengers boarding one of the most luxurious trains in the world are treated to world-class dining experiences and a fabulous selection of wines. The perfect balance of relaxation and adventure awaits those lucky enough to purchase a ticket as this journey heads through the heart of Australia via Alice Springs, visiting parts of the country most will never experience.

4. Rovos Rail, South Africa: Among the top 5 luxury trains in the world.

The Pride of Africa Rovos Rail train undeniably sits among the best luxury train journeys in the world. As one of the best luxury trains in the world, it offers a fantastic selection of trips that include Cape Town, the Namibia Safari, Victoria Falls, Dar Es Salaam, the Copper Trail and many more. With an air of old-world charm and no televisions or radios onboard, Passengers while away the days in total luxury between destinations and off-train excursions.

5. Belmond Andean Explorer, Peru: A luxurious train in the world that offers breathtaking Andean views.

Far from being the most expensive train ride in the world, the Belmond Andean Explorer, Peru , offers a dynamic journey through an age-old land that furnishes those onboard with some of the most breathtaking views to be found anywhere. From the spectacular Andes mountain range to Lake Titicaca, you’ll travel one of the highest altitude railways on Earth on one of the worlds most luxurious trains on a journey that will create everlasting memories.

6. Maharajas Express, India: The epitome of the most luxurious train journeys.

An absolute shoo-in for the worlds most luxurious train is the Maharajas’ Express, India, which also happens to be the most expensive train in the world if you’re considering treating yourself. Passengers are treated to luxury fit for the Maharajas of yesteryear, with spectacular fine dining, incredibly luxurious accommodations, second-to-none onboard service from the staff, and destinations beyond belief. At over $3000 per night, the world’s most expensive train ride is a dream for most railway lovers.

7. Rocky Mountaineer, Canada: One of the best luxury trains in the world with panoramic Canadian vistas.

Canada’s outlandish daylight train is well-known for its remarkable on-route destinations, including Banff, Jasper, Lake Louise, Kamloops, Whistler, and Vancouver. Among the most luxurious trains in the world, it makes its journeys between sunrise and sunset and showcases the region’s mountainous alpine territory and the country’s most incredible wildlife. The views alone from the vast panoramic windows put this among the top 10 luxury trains in the world.

8. The Eastern & Oriental Express, Asia: A luxurious train journey that rivals the world’s most luxurious trains.

Another astonishing offering from Belmond in the form of the Eastern & Oriental Express. These charming Malaysian escapes are renowned for the train and its accommodations, world-class destinations, and off-train experiences, making it one of the best luxury trains in the world. With its classic cream and green exterior, wood panelling, and silken furnishings to its bar car, relaxed ambience, fine dining, and observation car, this is surely among the worlds most luxurious trains.

9. The Royal Scotsman, UK: British luxury redefined on rails.

Guests onboard the Royal Scotsman immediately recognise that they are part of something special and on one of the best luxury train journeys in the world from the moment they arrive at Waverly Station in Edinburgh. It’s difficult to argue that this isn’t the most luxurious train in the world, with its indulgent cabin amenities, personal butler service, in-cabin fine dining, Dior spa, selection of whiskey and wines, journey destinations and experiences.

10. The Deccan Odyssey, India: India’s answer to the world’s most luxurious train experiences.

When you discuss the most luxurious trains in the world, you can’t ignore a Deccan Odyssey train tour in India . You can’t underestimate the allure of old-world charm and the romance of winding through India’s wilderness, mountains, and desserts. Inspired by the Maharajas of times past, the wonderfully luxurious carriages are fit for royalty as passengers unwind on one of the most luxurious train rides. Everything about these journeys places the Deccan Odyssey firmly among the worlds most luxurious trains.

Decoding Luxury: What Sets the Most Luxurious Trains in the World Apart?

The best luxury trains in the world are distinct from every other form of transport. With the most luxurious train rides, the beautiful experience is in the journey as much as the on-route destinations. All of the top 10 luxury trains in the world allow passengers to travel in the lap of luxury, from incredible culinary highlights to onboard spa treatments and observation cars. Train luxury is something special with a romantic hint to the golden era of travel when things were simpler and uncomplicated. All you need to do is decide which continent and countries you want to experience on your luxury train adventure.

The World’s Most Expensive Train Ride: Is It Worth the Splurge?

While it’s fair-minded to declare that tickets for the top 10 luxury trains in the world don’t come cheap, there is one that rises above all others in terms of expense and grandeur. The Marharajs Express in India offers passengers a choice of four incredible journeys. As the world’s most expensive train ride, passengers can pay in excess of $3000 USD per night for their luxurious adventure. It sounds like a big number, and it is, but it does represent fabulous value for those who can afford it and will certainly not regret paying to experience the worlds most luxurious train.

Which is considered the most luxurious train in the world for 2024?

Luxury and comfort are particular for each of us, but there are certain must-haves for a train and its route to be considered among the most luxurious trains. There are a few that are regularly spoken about and contemplated to be the pinnacle of luxurious railway travel. The Venice Simplon-Orient-Express has long been discussed as offering the best luxury train journeys in the world. With several European routes available onboard this incredibly luxurious locomotive, countless passengers return regularly to indulge in the most luxurious train in the world.

How do the top 5 luxury trains in the world differ in terms of amenities and routes?

It stands to reason that to be considered among the top 5 luxury trains in the world, you’ve got to be doing something right. All of the world’s most luxurious trains offer truly spectacular onboard amenities. Passengers riding on these luxurious trains are treated to fine dining, often using ingredients that are sourced along the route to give passengers a cultural culinary experience that is authentic and unique. The most luxurious train journeys all offer spectacular accommodations that allow for total relaxation in the most comfortable manner. Everything you could wish for is available, from a personal butler service, fine wines and whiskeys to onboard entertainment and world-class vistas.

What makes the best luxury train journeys in the world stand out?

There isn’t one thing that stands out above others that the most luxurious trains in the world have. It’s a consolidation of everything that makes it a luxurious adventure. As well as the physical aspects of luxury you’ll experience, such as staying in a grand suite or dressing up for an incredible fine dining experience in an oak-panelled dining car, the service you receive from the crew when you travel on the worlds most luxurious train journeys makes for a truly unique and ever-memorable trip.

Are the world’s most luxurious trains also the most expensive?

What you’ll pay to travel on the most luxurious trains in the world will principally depend on the length of the trip and the destinations. The Maharajas Express is the most expensive train in the world and is commonly regarded as one of the most luxurious. For most people, the most luxurious train rides seem expensive, but the most luxurious train journeys provide great value as a special occasion adventure.

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Immerse yourself in the most famous luxury train carriages in the world onboard the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express as you are transported across Europe and back to the Golden Age of Travel. Authentic polished woods, sumptuous upholstery and antique features set the scene as you are transported back to the 1920’s, where true luxury was found on the rails. The Venice Simplon-Orient-Express is truly remarkable and any journey aboard will evoke memories to be cherished for years to come. A decadent journey back to the 1920’s, the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express offers elegant cabins complete with rich details including fine fabrics and glossy wood panelling that take you back in time. During the day, twin cabins let you admire the scenery as you are whisked across Europe, then as night falls, they are transformed into inviting bedrooms that allow you to sink into sumptuous comfort, all the while as the world goes by. Simply put, there is nothing else quite like it. The Venice Simplon-Orient-Express is the epitome of luxury on rails and offers an exquisite experience on every journey, whether between London and Venice or Paris and Istanbul. Dedicated to offering opulence at the highest quality, a journey on the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express is one to treasure forever and the ideal escape to an adventure only heard of in story books.

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These are officially Europe's most beautiful train journeys

Relive the golden age of rail travel on these impossibly scenic routes

There's truly nothing quite so magical as a train journey through a scenic landscape. As a passenger, all you have to do is sit back, relax and gaze longingly out of the window, admiring the endless tableaux of striking scenery that slide pass the gleaming glass.

INCREDIBLE TRAIN JOURNEYS TO BOOK NOW

Luckily for us, many of the world's most beautiful train journeys wind their way through Europe . They wind their way elegantly through the wilds of the UK , climb up to the heights of the Swiss Alps or whizz through the timeless glamour of cities like Paris and Venice .

Merely thinking about it is enough to encourage you to make 2025 the year you relive the golden age of rail travel, immersing yourself in all the romance and nostalgia on some elegantly restored carriage.

And to help you decide which to hop aboard first, travel company Rustic Pathways has released a list of the most beautiful train journeys in Europe. By analysing Tripadvisor reviews containing words including 'beautiful' and 'spectacular', they've come up with a list of 20 of the most unforgettable routes.

It will come as little surprise that topping the list is the one and only Venice Simplon-Orient-Express , A Belmond Train. This legend on wheels has been famous for its opulent style and no-luxury-spared service since the 1920s, having transported rockstars and royalty in its now painstakingly restored carriages – including the just-unveiled L’Observatoire, a special sleeper carriage designed by artist JR.

BOARD THE VENICE SIMPLON-ORIENT-EXPRESS WITH CL

Another highlight of this exceptional list is the Bernina Express , another legendary rail route that deserves a spot on any bucket list. This panoramic masterpiece operates between Switzerland and Italy, travelling through the mighty Swiss Alps and reaching a peak altitude of 7,391 feet at the Ospizio Bernina station.

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A final – but equally unmissable – route to appear on the list is the Glacier Express , which also passes through breathtaking mountain scenery. It connects Zermatt with the chic resort of St. Moritz via Andermatt in the central Swiss Alps.

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The most beautiful train journeys in Europe

1. Venice Simplon-Orient-Express

2. Vale of Rheidol Railway

3. Kyle Line

4. The Flam Railway

5. Bernina Express

6. Settle-Carlisle Railway

7. Ffestiniog and Welsh Highland Railways

8. Gotthard Panorama Express

9. Ravenglass and Eskdale Railway

10. Brecon Mountain Railway

11. Lynton and Barnstaple Railway

12. Llangollen Railway

13. Bala Lake Railway

14. Jacobite Steam Train

15. The Bergen Railway

16. South Devon Railway

17. Vigezzina-Centovalli Railway

18. West Somerset Railway

19. Glacier Express

20. Le Train Jaune

Browse more rail journeys you can book with Country Living Holidays.

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12 of Europe’s most beautiful train journeys are in Britain – with Victorian carriages and stargazing

• Katrina Turrill
• Published : 15:57, 18 Sep 2024
• Updated : 15:57, 18 Sep 2024
• Published : Invalid Date,

TRAIN journeys offer a unique perspective on a destination as they travel through constantly changing landscapes and offer spectacular views along the way.

If you're thinking of hitching a ride on a scenic railway excursion soon, the most beautiful train journeys in Europe have just been revealed -with the majority of them being based in Britain.

Of a list put together by Rustic Pathways , the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express took the top spot.

The private luxury train service from London to Venice and other European cities, owned by Belmond, is famed for its opulent style.

Expect luxurious accommodation, fine dining, white-glove service, and an Art Deco champagne bar.

The train passes through the Swiss Alps, Italian Dolomites, and Brenner Pass, with views of the Matterhorn mountain in Zermatt on a clear day.

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These are the British train journeys that also made the most beautiful list.

Vale of Rheidol Railway

The Vale of Rheidol Railway journey runs between Aberystwyth and Pontarfynach (Devil's Bridge) in Mid Wales , and offers stunning views of open fields, woodlands, and mountain scenery.

You might also see red kites and buzzards soaring above the valley.

The train uses historic carriages built between 1923 and 1938, and the narrow-gauge railway follows the terrain's contours, with steep gradients and sharp curves.

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The Kyle Line in Scotland offers a scenic train journey from Inverness to Kyle of Lochalsh, and takes in the Highlands' mountains, forests, lochs, and moors.

The train passes the shores of Loch Carron, where you can stop off at the village of Plockton. Also Attadale, where you can explore the colourful Attadale Gardens.

The downhill slope between Loch Luichart to Garve is a great spot for deer watching. 

During the final stretch of the journey, passengers can enjoy incredible views of the Isle of Skye.

Settle-Carlisle Railway

The Settle-Carlisle Railway offers a scenic journey through the Yorkshire Dales and North Pennines,

It's a 63 mile trip, usually taking around 1 hour and 40 minutes.

Highlights include views of Ribblehead Viaduct and Eden Valley and Dent Station - the highest mainline station in England .

In the past, the railway has hosted dark skies events, for family-friendly stargazing at Ribblehead Viaduct.

Ffestiniog and Welsh Highland Railways

The Ffestiniog and Welsh Highland Railways journey, which starts at Porthmadog Harbour, stretches for 40 miles through the glorious Snowdonia National Park, with views of mountains, rivers, castles, coastlines, and ancient oak woodlands.

It uses a unique route, including horseshoe bends, a complete spiral, and tunnels through the mountain.

The railway also offers Gold experiences with plush armchair bays, an observation saloon, and optional cream teas and picnic baskets.

At the end of the line is Blaenau Ffestiniog, a slate-quarrying town.

Ravenglass and Eskdale Railway

The Ravenglass and Eskdale Railway in Cumbria is one of the world's oldest and longest surviving narrow gauge railways. 

It's known for its scenic views of the Cumbrian coast, rolling hills, and distant mountains.

Locals have nicknamed it the 'La'al Ratty', which means 'little railway' in the local Cumbrian dialect. 

Brecon Mountain Railway

One of the best ways to see the views in the Brecon Beacons National Park is on the Brecon Mountain Railway .

The line runs from Pant, 3 miles North of Merthyr Tydfil, to Torpantau following part of the route of the original Brecon & Merthyr Railway which closed in 1964.

Some of the best views look over Bannau Brycheiniog, including the Taf Fechan and Pontsticill Reservoirs.

Lynton and Barnstaple Railway

The Lynton and Barnstaple Railway in North Devon is special for many reasons.

It's the only steam railway in the UK where passengers ride in Victorian carriages designed in the 1890s.

They were designed to provide the best views of the scenery, with the train passing through Parracombe and West Lyn valley.

For the best views of West Lyn, look to the right hand side.

Llangollen Railway

Llangollen Railway , a volunteer-run heritage railway in Denbighshire, North Wales , operates between Llangollen and Corwen. 

It runs through the Dee Valley, an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB), and offers views of the river and the surrounding countryside. 

The scenery changes with the seasons, from spring lambs to colourful foliage.

Bala Lake Railway

Bala Lake Railway in North Wales celebrates the heritage of the small railways that used to transport slate from the quarries to the docks. 

The trains are all over 100 years old and were once used in the slate quarries.

After leaving Llanuwchllyn, the line descends the 1 in 70 Dolfawr Bank, offering views of the lake, water meadows, and hillsides.

Keep an eye out for herons and buzzards that nest near the line.

Jacobite Steam Train

The Jacobite Steam Train runs a 41-mile round trip between Fort William and Mallaig in the Scottish Highlands.

The train and route were famously used in the Harry Potter films, giving the train its nickname, the Hogwarts Express.

Included in the route are Glenfinnan Viaduct, a stop at Arisaig, Britain's westernmost mainland railway station, and Britain's highest mountain, shortest river, and deepest freshwater loch.

South Devon Railway

The South Devon Railway runs between Buckfastleigh and Totnes Riverside in Devon and along the River Dart, passing through some of Devon's most beautiful countryside. 

The 14-mile round trip route also includes a stop at Staverton - a lively village that has the best surviving medieval bridge in Devon.

Look out the right hand side of the train for the best views along the river.

West Somerset Railway

The West Somerset Railway is 22.75 miles long, making it the longest independent standard gauge heritage railway in the UK.

It runs from Bishops Lydeard, near Taunton, to Minehead, a seaside town. 

Passengers can enjoy views of the Quantock Hills and Exmoor countryside, as well as the Bristol Channel.

Sun Travel's favourite train journeys in the world

Sun Travel's journalists have taken their fare share of train journeys on their travels and here they share their most memorable rail experiences.

Davos to Geneva, Switzerland

"After a ski holiday in Davos, I took the scenic train back to Geneva Airport. The snow-covered mountains and tiny alpine villages that we passed were so beautiful that it felt like a moving picture was playing beyond the glass." - Caroline McGuire

Tokyo to Kyoto by Shinkansen

"Nothing quite beats the Shinkansen bullet train, one of the fastest in the world. It hardly feels like you're whizzing along at speed until you look outside and see the trees a green blur. Make sure to book seat D or E too - as you'll have the best view of Mount Fuji along the way." Kara Godfrey

London to Paris by Eurostar

"Those who have never travelled on the Eurostar may wonder what’s so special about a seemingly ordinary train that takes you across the channel. You won’t have to waste a moment and can tick off all the top attractions from the Louvre to the Champs-Élysées which are both less than five kilometres from the Gare du Nord." - Sophie Swietochowski

Glasgow to Fort William by Scotrail

"From mountain landscapes and serene lochs to the wistful moors, I spent my three-hour journey from Glasgow to Fort William gazing out the window. Sit on the left-hand side of the train for the best views overlooking Loch Lomond." - Hope Brotherton

Beijing to Ulaanbatar

"The Trans-Mongolian Express is truly a train journey like no other. It starts amid the chaos of central Beijing before the city's high-rises give way to crumbling ancient villages and eventually the vast vacant plains of Mongolia, via the Gobi desert. The deep orange sunset seen in the middle of the desert is among the best I've witnessed anywhere." - Ryan Gray

The most beautiful train journeys in Europe (full list):

1.  Venice Simplon-Orient-Express

2.  Vale of Rheidol Railway

3.  Kyle Line

4.  The Flam Railway

5.  Bernina Express

6.  Settle-Carlisle Railway

7.  Ffestiniog and Welsh Highland Railways

8.  Gotthard Panorama Express

9.  Ravenglass and Eskdale Railway

10.  Brecon Mountain Railway

11.  Lynton and Barnstaple Railway

12.  Llangollen Railway

13.  Bala Lake Railway

14.  Jacobite Steam Train

15.  The Bergen Railway

16.  South Devon Railway

17.  Vigezzina-Centovalli Railway

18.  West Somerset Railway

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19.  Glacier Express

20.  Le Train Jaune

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‘Game-changing’ train seat that can be converted into lie-flat bed unveiled

A prototype was revealed at the Derby factory of train manufacturer Alstom on Thursday.

A train seat that can be converted into a lie-flat bed has been unveiled in a bid to transform rail travel.

Designers of the DreamSuite said it could boost comfort for budget passengers on overnight sleeper services and long-distance daytime journeys.

The seat is being developed by consultancy Future Travel Studio, which received £275,000 of funding from the Department for Transport and innovation agency Innovate UK last year.

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The UK’s two overnight sleeper train services connect London with Scotland and the South West.

They both feature a combination of private cabins beds – which are sold at a premium price – and regular train seats, which many passengers select to save money but find difficult to sleep on.

Future Travel Studio said DreamSuite had been created as a “middle-ground option”.

It claimed this could offer 60% more capacity than sleeper cabins – meaning savings could be passed on to passengers – and be more comfortable than conventional seating.

The seat can be converted from an upright position to a flat bed with a length of six feet and two inches using a mechanical system.

It features a privacy screen – enabling flexibility for solo travellers and couples – and space to hang clothes and store bags.

It has been designed to meet UK rail safety standards, and could be fitted to existing carriages.

Designer Nik Lusardi, whose previous roles include creating Virgin Atlantic’s first-class seats between 2004 and 2016, told the PA news agency: “What we’ve been trying to do is democratise this kind of product on rails.

“We want to make this attainable for everybody, not just business passengers and people who’ve got deep pockets.”

He said DreamSuite was a “game change” as his experience of UK trains was that the seats are “all a bit hard, they get uncomfortable after about half-an-hour”.

He added: “We are very passionate about sustainability.

“We think there’s a bit of a tsunami coming around this kind of product.

“People are gravitating more towards train. This product makes train travel a more compelling argument.”

Alstom managing director for the UK and Ireland Nick Crossfield said: “By integrating advanced, flexible seating options into existing rolling stock, we’re helping to unlock new opportunities for both daytime and night-time rail services while supporting the industry’s efforts to reduce carbon emissions.

“DreamSuite truly is a game-changer.”

Future Travel Studio said it hoped to launch a pilot programme for DreamSuite, paving the way for commercial use.

Mark Smith said it is a “product that people are familiar with” from business class air travel, which is “perceived as upmarket”.

But he expressed concern at the potential downgrade in security compared with a lockable sleeper cabin.

Mark Smith, founder of international train travel website Seat61.com, said there is potential for the design to be deployed in continental Europe but it’s unlikely to be used in the UK.

“I don’t think it will happen in the UK,” he said.

“Although there’s growing demand for sleepers, and although the Caledonian Sleeper runs fully booked (between London and Scotland) almost every night, they are maxed out for 16 vehicles, they can’t add extra cars to their trains.

“Would they bother fitting these in place of their existing seats?

“I think that would be nice, but I don’t think they’ll think that’s worthwhile.”