Epic Train Journeys
The destination is the journey itself
There's something about train travel that no other form of transport can match. The rhythmic clack of wheels on rails. The ever-changing panorama outside your window. The unhurried pace that lets you actually see the landscape between A and B — the part that planes skip entirely and cars make you too busy driving to notice.
The world's great train journeys aren't just transportation — they're the reason for the trip. The Trans-Siberian isn't a way to get from Moscow to Vladivostok; it IS the experience of crossing eight time zones, watching the birch forests of Russia give way to the vast emptiness of Siberia, sharing tea and conversation with fellow passengers in the dining car.
Train travel is also one of the most sustainable ways to see the world. No airport security theater. No checked bag anxiety. Just a platform, a whistle, and the open track ahead.
Where to experience it
5 world-class destinations for epic train journeys
May-Sep (warmest, longest days)Trans-Siberian Railway
Russia/Mongolia/China
The longest railway in the world: 9,289 km from Moscow to Vladivostok (or branch to Beijing via Mongolia). Six nights through taiga, steppe, and Lake Baikal. The ultimate train journey.
Year-round (winter is magical, summer is greenest)Glacier Express
Switzerland
The "slowest express train in the world" — 8 hours from Zermatt to St. Moritz through 91 tunnels and over 291 bridges. Alpine meadows, gorges, and the Matterhorn through panoramic windows.
Apr-OctRocky Mountaineer
Canada
Two days through the Canadian Rockies from Vancouver to Banff/Jasper. Glass-dome coaches, gourmet meals, and scenery that makes you understand why they call them the Rockies.
Mar-May (cherry blossom), Oct-Nov (autumn)Shinkansen Network
Japan
Not one journey but a system: bullet trains connecting Tokyo, Kyoto, Osaka, Hiroshima at 320 km/h. Mount Fuji slides past your window. On time to the second. The future of rail.
Year-round (winter snow adds drama)Bernina Express
Switzerland/Italy
UNESCO World Heritage route from Chur to Tirano (Italy) — the highest rail crossing of the Alps without a tunnel. Spiral viaducts, glaciers, and a border crossing at 2,253 meters.
What to expect
- Luxury trains (Rocky Mountaineer, Orient Express) include gourmet meals and panoramic coaches — prices from $1,500+
- Budget options exist: Japan Rail Pass ($275 for 7 days), Eurail Pass ($300+ for 15 days), Trans-Siberian third class ($150)
- Sleeper cabins range from basic berths (Trans-Siberian) to hotel-suite luxury (Royal Scotsman)
- Most scenic trains have dedicated "photo stops" or observation cars
- Wifi is spotty on scenic routes — bring books, download content, or just watch the window
- Train stations in Europe and Japan are city-center — no taxi-to-airport hassle
Insider tips
On the Glacier Express, sit on the LEFT side (south-facing) for the best views of the Rhine Gorge and alpine valleys.
The Trans-Siberian is best done with stops: Moscow → Yekaterinburg → Irkutsk (Lake Baikal) → Ulaanbaatar → Beijing. Don't do it straight through.
Japan Rail Pass must be purchased OUTSIDE Japan before arrival. It pays for itself in 2-3 Shinkansen rides.
Book the Rocky Mountaineer's GoldLeaf service — the glass-dome upper deck is transformative compared to the lower-level SilverLeaf.
The Orient Express (Venice Simplon) is more about the 1920s luxury experience than the scenery. If you want views, choose the Glacier or Bernina Express instead.
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