Bucket List Train Trips You Have To Do At Least Once In Your Life

There's something special about the steady rhythm of a train ride, whether you're gliding along on a sleek bullet train or bouncing along in a vintage carriage from a bygone era. The ability to relax, leave the driving to someone else, enjoy the passing scenery, dive into a good book, dine on board or strike up conversations with other passengers makes for an ideal travel day.

Luckily, whether you’re looking for new ways to enjoy your retirement, or simply fancy something a little different from your next trip, these world-class trains offer an escape from airports and highways, bringing you closer to local culture while experiencing life at a whole new pace.

The Rocky Mountaineer, Canada

Regularly voted one of the world’s best train operators, The Rocky Mountaineer takes passengers on a spectacular journey through the Canadian Rockies. Operating between Vancouver and Banff, with other routes extending to Jasper and Lake Louise, it traverses some of North America’s most impressive landscapes.

Expect panoramic views of snow-capped mountains, emerald lakes and lush forests, all from the comfort of glass-domed coaches. Fun fact: The Rocky Mountaineer is a daylight-only train, so there’s no chance of missing any of those stunning vistas.

Highlights include the dramatic Hell’s Gate Canyon, the Spiral Tunnels, and the towering peaks of the Continental Divide, all served alongside gourmet meals and impeccable service.

Journey time: A typical travel day on the train can range from 10-12 hours on the Canadian routes and up to 8-9 hours on the US route.

Info: rockymountaineer.com

The Venice Simplon-Orient-Express, Europe

Perhaps the most iconic and glamorous train journey in the world, the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express evokes the golden age of travel, transporting passengers from London or Paris to Venice (with other routes available seasonally) in utmost style.

More than just a journey, the train itself is a marvel with its Art Deco interiors, polished wood and plush furnishings. Passengers dine in elegant dining cars, enjoying gourmet cuisine as they pass through some of Europe’s most divine landscapes including the rolling hills of France, the Swiss Alps and the Italian countryside before arriving at what many would call the most romantic city in the world. Trust us, this is a once-in-a-lifetime experience.

Journey time: Journeys can last from one to several days. The traditional and most popular route between London and Venice takes two days, with one night on board.

Info: belmond.com

The Glacier Express, Switzerland

Taking the slow travel trend to a whole new level – the Glacier Express is dubbed the “slowest express train in the world,” get ready for one of the most scenic rail journeys in Europe. Connecting the Swiss resorts of Zermatt and St. Moritz, this train travels through the heart of the Swiss Alps, offering passengers unparalleled views of snow-capped peaks, deep gorges and idyllic alpine villages.

Guests are on board for around eight hours, passing over 291 bridges and through 91 tunnels including the impressive Oberalp Pass which, reaching an whopping altitude of 2,033 metres, means everyone has a front-row seat to those awe-inspiring landscapes. If you can, time for journey for the winter, when magical the landscape is transformed into a magical snowy wonderland.

Journey time: The full Glacier Express journey between Zermatt and St. Moritz is just under 8 hours; the journey between Brig and Chur is around 4 hours.

Info: glacierexpress.ch

The Presidential Train, Portugal

The Douro Valley in Portugal is renowned for its exceptional food and wine, so is it any surprise its legendary train mirrors this reputation with a culinary-focused journey? Setting off from Porto, the journey winds through picturesque vineyards while passengers enjoy live music and gourmet dishes crafted by local chefs. Originally constructed in 1890 for Portugal's royal family, the train has welcomed numerous dignitaries over the years, including Queen Elizabeth II, and retains its royal charm - throughout the 10-hour journey, guests are treated to a continuous flow of Portuguese wine, with a special stop at the Quinta de Vargellas estate for a Port wine tasting before returning to Porto.

Journey time: 11 hours

Info: thepresidentialtrain.com

Royal Scotsman, Scotland

There’s no better way to discover Scotland's scenic lochs, castles and countryside that onboard this exquisite train journey. Winding its way through the Highlands, where you can cozy up under tartan blankets in your suite or savour a glass of Scotch in the elegant mahogany dining car, the Belmond Royal Scotsman is one of a kind. It also happens to be home to its very own onboard Dior Spa, where you can indulge in a facial, massage or manicure while taking in the jaw-dropping views outside your window. What more could you ask for?

Journey time: Trips aboard the Royal Scotsman range from three to seven nights.

Info: belmond.com

The Blue Train, South Africa

Long synonymous with luxury and sophistication, expect a five-star hotel experience on wheels on board South Africa’s Blue Train, which travels 994 miles between Pretoria and Cape Town.

As the name suggests, the train’s vivid blue colour makes it instantly recognisable as it weaves its path through the country, taking in South African countryside seldom seen by visitors. Think the hills of the Highveld, the arid Karoo desert and the lush vineyards of the Western Cape, as well as the diamond mining region around Kimberley, it can all be taken in from the most comfortable of settings, with private suites, gourmet dining and world-class service par for the course.

The highlight of the journey, however, has to be the dramatic approach to Cape Town, with Table Mountain standing proud in the distance.

Journey time: around 27 hours

Info: bluetrain.co.za

The Belmond Andean Explorer, Peru

Looking to travel South America in comfort? Then you’ve come to the right place. Making its way through the Peruvian Andes, the country’s first luxury sleeper travels from Cusco, the ancient capital of the Inca Empire, to the white city of Arequipa, with a stop at Lake Titicaca, the world’s highest navigable lake, where passengers can explore the floating islands of the Uros people.

The train also stops at the La Raya pass, the highest point on the journey, where you’ll be able to take in snow-capped peaks and remote villages from the luxe cabins. And if that wasn’t enough, how about they throw in some fine dining and excursions to some of Peru’s most iconic sites? Yes, we thought so.

Journey time: there are one- or two-night journeys available.

Info: perurail.com