most scenic train rides in the world

Most Scenic Train Rides in the World

Some of the world's most beautiful destinations are also home to scenic train rides traversing .
21. The Blue Train
Start Point Cape Town, South Africa End Point Pretoria, South Africa At over $2,000 per head, a ride aboard the Blue Train isnt cheap. But the stunning views, 5 star hotel worthy facilities and decor, and excellent service more than makes up for it. Youll journey over a 1,000 miles as you cross the South African countryside from Cape Town to Pretoria, covering forests, grasslands, hills, valleys and endless wilderness.
22. Tranzalpine
Start Point Christchurch, New Zealand End Point Greymouth, New Zealand Ask any seasoned traveler what the most beautiful country in the world is, and youll get a unanimous response New Zealand. The popular Tranzalpine line runs through the prettiest parts of New Zealands South Island, covering a total of 139 miles in just over four hours. Youll cross the verdant Canterbury Plains, cross the Waimakariri River, and pass through the beautiful Southern Alps as you make your way to Greymouth.
23. Maharaja Express
Start Point Delhi / Mumbai End Point Mumbai / Delhi The Maharaja Express is arguably the most luxurious train in the world. Modeled on the opulent private trains and cabins of Indian Maharajas of old, this train runs between Indias two largest cities, Delhi and Mumbai. It boasts the single largest private cabin of any train in the world a carriage encompassing Presidential Suite spanning 448 square feet along with impeccably appointed interiors and excellent dining options. Little wonder that its consistently ranked among the most luxurious trains in the world. The beautiful views of the Indian state of Rajasthan are just the right kind of cherry on top.
24. Danube Express from Istanbul and Budapest
With stunning architecture in both Budapest and Istanbul (you can start your journey in either) and miles of legendary Transylvania countryside in between, the four day Danube Express serves as your base for sightseeing during stops in medieval Sighisoara (said to be the birthplace of Dracula) and Bran Castle (aka Draculas Castle). Fun Fact This hotel on wheels is the only international private train in Europe with en suite compartments and air conditioning.
25. Rhine Valley Line from Mainz to Koblenz
For postcard perfect views of centuries old castles overlooking a picturesque river, consider this 62 mile journey on Germanys Rhine Valley Line from Mainz to Koblenz. Castles appear every few miles including Pfalz Castle on an island in the river?and when you arrive at your destination in Koblenz, you can visit the fortress of Ehrenbreitstein for a panoramic valley view. Fun Fact With a Eurail Pass, you can switch on and off from the train to riverboats operated by the KD Rhine Line.
26. Darjeeling Himalayan Railway India
The romantic eight hour trip on this whimsical Lilliputian Toy Train from the Siliguri, in the foothills of the Eastern Himalayas, to the hill station of Darjeeling offers views of Himalayan peaks as high as 7,400 feet. Youll traverse through dense jungle, verdant valleys, tea gardens, and forests of maple, chestnut, pear, cherry, and cardamom trees on this two foot wide, narrow gauge line.
27. Semmering Railway
Departing from Gloggnitz, the hour long Semmering crosses the Austrian Alps Semmering Pass to M?rzzuschlag. Completed in 1854before the age of dynamite and tunnel drilling machines?it passes over 16 viaducts and through 14 tunnels, all carved by hand into the rock. Its one of the masterpieces of civil engineering from the pioneering days of railway building.
28. West Highland Line United Kingdom
Britains most stunning railway links the ports of Mallaig on the West Coast of Scotland with Glasgow. The 90 minute journey skirts somber lochs, lonely glens, moors, and castles before arriving at the aquamarine coast with views of the Small Isles Eigg, Muck, and Rum.
29. El ChePe Mexico
The most modern, comfortable passenger train in Mexico chugs along the Ferrocarril Chihuahua al Pacifico, also known as the Copper Canyon Railway. The 13 hour trip connects the mountainous arid interior of northern Mexico with the Pacific coast, passing sheer canyon walls, waterfalls, high desert plains, and the imposing landscapes of the Sierra Tarahumara.
30. Douro Line Portugal
The 19th century steam train, pulled by a diesel locomotive, clings to the steep, rocky ravine along Portugals Douro River. The ride, which takes an hour and a half, offers views of the countrys famous Douro wine region and its charming villages, vine covered terraces, and olive groves.