As travelers lean toward more sustainable ways to explore, train travel is surging in popularity. It’s not just about avoiding airports or reducing carbon footprints—it’s the appeal of slowing down, soaking up the scenery, and rediscovering the joy of the journey itself.
Trains have always been more than just a mode of transport for those who value the art of travel. There’s something about the rhythmic clatter of wheels, the sweeping panoramas through the windows, and the luxury of having time to reflect while moving forward.
Here are some of the most unique and rewarding train journeys you can experience in 2025—where incredible food, thoughtful design, and unforgettable landscapes come together.
The Glacier Express: Switzerland’s Timeless Journey
Nicknamed the “slowest express train in the world,” the Glacier Express isn’t about speed. It’s about drinking in every detail of Switzerland’s snow-capped peaks, quaint villages, and rolling valleys over eight leisurely hours.
Crossing nearly 300 bridges and navigating dozens of tunnels, this iconic route takes you between St. Moritz and Zermatt, offering views of the Oberalp Pass—the highest point of the journey. The ever-changing scenery transforms the train windows into a live canvas of the Alps.
Onboard, the experience goes beyond the views. Dining feels personal, with locally sourced Swiss dishes served with care. And while the journey is grounded in tradition, modern comforts like panoramic windows make it feel effortlessly contemporary.
The Orient Express: From Paris to Istanbul in Art Deco Elegance
Few names in travel carry as much weight as the Orient Express. While Agatha Christie made it famous in fiction, its real-life return is set to redefine luxury rail travel when it relaunches in 2026.
The 17 original carriages from the 1920s have been restored to perfection, combining nostalgia with modern indulgence. Interiors feature Art Deco details, fine marquetry, and an undeniable sense of glamour. This isn’t just a train; it’s a rolling masterpiece.
The journey itself is just as compelling as the design, with the train weaving through Europe’s storied cities and landscapes en route to Istanbul. Think of it as time travel—but with impeccable service and world-class cuisine along the way.
Reunification Express: Exploring Vietnam’s Soul by Rail
Traveling between Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City on Vietnam’s Reunification Express is less about luxury and more about connection. Stretching over 1,700 kilometers, it’s a moving portrait of the country’s history and culture.
Rice paddies, coastal villages, and misty mountain ranges unfold outside your window, creating a visual journey that reflects Vietnam’s diverse landscapes. Inside the train, there’s a charming simplicity. Expect local snacks, warm conversations with fellow passengers, and the occasional stop at bustling stations that feel like a step into everyday life.
This isn’t a journey you rush—it’s one you savor.
Derry to Coleraine: A Short but Memorable Ride Through Northern Ireland
Not every great train journey needs to last for days. The 38-minute trip between Derry and Coleraine is a compact experience that packs in raw beauty.
Following the River Foyle, the tracks lead you past green pastures, rugged coastline, and the golden sands of Benone Strand. It’s a ride where simplicity shines—no luxury dining cars, no first-class upgrades, just the unfiltered charm of Northern Ireland’s countryside.
Ella to Kandy: Sri Lanka’s Tea Country by Train
This seven-hour journey through Sri Lanka’s lush highlands is more than a scenic ride—it’s a sensory experience. From the scent of tea plantations to the vibrant colors of the countryside, every moment feels alive.
Second-class reserved seats offer a comfortable middle ground, with windows wide open to the cool mountain air. If you’re feeling adventurous, third-class unreserved is where you’ll find locals chatting and travelers leaning out the doors for that perfect photo.
It’s not about which class you choose, though—it’s about embracing the rhythm of life in Sri Lanka.
Rovos Rail: Southern Africa’s Vintage Elegance
Since its inception in 1989, Rovos Rail has set the standard for luxury train travel in Africa. With journeys spanning South Africa, Namibia, and Botswana, each itinerary combines rich landscapes with the timeless charm of 1920s-style carriages.
Onboard, you’ll find mahogany paneling, gourmet meals paired with fine South African wines, and a lounge car that invites you to watch the savannah roll by. It’s a nod to a bygone era, but one that feels utterly relevant in its celebration of slow, deliberate travel.
Rocky Mountaineer: Canada’s Wilderness Unveiled
The Rocky Mountaineer is a feast for the senses, offering panoramic views of Canada’s rugged Rockies through glass-domed carriages. One of its standout routes, “First Passage to the West,” retraces the paths of 19th-century explorers, weaving through dramatic mountain passes and along roaring rivers.
The real magic lies in the details—spotting wildlife in the distance, sipping coffee as dawn breaks over the peaks, and stepping out onto open-air platforms to breathe it all in.
The TranzAlpine: New Zealand’s South Island Odyssey
The TranzAlpine isn’t just a train ride; it’s an immersion in New Zealand’s dramatic landscapes. Starting in Christchurch, this four-hour journey cuts through plains, climbs into the Southern Alps, and ends in Greymouth, a small town with a rugged charm of its own.
With open-air carriages and GPS-triggered commentary, you’ll leave the train not just with photos but with a deeper appreciation for the country’s raw beauty.
Why Train Travel Matters
In an age of rush, trains remind us to pause. They offer more than a way to get from A to B—they’re a journey unto themselves. Whether it’s the nostalgia of vintage carriages, the taste of regional cuisine onboard, or simply the time to look out the window and think, train travel is a rare invitation to slow down and see the world differently.
If 2025 holds a train journey in your future, let it be one that isn’t just a trip—but an experience.