Ultimate Train Journeys for Bucket Lists

In an age where speed often trumps experience, the train remains a noble exception. It’s not just about getting from point A to point B. It’s about the rhythmic hum of the tracks, the slow unraveling of landscapes, and the romance of adventure that feels timeless. Whether you’re chasing snow-capped peaks or sun-drenched savannahs, these bucket list train trips offer more than transportation—they promise revelation.

Glacier Express, Switzerland

Gliding through the heart of the Swiss Alps, the Glacier Express is less of a train ride and more of a moving panorama. The route stretches between Zermatt and St. Moritz, threading through 291 bridges, 91 tunnels, and the stunning Oberalp Pass.

While the name suggests speed, this journey is famously slow—around eight hours of uninterrupted alpine immersion. Passengers are treated to cinematic views: snowy peaks that pierce the sky, picturesque villages, and deep river valleys. Plush seats, panoramic windows, and impeccable service elevate this from a mere ride to a sensory experience. One of the most iconic bucket list train trips, the Glacier Express is an ode to elegance and endurance.

The Ghan, Australia

Spanning the length of the Australian continent, The Ghan slices through the Outback like a steel mirage. The journey from Adelaide to Darwin covers over 2,700 kilometers, traversing red deserts, rugged mountains, and crocodile country.

Named after the Afghan cameleers who once pioneered inland exploration, The Ghan balances comfort and wildness. Expect gourmet dining, off-train excursions, and uninterrupted views of Australia's vast, sunburnt heartland. It's raw, grand, and undeniably one of the ultimate bucket list train trips for anyone yearning to cross a continent in style.

Trans-Siberian Railway, Russia

This is the titan of train journeys. The Trans-Siberian Railway runs more than 9,200 kilometers from Moscow to Vladivostok, making it the longest continuous railway line on Earth. The journey takes about seven days without stops, but no one rides it straight through—not if they want to experience its full grandeur.

Expect birch forests, icy lakes, time zone changes, and a profound sense of how vast Russia truly is. It’s a slow burn of shifting geography and culture, a mosaic of cities, villages, and remote stations. For true rail romantics, this is the holy grail among bucket list train trips.

Rocky Mountaineer, Canada

For those who find poetry in pine forests and mountain lakes, the Rocky Mountaineer delivers a surreal escape through the Canadian Rockies. The journey, particularly the route between Vancouver and Banff, is a masterclass in scenic travel.

This isn’t a sleeper train; instead, it operates during the day so no view is missed. Domed glass windows offer uninterrupted vistas of glaciers, waterfalls, and wildlife. Between gourmet meals and interpretive storytelling, this journey becomes a gentle immersion into nature’s grandeur. It ranks high among bucket list train trips for its balance of luxury and wilderness.

The Blue Train, South Africa

If trains could wear tuxedos, The Blue Train would be dressed to the nines. This is African opulence on rails, offering a 1,600-kilometer ride between Pretoria and Cape Town. The landscapes shift from savannahs to vineyards, with the occasional zebra or wildebeest in view.

This journey is not just about the terrain but the decadence within. Think gold-plated bathrooms, personal butlers, and high-end cuisine. While the pace is slow, the experience is rich—an unhurried glide through the heart of South Africa. Among elite bucket list train trips, The Blue Train stands apart for its blend of wilderness and five-star luxury.

Belmond Andean Explorer, Peru

Climbing to over 4,800 meters above sea level, the Belmond Andean Explorer offers a heady ride through the Andes, connecting Cusco to Arequipa via the sacred Lake Titicaca.

Here, altitude and attitude merge. Passengers enjoy plush cabins, artisanal dishes, and observatory cars that open to South America’s highest plains. Traditional Andean music, alpaca-dotted landscapes, and ancient ruins create an atmosphere that feels mystical and grounded at once. For seekers of soulful sojourns, this is one of the most spiritually resonant bucket list train trips on the planet.

The Maharajas’ Express, India

Designed to replicate the opulence of royal travel, the Maharajas’ Express is India’s most extravagant train journey. Traversing between Delhi and Mumbai (or vice versa), the route takes you through palaces, forts, and bustling markets.

Every detail screams regality—from gold-accented cabins to onboard lounges that mimic palace salons. Cultural excursions include elephant polo, royal banquets, and visits to UNESCO World Heritage sites. This is more than a train—it’s a movable museum of India’s grandeur. No list of bucket list train trips would be complete without it.

West Highland Line, Scotland

If misty mountains, lochs, and rugged coastlines call to your soul, the West Highland Line is pure balm. Departing from Glasgow and culminating in the fishing village of Mallaig, this journey is short but spectacular.

The train traverses the Glenfinnan Viaduct—made famous by the Harry Potter films—and meanders through landscapes that are hauntingly beautiful. It’s wild, poetic, and unapologetically Scottish. One of the more understated yet unforgettable bucket list train trips, this route whispers rather than roars.

Eastern & Oriental Express, Southeast Asia

This luxurious train glides through the lush landscapes of Singapore, Malaysia, and Thailand. Think colonial elegance fused with tropical intrigue. The Eastern & Oriental Express marries Asian mystique with European sophistication.

Guests sip cocktails as rice paddies roll past, dine in Art Deco carriages, and disembark for jungle temple visits or river cruises. From the neon glitz of Bangkok to the botanical calm of Penang, every segment is a new cultural vignette. When it comes to cross-cultural bucket list train trips, this one checks every box.

Reunification Express, Vietnam

From the frenetic streets of Hanoi to the balmy buzz of Ho Chi Minh City, the Reunification Express stitches together Vietnam's past and present. This north-to-south journey runs along a 1,726-kilometer track hugging cliffs, rice terraces, and sea views.

The train is not luxurious, but that’s part of its charm. It’s authentic, vibrant, and full of local flavor. Vendors stroll through with banh mi and iced coffee, while fellow passengers might share stories or snacks. It’s a more grassroots addition to the canon of bucket list train trips, but no less impactful.

Every train journey is a tale, and these are the epics. They slow you down, stretch your perspective, and carve unforgettable memories into your travel timeline. Whether you prefer lavish lounges or humble cabins, glacier views or jungle crossings, there's a railway waiting to redefine your understanding of adventure. Let these bucket list train trips be your compass toward the extraordinary.