Must-Take Train Journeys This Season

 

Every season has its magic. Spring blooms with renewal, summer pulses with adventure, autumn glows in gold, and winter wraps the world in quiet wonder. But some of the most unforgettable ways to experience this shifting beauty don’t happen in five-star resorts or bustling cities—they unfold on rails. Across the globe, seasonal must-do train trips offer an immersive, slow-travel experience that turns mere transit into timeless memory.

The rhythmic hum of wheels, the scent of fresh air through the window, and the ever-changing canvas of scenery all combine to create journeys worth writing home about. Here are the train adventures that should top every travel list this season.

The Bernina Express – Switzerland & Italy

The Bernina Express is like boarding a snow globe—or a painting come to life. Starting in Chur, Switzerland, and ending in Tirano, Italy, this route covers some of the most sublime alpine scenery on the planet.

During spring and early summer, wildflowers peek through melting snow. By autumn, fiery hues of gold and crimson drape the slopes. This UNESCO World Heritage route crosses the Landwasser Viaduct and spirals through tunnels carved into mountainsides.

And yet, it’s not just about the views. The train’s wide panoramic windows ensure no detail is missed. For those looking to be wrapped in European alpine enchantment, this is the epitome of seasonal must-do train trips.

The Jacobite Steam Train – Scotland

Affectionately dubbed the “Harry Potter train,” the Jacobite runs from Fort William to Mallaig across Scotland’s hauntingly beautiful Highlands.

Spring sees blooming heather and gurgling brooks. Come summer, the days stretch long under soft golden light. But autumn? It’s cinematic. Misty glens and russet hills create an atmosphere both melancholic and magical.

Crossing the iconic Glenfinnan Viaduct, the train belches steam and nostalgia in equal measure. Its vintage charm and dramatic backdrops make it one of the top seasonal must-do train trips for dreamers and history lovers alike.

The Rocky Mountaineer – Canada

If nature wrote poetry, it would read like the landscapes seen aboard the Rocky Mountaineer.

Operating from spring through early fall, this Canadian rail service offers multiple routes through British Columbia and Alberta. The “First Passage to the West” is particularly stunning, passing through the glacier-fed Kicking Horse River, the spiral tunnels of the Rockies, and the historic town of Banff.

Summer brings lush green valleys and glacial melt cascading down rock faces. Autumn introduces bold palettes of amber and ochre. The train’s glass-dome coaches and gourmet dining elevate the experience into luxury territory—but the real opulence is outside the window.

This journey is an all-star among seasonal must-do train trips, delivering front-row seats to some of Earth’s most majestic wilderness.

The Napa Valley Wine Train – USA

Nothing says indulgence quite like sipping a rich cabernet while rolling through vineyards kissed by the California sun.

The Napa Valley Wine Train runs year-round, but each season brings a different flavor. Spring paints the vines in vibrant green and mustard yellow blossoms. Summer days glow with vineyard activity. Autumn, however, is the showstopper—the harvest season. Leaves turn crimson and bronze, and the aroma of ripening grapes fills the air.

Onboard, multi-course meals and wine pairings are served in restored 20th-century Pullman cars. Whether you're a wine aficionado or casual enthusiast, this trip defines indulgence in motion. It's one of the most luxurious yet accessible seasonal must-do train trips in the United States.

The Reunification Express – Vietnam

Stretching over 1,700 kilometers from Hanoi to Ho Chi Minh City, the Reunification Express offers a slow, sensorial dive into Vietnam’s diverse landscapes and cultures.

In spring, Vietnam’s countryside awakens with rice paddy greens and blooming lotuses. Summer rains bring vibrancy and rhythm. Autumn is drier, making for smooth, scenic travel with fewer crowds.

The route passes bustling towns, coastal cliffs, sleepy fishing villages, and the atmospheric city of Hue. What it lacks in speed, it makes up for in soul. This is a train for those who want to feel the heartbeat of a nation from window to window—truly a standout among seasonal must-do train trips.

The TranzAlpine – New Zealand

New Zealand's South Island is the kind of place that makes you question reality. The TranzAlpine, traveling between Christchurch and Greymouth, showcases the island’s untamed beauty at its best.

In spring, waterfalls thunder from snowmelt, and lupines splash color across the terrain. Summer brings longer daylight and clarity in the Southern Alps. Autumn, though, cloaks Arthur’s Pass in golden foliage, lending an otherworldly quality to the journey.

The train crosses the Canterbury Plains, climbs into mountainous realms, and descends into verdant rainforest—making this one of the most eclectic seasonal must-do train trips anywhere.

The Ghan – Australia

Vast. Remote. Awe-inducing. The Ghan runs from Darwin to Adelaide, cutting a bold line through Australia’s red heart.

In the dry season (May to October), conditions are ideal. Days are warm, nights are cool, and the Outback reveals its raw splendor—massive skies, ancient rock formations, and starry nights free from light pollution.

Onboard luxury combines with off-train excursions through Katherine Gorge and Alice Springs, offering a rare blend of comfort and exploration. This is not merely a train ride—it’s a rite of passage, a sunburnt symphony that earns its spot among the top seasonal must-do train trips for adventure seekers.

The Flåm Railway – Norway

Short but breathtaking, the Flåm Railway connects the high mountain station of Myrdal to the fjord-side village of Flåm. Over just 20 kilometers, it descends nearly 900 meters, twisting past waterfalls, tunnels, and traditional wooden farmhouses.

Summer is peak season, with lush green valleys and vibrant fjord life. In autumn, mist clings to the mountains and the leaves turn to fire. Winter transforms the landscape into a snowy wonderland, with frosted pines and frozen cascades.

Every season tells a different story, making the Flåm Railway one of the most seasonally dynamic seasonal must-do train trips on the planet.

The Andean Explorer – Peru

Peru’s highlands are pure magic, and the Andean Explorer captures that mystique with style.

Running from Cusco to Lake Titicaca and Arequipa, this luxury sleeper train traverses surreal high-altitude plateaus, where alpacas roam and Andean peaks loom on the horizon.

Dry season (April to October) is ideal for clear skies and photogenic vistas. Onboard, passengers enjoy live music, gourmet Andean cuisine, and spectacular views from the open-air observation car.

The Andean Explorer weaves dreamscape and culture into a single tapestry, making it one of the world’s most evocative seasonal must-do train trips.

Final Thoughts

There’s a certain romance in train travel that transcends time. It’s not just about going places—it’s about becoming part of the landscape, if only for a fleeting moment. The best seasonal must-do train trips blend timing with terrain, offering moving theaters of nature and culture in perfect harmony.

This season, don't just travel—glide, gaze, and gather memories on rails that carry more than just carriages. They carry dreams.