The most striking panoramic train routes in Europe
Europe’s panoramic train routes stand out for capturing the continent’s geographical diversity in a single journey. Stretching from the peaks of the Swiss Alps to the narrow passes of Austria’s Tyrol and the deep canyons of Montenegro, these lines go far beyond being a means of transportation and become travel destinations in their own right. Some routes are listed as UNESCO World Heritage Sites, with engineering legacies spanning more than a century, while others offer renewed service with modern panoramic carriages featuring glass ceilings. The common thread is a travel approach in which the view takes precedence over speed. Whether passing through mountain passes above 2,000 meters or through viaducts descending toward the Adriatic coast, each route reveals a distinct layer of its geography and history. Below, we have compiled the most striking panoramic train routes in Europe.
Glacier Express: A classic panoramic journey through the Swiss Alps
Europe offers some of the most established examples of panoramic train tourism. Among European train routes, Switzerland stands out for connecting mountain peaks, valleys, and glaciers. Traveling between Zermatt and St. Moritz, the Glacier Express covers 291 kilometers in about 8 hours, passing through approximately 291 bridges and 91 tunnels. Promoted as the “slowest express train in the world,” this line has operated since 1930. Thanks to the glass ceilings of the panoramic carriages, the 2,033-meter elevation of the Oberalp Pass and the Rhine Gorge, known as the “Grand Canyon of Switzerland,” can be easily observed. Regional products take center stage at lunch. The Excellence Class, with its single-row window seats, offers a more exclusive experience. To discover Switzerland’s unique mountain routes, start by checking flights to Switzerland.
Bernina Express: A UNESCO listed route from Switzerland to Italy
Another standout route in Switzerland, the Bernina Express runs along the line from Chur to Tirano at the Italian border. The Albula and Bernina lines, listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, reach an elevation of 2,253 meters, forming one of the highest crossings in the Alps. This allows a transition from the snowy northern landscape to the mild Italian climate in the south in about 4 hours. In addition to the glass-roofed panoramic carriages, the RhB regional trains on the same line are a strong alternative. The windows on these local trains can be opened, allowing reflection-free photography, and the tickets are more affordable than those for the panoramic carriages. In particular, crossing the 65-meter-high stone arches of the Landwasser Viaduct is considered one of the most popular shots for railway photographers.
Mittenwald Railway: A short mountain route from Germany to Austria
Also known as the Karwendelbahn, the Mittenwald Railway has linked Garmisch-Partenkirchen in Bavaria, Germany, with Innsbruck in Austria’s Tyrol since 1912. Built between 1910 and 1912, the line holds a special place in railway history as one of Central Europe’s earliest electrified railways, operated with high-voltage alternating current. The approximately 58-kilometer route winds between the Wetterstein and Karwendel mountain ranges, reaching its highest point at 1,184 meters on the Seefeld plateau; the journey takes about 2 hours and 50 minutes. The 66-meter iron-arched viaduct over the Schlossbach stream and the series of tunnels following the Martinswand rock face are among the route’s most striking engineering features. ÖBB and DB Regio regional services run hourly year-round; in winter, ICE services extending to Innsbruck via Berlin and Munich make Seefeld in Tirol station the highest ICE stop in Europe. In Mittenwald, the tradition of violin making, dating back more than three hundred years, and the façade paintings known as Lüftlmalerei offer a cultural reason to break the journey in two for those who wish to pause along the line. To explore this short route between the Bavarian Alps and the valleys of Tyrol, consider flying to Munich.
Belgrade–Bar Railway: Mountains, valleys and viaducts in the Balkans
This 476-kilometer line, connecting Belgrade, the capital of Serbia, to the port of Bar on Montenegro’s Adriatic coast, was completed in 1976 after 25 years of construction. Known as the most comprehensive infrastructure project in former Yugoslavia in the post-World War II period, the route crosses the Dinaric Alps, passing through 254 tunnels and 435 bridges. The tunnels have a combined length of approximately 114 kilometers, meaning that about one quarter of the journey takes place inside tunnels. The highest point on the line is 1,032 meters, near Kolašin in Montenegro. The Mala Rijeka Viaduct, which has become the symbol of the route, stands about 20 kilometers north of Podgorica. It measures 498 meters long and 198 meters above the valley floor, and it held the title of the world’s highest railway bridge from 1973 to 2001. The entire journey takes about 11 hours; the most impressive scenery is concentrated in the Montenegrin stretch between Bijelo Polje and Bar, especially along the shores of Lake Skadar and around the 6.17-kilometer Sozina tunnel, which serves as the route’s final tunnel. Since 2024, the railway companies of Serbia and Montenegro have been using modern, air-conditioned carriages on daytime services; on the overnight Lovćen train, couchette and sleeping cabin options are available. To reach the starting point of this route, which begins in Belgrade and descends to the Adriatic, you can fly to Belgrade.
Rhine Valley Line: Train journey along the Rhine River in Germany
Known as the Left Rhine Line, or Linke Rheinstrecke, this 185-kilometer electrified main line runs from Cologne to Mainz via Bonn and Koblenz and was completed in its current form in 1859. The most celebrated section of the route is the 65-kilometer stretch between Koblenz and Bingen in the Upper Middle Rhine Valley, added to the UNESCO World Heritage List in 2002. Along this short segment, there are more than 40 medieval castles, including Marksburg, Stahleck, Katz and Maus, as well as the 14th-century Pfalzgrafenstein customs castle on a river island. The 132-meter-high Loreley rock near Sankt Goarshausen marks the river’s narrowest and deepest point; according to legend, the song of a water nymph here lured sailors toward the rocks. Although a significant share of long-distance traffic shifted away from this route after the opening of the high-speed Cologne-Frankfurt line in 2002, the line still maintains a dense schedule of hourly ICE, IC, and regional services. For the best views of the river and castles, it is recommended to sit on the left when traveling south and on the right when traveling north. As a budget-friendly and flexible alternative, the Rheinland Pfalz Ticket offers unlimited regional travel for a day. Small towns such as Bingen, Boppard, and Rüdesheim add cultural depth to the journey with their narrow streets, such as Drosselgasse, and riverside wine houses. To explore the castle-lined banks of the Rhine Valley by train, consider flying to Frankfurt.
Panoramic train routes of Scandinavia
The Flåm Railway, Flåmsbana, which connects the fjords of Northern Europe to the high plateaus inland, is known as one of the steepest standard-gauge railways in the world. Along its 20-kilometer line, the train climbs an elevation difference of approximately 866 meters, and on some sections of this incline, the gradient reaches 5.5 percent. The interior design of the wooden-paneled carriages has been renewed to reflect the period when the line was completed in 1940. Of the 20 tunnels along the route, 18 were hand-carved by workers for safety reasons, which delayed completion of the line by more than 20 years.
One of the highlights of the journey is a brief stop at Kjosfossen Waterfall. As water cascades from 225 meters, a dancer portraying the Huldra character, inspired by local folklore, takes the stage. This performance is featured in the program during the summer months. Although the fjord landscape, blanketed in snow, offers a calmer atmosphere in winter, some intermediate stations may be closed due to heavy snowfall. To reach Flåm, the most common options are a ferry from Bergen or a train transfer from Myrdal.
The highest line in Northern Europe between Oslo and Bergen
Bergensbanen, the main line to which the Flåm Railway connects, is the highest main railway line in Northern Europe, with its approximately 471-kilometer single-track route linking Oslo and Bergen. Completed in 1909 after about 15 years of construction, the line features 182 tunnels and has provided a year-round land connection between the country’s two major cities since opening. The journey takes between 6.5 and 7.5 hours, depending on the train of the day, and the line’s highest point is 1,237 meters within the 10.3-kilometer-long Finse Tunnel.
The most dramatic section of the route is the stretch between Geilo and Voss, which crosses the Hardangervidda plateau. This area is considered the largest mountain plateau in Northern Europe and is home to Norway’s largest population of wild reindeer. To capture the best views of the Hardangervidda route, passengers are recommended to sit on the left when traveling from Oslo and on the right when departing from Bergen. Finse Station, the highest stop on the rail network, serves as a starting point for skiers in winter and for hikers in summer heading toward the Hardangerjøkulen glacier. The line is operated by Vy with four to five direct services daily; between Sunday and Friday, a sleeper night train is also available. To travel along Bergensbanen and use the Flåm connection, you can explore flights to Norway.
Panoramic train routes of North America
Rocky Mountaineer, which travels through forests, canyons, and the Rocky Mountains on Canada’s west coast, operates on a “daylight-only travel” principle. In other words, the train does not run at night; passengers stay in hotels along the route each evening, and the journey resumes where it left off the next morning. This approach began as part of the company’s scenery-focused marketing strategy when the company launched in 1990.
The GoldLeaf-class carriages are double-deckers, with a glass-dome seating area on the upper level and a dining section on the lower level, where menus featuring regionally unique ingredients are served. The SilverLeaf class, a preferred alternative, offers a single-level layout with panoramic windows, and meals are served at the seat. The most popular route, “First Passage to the West,” runs from Vancouver to Banff and takes two days. Along this route, you can see the narrowing section of the Fraser River known as Hell’s Gate and the Kicking Horse Pass. The same company also operates routes extending to Jasper and Whistler. Reservations are generally recommended 6 to 12 months in advance; the season runs from May to October. To reach Vancouver, the starting point of Rocky Mountaineer, you can book flights to Canada.
Scotland’s cinematic railway heritage
The Jacobite Steam Train, which runs between Fort William and Mallaig, uses a section of the West Highland Line, opened in 1901. The line gained widespread recognition as the filming location for the Hogwarts Express in the Harry Potter film series. The train departs from the foothills of Ben Nevis, the United Kingdom’s highest mountain, and completes the 135-kilometer journey in about two hours.
The most well-known structure along the route is the Glenfinnan Viaduct, built between 1897 and 1901 using concrete casting techniques. With its 21 arches and a height of 30 meters, the viaduct is considered one of the largest concrete structures of its time. During the journey, the train passes along the shores of Loch Shiel and Loch Eilt; upon arrival in Mallaig, it is possible to take a ferry to the Isle of Skye. The train operates with K1 and Black 5 class steam locomotives, restored from vehicles dating from the 1930s to the 1950s.
To reach Fort William, the starting point of the Jacobite Steam Train, you can book a flight to Edinburgh.
Panoramic train routes of Peru
Belmond Andean Explorer, one of the highest-altitude railway routes in South America, connects the cities of Cusco, Puno, and Arequipa in Peru. Launched in 2017, the train is recognized as the continent’s first luxury sleeper passenger train. The route’s highest point, La Raya Pass, at an altitude of 4,500 meters, is where the physical effects of the journey can be felt; for this reason, an oxygen system can be activated in the cabins upon request.
The train has 35 cabins and a capacity for 68 passengers; alpaca wool, traditional Peruvian woven fabrics, and wood are used in the carriages’ interior design. On the menu, local products such as quinoa, trucha, and alpaca meat are standout items. The full route, Cusco-Puno-Arequipa, takes 2 nights and 3 days; the shorter version, Cusco-Puno, can be completed in a single night. Along the route, the program can include a boat tour of the Uros floating islands on Lake Titicaca and a visit to the 8,000-year-old rock paintings in the Sumbay Caves.
For those who want to visit Machu Picchu, Belmond Hiram Bingham is a separate option. The train departs from Poroy station in Cusco and arrives in Aguas Calientes, at the foot of Machu Picchu, in 3.5 hours. Its interior is inspired by 1920s Pullman-style carriages. During the journey, brunch or dinner is served with live Peruvian music.
Transcontinental journey in the Australian Outback
Australia offers two iconic routes for those seeking to experience the continent’s scale by rail. The Ghan covers the 2,979-kilometer route between Adelaide in the south and Darwin in the north in about 54 hours. The train’s name comes from Afghan drivers who transported goods across the continent by camel caravan in the 19th century; for this reason, one of the locomotives was named after an abbreviation of “Afghan Express.” Along the route, stopover programs such as the Katherine Gorge boat tour, the Telegraph Station dinner in Alice Springs, and the opal mines of Coober Pedy are included in the ticket price.
The Indian Pacific operates on an east-west axis. The 4,352-kilometer line between Sydney and Perth takes three nights and four days. The most well-known section of this route is the 478-kilometer perfectly straight track across the Nullarbor Plain, which is recorded as the longest continuous straight railway in the world. The train stops once a week in Broken Hill, Adelaide, Cook, and Kalgoorlie. Both trains offer two classes, Gold and Platinum. On the Indian Pacific, two new suites, Aurora and Australis, have also been introduced.
To travel to Adelaide, the southern starting point of The Ghan, or to Sydney, you can book flights to Australia.
Panoramic train routes of Japan
Japan, with 80 percent of its terrain mountainous, offers both high-speed and nostalgic rail options. The Hakone Tozan Railway, opened in 1919 as a tramway and later converted into a full-scale mountain railway, is the country’s first mountain line. The 8.9-kilometer route between Hakone Yumoto and Gora climbs 400 meters in 40 minutes through three “switchback” zigzag maneuvers.
The Kurobe Gorge Railway, on the other hand, is the present-day version of a route originally opened in 1937 to support construction of the Kurobe Dam in Toyama Prefecture in northern Japan. Operating from April to November, the line offers the chance to experience the canyon landscape directly from its open-sided carriages.
The Sagano Scenic Railway runs along the Hozu River valley near Kyoto. Carriage 5, an open-air carriage with no windows, is a favorite among photographers. If you plan to ride in an open-air carriage, do not forget to bring a raincoat; umbrellas are not allowed. For a classic train experience, the Oigawa Railway in Shizuoka Prefecture runs through tea plantations with its restored steam locomotives.
To reach mountain routes such as Hakone Tozan and Kurobe Gorge, consider flying to Japan.
Panoramic train routes of India
Completed in 1881, the Darjeeling Himalayan Railway was built during British rule to provide access from the hot plains to Darjeeling, which sits at an altitude of 2,200 meters. This 88-kilometer narrow-gauge route, with a track width of 610 millimeters, is about one-third the width of most lines in the country; for this reason, it is known as the “toy train.” The line uses six zigzags and three loops to gain altitude; the most famous of these is the Batasia Loop near Darjeeling. Added to the UNESCO World Heritage List in 1999, the line still operates with B-class steam locomotives built between 1889 and 1925 by Sharp, Stewart, and North British. The two-hour “joy ride” tour between Darjeeling and Ghum is preferred for its tea plantations and views of Kanchenjunga.
For those seeking a luxury train experience, the Maharajas’ Express has offered routes through Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh, and Gujarat since 2010. A standard one-week program includes the Taj Mahal, Amber Fort, and Ranthambore National Park. The suites feature a bedroom, bathroom, and seating area. Operating on a similar concept, the Palace on Wheels has served routes visiting Rajasthan’s palaces since 1982.
To experience these unique train routes in India, be sure to check flights to India.
Kandy–Ella Line: Tea gardens of Sri Lanka
The most photographed section of the Colombo-Badulla main line, which crosses Sri Lanka’s highlands, is the approximately six- to seven-hour stretch from Kandy to Ella. The railway is part of a network planned in 1864 during the colonial period to transport tea from plantations to the coast; the full Colombo-Badulla line was completed in 1924. The route begins in the UNESCO World Heritage-listed center of Kandy and extends to Ella via Nanu Oya and Haputale, with most of the journey passing through Ceylon’s world-renowned tea gardens.
The Nine Arch Bridge, a symbol of the line, is located between Ella and Demodara and was completed in 1921. Measuring 91 meters in length and 24 meters in height, the structure was built entirely of stone, brick, and mortar because steel supplies were diverted for military purposes during World War I; for this reason, it is considered a rare example in the history of railway engineering. Several trains pass over the bridge throughout the day, and the periods between 06.00 and 09.00 in the morning and between 15.00 and 17.00 in the afternoon are considered the best times to observe the golden light over the misty tea plantations. The trains offer first-, second-, and third-class carriages; photographers usually prefer second class, with open doors and windows. The most suitable time to travel is the dry season, between December and April. To reach Kandy or Colombo, the starting points of the Kandy Ella line, you can fly to Sri Lanka.
Transcontinental travel in the United States
The California Zephyr, operated by Amtrak, covers the 3,924-kilometer route between Chicago and San Francisco in about 51 hours. The route spans from Nebraska’s plains to Colorado’s Rocky Mountains and the peaks of the Sierra Nevada, and it is considered one of the most visually diverse in the United States. Glenwood Canyon in Colorado, Ruby Canyon in Utah, and the Donner Lake pass in the Sierra Nevada are among the most photographed locations along this route. The double-decker Superliner cars feature a glass-domed “Sightseer Lounge,” where passengers can take in the views.
For those who prefer the Pacific coast, the Coast Starlight offers a 2,216-kilometer route between Los Angeles and Seattle. The journey, which takes about 35 hours, runs along the California coast, the Cascade Mountains, and Oregon’s forests. For a shorter, visually rich route, consider the Durango Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad; this steam train in Colorado’s San Juan Mountains operates today as a tourist line on a route originally opened in 1882 for silver mining.
To travel to Chicago on the California Zephyr or to Los Angeles on the Coast Starlight, you can explore and purchase flights within the United States.
Panoramic train routes of Türkiye
Türkiye combines its geographical diversity and cultural heritage with tourist train journeys. The Touristic Eastern Express, operated by TCDD, runs approximately 1,310 kilometers from Ankara to Kars. Unlike the standard Eastern Express, this journey takes about 30 hours and includes extended stops in Erzincan, Erzurum, and Kars. These stops allow passengers to visit landmarks such as the Divriği Great Mosque and Hospital, a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1985; the Double Minaret Madrasa in Erzurum, and Kars Castle.
Those seeking to explore Eastern Anatolia via a different route often choose the Lake Van Express. Departing from Ankara, the train reaches Tatvan in Bitlis via Kırıkkale, Kayseri, Sivas, Malatya, and Elâzığ. Over a journey of about 25 hours, it travels along the Muş Plain and the Murat River valley. Tatvan Station, located on the shore of Lake Van, allows passengers to continue the route by ferry to Van, with stops at Akdamar Island and Van Castle, completing the journey.
For those exploring Southeastern Anatolia, the Touristic Diyarbakır Express runs between Ankara and Diyarbakır, with stops in Elâzığ and Diyarbakır. Tours to Hasankeyf and Mardin are often planned alongside this route. Among the shorter but visually striking routes is the Pamukkale Express, which runs on the Eskişehir-Denizli line. Extending from the Central Anatolian steppe to the inner Aegean region, this line offers a practical way to visit the Pamukkale travertines and the ancient city of Hierapolis.
To explore routes spanning across Türkiye and to reach the starting points of panoramic train journeys around the world, you can consider Turkish Airlines’ flight ticket options.
Frequently asked questions
Which season is best for panoramic train journeys?
Each route has its own ideal season. Glacier Express and Bernina Express operate year-round, offering different views in winter and summer, whereas Rocky Mountaineer runs only from May to October. The gorge is open from April to November, and the Touristic Eastern Express operates from December to March. For the Kandy Ella line, the dry season from December to April is preferred.
How long does the Flåm train take?
The 20-kilometer journey between Myrdal and Flåm takes about 1 hour. The train moves more slowly because it climbs 866 meters on a steep gradient. Passengers get off the train for a brief stop at Kjosfossen Waterfall.
Where can you board the Flåm train?
The Flåm train can be boarded at Myrdal Station, the starting point. Myrdal can be reached via the Bergensbanen main line from Oslo or Bergen; the trip takes about 4.5 hours from Oslo and 2 hours from Bergen. On the Flåm side, the train departs from the station in the town center.
How long does the Glacier Express take
The 291-kilometer journey between Zermatt and St. Moritz takes about 8 hours, earning the train the nickname “slowest express train in the world.” Along the route, the train crosses 91 tunnels and 291 bridges, reaching a maximum elevation of 2,033 meters at Oberalp Pass.
Where can you board the Bernina Express?
The Bernina Express departs from Chur or St. Moritz in Switzerland and travels to Tirano, near the Italian border. The journey takes about 4 hours, and tickets and seat reservations can be made through Rhaetian Railway (RhB).
When does the Touristic Eastern Express depart?
The Touristic Eastern Express runs each season from December to early March. In the Ankara–Kars direction, it operates three days a week: Monday, Wednesday, and Friday. In the Kars–Ankara direction, it runs on Wednesday, Friday, and Sunday. Up-to-date ticket and timetable information can be checked through TCDD Taşımacılık’s e-ticket system.
How far in advance should I buy my train ticket?
Booking early is critical for popular routes. For Rocky Mountaineer, booking 6 to 12 months in advance is generally recommended; for Glacier Express Excellence Class, 4 to 6 months in advance; and for the Jacobite Steam Train’s summer services, 3 to 6 months in advance. Although seat reservations are not required on Bergensbanen, planning 1 to 3 months in advance provides a suitable window for low-fare “Lowfare” tickets. A 6- to 9-month planning period is also recommended for the Platinum class on The Ghan and Indian Pacific. For Belmond Andean Explorer and Hiram Bingham, 4 to 6 months in advance is usually sufficient. On Sri Lanka’s Kandy Ella line, first- and second-class reserved seats go on sale 30 days in advance and typically sell out within a few days during the December to March high season; third-class tickets can be purchased at the station on the same day. Tickets for the Touristic Eastern Express usually sell out within a few hours of TCDD announcing sales, so it is recommended to closely follow the release dates.
What is the difference between panoramic carriages and regional trains?
Panoramic carriages feature large windows that extend to the ceiling and climate control systems; as a result, their tickets are noticeably more expensive than those for regional trains. RhB regional trains that run parallel to the Bernina Express and Glacier Express routes offer the same views and can be used with Swiss public transport cards such as the Swiss Travel Pass. Thanks to their openable windows, there is no issue with glass reflection for photography.
What should be considered for health on high altitude routes?
The Belmond Andean Explorer reaches up to 4,500 meters at La Raya Pass; for this reason, the train is equipped with oxygen systems and medical equipment. Altitude-related symptoms such as headaches, shortness of breath, and nausea can occur, especially among those arriving in Cusco by air. Therefore, it is recommended to rest in Cusco for one or two days before boarding the train to allow the body to adjust. Similarly, mild discomfort can be experienced on some high-mountain lines in Japan, the Rocky routes in Canada, and routes such as the Kalka Shimla line in India. Travelers with chronic conditions are advised to consult their doctors before traveling.
Is train travel suitable for families with children?
Long journeys can be tiring for young children, but routes such as the Flåm Railway (1 hour), a section of the Bernina Express (Tirano to St. Moritz, approximately 4 hours), the Jacobite Steam Train (one way, approximately 2 hours), Hakone Tozan (40 minutes), and the Darjeeling “joy ride” tour (approximately 2 hours) offer family-friendly travel times. Rocky Mountaineer offers special discounts for children under 6, while The Blue Train does not accept children under 10. It is recommended to check age policies before making a reservation.
