Stunning views, a relaxing pace, and direct access to both natural landscapes and bustling cities — train travel is one of the best ways to experience a destination. And while you might have to budget in a bit more time to get where you're going, the journey is made that much more enjoyable when you leave the crowded airports and trafficked roads behind. From luxury railcars to thrilling journeys, these 25 train routes are some of the best in the world.

Jungfraujoch - Switzerland

The Swiss do rail travel better than anyone else in Europe, and they don’t let something as insignificant as a mountain stand in the way of connectivity. Jungfraujoch has the distinction of being the highest railway station in Europe. Travelers pass close to the Eiger, Jungfrau, and Mönch mountains before their train dives into a tunnel. At the summit, 3,454 meters above sea level, you’ll be rewarded with incredible views of the Bernese Oberland and snow on the ground even in the height of summer. There are several routes available to and from the station, depositing riders in nearby towns like Grindelwald and Interlaken.

Amtrak Coast Starlight Train - U.S.

This 35-hour ride travels between Seattle and Los Angeles. Traversing down the coast opens with the dramatic, snow-covered peaks of the Cascade Mountains and, as the land flattens, bountiful forests and sprawling seas present themselves through the floor-to-ceiling windows in the Sightseer Lounge Car. This two-day trek is mercifully taken on the country's only sleeper train complete with all the luxuries you could want, including free food, champagne room service, private bathrooms, and a daily turn-down service. Enjoy three-course meals and in the confined spaces (where the WiFi is spotty and the cell service is spottier), strike up conversations with other travelers.

The Blue Train - South Africa

The Blue Train links Pretoria and Cape Town on a two-night journey of almost a thousand miles. In this, the most opulent of African trains, deluxe suites feature not only en-suite facilities, but a bath tub. It’s the attention to detail that sets this train apart: air conditioning, underfloor heating, marble bathroom, goose down duvets and cotton percale bedding. Luxury suites are even more extravagant. They come with a personal butler, private digital entertainment system and a little extra space. Every passenger benefits from the onboard WiFi, but you'll be too busy staring out the window at the passing scenery to spend too much time online. Outside, dry savannah grasslands melt into sparkling lakes and towering mountains, displaying the best of South Africa.

Great Smoky Mountains Railroad - U.S.

Where do you start when there’s so much to see in the Great Smoky Mountains? A couple of different rail trips from Bryson City might just provide the answer. The most popular trips on the railway utilize steam locomotive #1702, including the Tuckasegee River excursion – which opens up the countryside en-route to charming Dillsboro – while the Nantahala Gorge excursion follows the Tennessee and Nantahala river valleys across Fontana Lake and through the gorge. These scenic routes take around four hours apiece, making this railway the perfect day trip whichever you choose.

Venice Simplon-Orient Express - Europe

No luxury train epitomizes the glamour of yesteryear quite like the Venice Simplon-Orient Express. This train is an art deco icon, richly furnished with decadent fabrics and antique fixtures and fittings. Cabins are lovingly restored 1920s originals. The Venice Simplon-Orient Express harks back to an era when it was important that wood was polished to a high sheen and staff recognized the importance of etiquette and manners. For many of today’s passengers, enjoyment comes as much from the culinary journey as it does from the scenery glimpsed through the windows. There are over 80 routes available on the railway, criss-crossing the European continent, but the original 1889 Orient Express route from Paris to Istanbul remains a treasured favorite.

Sagano Romantic Train - Japan

The Sagano Romantic Train carries tourists along one of Japan’s most scenic rail journeys, proving beautiful things come in small packages — the entire line is less than five miles long. The tracks follow the pretty Hozukyo Ravine, a delight no matter what time of year you visit. Look out at trees resplendent with cherry blossoms in spring; in summer, the view is lush and green. Come fall, leaves turn to rich russets and crimsons on the maples that line the track, and by winter you’ll see a dusting of snow. The Sagano Romantic Train is easily reached from Kyoto, making this a popular excursion for visitors to the area.

The Ghan - Australia

The legendary Ghan traverses the Australian continent, effortlessly completing the journey from Adelaide in the south to Darwin in the north as it has done for 90 years. But what sets this train apart is its varied program of off-train experiences. Package up your journey with a cruise along the Katherine River Gorge, a thrilling flight over Kakadu National Park or the opportunity to visit the Royal Flying Doctor Service Base in Alice Springs. First, though, you’ll need some persuasion to jump off this amazing train and leave behind the luxurious amenities of your Gold Service accommodation, with its en-suite bathroom, high quality bed linen and in-room audio commentary.

Maple Leaf - U.S. and Canada

It’s a nine-hour ride from New York’s Penn Station to the tumbling cascades of Niagara Falls, but the Maple Leaf's route is one of the most scenic in the country. After winding its way along the pretty Hudson Valley, it’ll pass through the state capital of Albany and the delightfully named Schenectady before the train turns west towards the gorges of the Finger Lakes region. The train hugs the border from Buffalo to drop its passengers at Niagara Falls, New York, leaving the train to cross into Canada and on to Toronto, as its name implies.

White Pass and Yukon Route - U.S.

In the 21st century, would we attempt something as costly and time-consuming as building a railway through the harsh environment found in Alaska and the Yukon? Fortunately for today’s rail enthusiasts, the Klondike Gold Rush of the 1890s spurred engineers on through impossibly challenging terrain and the most savage of winters, and now you can embark on a short seasonal trip from the port town of Skagway. As the train retraces the original route to White Pass Summit, passengers enjoy the sight of glaciers, gorges, and waterfalls with names like Dead Horse Gulch and Inspiration Point from their vintage carriages.

Machu Picchu - Peru

Transport options to the famous Incan citadel Machu Picchu are limited. If you don’t want to hike the Inca Trail then rail is the only alternative — but that’s not necessarily a bad thing. Two rival operators, Inca Rail and PeruRail, link the iconic World Heritage Site with the city of Cusco and the village of Ollantaytambo in the Sacred Valley. The trip is stunning, passing forested hills, snow-capped mountains, and the rushing waters of the Urubamba River. The most luxurious train is the Hiram Bingham, which departs from Poroy station, eight miles from Cusco. More convenient are the Inca Rail services — and PeruRail’s Vistadome — which commence their journey from Cusco’s San Pedro station. Not only is this route more central, it also traverses El Zig-Zag, a set of switchback tracks that afford travelers a fabulous view over Cusco.

Honshu by Shinkansen - Japan

Only the Swiss rival Japan’s reputation for railway efficiency, but even they can’t come close to the country’s commitment to service. Conductors bow deferentially to passengers before serving drinks and checking tickets. Futuristic bullet trains criss-cross the country on nine Shinkansen lines. The ride’s so smooth you won’t even realize you’ve hit the top speed of 199 miles per hour between stations. On the oldest line, Tokaido Shinkansen, board a train in Tokyo and keep an eye out for a glimpse of Mount Fuji just before you reach Odawara station. Then take a breather in historic Kyoto before continuing south to Hiroshima’s poignant Peace Memorial Park.

Grand Canyon Railway - U.S.

In 1901, the Grand Canyon Railway began carrying passengers through Arizona's wonder of the world. Cowboys and musicians entertain guests in restored locomotive cars as you wind through prairies, deserts, and pine forests. This round trip departs from Williams, Arizona, around 65 miles south of the Grand Canyon, and is shorter at 2 hours and 15 minutes. The railway offers different “time period” cars that will transport you to a different decade in the canyon. There's also an observation dome for those interested in getting the full effect of the landscape. This car features a full glass enclosure perched above the other cars and serves drinks and snacks to boot.

Colombo to Badulla Railway - Sri Lanka

Take the slow train from Kandy to Nanuoya and steadily wind your way up into Sri Lanka’s pretty hill country. Pass terraces crammed with tea bushes and hop off for a detour to the Heritance Tea Factory in Nuwara Eliya where you can learn how to pluck and taste tea under expert guidance. Back on the rails, meander through the tea plantations to Ella. Disembark for scenic hikes to temples and waterfalls or zip-line above the lush vegetation. Board the train again for the best stretch of all — the spectacular Nine Arch viaduct bridge followed by a 360-degree spiral known as the Demodara Loop, where the train line passes under itself before descending into Badulla.

Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad - U.S.

The 1879 Gold Rush birthed the necessity for industrial transportation capable of hauling mounds of precious metal out of California — giving us the Denver and Rio Grande Railway. It didn’t take long for passengers to spread word that gold wasn’t the only precious thing about this railway; spectacular views of Colorado’s luscious peaks and rivers ensured that the train stayed in operation long after the gold veins ran dry. The Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge route features steep drop-offs that are so impressive, they've served as muses to multiple artists, including C.W. Mcall, who dedicated an entire song to the Silverton. Pick up a round-trip ticket for a day of adventure. The 3.5-hour trek to Silverton winds across the river five times before dropping you off to explore the town itself. Grab some lunch and roam around before re-boarding and enjoy a relaxing trip back to Durango.

The Afrosiyob - Uzbekistan

Uzbekistan has opened up to travelers over the past few years and the high-speed Afrosiyob has considerably improved journey times between cities. The train, built by Spanish manufacturer Talgo, reaches top speeds of over 150 miles per hour, transporting visitors to a trip of UNESCO-listed medieval cities. Samarkand, famed for its historic Registan, is a little over two hours from the capital Tashkent. Bukhara, the next important stop on the ancient Silk Road, is just 90 minutes further down the line. Currently, diesel trains continue to the walled city of Khiva, although there are plans to electrify the line in the near future and extend the Afrosiyob service.

Glacier Express - Switzerland

Selecting rail journeys to include in a Swiss itinerary is surprisingly tricky; there are just so many to choose from. The Glacier Express, which connects St. Moritz to Zermatt, is a standout amid tough competition. Aside from the resorts which bookend the route, there’s plenty to see along the way, making for a memorable trip. Highlights include the breathtaking Landwasser Viaduct and helical turns of the Albula Line; the snow-capped summits of the Eiger and Matterhorn; the Rhine Gorge, dubbed the Grand Canyon of Switzerland; and the mighty Aletsch Glacier. When you disembark this eight-hour slow train, tag on the Gornergratbahn, Europe’s highest open air cogwheel railway. From the summit, you’ll feel on top of the world as you gaze out at a view of 29 peaks more than 13,000 feet tall.

West Highland Line - Scotland

The West Highland Line links Glasgow to Oban and Mallaig in the Scottish Highlands. Its most famous feature is the Glenfinnan Viaduct, which you might recognize from the Hogwarts Express in the Harry Potter films. But if you take a trip yourself on this magical ride, expect to look out at acres of moorland blanketed in purple heather and a seemingly endless backdrop of hills. Break up your trip to spend more time at some of the landmarks along the way, such as Loch Lomond and the Falls of Cruachan to take in even more of the scenery.

The Deccan Odyssey - India

Following the success of the Palace on Wheels train, the Maharashtra government and Indian Ministry of Railways have teamed up to bring visitors the Deccan Odyssey. Described as a five-star hotel on wheels, the train offers six spectacular routes taking passengers to some of India’s most captivating cities – Agra for the Taj Mahal, the pink city of Jaipur and Mumbai, the home of Bollywood. There’s no question that passengers are treated like royalty on this train fit for a maharaja – nothing is too much trouble for your own personal attendant. Facilities such as an in-room safe, telephone, en-suite bathroom and air conditioning ensure the focus is on comfort, while the onboard restaurants, bar and even spa pamper to guests’ every need.

Amtrak Empire Builder - U.S.

Following the old trail of Lewis and Clark, the Empire Builder is a 46-hour journey through the heart of the Midwest. As you depart Chicago, take in the gorgeous amber waves of grain, tunnels, deserts, and jagged cliffs. Like the Coast Starlight, the Empire Builder is run by Amtrak and offers sleeper cars, making the trip infinitely more comfortable. Seeing Minneapolis glow beneath the night sky is a glittering juxtaposition to the mountains of Glacier National Park, both of which are sure to enchant you. Make the ride your own by heading on to Portland or Seattle for an urban ending to the Big Sky Montana leg of your journey.

Tren a las Nubes - Argentina

In English, the Tren a las Nubes translates to “train to the clouds,” and this century-old Argentinian line is indeed heavenly. This heritage railway is one of the highest in the world, steadily gaining altitude as it puts the historic city of Salta behind it. When you board this train, you’ll zigzag back and forth as you climb into the Andean highlands, known locally as the puna. Along the way, you’ll be treated to the sight of the Quebrada de Toro, a colorful rocky gorge. The highlight of the trip, which is littered with cacti, comes as the train crosses the viaduct at La Polvorilla, which sits at an altitude of almost 14,000 feet above sea level.

The Bernina Express - Switzerland

The Bernina Express is so impressive that it’s been recognized by UNESCO, scoring a place on its World Heritage list. You’ll soon see why this route is considered one of the finest in Switzerland as the train passes through the Domleschg region, which boasts a higher density of castles than anywhere else in the country. Nature’s just as much a show-off, with the twin lakes of Lej Nair and Morteratsch Glacier being some of the route highlights. Even the railway itself demands attention: if you ride in the rear car, enjoy the sight of the engine crossing the Landwasser Viaduct. Meanwhile, everyone on board will be captivated as the train spirals down the corkscrew Brusio Viaduct close to the Italian border.

TAZARA - Tanzania and Zambia

Adventurous travelers are drawn to the TAZARA line, a Chinese-built railway which connects Dar es Salaam on the Tanzanian coast with the Zambian town of Kapiri Mposhi. This long distance service bumps and lurches through grassy plains which give way to tree-lined mountain slopes. Now and then, you’ll be able to stop at bustling markets, with little regard for timetables and missed appointments; this is a train that frequently runs late, though no one seems to mind. For a while when you’re en route, you’ll traverse Selous Game Reserve, where you can spot elephants, buffalo, hippopotamus, and zebras as this train rolls slowly by.

Bergensbanen - Norway

Threading its way through some of the most breathtaking countryside in Norway, this train links the capital of Oslo to the historic port city of Bergen. The Bergensbanen was constructed in 1909 and takes around seven hours to reach its destination. For journeys starting in Oslo, after Ål, the line starts to climb and you’ll pass some of Norway’s premier ski destinations such as Gol, Geilo and Voss. Other highlights are the spectacular scenery of Hallingskarvet National Park, Hardangerjøkulen glacier, and Finse, the training ground for those planning expeditions to Antarctica. You can spot wildlife such as Arctic foxes and reindeer from the train, or hop off at Myrdal to ride the Flåmsbana (Flåm Railway) — another scenic treat.

The Nariz del Diablo - Ecuador

The Nariz del Diablo is one of the most dramatic sections of railway anywhere in the world. The ride begins in Alausi, but to reach Sibambe it must navigate the sheer rock face of Cóndor Puñuna, nicknamed the Devil’s Nose. Over a century ago, workers carved out a series of long switchbacks from the rock which enabled the train to ascend or descend over 1,600 feet during the eight mile journey. It was an impressive feat of engineering, matched only by the beauty of the valley itself. In years past, travelers used to ride on the roof of the train to capitalize on those astonishing views. Modern health and safety concerns mean that’s no longer permitted, but you can still relish the opportunity to experience this extraordinary journey from the comfort of your seats.

Reunification Express - Vietnam

Hanoi’s Train Street offers remarkable views of a different kind. The famous Reunification Express squeezes through a busy city street lined with homes, shops, and cafes. While on board, you are treated to the sight of Vietnam in its essence as the train makes its way along this crowded urban space in the heart of the Old Quarter. Residents grab washing off the line and drag bicycles off the tracks for safe keeping as the loco signals its approach. And since the authorities cracked down on pedestrian sightseeing, the best way to witness this chaotic spectacle is from the train itself.