Which is the most beautiful train route in the world?

What is the most beautiful train journey in the world?

Determining the most beautiful is subjective, of course. Beauty’s in the eye of the beholder, right? But objectively analyzing several contenders yields compelling results. My personal preference, heavily influenced by my love of Art Deco, leans towards the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express. The Paris to Venice leg is breathtaking.

The Belmond Andean Explorer in Peru also deserves strong consideration. The scenery is unparalleled. Imagine cruising through the Andes mountains, witnessing stunning vistas at high altitude. Simply majestic.

But let’s not forget Southeast Asia. The Eastern & Oriental Express offers a different kind of beauty—a lush, verdant, almost mystical beauty. It’s a journey through time, quite literally.

Here’s a quick breakdown:

• Luxury: Venice Simplon-Orient-Express consistently tops luxury train lists. The sheer opulence is undeniable. I’ve always been fascinated by the history and glamour attached to that particular train.
• Scenery: Andean Explorer wins hands down for sheer dramatic landscapes. The views are simply mind-blowing. Seriously, pictures don’t do it justice. Peruvian highlands, man!
• Cultural Immersion: The Eastern & Oriental Express immerses you in the culture of Southeast Asia in a unique way. The slower pace of travel allows for genuine appreciation.

Additional factors to ponder: The season of travel profoundly affects the experience. A winter journey through snowy mountains offers a different aesthetic than a summer trip through blooming fields. What kind of beauty are we even talking about? Is it the human-made beauty of the train itself? Or is it the raw natural beauty of the landscapes it traverses? This is more than a train journey. It’s a multi-sensory experience. One thing is for certain, it’s more than just getting from point A to point B. It’s about the journey itself, and who you take it with. My friend, Sarah, for instance, had a fantastic time on the Rovos Rail in South Africa in 2023.

Note: Train schedules and routes can change, so always verify details before booking. I highly recommend doing thorough research and reading reviews before committing to any journey.

What is the best train route?

Best train route? Ha! Like asking what’s the best flavor of ice cream. It’s subjective, man! Depends on your weird priorities.

Seriously, though, tell me where you’re going. My Aunt Mildred’s been obsessed with the Glacier Express – she says it’s like riding through a unicorn’s glitter-filled sneeze. But I prefer something less… sparkly.

• Trans-Siberian Railway: Think months-long journey, vodka shots, and bears staring at you judgmentally. Not for the faint of heart, or those with a fear of accidental borscht consumption.
• Rocky Mountaineer: Expensive, but the views? Magnificent! Like nature painted a masterpiece then added extra sparkle. Saw it on my cousin Kevin’s Insta. Jealous.
• Anything in Europe: Fast, efficient, and usually smells faintly of cheese. My personal preference. Except for that one time in Italy where the train was delayed because a flock of sheep decided to stage a protest.

Gimme your start and end points. And your tolerance for slightly questionable sausage. Then maybe, just maybe, I can help. My dog, Sparky, thinks the local commuter train is the best. He loves the squeaky wheels. The little weirdo.

What is the greatest train journey in the world?

Picking the single greatest train journey? A fool’s errand, really. It’s entirely subjective. But let’s have some fun anyway.

My personal preference leans towards the Rocky Mountaineer. Those Canadian Rockies? Breathtaking. Seriously stunning. I took it in 2023, the scenery was absolutely unforgettable. The journey itself is a luxurious experience; top-notch service, gourmet food – pure indulgence.

Though, the Rovos Rail in Southern Africa is a strong contender. Luxury meets safari – the juxtaposition is fascinating. Imagine sipping champagne while elephants roam nearby. Wild.

Then there’s the California Zephyr. A classic American cross-country route. I’ve heard the views of the Sierra Nevada are unreal. It’s less opulent than the others, offering a more rugged, authentic experience. The perfect choice for a different kind of adventure.

Here’s a quick rundown; my personal thoughts included:

• Rocky Mountaineer (Canada): Unmatched scenery. Opulent. Expensive. Worth it. Five stars.
• Rovos Rail (Southern Africa): Safari + luxury train. Unique. Probably pricier than the Rocky Mountaineer.
• California Zephyr (USA): Classic American route. More affordable. Less luxurious but equally memorable in its own way. I’d like to take it soon. Four stars.
• Reunification Express (Vietnam): Coastal views. I haven’t experienced it, but the photos look amazing. Seems popular.
• Norient Express (Norway): Fjords! Imagine. Picturesque. Needs to be added to my bucket list.

One thing’s for sure: choosing the best is impossible. It all boils down to personal preferences and priorities. What do you value most in a journey? The experience? The luxury? The destination itself? This should influence your choice. Travel is subjective.

Which place is best for a train journey?

Forget your boring cross-country drives! The Empire Builder Amtrak is the bee’s knees. Seriously. It’s like a rolling party, but with slightly less questionable decisions made at 3 am. Seattle to Chicago? Yeah, baby!

Why it’s tops:

• Scenery so good, it’ll make you question your life choices. Seriously. Mountains? Check. Rivers? Double-check. My aunt Mildred saw a bear once, so there’s that.
• The onboard food isn’t prison food. That’s a huge win. Think slightly-less-than-stellar airline food, but you’re not crammed in like sardines. A small victory is still a victory.
• You get to experience small-town America. You’ll see towns so small, the entire population fits on a single park bench. It’s charming, if a little unsettling.

Portland or Seattle start? Honestly, who cares? Both are awesome. My neighbor’s cat, Mittens, prefers the Portland departure, but she’s a bit biased. Spokane’s where the magic happens–the trains merge. It’s like a train Transformers movie, but less Michael Bay, more… scenic.

Downsides (because nothing’s perfect, even trains):

• The bathroom situation can be… interesting. Let’s just say, aim carefully.
• My cousin’s dog got spooked by a particularly enthusiastic squirrel once. Just sayin’.
• The Wi-Fi is spotty. Embrace the digital detox; you’ll thank me later.

Last year I rode it myself, from Seattle. Took my lucky gnome, Gary. He loved it! 2024 is shaping up to be another great year for train travel. Get on board; you won’t regret it. Unless you’re afraid of squirrels. Then maybe pack extra treats.

What is the most memorable railway journey?

Trans-Siberian Railway. Nine thousand kilometers. Moscow to Vladivostok. A week.

Brutal beauty. Endless. Frozen tundra. Sunrises. Infernal sunsets.

Impersonal vastness. It’s a test. Of endurance. Of the soul.

• Birch forests.
• Steppes.
• Mountains. Siberia. A different planet.

2024. My trip. Third-class carriage. Hard benches. Vodka. Shared stories. Few words understood.

The weight of history. It hangs. Heavy. In the air. Like frost. A harsh beauty.

Unforgettable. Not for the faint of heart. Or spirit.

A journey. Into oneself. And into Russia’s soul. A raw experience. No frills. Just stark reality.

Which is the most beautiful railway station in the world?

Okay, so, the most beautiful railway station? St. Pancras in London. End of discussion.

Seriously though, I remember being there last summer. August 2024, I think? Yeah, August. Coming from Paris on the Eurostar.

Wow.

It hits you. Not like King’s Cross’s ugly revamp. This is different.

The sheer size of it. It’s… church-like. Like a cathedral, almost. Not exaggerating.

Those Victorian Gothic arches, man. Mind-blowing.

• Arches. Lots of them.
• High ceilings that seem to touch the clouds.
• Fancy brickwork. Not like the cheap stuff.

I’m not usually into architecture, but the station… it’s another level. Plus, there’s that Meeting Place statue. Huge. Kind of creepy, but cool.

It’s loud but it’s busy! And it’s London!

You feel small there.

There is a champagne bar there as well, very fancy you know.

I had a croissant, it was okay, nothing special.