Prettiest Train Ride: Luxury Journeys That'll Blow You Away

If someone asked you, 'What’s the prettiest train ride in the world?' could you pick just one? There are plenty that claim the top prize, but only a handful deliver a truly jaw-dropping combo of comfort and jaw-dropping views. The real magic comes when insane landscapes meet actual luxury—think cozy suites, champagne in hand, and mind-blowing scenery rolling by your window.

Some routes cut across snow-capped mountain ranges. Others hug wild coastlines or snake through thick forest. The cool part? There’s no need to fight for a window seat—or stress about bumpy bus rides. These trips make the travel the highlight, not just the way to get from A to B. Want to know which journeys actually stand out from the pack, and which tricks help you snag the best experience? Stay tuned—you’ll want your bucket list handy.

• Defining Beauty in Train Journeys
• The World's Most Stunning Luxury Route
• Runner-Ups: Noteworthy Rivals
• What to Look for in a Luxury Rail Experience
• Essential Tips for the Perfect Ride

Defining Beauty in Train Journeys

When people talk about the prettiest train rides, they all have different ideas about what makes a journey beautiful. For some, it’s long stretches of wild landscapes and big skies. For others, it’s sharp mountain peaks, deep valleys, or endless coastlines. With luxury train journeys, the scenery actually gets a boost because you’re not packed into a crowded carriage. The pace is slower, so you can soak in every view—whether that’s the Swiss Alps covered with snow or South Africa’s rolling vineyards under golden sun.

If we keep it real, several things push a train ride from just ‘nice’ to absolutely unforgettable:

• Location, location, location: The wow factor goes up with things like glacier-cut mountains (hello, Bernina Express), tracks hanging above clifftop oceans (looking at you, Coastal Pacific in New Zealand), or routes through jungle and historic ruins (think Belmond’s Andean Explorer in Peru).
• Season and weather: Picture the Canadian Rockies in winter—snow makes everything more magical. On the flip side, Norwegian fjords in summer give nonstop green-and-blue views. Timing can change everything, so the same route can look totally different each month.
• Window setup: Not all luxury trains are built equal. Some offer panoramic domed windows or open-air platforms for photos, while others just have small windows and basic seats. If you want those Instagram-worthy shots, you need the right train design.
• Onboard vibe: Sure, scenery matters, but so do little touches—think fresh coffee, gourmet snacks, or a glass of wine as you watch the world go by. These extras make the journey feel special, not just a means to an end.

So, if you’re ranking the prettiest train rides, it’s not just about the land outside—you have to count what’s happening inside, too. The best rides combine outrageous landscapes with chilled-out comfort and a few surprises along the way.

The World's Most Stunning Luxury Route

When you ask die-hard train fans and travel pros about the luxury train that truly delivers on jaw-dropping views, one route pops up way more than others: the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express. This isn’t a random pick; it’s the entire experience—classic Art Deco carriages, top-shelf service, and a route that swings right through the heart of Europe’s most Instagram-worthy scenery.

The journey from Venice to Paris (and sometimes even on to Istanbul) isn’t just about covering miles. You roll past Italian lakes, hit up the Swiss Alps, and snake through the French countryside without even having to leave your cabin. You want to see the Dolomites in the morning and the rolling hills of Burgundy right before dinner? This ride checks all the boxes.

Here’s what sets it apart in real-world terms:

• Windows you can actually open: Unlike modern trains, you can lean out just a bit, hear the mountain air, and snap that classic blue-and-gold train shot.
• Real-deal, no Wi-Fi vibe: There’s zero Wi-Fi. At first it sounds rough, but it means you’re more caught up in the experience and the shifting scenery than your feed.
• Food with actual views: You get multi-course French cuisine while watching glaciers glide by. The staff make a big deal out of the food, and it doesn’t disappoint.

Pro tip? Book your cabin facing the direction of travel—for this route, you’ll get the best photo ops right before and after your stop in Innsbruck. And if you want a less-crowded carriage for those once-in-a-lifetime snaps, aim for a shoulder season in late April or early October.

For people hunting the prettiest of pretty train rides, the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express keeps setting the bar—and still manages to surprise first-timers every trip.

Runner-Ups: Noteworthy Rivals

Okay, so not every luxury train ride can grab the crown for the prettiest train ride, but a few come really close. If you’re looking to go big, these are the trips people actually talk about after their travels—and not just because of the fancy bedding or white-tablecloth dinners.

Take the Glacier Express in Switzerland. This ride connects Zermatt and St. Moritz, passing over 291 bridges and through 91 tunnels. You stare out at the Alps, deep valleys, and tiny postcard villages. The train’s panoramic windows? Totally worth it. More than 250,000 travelers hopped on board in 2024 alone, and it keeps topping lists for bucket-list-worthy European trips.

Another heavy hitter: The Rocky Mountaineer in Canada. This one’s all about the wild scenery—towering peaks, crazy blue rivers, endless forests—but without having to camp or rough it. Folks rave about the glass-domed cars and free-flowing drinks. Between April and October last year, close to 100,000 people booked a spot, making it one of North America’s most popular luxury train journeys.

The Venice Simplon-Orient-Express deserves a nod too. This classic runs from London to Venice with stops that sound like a movie set: Paris, Verona, Innsbruck. It uses art deco cabins restored to their 1920s glory, and, just so you know, the dress code is actually enforced at dinner. In 2023, an average journey on this train cost about $6,000 per person for a cabin.

• Glacier Express: Epic mountain views, massive engineering feats
• Rocky Mountaineer: Untamed wilderness, wildlife spotting, multi-day journeys
• Venice Simplon-Orient-Express: History, style, and a very strict crew when it comes to dress

When you look at where these trains travel and what you get for your cash, it’s clear why they make so many “best train ride” lists. If you want those bragging rights or just a wild set of photos, any of these rivals are worth considering. But don’t expect last-minute deals—seats sell out months ahead, so planning is key.

What to Look for in a Luxury Rail Experience

If you’re splurging on a luxury train trip, you want your money’s worth. The best experiences go way beyond comfy seats—they turn the ride itself into something you’ll remember for life. So, how do you spot a true luxury journey from something that’s just “nice enough”?

First thing to check: the train’s track record. Some luxury rides, like the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express, have been around for nearly a hundred years. These routes aren’t just about style—the staff, service, and food are usually top-tier. If the trip pops up on ‘world’s best’ lists every year, it’s usually the real deal.

• Luxury train cabins: Look for private suites, en-suite bathrooms, and window seating for every guest. Sleeping in your own cabin beats a shared seat any day.
• Service: The crew should know their stuff—think white-glove service without snobbery. Some trains offer personal butlers or 24/7 room service.
• Food and drinks: Gourmet meals, locally sourced menus, and signature cocktails bring the experience together. For example, the Belmond Royal Scotsman is known for its whisky bar with 50+ selections. No sad sandwiches or mystery meat here.
• Scenery and route: The train’s path makes or breaks the trip. Routes like South Africa’s Blue Train offer sweeping savannah views and sometimes safari stops. Make sure your journey actually covers the scenery you want (mountains, coast, city lights, you name it).
• Extras: Off-train excursions, exclusive station lounges, and onboard entertainment crank up the experience. It’s not just about sitting still—top trains offer guided tours, spa treatments, or wine tastings along the way.

Want some hard facts? Here’s what sets a few of the world’s best apart:

Your priorities should drive your pick. Want killer scenery above all? Pick routes cutting through the Alps, Rockies, or Andes. Looking for pampering and privacy? Check cabin details and how many guests the train actually hosts (fewer guests often means better service). Don’t forget to look for perks like all-inclusive pricing—sometimes tipping and drinks are included, other times not. Read the fine print so you don’t get hit with surprise bills when you check out.

Essential Tips for the Perfect Ride

Ready to nab the best seat on your luxury train adventure? Nailing the basics turns a pretty ride into something you’ll remember for years. Here's what the pros know.

• Book Early: The most popular luxury trains get snapped up months in advance, especially for the best views. If you’re after a window spot on the Glacier Express or Belmond Royal Scotsman, plan ahead—some routes sell out a year before departure.
• Choose the Right Route and Season: Timing matters. For the Canadian Rocky Mountaineer, May and September see fewer crowds and clearer mountain vistas. The Venice Simplon-Orient-Express pops in early spring and autumn, avoiding the summer tourist blitz.
• Pack Smart: Cabin space is usually tight, even in fancy trains. Go with soft luggage that fits under your seat or bed. Layers are key—cabins can heat up with sun, but can chill at night depending on the region.
• Don’t Skip the Extras: Some journeys throw in excursions, gourmet meals, wine pairings, and afternoon teas. Dive into everything—those special dinners or photo stops are often the highlight.
• Stay Charged and Connected: Not all scenic trains have constant Wi-Fi or outlets in every cabin. Most guests don’t mind unplugging, but keep a portable charger on hand if you want to snap a million photos.

If you’re chasing jaw-dropping scenery, know that the luxury train experience is usually designed so both sides of the train get killer views. That said, some routes have a “better” side (like coastal lines). Ask staff—they often dish out insider tips if you’re friendly.

Little details—like letting the crew know if you’re celebrating something special—can lead to surprises, like a complimentary drink or a decorated cabin. These luxury journeys thrive on service, so don’t be shy about making requests or asking questions. Your perfect train trip is honestly just a little bit of planning away.