Rail travel is enjoying a revival among conscious, experience-driven travelers. In recent years luxury and scenic train journeys have surged in popularity as people seek “slow, reflective” experiences and greener alternatives to flying. A 2025 industry report notes that international rail-tour spending grew 59% from 2019–2024, far outpacing global tourism. Railbookers calls it a “rail renaissance” driven by sustainability and wellness. In fact, Amtrak ridership in the U.S. jumped 18% (to 24 million passengers) in late 2023–2024, reflecting both nostalgia and the train’s “scenic routes, nostalgic charm and slower eco-friendly pace”. Train journeys allow travelers to settle into the landscape – as writer Paul Theroux observed, “a train is a vehicle that allows residence”, with a “grand tour’s succession of memorable images” unfolding outside the window.
This guide covers six world-renowned scenic train routes, each chosen for its unique blend of panoramic views, cultural context and onboard experience. You’ll find in-depth coverage of the Pacific Surfliner (California), Jacobite Steam Train (Scotland), Napa Valley Wine Train (California), Grand Canyon Railway (Arizona), Glacier Express (Switzerland), and The Ghan (Australia).
Train (Country) | Distance / Duration | Highlights |
Pacific Surfliner (USA) | ~350 miles, 8.5–9 hr | Endless Pacific Ocean views, coastal bluffs, beach towns |
Jacobite Steam Train (UK) | 84-mile round-trip, ~4 hr | Iconic Glenfinnan Viaduct, West Highland lochs and mountains |
Napa Valley Wine Train (USA) | 36 miles round-trip, ~3–4 hr | Rolling vineyards, gourmet onboard dining, Napa wine country villages |
Grand Canyon Railway (USA) | 65 miles (one way), 2 hr15 | Ponderosa pine forests, high desert vistas, historic Williams Depot |
Glacier Express (Switzerland) | 291 km, 7 hr55 | Alpine panoramas, 291 bridges & 91 tunnels (including Landwasser Viaduct, UNESCO Albula line) |
The Ghan (Australia) | ~2,979 km, 3 nights (4 days) | Sweeping Outback (Flinders Ranges, Red Centre) to tropical Top End, with stops at Alice Springs & Katherine |
Each of the six featured routes offers a dramatically different landscape – from ocean surf to desert red sands to glacier-carved valleys. Below we dive into each one.
Amtrak’s Pacific Surfliner winds ~350 miles along Southern California’s coast. It runs multiple times daily between San Diego and San Luis Obispo (via Los Angeles), with key stops including San Diego, Orange County, Los Angeles (Union Station), Ventura and Santa Barbara. This 8½–9 hour daytime journey offers endless ocean vistas: for many miles the tracks hug the shoreline so closely that “ocean water often hits the windows”.
Passengers board in San Diego (“America’s Finest City” with its deep blue bay) and, after urban suburbs, soon hit the coast. About 90 minutes after departure, near San Juan Capistrano, the train emerges from rolling inland hills to crest the seaside bluffs. On a clear morning the Pacific glistens below; on summer evenings the western sky can explode in crimson afterglow. The stretch from Oceanside to San Clemente is especially scenic: beach surf, fishermen’s piers, and coastal houses line the route.
By noon the train reaches Los Angeles, passing Santa Monica Bay and then urban stretches – though even here glimpses of sunlit palm trees can be seen. North of LA, the line threads through Ventura County’s Santa Clara River Valley before skirting rugged cliffs and ports. The final leg from Ventura toward Santa Barbara and San Luis Obispo traverses seaside farmland, vineyard-studded valleys, and occasional ocean breaks in the distance.
Major origins and terminals: San Diego’s Santa Fe Depot (historic 1915 architecture with indoor waiting rooms), Oceanside (convenient parking garage), Anaheim–Santa Ana Station (for Disneyland visitors), Los Angeles Union Station (grand Art Deco hall, baggage services), and San Luis Obispo (Amtrak’s nicest station lounge in California). Intermediate stops include scenic coastal towns—Solana Beach, San Clemente, San Juan Capistrano—each worth an overnight if time allows. (Advanced planning tip: Some stops, like Goleta and Santa Barbara, require careful timing; winter daylight is shorter—sunset can be as early as 5 PM.)
Southbound trains (toward San Diego) typically have stronger ocean views from the right-hand side of the train, especially around Oceanside and San Clemente. Northbound travelers (toward San Luis Obispo) enjoy the best light on the left-hand side in the late afternoon, with the sun behind and illuminating the ocean. Insider Tip: Book a business-class seat or reserve a window in the Bistro car to ensure a good view. (If you can’t reserve a spot, the café car and upper-level coach offer panoramic windows to still see the surf and bluffs.)
The Surfliner runs daily with day-long schedules. A one-way coach fare from San Diego to Los Angeles runs around $30–$40 (flexible) on average; business class costs about 1.5–2× as much and includes guaranteed seating and complimentary snacks. Consider buying a flexible 10-ride ticket if you’ll make multiple trips within 60 days. The café car serves made-to-order sandwiches, beer, wine and coffee; many riders pack snacks or bring local fare to enjoy on board.
Is the Surfliner Better Than Driving? Many Californians say yes: the train bypasses clogged freeways, reducing stress (and gas usage) while delivering front-row ocean scenery. Especially between San Diego and Los Angeles, the Surfliner often beats car travel timewise when accounting for traffic at peak hours. Plus, you can work, nap or read instead of steering. If your trip includes wine stops north of LA, the train also lets everyone enjoy tasting tours.
Bring a wide-angle lens for the panoramic ocean segments, and consider a polarizer to cut glint. Best photo ops are mid-morning or late afternoon, when the water contrasts deeply with the sky. Keep your camera ready near Oceanside/Mission Beach and again after Ventura. Onboard, stay on the ocean side and try framing shots through the clean, big windows (there are no “dome cars,” but the coach seats are sufficiently elevated).
Dubbed “the greatest railway journey in the world” by its operator, the Jacobite is an 84-mile round-trip steam tour through the Scottish Highlands. Starting in Fort William (a town cradled by Ben Nevis, Britain’s highest peak), the train runs west to the fishing village of Mallaig on the Atlantic, then returns. After Fort William it soon speeds over the world-famous 21-arch Glenfinnan Viaduct, overlooking Loch Shiel – a scene immortalized in the Harry Potter films. Beyond Glenfinnan the line hugs lochs and mountainsides: on the southbound leg it skirts Loch Eil’s mirror-still waters, while past Arisaig it runs beside Loch Morar’s silvery shallows and the white sands of Morar Bay.
The Jacobite runs seasonally (April–October) in 2025, with morning and afternoon departures on many summer days. Steam locomotives (heritage 4-6-0 engines) still power the train, giving authentic chuffing charm (though modern touring carriages). In cooler months the lochside scenery turns golden; in mid-summer the sun sets too late for full orange skies, but often bathes the viaduct in warm light. Pro tip: Book well in advance for July–August (peak Highland tourist season).
A round-trip full-fare ticket (as of 2025) is roughly £100-£150 per adult (varies by time and carriage class). A single-trip (Fort William–Mallaig) one-way ticket is about £60. The excursion includes a return trip the same day. The train offers first-class premium seating with fine dining, and also a cheaper standard dining coach. Reservations are highly recommended (the line is run by private West Coast Railways, and tickets sell out each season).
Meals range from casual sandwiches in the snack coach to high tea or three-course dining in the Pullman carriages. Expect local produce: Highland smoked salmon, venison, whisky-infused desserts. The dining room seats 30-ish, so book early if you want dinner service; otherwise bring snacks or stock up in Fort William. Most passengers use the trip as an all-day event with lunch included.
Bring a telephoto lens for mountain peaks and any wildlife (golden eagles or deer sometimes appear). Lower viewpoints from carriage windows capture the train crossing viaduct or cresting ridges. Because much of the route faces south, early trips (AM) have better light on the right side north of Glenfinnan, whereas late-return trips light the viaduct well on the left.
The Napa Valley Wine Train is a 36‑mile round-trip journey through Northern California’s famed wine country. Departing downtown Napa midday, it chugs north to Yountville and St. Helena (heart of Napa’s vineyard belt) and then returns by evening. This is as much about onboard gastronomy as scenery: restored historic railcars (c. 1915 Pullmans) provide a plush dining room and wine lounge atmosphere. Through oversized curved windows, emerald vineyard-covered hillsides, tidy wheat fields and rolling oak savannas define the view.
The Wine Train’s draw is its five-course seasonal cuisine, prepared fresh in the kitchen cars by an executive chef. Menus spotlight California ingredients – think seared scallops, braised short ribs, artisan cheeses and chocolate desserts – each paired with Napa’s vintages. A sommelier-on-wheels explains the pairings. Even if you’re vegetarian or gluten-free, special meals can be arranged. Drinks are all-inclusive in Platinum Service (beer/wine/cocktails), or à la carte in regular service.
Passengers spend the first hour sipping bubbly in the vintage bar car as landscapes glide by. Lunch/brunch/dinner takes a couple of hours next, with chefs personally delivering each course to your table. The evening ambient lighting and gentle clickety-clack add to the charm. Because it’s a relatively short trip, most travelers see the route on a single day trip, often pairing it with a B&B stay. (There are also special trains for high tea or murder mystery evenings.)
Tickets start around $100–$200 per person (varies by meal and service class). Platinum service (all-inclusive premium) typically costs the most but includes unlimited wine or cocktails. Book at least months ahead for weekends and high season (spring/summer/harvest). Guests are dressy-casual; no jeans or sneakers.
Is this ride kid-friendly? Families do ride (there are kids’ menus), but the experience skews romantic/culinary – children under 12 sit separately in a family coach, and the pace is relaxed dining (not an “excitement” train). For teen or adult fun it’s perfect, but small kids may prefer a shorter excursion.
The interior’s vintage charm beckons photos: polished wood banquettes, stained-glass lights and white-tablecloth settings. Always snap at least one shot of your train-plate entrée with vine rows glowing outside. The bar car is ideal for candid images of guests toasting. Outside shots: since the train never reaches dizzying heights or plunges down valley, most landscape photos are level with gentle hills. However, the 35-foot “Bunny Foo Foo” sculpture provides a fun landmark to photograph from the car.
Since 1901, the Grand Canyon Railway has transported visitors from Williams, AZ (mile-high pine forests) to the South Rim of the Grand Canyon. This 65-mile (105 km) one-way ride takes ~2¼ hours. Onboard, staff in Old West attire entertain guests, and often stage a mock “train robbery” by costumed bandits – a fun nod to frontier days.
The railway departs Williams to the north each morning. The scenery quickly changes: over the first 15–20 minutes you climb a gentle grade through Ponderosa pine forests and meadows (often spotting deer or elk). Past Red Canyon (mile ~15), the track descends through scrubby high desert. After 90 minutes you’ll see distant red peaks of the Kaibab Plateau and perhaps the rim itself. On arrival at the historic 1901 Grand Canyon Depot, you have ~3–4 hours to explore the Canyon before the afternoon return.
Upon arrival, passengers disembark at the National Historic Landmark depot (a grand Kaibab limestone building). You are within walking distance of several rim viewpoints, museums and lodges. Many riders book additional tours: a park shuttle ($10 round-trip) can take you along the Rim Trail to Yavapai Point and Mather Point for iconic canyon vistas. The available 3–4 hour layover is usually enough to catch sunset colors before the train departs at 3:30pm.
The Grand Canyon Railway operates daily year-round (except Christmas). In high season there’s even a second afternoon train. Standard adult fares (round-trip) start around $70 (coaches) to $90 (first-class “dome” car seating). An optional steam-powered “Vintage” train (with fully restored wood cars) runs on select dates (check Amtrak transfers). A souvenir photo is taken as you board; bundled packages often include park shuttles or hotel stays.
Because the canyon village sits 7,000 feet up, plan layers (it can be much cooler at the rim). Leave ample time before departure to load boarding – the station has shops for last-minute snacks and sunscreen.
Travelers on the Grand Canyon Railway often spot wildlife on the open plain. Bison herds sometimes graze near the tracks in winter, and pronghorn antelope are not uncommon in the high desert stretch. Birdlife includes hawks, eagles and ravens. Having a camera or binoculars ready can be rewarding. Inside the Canyon, keep an eye out for California condors riding thermal updrafts above the cliffs.
The railway line originally carried copper, gold and uranium ores from Grand Canyon mines, before the passenger service launched for tourists. The Williams Depot is considered the “Gateway to the Grand Canyon” and still exudes early-20th-century charm. Riding it today connects you with a piece of Old West travel heritage.
The Glacier Express is an 8-hour, 291-km (181-mile) journey through the Swiss Alps. It connects Zermatt (shadow of the Matterhorn) with St. Moritz (Alpine resort) without requiring transfers. Despite its name, this train doesn’t race – it meanders over high mountain passes, earning the nickname “slowest express train in the world”. The modern panoramic coaches have 180° windows and a glass roof, making the spectacular scenery fully visible.
From Zermatt the train immediately enters a valley between peaks. It descends to Brig, then traverses a web of viaducts and tunnels. Key highlights are: the Landwasser Viaduct (A-roofed stone bridge on a curve) en route to Filisur; the Rhein Gorge (a dramatic, canyon-like section dubbed “Swiss Grand Canyon”); the Oberalp Pass at 2,033m (where the train even halts for a view and photo op); and the Albula Spiral Tunnels just before reaching St. Moritz. At times the Matterhorn and the Bernina peaks loom in distance.
Glacier Express runs daily April–October (year-round in recent years) with full dining service. All 1st- and 2nd-class seats must be pre-reserved (children over 6 are allowed). The onboard restaurant car lets you have a meal without leaving your window — one unique feature of this journey is gourmet lunch delivery to seats (often Swiss specialties like rösti or cheese fondue by tablet, plus local wines). Seats are wide and tables are shared in 2nd class; 1st class and “Excellence Class” offer private two-seat tables. The pace is so leisurely that many passengers trade stories and share window views as the Alps roll by.
Most of the Glacier Express route runs along the Rhaetian Railway’s Albula-Bernina line, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Officially, you’re gliding through “Rhaetian Railway in the Albula/Bernina Landscapes,” considered a living monument of mountain railway engineering.
Bring a telephoto for mountain peaks or distant valleys. Use the premium coach or early morning light for the Eastern-facing views. Consider booking “Panorama Domes” (second-level glass roofs added in recent fleet upgrades) if you want 360° sky-to-floor views. Remember: the train stops very briefly at major sights (like Oberalp Pass) – plan to stand in the hallway to snap quick shots. Must-have: A window cleaning cloth, since windows can get steamy from condensation!
Stretching ~2,979 km and taking 54 hours (overnight on 2 nights), The Ghan links Adelaide (South Australia) with Darwin (Northern Territory). It’s a true north-south crossing of Australia’s outback, renowned as one of the longest train journeys worldwide. Named for the 19th-century Afghan camel drivers who charted these routes, The Ghan departs twice weekly (in 2026) with luxurious Gold and Platinum service cabins. Along the way it stops at Alice Springs and Katherine, allowing off-train tours of famous Red Centre landscapes (Uluru optionals) and the Top End’s wetlands.
From Adelaide the train heads into the arid Flinders Ranges, Australia’s ruddy hills, then through the flat wheatlands of the Nullarbor Plain. After Nullarbor it ascends to Alice Springs (red desert and ghost gums). On Day 2 it crosses the vast Kimberley outback to Katherine, skirting the edge of tropical woodland and deep gorges. Finally it reaches Darwin’s tropical harbor. Passengers witness a stunning geographic transect: South Australian golden plains → rusty-red desert → emerald rivers of the Top End.
Sleeper cabins (en suite) are provided for both nights. Gold Service cabins offer comfy single or twin berths with meals in the Outback Explorer Lounge or Queen Adelaide Restaurant. Platinum Service (higher price) adds private lounge bar, priority service, and access to the Panorama Lounge car. All-inclusive dining features hearty Aussie fare: juicy steaks, barramundi, tropical fruit desserts, plus an open bar of Australian wines and beers in Platinum. Each meal is a social event; after dinner people gather at lounge tables to chat and gaze at starry skies through the large dome windows.
During station stops there are “off-train excursions” included in fares: e.g. in Alice Springs an Indigenous cultural tour, or in Katherine a cruise through the gorge canyons. These allow a taste of the locale beyond just the ride.
Onboard narrators often point out big red kangaroos at dusk along the Nullarbor, or emus pecking at tumbleweeds. The star-filled desert sky out the windows is also a show – occasionally special night-vision tours are offered. In contrast, the northern half has lush sights: plumes of water buffalo or pig dogs on the floodplains beyond Katherine. Watching the vegetation literally change from drought-season browns to the bright green of a semi-tropical riverine forest is part of the excitement.
Unlike the Glacier Express, the Ghan travels overnight. Peak photo ops are at sunrise/sunset or during off-train stops. Keep your cameras ready when entering Alice Springs (dawn desert) and Katherine (sunset gorge).
Packing Checklist:
– Travel documents & any required visas (domestic trains typically need ID only).
– Warm sweater and rain jacket (mountains and coast can surprise with chill).
– Binoculars (for wildlife and distant vistas) and camera with spares.
– Snacks/meal supplements (unless you have a guaranteed dining plan). Many trains allow BYO water bottles and small food items.
– Earplugs and eye masks for overnight journeys (The Ghan, Glacier).
– Small daypack for off-train excursions (GPS map or offline map app downloaded).
Q: Are these trains worth the cost compared to driving? A: For scenery and experience, absolutely. Driving routes like California’s Coast Highway or Arizona’s Route 66 can be beautiful, but they come with traffic stress and missed perspectives. Trains like the Surfliner or Ghan remove driving hassles and deliver front-row views (and commentary). They also foster social enjoyment (dining cars, lounge chats). In many cases train travel also cuts carbon emissions; for example, Amtrak journeys are on average 46% more energy-efficient than car travel and 34% more efficient than flying.
Q: Can I bring a bike or surfboard on board? A: Yes, with reservations. Amtrak’s Pacific Surfliner welcomes bicycles (with advance notice) and surfboards. The Napa Wine Train and Glacier Express do not allow bicycles or large gear on their regular service. For Grand Canyon Railway and Jacobite, bikes are uncommon but small folding bikes may be stored at the depot (check with operators).
Q: Do I need a rail pass? A: These tours are separate, point-to-point journeys (not local commuter trains), so international rail passes (like Eurail) generally do not cover them. Tickets must be bought individually. However, some bundles are offered: e.g. Amtrak has USA Explorer passes that discount multiple long-distance rides.
Q: What’s the best time of day to sit for views? A: In general, the morning train (or northbound) provides illumination from behind in the northern hemisphere (e.g. Surfliner southbound mornings). Evenings can offer sunsets but with harsher light contrast. The Glacier Express runs daytime only to maximize daylight. For evening rides (Napa or The Ghan), sunset from one side of the train is beautiful but darkens fast, so enjoy dinner and lounge time after dark.
Q: Are children and pets allowed? A: Yes to kids in most cases (with child fares, often up to age 12 or 16). The Surfliner even has a “Kid’s T-shirts for $10” promotion. Pets: Pacific Surfliner allows small dogs (with carrier, standard pet fee). The Grand Canyon Railway allows small pets in carrier for a fee. The Jacobite and others usually do not allow pets except service animals. Always confirm current policy when booking.
Q: Can I access the outdoors on the train (like open viewing platforms)? A: Only the Grand Canyon Railway has open-air observation platforms (top-of-cabin seats) available on first-class service. The Ghan’s Platinum Lounge used to have an open observation platform (though as of 2025 it’s being redesigned). Otherwise, you must stay inside carriages. However, all trains stop at scenic points, so take advantage of station stops and meal breaks to step outside safely.
Q: How has the Jacobite service changed recently? A: After a brief suspension in 2024, the Jacobite resumed in spring 2024 using newer carriages for safety compliance. Its “Hogwarts Express” steam engine remains iconic, but occasionally the operator may run diesel-hauled charters if needed. Always check West Coast Railways (the operator) for current operating status and dates.
Q: Are discounts available? A: Limited. Some trains offer senior or child fares. Amtrak’s Surfliner offers youths, seniors, and student discounts with advance booking. The Ghan and Glacier Express occasionally run off-season promotions or last-minute offers via their websites or partner agencies, but these are rare – these are premium experiences sold at near full price except for early-bird specials.
After a day on these rails, many travelers find train journeys unexpectedly moving. Sailing gently through diverse terrains brings a different sense of scale and reflection than flying or driving. As one rail authority observed, trains let us experience “transport and residence” simultaneously. You absorb light, climate and culture at human pace – morning fog rolling over sea bluffs, the misty silhouette of a Highland mountain, or a sudden burst of outback red at sunrise.
Scenic trains uniquely blend adventure with comfort: you can read or dine while watching the world go by at 30–50 mph. Each of the six featured journeys above offers its own “wow” moments – whether it’s the spray from a crashing wave by your window, a dragon-like viaduct arch, or the quiet companionship of fellow travelers sharing fond tales over dinner.
Ultimately, these voyages remind us that travel isn’t just about the destination, but the journey itself. As rail historian Paul Theroux wrote, “The train is still the ideal – show up and hop on”. Embarking on a scenic railway is an invitation to slow down, tune in to nature, and be utterly present. We hope this guide has given you the practical details and inspiration to take that leap – and to see why, in an age of rush, there’s something magical about letting a historic locomotive pull you through the world’s most stunning panoramas.
“Train travel is making a comeback, drawing adventurers with its scenic routes, nostalgic charm and slower eco-friendly pace.”
Whether it’s misty Scotland, sun-kissed California, or the red heart of Australia, the next time you plan a grand trip, consider adding a long rail journey. Book a window seat, watch the hour unfold outside, and prepare for an experience that stirs the soul as much as the scenery.
