Historic rail journeys you can still take today

Bucket-list railway journeys

For over a century, railway journeys have captured the imagination of travellers. From the luxurious Orient Express to the heritage Strasburg Rail Road, there are dozens of historic railway lines that continue to offer unforgettable experiences. Here’s our pick of the best rail journeys from across the globe.

Read on to discover the historic railway journeys you can still take today...

Strasburg Rail Road (1832)

For nearly 200 years, trains have chugged along the Strasburg Rail Road, making it the oldest continuously operating railroad in North America. Originally built to connect Strasburg to the Philadelphia and Columbia line, today it puffs along a 4.5-mile (7.2km) stretch from Strasburg to Paradise. Each year 300,000 passengers board these old-fashioned wooden carriages, making it one of the most popular tourist railroads in the United States​.

Panama Canal Railway Company (1855)

Spanning 47.6 miles (76.6km) between Panama City on the Pacific coast and Colon on the Atlantic coast, this railway was initially built to transport mail and goods during the California Gold Rush, but quickly became a vital link for both passengers and supplies. It played a key role in providing a faster and safer route across the Isthmus of Panama, connecting the two oceans before the advent of the Panama Canal. Today, it remains an important part of Panama’s infrastructure, continuing to serve as a passenger and freight line​.

Colombo to Badulla (1867)

Sri Lanka’s verdant interior is famous for its tea and coffee plantations, and in the mid-19th century, the British government built railways across the country to transport these goods to the commercial capital of Colombo. The line from Badulla has become renowned for its mountain views, but for many years, it was used solely for freight. In 2022, the Ella Odyssey train was launched to provide a more comfortable journey for tourists, as well as longer stops at stations for essential photo-taking.

Cumbres and Toltec Scenic Railroad (1880)

Experience the real wild west on this heritage line in New Mexico. Formerly a silver mining area, the Cumbres and Toltec railroad now takes tourists on a 63-mile (101km) journey through Chama Valley's wildflower meadows before chugging over the 10,000-foot (3,000m) high Cumbres Pass. The railway line has even featured in numerous Hollywood movies, including Indiana Jones & The Last Crusade and A Million Ways to Die in the West.

Darjeeling Himalayan Railway (1881)

After riding the Darjeeling Himalayan Railway (DHR) in 1896, writer Mark Twain described the journey as 'the most enjoyable day I have spent on Earth'. It’s easy to see why. Lush tea plantations carpet the steep hillsides of this UNESCO World Heritage Site, which backs onto the vast Himalayas. Today, ride on a steam locomotive from Darjeeling to Ghum or New Jalpaiguri.

Orient Express (1883)

Few train journeys are more iconic than the Orient Express. Since 1883, passengers have travelled on this luxury train from Paris to Istanbul, covering 1,700 miles (2,736km). Over the years, the route has included stops in cities like Vienna, Budapest and Belgrade, and the modern-day Venice Simplon-Orient-Express is still one of the most expensive train journeys in the world, with ticket prices reaching thousands of pounds per trip. It’s also one of the most famous – Agatha Christie set her novel Murder on the Orient Express aboard the train, while James Bond famously rode it in From Russia With Love.

Kuranda Scenic Railway (1891)

North Queensland is notoriously rainy. In the 19th century, torrential weather proved catastrophic for miners near Herberton, who were cut off from their food supplies. They appealed for a railway to be built and work began in 1886. The 23-mile (37km) route twists its way through World Heritage rainforest from the city of Cairns to Kuranda village. Nowadays, riders board a beautiful wood-panelled train pulled by a diesel locomotive, passing Barron Gorge and Stoney Creek Falls bridge.

Harz Railway (1897)

Steam trains are often solely tourist attractions, but not Germany’s Harz Railway. This 86-mile (140km) long route still serves locals, using steam engines that date back to 1897. All three routes start in Wernigerode and pass through the Harz National Park. One finishes in Nordhausen, known for its tobacco and schnapps. Another culminates in Quedlinburg, a UNESCO World Heritage Site peppered with medieval buildings. The final option stops in Brocken, home to North Germany’s tallest peak.

White Pass and Yukon Route Railroad (1898)

In the late 19th century, over 100,000 miners headed to White Pass in search of gold, sparking a need for easier access to this part of Alaska.  Incredibly, the railroad was completed in just over two years – using hand tools and dynamite – and climbs to the White Pass Summit, making it one of the steepest railway ascents of its time. The railroad served freight and mining purposes for over 80 years before closing in 1982, then reopened in 1988 as a heritage railway, allowing tourists to experience the historic route and spectacular views of the Coast Mountains.

Zillertal Railway (1902)

For over 120 years, a jet-black steam engine has pulled ruby-red carriages through the Zillertal Valley in Austria. This 20-mile (32km) route from Jenbach to Mayrhofen was initially built to transport timber through the Austrian Alps. Today, it also carries eager hikers to the Tyrolean villages of Zell am Ziller, Hart and Ried between May and October. Look out for the Crystal Car carriage, embellished with 62,000 Swarovski crystals.

Ocean Line (1904)

The Ocean Line is the oldest continuously operating train route in Canada, whisking travellers between Montreal and Halifax for over 120 years. It still follows the original route, passing through three provinces and two time zones in 22 hours. It's not as glamorous as the Rocky Mountaineer, but it does offer well-priced, modernised sleeper cabins to bed down in for the 808 mile (1,300km) journey. Sit back and watch farmland and forest make way for Canada’s wild Atlantic coast.

Bernina Express (1908)

Drink in views of the Alps on this striking route. Starting in Chur, Switzerland’s oldest city, the Bernina Express passes towering peaks and glacial lagoons, finishing in either Poschiavo, Switzerland or Tirano, Italy. The railway was completed in 1910, though sections opened as early as 1908, with the aim of boosting tourism and improving trade between Switzerland and Italy. The Bernina Express travels along some of the steepest railway tracks in the world, and at its highest point – Ospizio Bernina – it reaches an altitude of 7,391 feet (2,253m), making it one of Europe's highest railways.

Cevennes Steam Train (1909)

Just north of Montpellier, you’ll find the mountainous region of Cevennes. For centuries, it was known for its silk production. Climb aboard a historic steam train, once used to carry cargo from Saint-Jean-du-Gard to Anduze, an eight mile (13km) journey through the Gardon valley. En route, you’ll cross viaducts and glide past pine forests and cow-speckled hillsides. Disembark at La Bambouseraie, an exotic garden filled with bamboo groves that reach up to 80 feet (24m) high.

Tren de Soller (1912)

The Spanish island of Mallorca is home to one of the most beautiful wooden trains in Europe. Dating back to 1912, the Tren de Soller route was made to transport oranges from the groves of Soller to Palma to be shipped. Ride the same wooden lacquered train today and watch centuries-old olive groves and forested mountains roll past the window. Inside Soller train station, there’s a permanent art collection featuring works by Pablo Picasso and Joan Miro.

Verde Canyon Railroad (1912)

Over 100,000 people each year travel on the Verde Canyon Railroad in Arizona, USA. This heritage railway line used to cart copper from Clarkdale to Perkinsville. This masterful feat of engineering features a 680-foot (210m) tunnel carved through the mountains and crosses a bridge which stands 150 feet (46m) above a gorge.​ Today, visitors can marvel at the high desert scenery from a vintage 1953 locomotive as it rumbles through the canyon. Look out for bald eagles as they swoop over the red rock buttes.

Oigawa Railway (1927)

Tea plantations line the Oigawa Railway, the only railway in Japan where steam locomotives operate year-round. Originally opened in 1927, the railway was built to transport timber and materials for dam construction, and the route is renowned for its stunning views of the Oigawa River and Southern Alps. Electrified in 1949, the railway now carries locals and tourists between Kanaya, Senzu and Ikawa. Visitors can choose between riding a steam locomotive from the 1930s, complete with retro 1950s carriages, or a modern electric city train.

The Ghan (1929)

Few journeys hold the same legendary status as The Ghan. From April to October, this luxurious passenger train makes the 1,851 mile (2,979km) journey from Darwin to Adelaide in Australia. When it first opened, it connected Port Augusta to Alice Springs, but it was extended to Darwin in 2004, making it a true transcontinental journey​. The train's name, originally the Afghan Express, honours the first Afghan cameleers who played a vital role in exploring and transporting goods across Australia's interior.

Glacier Express (1930)

Riding the Glacier Express is the best way to see Switzerland’s skyscraping mountains and wildflower meadows. With 291 bridges and 91 tunnels, the line linking Zermatt and St. Moritz was completed in 1930, though the construction of various sections began in the late 19th century, with much of the railway infrastructure gradually developed over decades. The Matterhorn and the Rhine Gorge, known as the Grand Canyon of Switzerland, are a few of the highlights you’ll see from the glass-roofed carriages.

Jungle Railway (1931)

Marvel at some of the world’s oldest tropical rainforests on Malaysia’s Jungle Railway or East Coast Railway Line, which stretches from Gemas to Tumpat. Construction was completed in 1931, and the line was originally used to transport tin and rubber, with passenger services starting in 1938. This scenic 16-hour journey winds through remote jungle landscapes, passing highlights such as Dabong, home to the stunning Jelawang waterfall, and Gua Musang, a popular rock-climbing destination nestled among dramatic limestone hills.

North-South Railway (1936)

Travel the length of Vietnam on this 1,072-mile (1,725km) journey from Hanoi to Ho Chi Minh City. Unlike many trains on this list, the North-South railway is not merely a tourist attraction; it’s a functioning railway line that still provides an important connection across the country today. Peer out the window as the train takes a remarkable route through Hanoi’s Old Quarter, squeezing between residential buildings, practically knocking laundry off washing lines.

La Trochita (1945)

Known as the Old Patagonian Express, this steam engine boasts eye-popping views of Argentina's snow-dusted Andes mountains and central plains. Initially a freight train that began operating in 1945, La Trochita (meaning 'little gauge', referring to its very narrow track) became a passenger service in 1950, running 250 mile (402km) trips between Esquel and Ingeniero Jacobacci. Today, travellers can journey between Esquel and Nahuelpan or El Maiten to Norquinco.

The Blue Train (1946)

Cruise through the South African bush on The Blue Train, an almost 1,000-mile (1,600km) route between Pretoria and Cape Town. Launched as a luxury service in 1946, the train's legacy began earlier as part of a network connecting Cape Town to the country’s interior. Its modern reputation for opulence began in the late 1970s, after a refit introduced elegant accommodations and fine dining. Now a symbol of sophistication, it offers private suites and even bathtubs in some carriages. Travelling at a steady 68 miles per hour (110km/h), expect a leisurely pace to enjoy the stunning views.

California Zephyr (1949)

Described as America’s most beautiful train journey, the California Zephyr zips along a 70-year-old route connecting Chicago to San Francisco via Denver and Salt Lake City. It has gained a worldwide reputation for its jaw-dropping views; in fact, the Zephyr was one of the first transcontinental trains to frequently use dome cars. In winter, you’ll spy snowy panoramas across the Sierra Nevada mountains or Colorado’s fiery foliage in autumn. At 2,438 miles (3,924km), it’s one of the longest journeys on our list.

Tren de la Sabana (1953)

Everything changed for Colombia’s capital when the Tren de la Sabana arrived in the 1950s. Stretching nearly 120 miles (193km), it meant that rural villages could access Bogota easily for the first time. Railway enthusiasts revived the abandoned line in 1992, transforming it into a tourist attraction. Now, passengers can ride from Bogota to Zipaquira, stopping in Usaquen. Many visitors disembark at Zipaquira to explore its Salt Cathedral, a church built more than 650 feet (200m) underground inside a former salt mine.

Prairie Dog Central Railway (1970, but follows 19th century routes)

Venture north to Winnipeg and you’ll find No. 3, the oldest operating steam locomotive in Canada, dating back to 1882. Lovingly restored by the Vintage Locomotive Society in the late 1960s, this historic train has been chugging along the Prairie Dog Central Railway since 1970. The train follows a historic route that reflects the early railway lines used to access Manitoba's remote prairies before roads were common. Your journey begins at Inkster Junction Station, a charming red-roofed building from 1910, before embarking on a scenic, 60-minute ride each way to Grosse Isle.

British Pullman (1982, but follows 19th century routes)

Luxury abounds on the British Pullman. This heritage train follows the original English section of the Venice Simplon-Orient Express, carrying passengers from London to Folkestone. It’s made up of 11 historic carriages, each with its own history. Audrey, for example, carried the Royal family between 1951 and 1864, whilst Perseus was used as Winston Churchill’s funeral train in 1965. Today, it runs multiple routes across the UK, stopping in Oxford, Bath, Canterbury, Winchester and Whitstable.

The Royal Scotsman (1985, but follows 19th century routes)

It’s not the oldest railway route, but it’s certainly one of the most impressive. First launched in 1985, The Royal Scotsman was the most luxurious locomotive of its time, decorated in Edwardian style with wood-panelled cabins and jewel-coloured upholstery. The train follows routes laid in the 19th century, winding through the same scenic landscapes that enthralled Victorian travellers. Each of the 12 journeys starts and finishes in Edinburgh, showcasing highlights from the mist-shrouded Highlands to the west coast islands. Today, onboard perks include 24-hour steward service, a Dior spa and over 50 malt whiskies to sample.

Rocky Mountaineer (1990, but follows a 19th century route)

The Rocky Mountaineer began operating as a luxury tourist service in 1990, but it follows a historic rail route originally built by the Canadian Pacific Railway, completed in 1885. This iconic railway winds through the majestic Rocky Mountains, offering passengers breathtaking views of the turquoise-hued Lake Louise, towering Mount Robson and Kicking Horse Canyon. The Banff-Vancouver and Jasper-Vancouver routes take two days (with an overnight stop in Kamloops), but longer routes include stops at Jasper National Park, Whistler and Quesnel, the heart of Canada's Gold Rush history.

Serra Verde Express (1997, but follows a route built in 1884)

Ancient cloud forests, punctuated with spectacular waterfalls, surround the Serra Verde Express. Tracks were first laid in 1884 to connect Curitiba with the port city of Paranagua, primarily to transport coffee and grains. Over a century later, the Serra Verde still rattles along this route, starting in Curitiba and finishing in Morretes. Grab a seat on the left-hand side for awe-inspiring views of the Marumbi Mountains.

Andean Explorer (2017, but follows an early 20th century route)

Board South America’s first luxury sleeper train as it weaves its way through the Peruvian Andes from Cusco to Lake Titicaca, along a route established in 1908. The train itself was imported from Australia and boasts 35 cabins, a Champagne bar and an on-board spa. En route, you’ll pass the high altitude market at La Raya before finishing at Lake Titicaca; look out for the unique floating homes of the Uros people.

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