Introduction
Train travel is one of the most rewarding ways to explore the world—slow enough to enjoy breathtaking landscapes, comfortable enough to relax, and affordable enough for every type of traveler. Whether you’re crossing mountains, passing rivers, or gliding through charming countryside towns, scenic train journeys offer unforgettable views without draining your wallet. Unlike flights, trains allow you to experience the changing scenery right outside your window, making the journey just as beautiful as the destination. If you’re looking for scenic but budget-friendly rail adventures, here are some of the best train trips around the world that won’t break the bank.
The Bernina Express, Switzerland
The Bernina Express offers one of the most scenic train rides in the world, yet it’s surprisingly affordable compared to other European luxury routes. The journey connects Switzerland to northern Italy, passing glaciers, alpine lakes, snow-covered peaks, and charming mountain villages. The panoramic windows make the views even more stunning, especially when the train crosses the famous Brusio Spiral Viaduct and the Landwasser Viaduct. Since it’s included in the Swiss Travel Pass, many travelers enjoy this spectacular journey at minimal cost. Even without the pass, booking early ensures a highly budget-friendly experience in a country known for its expensive travel.
The West Highland Line, Scotland
For travelers looking to explore dramatic landscapes on a budget, Scotland’s West Highland Line is a perfect choice. The route travels from Glasgow to Mallaig, passing mysterious lochs, rugged mountains, open moors, and the iconic Glenfinnan Viaduct—famously featured in the Harry Potter films. The scenery is wild, peaceful, and untouched, making this one of the most beautiful train journeys in the United Kingdom. Tickets are affordable year-round, especially when booked in advance. Many travelers combine this trip with ferry connections to the Isles of Skye and Mull, creating an entire budget adventure through Scotland’s west coast.
The Pacific Surfliner, USA
The Amtrak Pacific Surfliner offers a stunning coastal journey along Southern California’s shoreline. The train runs from San Diego to San Luis Obispo, passing sandy beaches, ocean cliffs, surfer towns, and picturesque piers. Some sections run so close to the Pacific Ocean that it feels like the train is gliding directly above the waves. It’s one of the most scenic rail experiences in the United States, and the fares remain budget-friendly, especially if you book early or use rail passes. Travelers also love this route because it connects multiple major destinations—Los Angeles, Anaheim, Santa Barbara, and San Diego—making it easy to combine sightseeing with scenic travel.
The Oslo to Bergen Line, Norway
Norway’s Oslo–Bergen Railway is consistently rated among the world’s most beautiful rail routes, and it’s surprisingly affordable compared to typical Scandinavian travel costs. The journey crosses dramatic landscapes, including fjords, frozen lakes, deep valleys, and snow-covered plateaus. The most spectacular section is the high-altitude Hardangervidda plateau, the largest mountain plateau in Europe. Travelers can enjoy breathtaking views of waterfalls, forests, and small Nordic villages along the way. Booking early or traveling during off-season months offers excellent discounts, allowing budget travelers to explore one of the world’s most scenic countries without overspending.
The Kandy to Ella Train, Sri Lanka
The Kandy-to-Ella train journey is a favorite among backpackers and budget globetrotters because it offers world-class views at incredibly low fares. The route winds through tea plantations, tropical forests, misty mountains, and local villages. Its open-door cabins and large windows make it easy to capture stunning photos of Sri Lanka’s lush landscapes. The journey is slow, peaceful, and perfect for travelers who enjoy nature. For just a few dollars, you can enjoy one of the most iconic train rides in Asia. Many travelers consider this route the highlight of their Sri Lankan adventure.
The Cinque Terre Train, Italy
Italy’s Cinque Terre train route connects five postcard-perfect coastal villages—Riomaggiore, Manarola, Corniglia, Vernazza, and Monterosso. The ride is short but extremely scenic, passing cliffs, vineyards, colorful houses, and dramatic sea views. The trains run frequently and tickets are very inexpensive, making it easy to hop between villages throughout the day. For travelers exploring Italy on a budget, this is one of the best ways to enjoy the Mediterranean coastline without paying for expensive boat tours or private transfers. A simple day pass lets you explore all five towns at your own pace, making the experience both scenic and budget-friendly.
The Reunification Express, Vietnam
Vietnam’s Reunification Express offers an extraordinary yet affordable journey along the country’s entire coastline. The route from Hanoi to Da Nang (or further to Ho Chi Minh City) covers beaches, rice fields, fishing villages, and stunning ocean cliffs. The most scenic stretch is the Hai Van Pass, where the train curves around lush mountainsides overlooking the sea. The train is comfortable, clean, and extremely budget-friendly—ideal for long-distance travelers, backpackers, and adventure seekers. With delicious local food available onboard and plenty of photo opportunities along the route, this train ride is a must for anyone visiting Vietnam.
The Glacier Country Coastal Line, New Zealand
New Zealand’s Coastal Pacific route offers breathtaking ocean and mountain views at a surprisingly affordable price. The train travels between Christchurch and Picton, passing turquoise waters, snow-dusted peaks, vineyards, and iconic wildlife areas. This route is especially popular with budget travelers because it connects easily with ferry services to Wellington, making it part of an extended scenic adventure. The open-air viewing carriages allow travelers to enjoy fresh air and unobstructed views, making the journey feel immersive and memorable. For nature lovers, this train route offers some of the best coastal scenery in the Southern Hemisphere.
The Belgrade–Bar Railway, Serbia & Montenegro
One of Europe’s most underrated scenic routes is the Belgrade–Bar Railway, stretching from Serbia’s capital to the Adriatic coast of Montenegro. This journey offers dramatic landscapes at a fraction of the cost of Western European rail trips. It passes canyons, river valleys, dense forests, old stone bridges, and the famous Mala Rijeka Viaduct—one of the highest railway bridges in the world. The route is long but incredibly rewarding, especially for travelers seeking adventure on a budget. Because the tickets are very affordable and the views are exceptional, this train ride is considered one of Europe’s best-kept secrets.
Why Budget Train Travel Is Worth It
Budget-friendly train journeys prove that you don’t need luxury prices to experience incredible scenery. Trains offer comfort, sustainability, and a chance to enjoy landscapes that planes simply fly over. Whether you prefer mountains, beaches, forests, or countryside towns, there’s a scenic route for every type of traveler. With early bookings, rail passes, and local routes, train travel becomes even more affordable—making it perfect for backpackers, families, couples, and solo adventurers. Scenic train rides are memorable, relaxing, and visually spectacular. If you love exploring the world at a slow, immersive pace, these budget-friendly routes offer some of the most unforgettable journeys you’ll ever take.
Leave a Reply