Train travel is making a massive comeback in 2025—thanks to its comfort, sustainability, scenic appeal, and the unique opportunity to slow down and truly experience the world. Whether you’re drawn to the snow-capped Alpine peaks of Europe, the futuristic bullet trains of Japan, or the vast deserts of Australia, rail adventures offer a blend of nostalgia and modern luxury that no other form of travel can match. This guide brings you some of the best rail itineraries across Europe, Asia, and beyond to help you plan unforgettable journeys in 2025.
European Rail Adventure: Switzerland’s Glacier Express + Bernina Express Combo
For travelers wanting the most scenic rail journey in Europe, pairing the Glacier Express with the Bernina Express creates a dream itinerary. Start in Zermatt, where the Glacier Express takes you through the heart of the Swiss Alps with panoramic windows revealing steep valleys, emerald lakes, waterfalls, and charming timber villages. As the train slowly winds through dozens of tunnels and hundreds of bridges, you get a front-row seat to Switzerland’s raw beauty.
Arriving in St. Moritz, continue your adventure on the Bernina Express. This UNESCO-listed route cuts through glaciers, spiraling viaducts, and the iconic Brusio Circular Bridge, ending in Tirano, Italy. It’s the only train journey that feels like a curated cinema experience—natural landscapes shifting like scenes in a film. The best part? You can explore Swiss villages along the way, hike short alpine trails, or stay overnight in lakeside towns. This Europe itinerary blends luxury, nature, and cultural charm, making it perfect for couples, families, and solo travelers in 2025.
Best of Japan by Rail: Tokyo to Osaka via the Shinkansen
Japan’s Shinkansen remains the gold standard for fast, efficient, and comfortable rail travel. A 2025 itinerary through Tokyo, Kyoto, and Osaka allows you to fully experience Japan’s futuristic cities and deep-rooted traditions—all without the stress of flights or long drives. Begin your trip in Tokyo, exploring neighborhoods like Shinjuku, Shibuya, Akihabara, and Asakusa. When you’re ready to leave, simply hop on the Shinkansen, where speeds reach up to 320 km/h but the ride remains smooth, silent, and incredibly scenic.
Kyoto awaits with its temples, bamboo forests, tea houses, traditional ryokans, and serene gardens. A few days later, continue onward to Osaka—Japan’s street food capital. The major benefit of traveling this route by rail is convenience: trains are punctual, clean, and frequent, with breathtaking views of Mount Fuji on clear days. Travelers can add stops in Nagoya, Nara, or Hiroshima for a longer itinerary. Japan’s rail journeys make everything feel seamless and connected, ideal for 2025 travelers who want both comfort and exploration.
Canadian Wilderness by Train: The Rocky Mountaineer Journey
The Rocky Mountaineer is one of the most iconic train adventures in the world and a top itinerary for 2025. Focused entirely on daytime travel, this luxury rail experience ensures passengers never miss the dramatic landscapes of Canada—towering mountain ranges, turquoise rivers, high bridges, canyons, wildlife, and endless pine forests. A popular itinerary starts in Vancouver and heads through Kamloops before reaching Banff or Jasper, two of Canada’s legendary national park towns.
What sets the Rocky Mountaineer apart is the exceptional onboard experience: glass-domed coaches, gourmet meals inspired by Canadian cuisine, and storytelling hosts who share the history and legends of the region. Each stretch of the journey reveals new scenery—rushing rivers in British Columbia, golden plateaus, snow-covered peaks, and serene lakes. The itinerary pairs easily with road trips, wildlife tours, and luxury lodge stays, making it perfect for adventure lovers and nature travelers.
Southeast Asia Discovery: Bangkok to Singapore by Train
For travelers seeking a mix of culture, affordability, and diverse experiences, Southeast Asia offers one of the most fascinating rail itineraries—Bangkok to Singapore. This cross-country journey is a blend of modern rail lines, heritage stations, and beautiful landscapes. Begin in Bangkok, where the rail system connects effortlessly through Thailand’s countryside. Travelers pass rice fields, traditional farming villages, rivers, and forests before reaching the Malaysian border.
Continuing south, the Malaysian stretch passes through Penang, Ipoh, Kuala Lumpur, and Johor Bahru. Each city offers its own flavor—street food, colonial architecture, waterfalls, caves, and cosmopolitan neighborhoods. The final ride into Singapore is smooth and quick, ending in one of the world’s most modern and vibrant cities. This itinerary is ideal for budget travelers looking for long-distance rail experiences, or for those wanting to explore Asia without flying between cities. It captures the region’s warmth, culture, and tropical charm, all wrapped in a comfortable rail journey.
India’s Royal Rail Route: The Palace on Wheels
India’s Palace on Wheels is a time capsule of luxury and history, giving travelers a royal experience reminiscent of Maharajas. As one of the most iconic luxury trains in the world, this itinerary takes you across Rajasthan—known for its palaces, deserts, forts, and vibrant culture. Starts usually begin in Delhi and continue through Jaipur, Udaipur, Jodhpur, Jaisalmer, Chittorgarh, Ranthambore, and Agra.
Passengers stay in suite-style cabins inspired by royal decor, dine in elegant onboard restaurants, and enjoy guided excursions at each stop. From desert camel rides to palace tours, wildlife safaris, and riverfront sunsets, this itinerary blends cultural immersion with complete comfort. The slow, steady pace of the train through India’s historic landscapes creates a nostalgic atmosphere that feels both cinematic and luxurious.
Australia’s Outback Rail Route: The Ghan Expedition
The Ghan remains one of the greatest rail journeys on Earth and a top pick for 2025. Running from Adelaide to Darwin, it cuts through the heart of Australia—from vineyards and farmlands to deserts, red sands, and ancient landscapes shaped over millions of years. The itinerary includes off-train excursions such as hiking in the MacDonnell Ranges, exploring Alice Springs, or cruising along the Katherine River.
What makes The Ghan extraordinary is how the landscape evolves: one moment you see open plains, then rugged mountains, then remote desert towns. The onboard experience is luxurious, offering comfortable cabins, regional cuisine, and excellent hospitality. Travelers looking to explore Australia’s wild and remote side will find this itinerary ideal, especially in 2025 as demand for slow, immersive travel grows globally.
New Zealand’s South Island Scenic Route: TranzAlpine Journey
The TranzAlpine route is one of New Zealand’s most stunning train itineraries. Running from Christchurch to Greymouth, this journey crosses the Canterbury Plains, climbs into the Southern Alps, and descends into lush rainforest landscapes on the West Coast. The itinerary is short but unforgettable, with dramatic gorges, icy rivers, alpine viaducts, and mountain valleys offering breathtaking views.
Travelers can extend the itinerary by exploring Franz Josef Glacier, Hokitika’s beaches, or the towns around Arthur’s Pass. The combination of alpine scenery and coastal charm makes this route perfect for adventure seekers and nature lovers who want a rail experience that complements road trips and outdoor activities.
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