Train travel has long held a romantic allure — and for good reason. 200 years after the age of steam began in northeast England, railways remain one of the most civilised and immersive ways to explore the world. No airport queues, no highway monotony — just the rhythmic sway of the carriage and everchanging landscapes unfolding outside your panoramic window.
This isn’t the hurried, harried rail travel of commuting. This is rail touring. Making the journey as important as the places you visit. Slowing things down in the best possible way and savouring each moment be that enjoying a lazy lunch in the dining car, grazing on your lovingly prepared picnic in your pre-booked seat as you gaze out the window and stepping off the train into the heart of a buzzing city or sleepy mountain village.
Speed matters
Of course, not all rail journeys are the same. Some are specifically tourist trains, which focus on both the onboard experience and the breathtaking scenery outside your window. Switzerland excels at this sort of rail travel with nine official scenic rail journeys. The Glacier Express practically pootles along at an average of 24km/h over 291km making it the slowest express train in the world. In Norway, the Flamsbana, steep gauge railway that takes top plaudits. That careers along at an average of 25km/h! While in Canada, the Rocky Mountaineer is by far the most famous scenic rail journey with multiple routes between Vancouver and the Rockies. Averaging a heady speed of 50km/h, these are two- or three-day journeys with hotel accommodation included. Then there are the journeys covering vast distances with sleeper cabins onboard, like Via Rail’s The Canadian and The Ghan in Australia. Faster but still unhurried.
In contrast, some rail routes, particularly those covering long distances focus on speed as well as comfort. The high-speed, direct service between Gothenburg and Stockholm in Sweden takes around three hours covering over 450km. The train may be swift, but the onboard experience is still relaxed with large, cushioned seats that recline. Rail specialist, Freya, notes “these trains are better quality than many of the first-class seats in the UK and other parts of Europe”.
In each case, you as the passenger need only step aboard, sit back and let the world roll by your window.
The Appeal of a Rail Journey
It’s a chance to truly relax. Stretch out in spacious seats, wander freely through the carriage, or simply doze off to the gentle hum of the rails. The views are often spectacular, wherever you’re travelling in the world – imagine bridges straddling Alpine gorges, fjords glittering under the Nordic sun, and ancient hilltop towns rising from the Mediterranean haze – but even more mundane landscapes are hard to peel your eyes off as you roll past by train soothed by the cathartic motion.
For sure, travelling by rail requires one eye on your schedule to ensure you catch the train you’ve booked, but unlike flying, you needn’t factor in arriving at the station hours before departing. Departure times are also convenient, connections straight-forward and especially across Europe, plentiful. Plus, you arrive in the city, town or village you are visiting, not a long transfer away.
It’s easy to feel connected to your surroundings when travelling by train as you intermingle with locals going about their daily lives. You’re in the thick of it. There’s none of that airport bubble feeling.
Practically, rail holidays make a lot of sense. There are no luggage restrictions other than those you impose yourself. If you’re setting off from the UK into Europe, you can forget liquid restrictions and having your bag nearby offers a certain peace of mind. Onboard, you’ll usually find power sockets and, in some cases, particularly in Scandinavia, free Wi-Fi is available. All very conducive to a relaxed holiday vibe.
Iconic rail journeys
Europe, reimagined by rail
You’ll get plenty head-spinning views of the Alps as you explore the Switzerland by rail. Ride iconic trains like the Golden Pass Express to Montreaux, via the heady heights of Grindelvald and Jungfraujoch and the Bernina Express from Chur to Tirano in Italy, crossing the 65-meter-high curved stone Landvasser Viaduct enroute.
Norway’s ‘Corkscrew’ railway to Flam ties in flawlessly with the Bergen Line from Oslo, but to see more of the country’s showstopping scenery, ride the Dovre and Rauma lines on a rail odyssey. Connect Norway with Sweden on the scenic Ofoten Line between Narvik and Kiruna for a taste of Arctic splendour.
Far-flung rail icons
Venturing further afield, rail journeys tend to be weaved into part of a bigger touring holiday. Board The Ghan in Australia for an epic, four-day journey dissecting the ochre heart of the Outback from Darwin to Adelaide. The even more epic Indian Pacific runs coast to coast from Perth to Sydney. Crossing three time zones, it features the world’s longest straight stretch of railway across the Nullarbor Desert providing an unforgettable slice of transcontinental adventure.
In New Zealand, marvel at alpine vistas aboard the TranzAlpine, coastal and mountain views on the Coastal Pacific or enjoy the vintage charm of the Taieri Gorge Railway in Central Otago.
Canada offers two railway greats: a sweeping Trans-Canada Rail Adventure from the Atlantic to the Pacific, and the scenic splendour of the Rocky Mountaineer. In Alaska, the Alaska Railroad takes you to Denali, Fairbanks and the Kenai Fjords — with glass-domed carriages for immersive views.
Top tips from our experts:
Brush up on your basics with an app like Duolingo- knowing a little of the native language can go a long way!
Make sure to be on the platform a good amount of time before departure – the Swiss are known for punctuality, including their trains!
In Spain be prepared to go through security scanners before boarding, though the process is much quicker than at airports
Picnic on board like a local as you travel through Italy by train. Italian meats, cheeses, sweet treats washed down with a bottle of vino.
Travel light- maybe opt for a backpack instead of suitcase, they’re much easier to carry on and off trains.
Book early, particularly if you’re planning to travel in summer.
Feeling inspired?
Our worldwide collection of rail holidays spans Europe, Australia, New Zealand, Canada and Alaska — a portfolio of iconic train journeys, all designed with care and creativity by our expert Rail Specialists.
Perhaps you’re drawn to the Australian Outback on The Ghan, the snow-draped peaks of Alberta aboard Canada’s Rocky Mountaineer, or the vibrant cities of Europe. We’re here to create a rail adventure tailored precisely to your wishes. Get in touch with our Travel Specialists on 01737 214 250 or send an enquiry.
