957 km through the Rockies: five epic train journeys to add to your bucket list

957 km Through the Rockies: Five Epic Train Journeys to Add to Your Bucket List

Some people swear by the freedom of the car. Others tout the health perks of the bike or the friendly prices of the bus. But for a certain breed of traveller, holidays mean one thing: taking the train. It’s hard to argue—rail travel is among the most eco-friendly ways to get from A to B, and it lets you soak in the passing scenery from the comfort of your seat. Certain rail lines have won the hearts of tourists and for good reason. According to Lonely Planet, here are five train journeys you’ll want to have on your radar (and maybe tattooed on your suitcase).

Why Train Travel?

Let’s face it, while cars and planes have their moments, trains offer an unbeatable combination: comfort, big windows, and minimal guilt for the planet. Sure, the bus can compete on price and the bike on fitness, but trains let you enjoy the ride. It’s a mode of transport that lets you relax and treat your eyeballs to some of the planet’s most jaw-dropping vistas. Some lines are such engineering feats they nearly upstage the landscapes they cross.

Five Must-See Train Journeys

• The Rocky Mountaineer (Canada)
  Considered one of the most beautiful trains in the world, the Rocky Mountaineer shuttles lucky travellers across the Rockies on the 957 km between Vancouver and Banff. This epic 37-hour trip is a parade of crystal-clear lakes, majestic canyons, and lush forests—as if nature was showing off especially for you. If you’re truly fortunate, you might even spot a black bear or a grizzly among the stunning wildlife. Don’t forget your camera, and maybe an extra slice of courage if you’re close to the windows!
• Chur to Tirano (Switzerland to Italy)
  Opened in the early 20th century, the line linking Chur in Switzerland to Tirano in Italy is officially UNESCO-listed. What earned it this distinction? In a word: scenery. Over its 156 km (in roughly 4 hours and 30 minutes), you’ll gaze at glacier-clad mountains, vast spruce forests, and roaring waterfalls. It’s not just a visual feast, but also an industrial marvel, snaking through 55 tunnels and across 196 bridges. If James Bond had a favorite train, this might just be it.
• The Ghan (Australia)
  Nicknamed the Australian answer to the Orient Express, The Ghan has its own legendary status. Launched in 1929, it was central to Australia’s development, stitching together the country’s north and south coasts. Tackling a whopping 2,979 km between Adelaide and Darwin in 54 hours, this train doesn’t just cross distances—it time-travels across landscapes and into the heart of the country. All aboard for an epic ride, continental style.
• The Shinkansen (Japan)
  With a maximum speed of 320 km/h, the Shinkansen is the pride of Japan—bullet trains at their best. The newest line, inaugurated in 2016, runs from Tokyo to the port of Hakodate on the less developed northern island of Hokkaido. What’s special isn’t just the world-class service (quite literally meeting Japan’s famously high standards), but also the panoramic views of the sea and rural countryside, a calming contrast to Tokyo’s constant buzz.
• The Caledonian Sleeper (UK)
  The Caledonian Sleeper is more legend than mere train, with several routes tempting night-time adventurers. But the star, by far, is the Deerstalker which links London in England to Fort William in Scotland. Over a soothing 13 hours and 30 minutes, passengers are treated to lush green landscapes, notably the iconic Scottish Highlands. If you want to extend the joy, travel on to the village of Mallaig—giving you the thrill of crossing the Glenfinnan Viaduct, made famous by Harry Potter films. Wizard robes optional.

All Aboard? Here’s Your Takeaway

Whether it’s turquoise lakes beneath Canadian pines, tunnel-filled ascents through Alpine wonders, the vast red heart of Australia, high-speed panoramas in Japan, or night trains to the Highland mists, trains deliver experiences that linger long after you’ve packed away your suitcase. So next time you’re planning a trip, remember: sometimes the journey is the best destination.