7 Train Journeys to Try in 2026

For over a century, rail travel has been one of the most popular ways to get around and explore new destinations. In 2026, however, travellers are choosing slow, more environmentally-friendly journeys over quick flights. Flit by towns, villages, fields, and something, beautiful nothingness – and be a more eco-conscious traveller while doing so.

While some people may enjoy sitting on a beach all day, every day, while on holiday – trust us, there’s nothing wrong with that – for those who want to see other sights the world has to offer, we highly recommend incorporating a train journey into your travels. Here are 7 of the best train journeys to try in 2026.

Where Are the Best Train Journeys in the World?

1. California Zephyr – USA

This multi-day train journey is often rated as the number one train journey in the US, and for good reason, too.

Running daily from Chicago, Illinois, to San Francisco, California, this journey takes you through not one, not two, but six states (Illinois, Nebraska, Colorado, Utah, Nevada and California).

This journey is a fantastic way to see the western half of the United States, and you’re treated to some of the finest scenery that the country has to offer. From the deep greens of the Colorado River Valley, through the desert landscapes of Nevada and Utah, and finally passing through the Sierra Nevada mountains and down towards the Pacific Coast in California, this journey is much more scenic than flying between the two cities.

While a flight between Chicago and San Francisco takes just under five hours, this 52-hour train journey is a great way to experience life at a slower pace and appreciate the scenery and cultural changes along the way.

If you’re spending ten days or more in the US, this two-day journey is well worth your time. There is also the option to get off at many of the cities the train reaches (including Salt Lake City, Denver, Sacramento and more) and terminate your journey early if you wish.

2. Tren a las Nubes – Argentina

Literally translated as ‘Train to the Clouds’, this Argentinian feat of engineering is found in the country’s Salta Province, and offers a stunning journey into the Andes Mountains.

Reaching a maximum elevation of just over 4,200 metres above sea level, this is also one of the highest trains in the world, and one of the most spectacular.

Pre-booking is essential, as this train journey is a long day trip, typically taking around 14 to 16 hours to complete.

Throughout the journey, you’ll cross multiple bridges and go through tunnels carved into the mountains, although perhaps the most breathtaking part of the journey is when you cross the iconic La Polvorilla Viaduct, a 64-metre-tall structure, and the only viaduct in the world which is built on a curve – a true masterpiece of engineering.

There are two stops along the journey – one at San Antonio de los Cobres and another at La Polvorilla – where you have the opportunity to leave the train and purchase handmade goods and souvenirs made by local Andean villagers.

3. The Darjeeling-Himalayan Railway – India

Known as the ‘Toy Train’, the Darjeeling-Himalayan Railway was built between 1879 and 1881, and is a designated UNESCO World Heritage experience.

Found in northern India along the foothills of the Himalayas, this train is known for its narrow gauge tracks, just 610mm (two feet) wide – hence its nickname, the Toy Train.

In fact, the train is a living and moving historical relic, even utilising historic practices such as a manual sander applying sand to the tracks to improve grip on steeper sections of the route. For a journey back in time, this is one of the best train journeys you can take.

While most visitors opt for shorter trips with stunning Himalayan scenery, the full seven-hour journey is occasionally undertaken by the hardiest of travellers. While it can be difficult due to the small size of the train, it is a truly unique experience, which also involves a 30-minute stop at Ghum Station, India’s highest railway station.

4. The Blue Train – South Africa

Known as a five-star hotel on wheels, this train journey is slightly different from the aforementioned options.

This 1,600km trip takes you between Pretoria and Cape Town, showcasing some of South Africa’s most stunning and unique landscapes along the way.

While you’re on board this luxury train, you’ll have your own personal butler and the chance to experience five-star gourmet dining with fresh, local ingredients prepared by the team of chefs on board.

Depending on the itinerary, the journey takes anywhere from 27 to 54 hours and includes passing the stunning Hex River Pass and the Great Karoo, before entering urban areas, including Johannesburg.

If you’re lucky, and the season’s right, you may even be offered the chance to go on an excursion to Kruger National Park, South Africa’s largest national park, covering an impressive 19,623km², and being home to a host of exotic species, including lions, elephants, hippos, leopards, crocodiles and more.

5. Montreux to Rochers-de-Naye – Switzerland

From multi-day, luxury train journeys to one that takes just over an hour and a half, the next train journey on this list is the train from Montreux to Rochers-de-Naye in the Swiss Alps.

The train used is a traditional cog train and has been in operation since 1909. The route is popular among winter sports enthusiasts who wish to ski or snowboard in the winter, while in the warmer months, it is frequented by hikers.

The route is only just over 10km, although the train reaches an elevation of 1,970m above sea level, with a maximum incline of 22%. Views from the top are stunning in both the winter and the summer, with winter riders being treated to deep snowy valleys and endless pine trees, while summer visitors can see for miles over Lake Geneva and the French Alps.

This is a fantastic route to take, especially with children, as there is a restaurant at the top where you can grab something to eat or a quick coffee, before exploring the incredible Alpine scenery around you.

6. Qinghai-Tibet Railway – China

Welcome to the world’s highest train journey, with an average elevation of 4,500m above sea level.

Aptly known as the ‘Sky Train’, this train journey through Tibet is easily one of the best train journeys in the world. Taking roughly 20 hours, the train journey is usually undertaken as part of a sleeper train route, and as such, the carriages are equipped with beds if you’re planning on staying for the duration.

Traversing the Tibetan plateau, you’ll be treated to Himalayan scenery, including mountainous peaks, vast grasslands teeming with domesticated and wild yaks, lakes, glaciers and more on this incredible journey.

You’ll also visit record-breaking locations along the journey, including Tanggulashan, the world’s highest train station, Qingshui River Bridge, the world’s longest permafrost railway bridge, and the Tanggula Pass, which stands at 5,321m above sea level.

For a truly unforgettable train journey through one of the world’s last truly remote destinations, this is a must-try train journey in 2026.

7. The West Highland Line – Scotland

This train journey is one of the most well-known in the world, and for good reason. The 263km-long route from Glasgow to the Scottish Highlands encompasses some of Scotland’s finest scenery and creates unforgettable memories.

Perhaps the most famous part of the journey is when the train travels over the Glenfinnan Viaduct, which most people will recognise from the Harry Potter movies. This viaduct is a stunning example of railway engineering, but aside from that, the surrounding Highland scenery is simply marvellous.

You can expect to see Scottish wildlife along the journey, from deer to foxes and more, while you also have the opportunity to choose whether you wish to travel to Oban or Mallaig on the train – the former takes you to the western coast of Scotland, while the latter takes you to the far northwestern Highlands.

This journey takes around five and a half hours, and make sure that you bring a good camera with you – even though we can guarantee that the photos will barely do this stunning journey justice.

This is a must-try train journey for rail enthusiasts in 2026, providing unforgettable scenery and memories that will last for a lifetime.