29 Most Scenic Train Routes in Europe
Train journeys are not just a means of getting from point A to point B—they can be unforgettable experiences, especially when the scenery is breathtaking.
To help travelers discover the most picturesque train routes across Europe, Student travel company Rustic Pathways compiled a list based on reviews that rave about the beauty of these journeys. They analyzed Tripadvisor reviews for popular scenic train routes, focusing on how often words related to beauty appeared.
The results? A list of the most stunning train journeys that you won’t want to miss.
1. Venice Simplon-Orient-Express
This legendary train route between London and Venice is the epitome of luxury and timeless elegance. Starting in London and winding its way through the Alps to Venice, passengers experience picturesque mountain views, charming villages, and rolling countryside.
The Venice Simplon-Orient-Express is more than a train ride—it’s a step back in time with a touch of glamour.
2. Vale of Rheidol Railway
The Vale of Rheidol Railway, located in Wales, runs from Aberystwyth to Devil’s Bridge, taking passengers on a charming journey through the Welsh countryside.
You’ll pass waterfalls, dense forests, and open vistas of the Cambrian Mountains. The leisurely pace and vintage steam engines make this journey feel like a trip to the past.
3. Kyle Line
The Kyle Line runs from Inverness to Kyle of Lochalsh in Scotland, offering stunning views of the Highlands. The journey takes you through remote landscapes, past lochs, and along the rugged coastline.
It’s a wild and beautiful ride through one of Scotland’s most dramatic regions.
4. The Flam Railway
Nestled in Norway, the Flam Railway runs between Myrdal and Flam and is famous for its steep gradient and jaw-dropping scenery.
The route passes waterfalls, steep cliffs, and green valleys, offering an unforgettable view of Norway’s stunning fjord landscapes. It’s one of the most scenic train rides in the world.
5. Bernina Express
The Bernina Express travels between Chur in Switzerland and Tirano in Italy, taking passengers through the stunning Swiss Alps. With its towering peaks, alpine meadows, and sparkling glaciers, the Bernina Express is a visual feast from start to finish.
The train crosses the iconic Landwasser Viaduct and offers panoramic views throughout the journey.
6. Settle-Carlisle Railway
This iconic British route takes passengers through the Yorkshire Dales and across the rugged Pennine mountains. The Settle-Carlisle Railway is known for its breathtaking views of rolling hills, green fields, and the Ribblehead Viaduct.
It’s a peaceful, scenic ride through some of England’s most beautiful countryside.
7. Ffestiniog and Welsh Highland Railways
The Ffestiniog and Welsh Highland Railways in Wales offer an unforgettable journey through Snowdonia National Park. The narrow-gauge steam train winds its way through forests, past mountains, and over picturesque bridges.
This route is a must for lovers of history and nature.
8. Gotthard Panorama Express
Nelso Silva from Porto, Portugal, CC BY 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Switzerland’s Gotthard Panorama Express offers a unique combination of train and boat travel. The train takes you through the beautiful Swiss countryside and the Gotthard mountain range, while the boat part of the journey sails across the serene waters of Lake Lucerne.
The breathtaking scenery makes this a truly panoramic journey.
9. Ravenglass and Eskdale Railway
Located in England’s Lake District, the Ravenglass and Eskdale Railway is a narrow-gauge steam railway offering views of mountains, forests, and rivers.
The journey from Ravenglass to Dalegarth is a peaceful escape into nature, passing through the heart of the scenic Eskdale Valley.
10. Brecon Mountain Railway
The Brecon Mountain Railway in Wales takes you on a scenic journey through the foothills of the Brecon Beacons National Park.
The train travels along the shores of a beautiful reservoir and offers stunning views of the surrounding mountains. It’s a tranquil ride through one of Wales’ most picturesque regions.
11. Lynton and Barnstaple Railway
This heritage railway in Devon, England, offers a short but scenic journey through the rolling countryside of Exmoor.
The Lynton and Barnstaple Railway winds through wooded valleys and offers beautiful views of the moorlands. It’s a peaceful escape into rural England.
12. Llangollen Railway
The Llangollen Railway in North Wales offers a scenic steam train journey through the Dee Valley. The route follows the River Dee, offering stunning views of the surrounding hills, forests, and meadows.
It’s a charming and relaxing way to explore the Welsh countryside.
13. Bala Lake Railway
Bala Lake Railway is a delightful narrow-gauge steam train that runs along the shores of Bala Lake in Snowdonia National Park.
The route offers spectacular views of the lake and surrounding mountains, making it a perfect way to experience the natural beauty of North Wales.
14. Jacobite Steam Train
Often called the “Harry Potter Train,” the Jacobite Steam Train in Scotland travels from Fort William to Mallaig, passing over the famous Glenfinnan Viaduct.
The route offers stunning views of Scotland’s west coast, including mountains, lochs, and seaside villages.
15. The Bergen Railway
The Bergen Railway, which runs between Oslo and Bergen in Norway, is one of the most scenic train routes in Europe. The train takes passengers through snowy mountain ranges, across high plateaus, and along the edges of fjords.
The scenery is as dramatic as it is beautiful.
16. South Devon Railway
The South Devon Railway in England offers a peaceful steam train journey along the banks of the River Dart. The route passes through rolling countryside, forests, and farmland, making it a lovely way to experience the beauty of Devon.
17. Vigezzina-Centovalli Railway
This charming route connects Switzerland and Italy, traveling between Domodossola and Locarno. The Vigezzina-Centovalli Railway offers stunning views of valleys, gorges, and alpine landscapes, making it a popular choice for nature lovers.
18. West Somerset Railway
The West Somerset Railway in England is the longest heritage railway in the country, offering a scenic journey through the rolling hills of Somerset. The train travels through pretty villages, past farmland, and along the coast, making it a relaxing and scenic ride.
19. Glacier Express
The Glacier Express in Switzerland is one of the most famous scenic train routes in the world. The train travels between Zermatt and St. Moritz, passing through the Swiss Alps, over high mountain passes, and across breathtaking viaducts.
The panoramic windows provide unforgettable views of glaciers, valleys, and alpine meadows.
20. Le Train Jaune
Known as the “Yellow Train,” this route travels through the French Pyrenees from Villefranche-de-Conflent to Latour-de-Carol. Le Train Jaune offers stunning views of mountain peaks, deep gorges, and picturesque villages. It’s a unique and beautiful way to experience the Pyrenees.
21. Londonderry – Coleraine Railway
This scenic train route in Northern Ireland follows the coast between Londonderry and Coleraine. The journey offers breathtaking views of rugged cliffs, sandy beaches, and the wide expanse of the Atlantic Ocean. It’s a peaceful and scenic ride along the northern coast.
22. Swanage Railway
The Swanage Railway in Dorset, England, offers a scenic steam train journey along the Jurassic Coast. The route travels through rolling hills and picturesque villages, with views of the sea and the historic ruins of Corfe Castle.
23. Llanberis Lake Railway
The Llanberis Lake Railway in North Wales runs along the shores of Lake Padarn, offering stunning views of Snowdonia National Park. The train passes through forests and meadows, with views of the surrounding mountains.
24. North Yorkshire Moors Railway
The North Yorkshire Moors Railway is one of the most scenic heritage railways in the UK, running through the stunning North York Moors National Park.
The route takes passengers through rolling hills, woodlands, and charming villages, with beautiful views of the countryside.
This is the only one on the list I’ve experienced so far, and it is truly beautiful!
25. Odontotos Rack Railway
The Odontotos Rack Railway in Greece takes passengers through the dramatic Vouraikos Gorge, from Diakopto to Kalavryta. The train climbs through steep mountain landscapes, passing waterfalls, forests, and tunnels, making it a thrilling and scenic ride.
26. Isle of Man Steam Railway
The Isle of Man Steam Railway is a heritage railway that takes passengers on a scenic journey across the island. The route passes through rolling countryside, charming villages, and along the coastline, offering beautiful views of the island’s natural beauty.
27. Churnet Valley Railway
This heritage railway in Staffordshire, England, takes passengers on a peaceful journey through the scenic Churnet Valley. The route follows the River Churnet, passing through forests, meadows, and along canals, making it a lovely and relaxing ride.
28. Lakeside and Haverthwaite Steam Railway
Located in England’s Lake District, the Lakeside and Haverthwaite Railway offers a scenic journey along the shores of Lake Windermere. The route passes through picturesque countryside, with views of the lake and surrounding mountains.
29. Weardale Railway
The Weardale Railway in County Durham, England, offers a scenic ride through the Weardale Valley. The heritage train passes through woodlands, over rivers, and along open fields, offering a peaceful escape into nature.
Source: Tripadvisor
