Planning Your Perfect View
You've dreamt of gliding past snow-capped peaks and turquoise lakes, all visible through a giant panoramic window. These journeys are often once-in-a-lifetime experiences, and securing the best possible vantage point requires a little insider knowledge
and forward planning. While many modern scenic trains feature dome cars and large windows designed to give everyone a good view, the geography of a route—a dramatic cliffside on one side, a rolling valley on the other—means that one side is often better than the other. On winding mountain passes, the train may curve in ways that reveal iconic landmarks only to passengers on a specific side. Booking early is crucial, as is knowing which direction you're travelling. The 'best' side on an outbound journey will be the opposite on the return. Here are some of the world's most beloved panoramic trips and the secrets to securing the perfect seat.
Glacier Express, Switzerland
Dubbed the 'slowest express train in the world', the Glacier Express connects Zermatt and St. Moritz, cutting through the heart of the Swiss Alps. The eight-hour journey crosses 291 bridges and passes through 91 tunnels. For the most iconic sections, particularly between Andermatt and Chur, many travellers recommend the left side when travelling east towards St. Moritz. This side typically offers superior views of the Rhine Gorge, often called the 'Swiss Grand Canyon'. However, others argue for the right side, which can provide better angles as the train descends the Oberalp Pass. Given the train's winding nature and the panoramic design of the carriages, which have windows curving into the ceiling, you are guaranteed spectacular views from either side. But for those key moments, a little strategic seat selection can pay dividends.
Bernina Express, Switzerland to Italy
A UNESCO World Heritage route, the Bernina Express is a masterclass in railway engineering, climbing high alpine passes without the help of cogwheels. It's famed for its open-air cars in summer and the iconic Brusio Circular Viaduct. When travelling south from Chur or St. Moritz to Tirano, Italy, the right-hand side is overwhelmingly recommended. This gives you the prime view as the train skirts the massive Morteratsch Glacier and the stunning Lago Bianco at the Bernina Pass. Going northbound from Tirano to St. Moritz, the logic is reversed: sit on the left. This ensures you get those same epic views on the return. For the Brusio viaduct, where the train spirals over itself, views are possible from both sides, but your position determines the angle of that perfect photograph.
West Highland Line, Scotland
Considered one of the most scenic rail journeys in the world, Scotland's West Highland Line travels from Glasgow to Fort William and Mallaig, passing through rugged wilderness. Its most famous moment is crossing the Glenfinnan Viaduct, made famous by the Harry Potter films. To get the classic shot of the train curving over the arches with Loch Shiel in the background, you must be on the correct side. When travelling from Fort William towards Mallaig, book a seat on the left. On the return journey from Mallaig, you'll want to be on the right. This simple choice is the difference between seeing the viaduct from your seat and having to peer over other passengers from the end of the carriage.
TranzAlpine, New Zealand
Connecting Christchurch with Greymouth, the TranzAlpine traverses New Zealand's South Island, climbing through the magnificent Southern Alps. The journey is famed for its epic landscapes, from the Canterbury Plains to the dramatic gorges of the Waimakariri River. To make the most of it, seat selection is key. When travelling west from Christchurch to Greymouth, the consensus is to sit on the right-hand side. For the return journey east, book a seat on the left. This positioning gives you the best perspective of the river gorges and alpine valleys. The train also features an open-air observation carriage, which is a fantastic option for photographers, but having a well-positioned primary seat ensures you won't miss a thing.
Rocky Mountaineer, Canada
The Rocky Mountaineer is famous for its luxurious glass-domed coaches that offer sprawling views of the Canadian Rockies. The company itself states there is no 'best' side of the train, as the route crosses rivers and mountains, providing spectacular scenery for everyone. Seats are pre-assigned to manage groups and guest needs. The train's bi-level GoldLeaf coaches and large windows in SilverLeaf service are designed to maximize viewing from any seat. Because the train only travels during the day, everyone is guaranteed to see the highlights in full daylight. While you can't choose a specific seat, the experience is engineered so that every passenger gets a front-row seat to the majesty of the Rockies.
