The Glacier Express, Switzerland
Often called the world's slowest express train, the Glacier Express offers an eight-hour journey across the heart of the Swiss Alps that you will wish would never end. Connecting the glamorous resorts of Zermatt and St. Moritz, the train is a marvel of engineering,
crossing 291 bridges and passing through 91 tunnels. The main attraction is the scenery, viewed through oversized panoramic windows that stretch up to the ceiling. You will glide past dramatic snow-capped peaks, deep gorges, pristine alpine meadows, and charming mountain villages. On-board dining is served directly at your seat, allowing you to savour Swiss cuisine while the majestic Matterhorn and the Rhine Gorge roll by. For ultimate luxury, the Excellence Class offers guaranteed window seats and a five-course meal.
Rocky Mountaineer, Canada
To witness the raw, untamed beauty of the Canadian Rockies, there is no better seat than aboard the Rocky Mountaineer. This isn't just a train; it's a moving viewpoint designed for maximum immersion in nature. The GoldLeaf service features bi-level glass-domed coaches, offering uninterrupted, 360-degree views of the dramatic landscape. Popular routes like 'First Passage to the West' travel between Vancouver and the stunning mountain towns of Banff or Jasper. The journey takes place only during daylight hours to ensure you don't miss a moment of the soaring peaks, turquoise glacial lakes, and dense forests. Gourmet meals are served in a separate dining car, and knowledgeable hosts share stories of the region's history and point out wildlife like bears, elk, and eagles from the comfort of your carriage or the outdoor viewing platform.
Vistadome Coaches, India
Indian Railways has brought the panoramic experience home with its popular Vistadome coaches, now available on nearly 45 scenic routes across the country. These coaches are specially designed with large glass windows, transparent roofs, and rotating seats to provide an immersive travel experience. One of the most celebrated routes is the Mumbai-Goa line, where the train snakes through the lush Western Ghats, offering spectacular views of waterfalls during the monsoon. The Mumbai-Pune Deccan Express is another favourite, showcasing the dramatic landscapes of the Khandala and Lonavala ghats. The original Vistadome journey from Visakhapatnam to Araku Valley reveals the verdant beauty of the Eastern Ghats, while the historic Kalka-Shimla Railway offers stunning Himalayan vistas. These journeys combine modern comfort with the timeless beauty of India's diverse topography.
The Bergen Line, Norway
Named one of Europe's most beautiful railway journeys, the Bergen Line connects Norway's two largest cities, Oslo and Bergen, on a seven-hour trip across a stunning cross-section of Norwegian landscapes. The train climbs from sea level, passing through fertile farmlands and deep green valleys before ascending to the Hardangervidda plateau, Europe's highest mountainous plateau. Here, the scenery transforms into a stark, beautiful expanse of rock, snow, and ice, even in summer. The journey's high point is Finse, at 1,222 metres, the highest station in Norway. From here, the train begins its descent toward the coast, navigating through numerous tunnels and offering glimpses of sparkling fjords before arriving in the charming city of Bergen. Many travellers choose to combine this trip with a ride on the famous Flåm Line, a steep branch line offering some of the most dramatic fjord scenery in the world.
Hiram Bingham, Peru
For a journey that is as magnificent as the destination, the Belmond Hiram Bingham train to Machu Picchu is unparalleled. This luxury train, styled after 1920s Pullman carriages, offers a truly exclusive and scenic ride through the Peruvian Andes. The journey winds through the Sacred Valley of the Incas, following the course of the Urubamba River as it carves its way through the mountains. Onboard, passengers are treated to fine dining with Peruvian cuisine, live local music, and cocktails in the bar car. The large windows and an observation car provide breathtaking views of the cloud-forested peaks and ancient agricultural terraces. While not strictly a glass-domed train, its emphasis on scenery and luxury makes it one of the world's most iconic rail experiences for nature lovers on their way to a world wonder.
