Bernina Express, Switzerland to Italy
A UNESCO World Heritage site, the Bernina Express offers one of the most dramatic Alpine crossings. This four-hour journey from Chur, Switzerland, to Tirano, Italy, is a masterclass in railway engineering and natural beauty. The train winds its way through
55 tunnels and across 196 bridges, including the famous Landwasser Viaduct, a six-arched curve of limestone that seems to leap out of a cliff face. Through panoramic, oversized windows, you'll see pristine glaciers, ascend to the 2,253-metre-high Bernina Pass, and then descend into the palm-tree-lined valleys of Italy. The most iconic moment is the Brusio circular viaduct, a 360-degree loop that allows the train to manage a steep descent in a tight space, offering passengers a stunning, spiralling view of the landscape.
Rocky Mountaineer, Canada
This is not just a train ride; it's a luxury experience designed to showcase the raw, untamed beauty of the Canadian Rockies. The Rocky Mountaineer operates several routes, with the most famous connecting Vancouver to mountain towns like Banff and Jasper. What sets this journey apart are the custom-built, glass-domed coaches that provide unobstructed, panoramic views of everything from snow-capped peaks to turquoise glacial lakes. The train travels only during daylight hours, so you don’t miss a moment of the scenery. At night, passengers disembark to sleep in comfortable hotels, ensuring a restful night without sacrificing any of the spectacular views. Onboard hosts share stories of the region, while chefs prepare gourmet meals from locally sourced ingredients, making the journey as much a culinary delight as it is a visual one.
TranzAlpine, New Zealand
Consistently ranked among the world's great train journeys, the TranzAlpine traverses the South Island of New Zealand from Christchurch to Greymouth. In just under five hours, this trip packs in an astonishing variety of landscapes. The journey begins by crossing the vast, patchwork Canterbury Plains before climbing into the heart of the Southern Alps. It navigates the dramatic Waimakariri River gorge, soars over deep ravines on spectacular viaducts, and passes through Arthur's Pass National Park. The open-air viewing carriage is a highlight, allowing you to step outside and breathe in the crisp mountain air while taking unobstructed photos of the dense beech forests and braided river valleys below. It’s a journey that showcases the dramatic contrast between the island's east and west coasts.
Vistadome Coaches, India
Bringing the panoramic experience closer to home, Indian Railways' Vistadome coaches are revolutionising scenic travel across the country. These specially designed carriages feature large glass windows, transparent roofs, and observation lounges, offering immersive 360-degree views of the surrounding landscapes. These coaches are attached to trains on some of India’s most picturesque routes. Imagine gliding through the misty Araku Valley in Andhra Pradesh, winding through the lush Western Ghats on the Mumbai-Goa route, or climbing the Himalayan foothills on the historic Kalka-Shimla line, all with an uninterrupted view of the waterfalls, forests, and valleys. The Vistadome coaches on the Guwahati-Haflong route in Assam offer breathtaking views of mountain peaks and verdant valleys, making the journey a destination in itself.
