Discover The Best Scenic Train Journeys In Europe To Boost Your Travel Experience

Published on September 7, 2025

Europe’s scenic train routes are much than conscionable travel—they’re experiences that tie visitors from astir nan world. These journeys connection breathtaking landscapes, taste insights, and a touch of luxury. Let’s research really these iconic railways lend to tourism.

1. Venice Simplon-Orient-Express (Paris–Venice)

Route: Paris → Venice (2 days, 1 night)

Highlights: Experience nan aureate property of obstruction recreation pinch restored 1920s–1930s Art Deco carriages, gourmet eating by French chefs, and unrecorded onboard entertainment. The travel offers panoramic views of Florence, Paris, and nan Alps. For eventual luxury, opt for nan Grand Suites featuring backstage marble bathrooms and champagne service.

Tourism Impact: This luxury train attracts able travelers, contributing importantly to section economies and promoting taste exchange.

2. Vale of Rheidol Railway, Wales

Route: Aberystwyth → Devil’s Bridge (12 miles, ~1 hour)

Highlights: This narrow-gauge steam railway ascends 700 feet done nan Cambrian Mountains, passing done ancient woodlands, rugged valleys, and offering views of nan Three Bridges and Mynach Falls. The travel concludes astatine nan historical Devil’s Bridge.

Tourism Impact: The Vale of Rheidol Railway has seen accrued visitors, particularly aft EU-funded enhancements, boosting section tourism and preserving heritage.

3. Flåm Railway, Norway

Route: Myrdal → Flåm (20.2 km, ~1 hour)

Highlights: As 1 of nan steepest standard-gauge railways successful nan world, this way descends from precocious upland plateaus to nan Aurlandsfjord. Passengers are treated to views of cascading waterfalls, lush valleys, and quaint villages. A notable extremity is nan Kjosfossen waterfall, wherever travelers tin disembark for photos.

Tourism Impact: The Flåm Railway is simply a awesome tourer attraction successful Norway, drafting visitors worldwide and contributing importantly to nan section economy.

4. Kyle Line, Scotland

Route: Inverness → Kyle of Lochalsh (120 km, ~2.5 hours)

Highlights: This scenic travel traverses nan Scottish Highlands, offering views of lochs, mountains, and coastal landscapes. Key stops see Dingwall, Achnasheen, and nan picturesque colony of Plockton. The way concludes adjacent nan Isle of Skye and nan iconic Eilean Donan Castle.

Tourism Impact: The Kyle Line is simply a showpiece for Scottish tourism, enhancing nan entreaty of nan Highlands and contributing to nan section economy.

5. Bernina Express, Switzerland

Route: Chur → Tirano (4–4.5 hours)

Highlights: This UNESCO World Heritage way takes passengers done 55 tunnels and complete 196 bridges. Notable landmarks see nan Landwasser Viaduct, nan Brusio Spiral Viaduct, and nan Bernina Pass astatine 2,253 meters supra oversea level. The travel offers panoramic views of glaciers, alpine lakes, and nan Swiss Alps.

Tourism Impact: The Bernina Express attracts visitors to nan Swiss Alps, promoting sustainable tourism and contributing to section economies.

6. Settle–Carlisle Railway, England

Route: Settle → Carlisle (117 km)

Highlights: This historical statement features 14 tunnels and 22 viaducts, including nan 24-arch Ribblehead Viaduct. Travelers tin bask views of nan Yorkshire Dales and North Pennines, pinch stops successful towns for illustration Appleby and Dent. The way is renowned for its Victorian engineering and scenic beauty.

Tourism Impact: The Settle–Carlisle Railway is regarded arsenic nan astir scenic railway successful England, attracting visitors and promoting practice tourism.

7. Cinque Terre Express, Italy

Route: La Spezia → Levanto (stopping astatine each 5 Cinque Terre villages)

Highlights: This location train connects nan 5 colorful sportfishing villages of Cinque Terre. The travel offers stunning views of terraced vineyards, melodramatic cliffs, and nan sparkling Mediterranean Sea. Trains tally each 20 minutes, making it easy to hop connected and disconnected to research each village.

Tourism Impact: The Cinque Terre Express facilitates tourism successful nan region, promoting sustainable recreation and contributing to nan section economy.

These scenic train journeys not only connection travelers unforgettable experiences but besides play a important domiciled successful boosting section economies and promoting taste heritage. By attracting visitors and encouraging sustainable travel, they lend importantly to nan tourism manufacture crossed Europe. Embarking connected these iconic obstruction routes allows travelers to witnesser nan divers landscapes and rich | histories that make Europe a premier destination for train enthusiasts and explorers alike.