25 Best Scenic Train Rides in Europe: Luxury Trains, Sleepers and Budget Journeys (2026/27)

Quick answer: The best scenic train rides in Europe are the Glacier Express and Bernina Express in Switzerland, Norway’s Flåm Railway and Bergen Line, Scotland’s West Highland Line over the Glenfinnan Viaduct, the Cinque Terre line in Italy, the Douro Line in Portugal and the Belfast to Derry line in Northern Ireland. For luxury, the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express and Belmond Royal Scotsman are the benchmarks. For value, regional trains on the same routes often give you the same views for a fraction of the price.

Some of my favourite travel memories were made looking out of a train window. I have crossed the Glenfinnan Viaduct on the ordinary ScotRail West Highland Line, the budget way to see the same views as the famous steam train. I have slept my way from London to Scotland on the Caledonian Sleeper, and it was far more comfortable than I expected. And from my home in Donegal, the train from Belfast to Derry is my favourite way into the city: for my money, the most spectacular rail journey in Ireland. I have also admired Spain’s Al Andalus luxury train, although at several thousand euros a ticket, admiring it is as far as I’ve got!

This guide covers the 25 best scenic train rides in Europe, from once-in-a-lifetime luxury trains to regional lines where a ticket costs less than lunch. Every entry has the route, journey time, 2026 price guide and honest tips, so you can choose the right journey for your budget.

Best Scenic Train Rides in Europe at a Glance

My Personal Picks

Before the full list, here are the journeys I’ve done myself and would recommend to anyone:

• Best budget scenic ride: ScotRail’s West Highland Line. Same track, same Glenfinnan Viaduct and same Highland scenery as the Jacobite steam train, for a regular fare and all year round.
• Best sleeper: the Caledonian Sleeper. The modern cabins were genuinely comfortable, and waking up in Scotland without losing a day to travel is a joy.
• Most underrated: Belfast to Derry. Michael Palin famously called the Coleraine to Derry stretch one of the most beautiful rail journeys in the world, and I agree with him.
• On my wish list: the Al Andalus. I’ve admired it; one day, maybe!

Scenic Train Rides in the Swiss Alps

1. Glacier Express (Switzerland)

Route: Zermatt to St. Moritz (or Davos) | Time: about 8 hours | Price: CHF 159 in 2nd class or CHF 272 in 1st, plus a mandatory CHF 54 seat reservation; Excellence Class reservations cost CHF 540.

Billed as the “slowest express train in the world”, the Glacier Express crosses 291 bridges and passes through 91 tunnels on its way across the Alps, topping out at 2,033 m on the Oberalp Pass and threading the Rhine Gorge, Switzerland’s “Grand Canyon”. Panoramic windows curve into the roof, and meals are served at your seat. Excellence Class adds a multi-course lunch with wine pairings and guaranteed window seats. Reservations open 93 days ahead and summer dates sell out, so book early. The train has a winter break from mid-October to early December.

Tip: with a Swiss Travel Pass, Interrail or Eurail pass, the base fare is covered and you only pay the reservation.

2. Bernina Express (Switzerland to Italy)

Route: Chur or St. Moritz to Tirano | Time: about 4 hours from Chur | Price: roughly €70–95 plus a reservation

The Bernina Express climbs to 2,253 m at Ospizio Bernina, past glaciers and the milky Lago Bianco, then drops to palm trees in Tirano, Italy, via the famous spiral viaduct at Brusio. The Albula and Bernina lines are a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Budget hack: regular Rhaetian Railway regional trains run on the same line and need no reservation. You lose the panoramic windows but keep the views, and you can open a window for photos.

3. GoldenPass Express (Switzerland)

Route: Montreux to Interlaken | Time: about 3 hours 15 minutes | Price: mid-range, with a reservation

Since December 2022 you can travel from Lake Geneva to the Bernese Oberland without changing trains, thanks to clever bogies that switch between track gauges at Zweisimmen. Expect vineyards, chalets and lakes, and look out for the heritage GoldenPass Belle Époque carriages on some services.

4. Centovalli Railway (Switzerland to Italy)

Route: Locarno to Domodossola | Time: about 2 hours | Price: budget

A narrow-gauge line through the “valley of a hundred valleys”, crossing gorges, chestnut forests and stone villages. Its Isorno viaduct was the site of Switzerland’s first bungee jump. Combine it with the Simplon line for a scenic loop.

Scenic Train Rides in Norway

5. Flåm Railway (Flåmsbana)

Route: Myrdal to Flåm | Time: about 1 hour | Price: mid-range; Interrail and Eurail holders get a discount

One of the steepest standard-gauge railways in the world drops around 860 m in 20 km, from the mountains down to the Aurlandsfjord. The train stops at the Kjosfossen waterfall so you can get off for photos. It is a stunning short ride, and very busy in summer.

6. Bergen Line (Bergensbanen)

Route: Oslo to Bergen | Time: about 7 hours | Price: cheap “minipris” fares if booked early

Northern Europe’s highest mainline railway crosses the Hardangervidda, Europe’s largest mountain plateau, stopping at Finse, 1,222 m above sea level. Change at Myrdal for the Flåm Railway.

7. Nordland Line (Nordlandsbanen)

Route: Trondheim to Bodø | Time: about 10 hours | Price: budget

Norway’s longest railway crosses the Arctic Circle on the Saltfjellet plateau, with a marker visible from the train. Take the day train in summer for the views, or the night train to save a hotel.

Scenic Train Rides in Southern Europe

8. The Cinque Terre Line (Italy)

Route: La Spezia to Levanto, stopping at all five villages | Time: about 25 minutes end to end | Price: single tickets around €4–5; the Cinque Terre Treno MS Card costs €19.50–€32.50 per day in 2026 depending on demand

Short but unforgettable: the line pops in and out of tunnels to reveal the five cliffside villages of Monterosso, Vernazza, Corniglia, Manarola and Riomaggiore above the Ligurian Sea. The day card also covers the coastal hiking paths and park buses. See more in my Italy travel guide.

9. The Douro Line (Portugal)

Route: Porto São Bento to Pocinho | Time: about 3.5 hours | Price: budget regional fares

This is Portugal’s best-value scenic ride. From Régua the line hugs the Douro River through terraced port vineyards, and you can hop off at the pretty station of Pinhão, decorated with blue azulejo tiles. It’s the budget way to see the same valley as the Presidential Train below.

10. The Presidential Train (Portugal)

Route: Porto São Bento into the Douro Valley and back | Time: full day | Price: €750 per person

Built in 1890, this royal and presidential train carried heads of state for over a century. It now runs on a small number of dates each year as a gourmet day out, with menus by Chef Chakall and wines from Douro estates. Dates are limited, so check CP’s website early. Pair it with my Portuguese food guide and Portugal travel guide.

11. Al Andalus (Spain)

Route (2026): Seville to Madrid or the reverse, via Córdoba, Jerez, Cádiz, Mérida, Cáceres, Toledo and Aranjuez | Time: 7 days, 6 nights | Price: from around €6,600 per person

Renfe’s Belle Époque “palace on wheels” uses carriages from the 1920s and 1930s, with lounge, dining and bar cars. For 2026 it switched to a new Seville–Madrid itinerary, running April to October. Unusually, the train parks up at night, so you sleep soundly and see everything in daylight. Meals on board and in local restaurants, guided excursions and tickets are included. It’s on my wish list: I’ve admired it, but at these prices I haven’t bought a ticket yet! Explore more of the south on my southern Spain road trip and things to do in Seville.

12. Transcantábrico Gran Lujo (Spain)

Route: San Sebastián to Santiago de Compostela along “Green Spain” | Time: 8 days, 7 nights | Price: from around €9,900 per person

Spain’s most exclusive train carries just 28 guests in suites with double beds and en-suite bathrooms along the Atlantic coast of the Basque Country, Cantabria, Asturias and Galicia. Expect superb regional food, cider and seafood.

Scenic Train Rides in Central and Eastern Europe

13. Semmering Railway (Austria)

Route: Gloggnitz to Mürzzuschlag | Time: about 45 minutes | Price: budget

Opened in 1854, the Semmering was the world’s first true mountain railway and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, with 16 viaducts and 14 tunnels. It lies on the main line south of Vienna, so you can ride it on a regular ticket.

14. Rhine Valley Line (Germany)

Route: Cologne to Mainz, with the best stretch between Koblenz and Bingen | Time: 2–3 hours | Price: budget

Castles, vineyards and the Lorelei rock line the UNESCO-listed Upper Middle Rhine Valley. Take a regional train rather than the ICE for the slowest, best views, and sit on the river side. See my must-see places in Germany and German food guide.

15. Vienna to Budapest

Route: Vienna to Budapest | Time: about 2 hours 40 minutes | Price: from around €15 booked in advance

Not the most dramatic scenery on this list, but a comfortable, cheap way to link two grand capitals on ÖBB’s Railjet.

16. Budapest to Prague

Route: Budapest to Prague via Bratislava and Brno | Time: about 7 hours | Price: around €30–50

A relaxed day through the Danube valley and Moravian countryside, with a dining car on many services. Book ahead for the best fares.

17. Belgrade to Bar (Serbia to Montenegro)

Route: Belgrade to Bar on the Adriatic | Time: about 11–12 hours | Price: budget

Europe’s great rail adventure winds through gorges and mountains and crosses the Mala Rijeka viaduct, at around 200 m high once the tallest railway bridge in the world. Take the day train for the scenery.

Luxury Train Journeys in Europe

18. Venice Simplon-Orient-Express

Route: mainly Paris to Venice, plus special routes to Istanbul, Vienna, Prague, Budapest, Rome and more | Time: usually one night | Price: from roughly £3,500–£4,300 per person in a Historic Cabin; suites far higher

The most famous luxury train in the world uses beautifully restored 1920s carriages with Lalique glass and marquetry, and serves all meals on board. Belmond runs it from about March to November. UK guests usually take the Eurostar to Paris or start on the British Pullman. Historic Cabins share washrooms; Suites and Grand Suites are en suite. Dress up: jeans are not allowed, and black tie is encouraged at dinner.

19. Golden Eagle Danube Express

Route: Multi-day itineraries across Central and Eastern Europe, often from Budapest | Price: several thousand pounds per person

A private luxury train with en-suite cabins, fine dining and guided off-train excursions. Check the operator for current 2026 and 2027 departures.

Best Sleeper Trains in Europe

20. ÖBB Nightjet

Route: Austria to Germany, Switzerland, Italy, the Netherlands and more | Price: seats from around €30; couchettes and sleepers cost more

Europe’s biggest sleeper network links cities such as Vienna, Munich, Zurich, Hamburg, Amsterdam, Rome and Venice. The new-generation trains have compact private “mini cabins” and en-suite sleepers. See the Caledonian Sleeper below for the UK.

The Best Scenic Train Rides in Scotland and Ireland

21. ScotRail West Highland Line

Route: Glasgow Queen Street to Fort William and Mallaig (with a branch to Oban) | Time: about 5 hours 15 minutes to Mallaig | Price: regular ScotRail fares; book advance singles for the best value

This is the one I tell everyone to do. The line runs past Loch Lomond, across the empty expanse of Rannoch Moor and over the Glenfinnan Viaduct, the “Harry Potter bridge”, before reaching the sea at Mallaig, with views to Skye. It has topped readers’ polls as one of the world’s best rail journeys, and it runs all year. I crossed Glenfinnan on the ordinary ScotRail train, and the view was every bit as magical without the steam. Explore more in my Scottish Highlands guide.

22. The Jacobite Steam Train

Route: Fort William to Mallaig and back | Time: about 6 hours including a stop in Mallaig | Price (2026): £76 standard or £116 first class adult return, plus a booking fee

The real-life “Hogwarts Express” is a heritage steam train run by West Coast Railways over the Glenfinnan Viaduct. In 2026 the morning train runs from 1 June to 23 October and the afternoon train from 10 June to 25 September. Tickets are return only and peak dates sell out fast, so book the moment they’re released, or take the ScotRail train on the same line instead.

23. Caledonian Sleeper

Route: London Euston to Edinburgh and Glasgow (the Lowlander) or Inverness, Aberdeen and Fort William (the Highlander) | Time: overnight | Price: dynamic; seats from around £55, and autumn 2026 offers from £190 for a Classic room or £215 for an en-suite Club room on Highland routes

I found the Caledonian Sleeper very comfortable. The trains are modern (introduced in 2019, so forget old descriptions of “Pullman” or “steam” carriages), and rooms range from reclining seats to Classic rooms with a washbasin, en-suite Club rooms with breakfast, and the Caledonian Double with a proper double bed. The Club Car serves Scottish food and whisky. Take the Fort William portion for the most scenic morning: you wake up crossing Rannoch Moor. There are accessible rooms, and pets can travel too; see my guide to travelling with a pet in Europe.

24. Belmond Royal Scotsman

Route: Round trips from Edinburgh through the Highlands | Time: 2–7 nights | Price: roughly £4,500–£6,500 per person for two nights, all-inclusive

Scotland’s most exclusive train carries just 40 guests, with an open-air observation veranda, whisky tastings, distillery and castle visits, and a Dior spa. It runs April to October and parks up at night, so you sleep undisturbed. Pair it with my guide to Scottish food.

25. Belfast to Derry~Londonderry

Route: Belfast Grand Central to Derry~Londonderry | Time: about 2 hours 10 minutes | Price: budget Translink fares, with day and family tickets available

This is my favourite train journey in Ireland, and the one I take to get to Derry. After Coleraine, the line bursts out of the Downhill tunnels onto the coast, running beneath Mussenden Temple on its clifftop, along the golden sweep of Downhill and Benone strands, past Magilligan and along the shore of Lough Foyle into the walled city. Michael Palin called it one of the most beautiful rail journeys in the world. Tip: heading to Derry, sit on the right-hand side for the sea views, and bring snacks, as catering on board is limited. Combine it with my Causeway Coastal Route itinerary, and see my getting around Ireland guide for more train routes.

For more rail trips closer to home, see my guide to the best scenic train journeys in the UK.

Best First-Class Trains in Europe

If you want comfort without a five-figure price tag, these are the first-class experiences worth paying for:

• Glacier Express Excellence Class: reserved window seats, a multi-course meal with wine and concierge service across the Alps.
• Caledonian Sleeper Club or Caledonian Double: your own en-suite room, breakfast and lounge access.
• Italy’s high-speed trains: Frecciarossa Executive and Italo Club Executive offer oversized leather seats, at-seat catering and lounges.
• Eurostar Plus and Premier: meals served at your seat between London, Paris and Brussels, and fast-track check-in with Premier.
• Nightjet Deluxe sleepers: a private compartment with its own shower and toilet.

The Most Romantic Train Journeys in Europe

For a honeymoon, anniversary or special birthday, the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express arriving in Venice is the ultimate. For something more affordable but still special, book a Caledonian Double on the sleeper to the Highlands, the Glacier Express in Excellence Class, or the Presidential Train’s gourmet day in the Douro. Surprise trips work best on routes you can book with flexible tickets.

Rail Passes Explained: Interrail, Eurail and the Swiss Travel Pass

Interrail is for residents of Europe (including the UK and Ireland); Eurail is the same pass for non-Europeans. Both cover trains in 33 countries, with prices set by age, class and number of travel days. Many high-speed, scenic and sleeper trains charge an extra reservation.

The Swiss Travel Pass covers Switzerland only, not the rest of Europe. It costs CHF 254 for 3 days in 2nd class in 2026 and includes most trains, buses and boats plus free museum entry. It covers the Glacier and Bernina Express base fares; you pay only the seat reservation.

Point-to-point tickets are often cheaper than a pass for a short trip. Book early for the best fares, especially in Italy, France, Spain and on Eurostar.

Tips for Planning Scenic Train Journeys in Europe

• Book early: the Jacobite, the Glacier Express and the luxury trains sell out months ahead.
• Choose the right side: check which side the views are on before you book your seat.
• Travel in daylight: a scenic line at night is just a train. Check sunset times, especially in winter.
• Use the slow train: regional trains on the same routes are often cheaper and let you hop off.
• Travel light: luggage space is tight on panoramic and heritage trains.
• Accessibility: most modern trains have wheelchair spaces and accessible toilets, but heritage and luxury trains vary a lot, so ask the operator before booking. See my accessible Europe guide.

For more ideas on travelling slowly, read my guide to slow travel in Europe and my European highlights.

Scenic Train Rides in Europe: FAQs

What is the most scenic train ride in Europe?

The Glacier Express and Bernina Express in Switzerland are usually rated the most scenic train rides in Europe, followed closely by Norway’s Flåm Railway and Bergen Line and Scotland’s West Highland Line over the Glenfinnan Viaduct. In Ireland, the Belfast to Derry line along the north coast is the standout.

What is the best luxury train in Europe?

The Venice Simplon-Orient-Express is Europe’s most famous luxury train, using restored 1920s carriages mainly between Paris and Venice. The Belmond Royal Scotsman in the Scottish Highlands and Spain’s Al Andalus and Transcantábrico Gran Lujo are other top luxury trains.

How much does the Orient Express cost?

In 2026 the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express costs from roughly £3,500 to £4,300 per person for a Historic Cabin on a one-night journey such as Paris to Venice, including all meals. Suites and Grand Suites cost several times more, and longer journeys such as Paris to Istanbul are higher still.

What are the best budget scenic train rides in Europe?

Great budget scenic train rides include ScotRail’s West Highland Line, the Belfast to Derry line, the Cinque Terre line in Italy, Portugal’s Douro Line, Austria’s Semmering Railway, Germany’s Rhine Valley Line and regular Rhaetian Railway trains on the Bernina line, which need no reservation.

Which train goes over the Glenfinnan Viaduct?

Two trains cross the Glenfinnan Viaduct on the West Highland Line: the Jacobite steam train between Fort William and Mallaig (1 June to 23 October in 2026, £76 standard return) and ScotRail’s regular year-round service from Glasgow and Fort William to Mallaig, which is much cheaper.

Is the Caledonian Sleeper worth it?

Yes, for most travellers. The Caledonian Sleeper’s modern rooms are comfortable, and travelling overnight from London to Scotland saves a hotel night and a day of travel. The Fort William route is the most scenic, crossing Rannoch Moor in the morning. Seats start at around £55, with rooms costing more.

Do you need to book scenic trains in Europe in advance?

For the Glacier Express, Bernina Express, Jacobite steam train, Caledonian Sleeper and all luxury trains, yes: book weeks or months ahead, especially in summer. Most regional scenic lines, such as the West Highland Line, Cinque Terre and Douro Line, do not need reservations, but advance fares are cheaper.

What is the difference between Interrail and Eurail?

Interrail and Eurail are the same rail pass covering 33 European countries: Interrail is for residents of Europe, including the UK and Ireland, and Eurail is for people who live outside Europe. Many high-speed, scenic and sleeper trains charge an extra reservation fee on top of either pass.

Does the Swiss Travel Pass cover the Glacier Express?

Yes. The Swiss Travel Pass covers the Glacier Express and Bernina Express base fares, so you only pay the seat reservation, which is CHF 54 for the Glacier Express in 1st or 2nd class in 2026. The Swiss Travel Pass is valid in Switzerland only and costs CHF 254 for three days in 2nd class.

What is the most scenic train journey in Ireland?

The Belfast to Derry~Londonderry line is widely considered Ireland’s most scenic train journey. After Coleraine it runs along the north coast past Mussenden Temple, Downhill and Benone strands and Lough Foyle, and Michael Palin described it as one of the most beautiful rail journeys in the world. The trip takes about 2 hours 10 minutes.

What are the most romantic train journeys in Europe?

The Venice Simplon-Orient-Express to Venice is the classic romantic train journey. More affordable options include a Caledonian Double on the Caledonian Sleeper to the Scottish Highlands, the Glacier Express in Excellence Class, and the Presidential Train’s gourmet day trip through Portugal’s Douro Valley.

What is the best time of year for scenic train rides in Europe?

Late spring to early autumn gives the longest daylight for scenic train rides, while winter brings snowy Alpine scenery on the Glacier and Bernina Express. Some trains are seasonal: the Jacobite runs June to October, and the Al Andalus and Royal Scotsman run roughly April to October.

Fallen in love with Europe and thinking of moving here? Make sure you check our European Highlights guides.

If you love food and travel here are some of my best foodie articles to read:

Global Food Guide

Unusual Foods around the World

Lebanese Food Guide

Uniquely American Foods

What to eat in Denmark

Where to eat the best food in Krakow

All the Best Aussie Dishes to try

Food in Northern Ireland and where to eat it

What to eat in Slovenia

What to eat in Amsterdam

Traditional Irish Food

What is a Full Irish breakfast?

Where to eat in Dublin

British food – from jellied eels to fish and chips

Scottish Food – Haggis to Clootie dumplings

Welsh Food – Caul to Welsh Cakes

Jewish food and traditions

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