Rail · TRAIN JOURNEYS

The World’s 15 Greatest Train Journeys

329 tours  ·  from $7 a head

Some lines were built for freight and kept for the view; others still do the job they were laid for and happen to cross something extraordinary on the way. These 15 are the ones worth planning a trip around, with what each costs, how long you are on board and where it leaves from.

Mt Fuji & Hakone Cruise, Drum Show Bullet Train 1 Day from Tokyo - Lunch and the wadaiko drum performance
1-Day Tours, High-Speed and Bullet Trains, High-Speed Trains in Japan, Japan Train Journeys, Show, Tokyo Train Journeys, Tour Reviews, Train Journeys

Mt Fuji & Hakone Cruise, Drum Show Bullet Train 1 Day from Tokyo

1.Mt Fuji & Hakone Cruise, Drum Show Bullet Train 1 Day from Tokyo

★★★★★★★★★★4.0 · 7,413 reviews · from $149Our pick

Spend nearly 12 hours linking Mt Fuji and Hakone by coach, boat, ropeway, and Shinkansen. Visit Fuji’s 5th Station, cruise Lake Ashi, see Hakone Shrine Mototsumiya, and watch a traditional wadaiko drum performance. Guides such as Joy, Miko, Shige, and Heroaki have been praised for clear commentary and hands-on help.

“There was quite a variety of activities and certainly a great price for everything that was included.”

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Montserrat & Cogwheel Train, Gourmet Wine Tasting & Tapas/Lunch - The cogwheel train gives you the best approach
Barcelona Train Journeys, Cog and Rack Railways, Food & Drink, Lunch Experiences, Spain Train Journeys, Tour Reviews, Train Journeys, Wine Tours

Montserrat & Cogwheel Train, Gourmet Wine Tasting & Tapas/Lunch

2.Montserrat & Cogwheel Train, Gourmet Wine Tasting & Tapas/Lunch

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 6,290 reviews · 7 to 8 hours (approx.) · from $81Top rated

Travel from Barcelona to Montserrat by air-conditioned bus and cogwheel train, tour the monastery and Basilica with an English-speaking guide, then choose wine tasting with tapas, a full winery lunch, or a Montserrat-only visit. Guides such as Thais, Toni, Mariana, and Lesly are praised for clear explanations and warm humor.

“We had an absolutely fantastic experience on this tour. Our tour guide, Judit, was AMAZING!! She was a wealth of knowledge, history, positive energy, helpfulness and humor. We had a day filled with fun and memories of the beautiful country of Spain.”

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From Milan: Lake Como Cruise, St. Moritz & Bernina Red Train - Lake Como by private boat after sunrise
Italy Train Journeys, Scenic Railways, Scenic Railways in Italy, Tour Reviews, Train Journeys

From Milan: Lake Como Cruise, St. Moritz & Bernina Red Train

3.Lake Como Cruise, St. Moritz & Bernina Red Train

★★★★★★★★★★4.6 · 5,648 reviews · 13 hours · from $159

Leave Milan by comfortable coach for a private Lake Como cruise, a drive over the Maloja Pass, free time in St. Moritz, and a 2-hour Bernina Red Train ride through the Swiss Alps. English and Spanish guides, including experienced hosts such as Lina, Sabrina, and Carolina, lead the day. Bring your passport, warm layers, and lunch money.

“The day was very well organised. Our guide Lina was amazing, she was very friendly, very knowledgeable and kept everyone to schedule. The day itself was brilliant from the boat trip around Lake Como, to time spent in St Moritz with the high light being the train ride through the alps on the bernina red train. The views were spectacular. it was worth every penny.”

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Tokyo Mt Fuji 5th St & Hakone Cruise Bus Tour w/Bullet Train - Riding the coach toward Mt. Fuji
High-Speed and Bullet Trains, High-Speed Trains in Japan, Japan Train Journeys, Tokyo Train Journeys, Tour Reviews, Tours, Train Journeys

Tokyo Mt Fuji 5th St & Hakone Cruise Bus Tour w/Bullet Train

4.Tokyo Mt Fuji 5th St & Hakone Cruise Bus Tour w/Bullet Train

★★★★★★★★★★4.4 · 5,024 reviews · 10 hours · from $154

This 10-hour tour combines Mt. Fuji’s 5th Station, a Japanese buffet, the Hakone Ropeway, a Lake Ashi cruise, and a Shinkansen ride back to Tokyo. An English-speaking guide such as Lisa, Yuta, Aya, or Kazu leads the day, with multilingual audio guides available. Weather can change the route, so pack warm layers and comfortable shoes.

“The trip was amazing. Beautiful weather, wonderful places, neatly organized tour. Sora was kind, helpful, funny and truly enthusiastic. She explained important facts and information, too. We are really grateful for this unforgettable experience and kindly recommend it to everyone.”

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From Milan: Bernina Train and St. Moritz Day Trip - Starting at Milano Centrale
1-Day Tours, Italy Train Journeys, Scenic Railways, Scenic Railways in Italy, Tour Reviews, Train Journeys

From Milan: Bernina Train and St. Moritz Day Trip

5.Bernina Train and St. Moritz Day Trip

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 4,495 reviews · 12 hours · from $122

Spend 12 hours traveling from Milan into the Swiss Alps by air-conditioned bus and 2nd-class Bernina Red Train. You’ll pass Tirano, Val Poschiavo, Diavolezza, and Morteratsch Glacier, then explore St. Moritz before returning through the Maloja Pass. English and Spanish guides, such as Lina, Carolina, and Simona, lead the day.

“The trip was great from start to finish, with unforgettable scenery throughout, this is a must trip for all to appreciate the beauty of the Swiss Alps and the route up the side of lake Como. Mr. B. Lambert”

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Christ the Redeemer Entry Ticket by Corcovado Train - Arriving beneath Christ the Redeemer
Brazil Train Journeys, Tickets, Tour Reviews, Train Journeys

Christ the Redeemer Entry Ticket by Corcovado Train

6.Christ the Redeemer Entry Ticket by Corcovado Train

★★★★★★★★★★4.4 · 4,476 reviews · 1 day · from $45

Ride the Corcovado Train through Tijuca National Park to Christ the Redeemer. The roughly 20-minute ascent gives you views of Rio, Sugar Loaf Mountain, Guanabara Bay, and Atlantic Forest. Your ticket includes the official train and statue access. Bring your passport or ID, arrive early, and expect crowds at the summit.

“overall, it was amazing. The only con I can say regarding this area is that the train got stuck twice on the way up and back and it's very crowded place, but the place itself was lovely”

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From Málaga: Ronda+Setenil de las Bodegas with Little Train - Starting from Málaga and settling into the bus ride
Spain Train Journeys, Tour Reviews, Tourist and Miniature Trains, Train Journeys

From Málaga: Ronda+Setenil de las Bodegas with Little Train

7.Ronda+Setenil de las Bodegas with Little Train

★★★★★★★★★★4.6 · 4,115 reviews · 10 hours · from $34

Spend 10 hours visiting two of Andalusia’s most unusual towns. See Ronda’s gorge, Puente Nuevo, bullring, old quarter, and grand homes, then explore Setenil de las Bodegas and its rock-built streets by little train. Choose a guided Ronda visit or explore independently, with WhatsApp help throughout the day.

“Haq Nawaz exceptional guide. Punctual and well informed. Made sure we were ready to go. Definitely will recommend him and his team. Enjoyed ourselves thoroughly.”

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Mallorca: Island Tour with Boat, Tram & Train from the South - Morning pickup and the road to Lluc
Mallorca Train Journeys, Spain Train Journeys, Tour Reviews, Tours, Train Journeys

Mallorca: Island Tour with Boat, Tram & Train from the South

8.Mallorca: Island Tour with Boat, Tram & Train from the South

★★★★★★★★★★4.4 · 3,888 reviews · 8 hours · from $117

Travel from Mallorca’s southern resorts by air-conditioned bus, wooden train, historic tram, and boat. Visit Lluc, Sa Calobra, Torrent de Pareis, and Sóller, with multilingual guides such as Sebastian, Juan, and Jaume leading the way. Expect spectacular views, tight mountain roads, a busy schedule, and lunch at your own expense.

“This was thee best trip I've ever had. reading the description of this trip sounds so good, but it is 100 times better experiencing it. stunning trip in to the mountains. stopping in Sol Calobra is a stunning little bay. then the boat trip to Soller along the coast line was amazing. then Soller its self is a stunning little town with a gorgeous Marina followed by getting the beautiful tram to the train station followed by a gorgeous old style wooden electric train journey trough the mountains to Palma with stunning views (would recommend sitting on the left side of the train for the veiws) going through 13 tunnels…”

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Montserrat with Cog-Wheel Train & Black Madonna Priority Access - Riding the Cremallera de Montserrat
Barcelona Train Journeys, Cog and Rack Railways, Spain Train Journeys, Tour Reviews, Train Journeys

Montserrat with Cog-Wheel Train & Black Madonna Priority Access

9.Montserrat with Cog-Wheel Train & Black Madonna Priority Access

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 3,400 reviews · 5 to 7 hours (approx.) · from $63

Travel from central Barcelona by air-conditioned coach, then ride the cogwheel train up Montserrat’s serrated peaks. Your guide leads you through the basilica and to the Black Madonna, with free time for liquor tasting, trails, or the audiovisual exhibition. Guides such as Sandra, Lorena, Jessica, and Ana have earned praise for clear, friendly direction.

“This activity is definitely worth it to explore outside the Barcelona city center. The meetup location is very easy to get to (nearby Arc de Triomf) and you learn a lot from the guide. I went at 14:00 and our group of 15-20 had no wait to see the Black Madonna. The Mountain View’s are also amazing and you can see it going up the cog train or choose the cable car option.”

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From Cairns: Self-Guided Kuranda Trip with Train and Skyrail - Pickup from Cairns and the morning start
Australia Train Journeys, Cairns Train Journeys, Scenic Railways, Scenic Railways in Australia, Self-Guided Tours, Tour Reviews, Train Journeys

From Cairns: Self-Guided Kuranda Trip with Train and Skyrail

10.Self-Guided Kuranda Trip with Train and Skyrail

★★★★★★★★★★4.6 · 3,392 reviews · 7 hours · from $127

Travel from central Cairns to Kuranda by historic railway, then return above the rainforest canopy on the 7.5-kilometre Skyrail. You get roughly 2.5 to 3 hours in the village for markets, cafés, walking trails, and optional wildlife parks. Drivers such as Victor and Dean add useful local context, but this remains a self-guided day.

“trainride was amazing. kuranda is quite touristic. Highlight is the way to go there and way back with cable car”

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Granada City Train 1 or 2-Day Hop-On Hop-Off Ticket - What the green Alhambra Route includes
2-Day Experiences, Spain Train Journeys, Tickets, Tour Reviews, Train Journeys

Granada City Train 1 or 2-Day Hop-On Hop-Off Ticket

11.Granada City Train 1 or 2-Day Hop-On Hop-Off Ticket

★★★★★★★★★★3.5 · 3,128 reviews · 1 - 2 days · from $8Best value

Use Granada’s open carriage city train to circle the historic center and reach the Alhambra route. Hop on and off at stops such as Plaza Nueva, the Cathedral, Mirador de San Cristóbal, and Carmen de Los Mártires. A 12-language audio guide explains the sights, but bring your own headphones.

“Good way to see the city, downside was can be quite busy and have to wait for a seat”

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Bernina Red Train, Swiss Alps & St Moritz From Milan - Meeting the coach beside Milano Centrale
Italy Train Journeys, Milan Train Journeys, Scenic Railways, Scenic Railways in Italy, Tour Reviews, Train Journeys

Bernina Red Train, Swiss Alps & St Moritz From Milan

12.Bernina Red Train, Swiss Alps & St Moritz From Milan

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 2,954 reviews · 12 hours (approx.) · from $168

Leave central Milan early for Lake Como, St. Moritz, and a second-class Bernina Red Train ride to Tirano. An English-speaking guide such as Sabrina, Monica, or Maria Cristina handles the day, while you enjoy alpine views, free time, and a long but memorable return by coach.

“Very good tour with Sabrina. Highly recommend and will likely book again in summer for a completely different experience!”

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From Malaga: Ronda and Setenil Tour with Scenic Train - Ronda: Bridge, Gorge, and Old Stone Streets
Scenic Railways, Spain Train Journeys, Tour Reviews, Tours, Train Journeys

From Malaga: Ronda and Setenil Tour with Scenic Train

13.Ronda and Setenil Tour with Scenic Train

★★★★★★★★★★4.8 · 2,895 reviews · from $28

Spend nine hours from Málaga visiting cliff-top Ronda and rock-carved Setenil de las Bodegas. Choose a two-hour English walking tour in Ronda or four hours on your own. Guides such as Mercedes, JJ, and Ramon add useful local context, while the included shuttle train makes Setenil easy to reach.

“This day trip was a nice experiance, really well organized with helpful guides, everything was done on time, I stongly reccomend visiting Ronda and Setenil with these friendly guys The QR code provided for touristic attraction, restaurants, bars, etc was a great idea, howevere having the list as a link to be opend in google map would be even better”

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Porto: City Train Tour, River Cruise & Wine Cellar - Riding the Magic Train through Porto
Porto Train Journeys, Portugal Train Journeys, Tour Reviews, Tours, Train Journeys, Wine Tours

Porto: City Train Tour, River Cruise & Wine Cellar

14.City Train Tour, River Cruise & Wine Cellar

★★★★★★★★★★3.9 · 2,601 reviews · 3 hours · from $43

Start beside Porto Cathedral with a Magic Tourism voucher, then ride the city train to Real Companhia Velha for a film, cellar tour, and two port tastings. Continue through Porto’s central sights by train and take a one-hour Douro cruise from Ribeira. You can split the train and boat over two days.

“This was an incredible tour...and the buffet at the restaurant was the best! There was such a huge variety of authentic Portuguese food and the service was over the top! Highly recommended!”

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Nuremberg: City Tour with the Bimmelbahn Train - The Schöner Brunnen and the first city views
Germany Train Journeys, Tour Reviews, Tours, Train Journeys

Nuremberg: City Tour with the Bimmelbahn Train

15.Nuremberg: City Tour with the Bimmelbahn Train

★★★★★★★★★★4.4 · 2,475 reviews · 40 min · from $12

Ride the Bimmelbahn from Nuremberg’s Market Square for a compact tour of the Old Town. The route passes the Schöner Brunnen, Maxbrücke, St. Lawrence Church, Hospital of the Holy Spirit, and Imperial Castle. Your audio guide is available in German, English, French, Italian, Spanish, Russian, and Chinese. A coffee voucher is provided at departure.

“As two elderly people my husband and I found the Bimmelbahn an excellent way of seeing the main parts of the old city. Thoroughly enjoyed it”

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