18 Scenic Train Routes in the World That Pass Through Mountains
All aboard for an adventure wrapped in mountains, valleys, and rolling vistas! If you crave big views and cozy window side moments, you’ll love this round-up of jaw-dropping train rides. These are the routes where trains snake through snow-capped peaks, race over sky-high viaducts, and wind through valleys you’ll remember for years to come. Whether you’re a railway fan or just looking for a stress-free way to see the world’s wildest landscapes, there’s a journey here with your name on it. Grab a hot drink and let’s explore the best scenic train journeys that dive deep into mountain country.
Rocky Mountaineer, Canada
Spanning the rugged Canadian Rockies, the Rocky Mountaineer pampers travelers with glass-domed cars and top-notch service. You’ll pass glacier-fed lakes, towering pine forests, and remote mountain villages. This is the classic North American train trip for anyone wanting pure mountain magic.
- Official site: https://www.rockymountaineer.com/
Bernina Express, Switzerland to Italy
A ride on the Bernina Express takes you from Chur, Switzerland to Tirano, Italy. You’ll climb through the Alps, skim sparkling lakes, and spiral up mountain passes so dramatic you’ll never want the camera break. The famous Landwasser Viaduct and the Bernina Pass are true highlights.
- Route info: Tickets
- Bookings: https://shop.rhb.ch/en/bernina-express
Glacier Express, Switzerland
Known as “the slowest express train in the world,” the Glacier Express connects Zermatt and St. Moritz. The route glides over canyon bridges and through nearly 300 bridges and 90 tunnels, each revealing fresh snowy peaks and green valleys. Pure Swiss storybook stuff.
- Official site: https://www.glacierexpress.ch/en/
The Bergen Railway, Norway
Norway’s Bergen Railway links Oslo with the coastal city of Bergen and ranks high on train lovers’ lists for good reason. It crosses Europe’s highest mountain plateau, Hardangervidda, and weaves through a landscape of snowy flanks and icy blue lakes. For a deeper look, check out Norway’s world-class scenic journeys.
TranzAlpine, New Zealand
This Kiwi gem zooms from Christchurch to Greymouth on the South Island. You’ll gaze out at glaciers, rainforest gorges, and the Southern Alps. A river canyon leads to the snowy peaks of Arthur’s Pass, filling your memory card in record time.
- Official site: https://www.greatjourneysnz.com/tranzalpine/
The Ghan, Australia (Adelaide to Alice Springs and Darwin)
While the Outback gets much of the attention, the route through the Red Center delivers a mix of rolling hills, wild escarpments, and mountain ridgelines. The Ghan is a classic Aussie way to see the continent from a new angle.
- Official site: https://www.journeybeyondrail.com.au/rail-journeys/the-ghan/
The West Highland Line, Scotland
This route lets you daydream with the Scottish Highlands unfurling outside your window. You’ll pass lochs, rugged mountains, and cross the iconic Glenfinnan Viaduct (yes, Potter fans, it’s that bridge). The line from Glasgow to Mallaig is pure misty magic.
- Overview: https://www.scotrail.co.uk/scotland-by-rail/west-highland-line
- Tickets: https://www.scotrail.co.uk/
The California Zephyr, USA
The Zephyr connects Chicago and San Francisco, streaking through the Rocky Mountains and the Sierra Nevada. From Denver to Salt Lake City, the high mountain stretches feature canyons, rivers, and high fields. This is the American West as you’ve seen it in movies: wild and grand.
The Andean Explorer, Peru
Winding its way through the Andes, this train connects Cusco and Arequipa. Along the way, you’ll dip past peaks and the high-altitude Lake Titicaca. Peru’s wild terrain rolls past, full of llamas and bold skies.
Rhodope Narrow Gauge, Bulgaria
This well-kept secret wends through Bulgaria’s Rhodope Mountains, offering charming old-fashioned carriages and epic Balkan views. Every switchback brings a fresh peek at pine forests and sleepy villages nestled in the folds of green mountains.
- Info and timetables: The Rhodope narrow gauge railway | BDZ Passengers
The Jacobite, Scotland
This steam train takes you from Fort William to Mallaig in the Scottish Highlands, traveling past Ben Nevis, deep glens, and whitewashed cottages. Riding the Jacobite is like stepping into a postcard.
- Official site: https://westcoastrailways.co.uk/jacobite/
The Qinghai-Tibet Railway, China
The world’s highest railway links Xining with Lhasa. As you approach the Tibetan Plateau, look for snow-dusted peaks, yak herds, and endless sky. Oxygen supply comes standard for those soaring mountain sections.
- China Railway portal: 12306 CHINA RAILWAY
- Permits and route info: Tibet Train: Book Qinghai-Tibet Railway Tours & Tickets
The Bernese Oberland Railway, Switzerland
Take this route to the mountain town of Grindelwald and Lauterbrunnen. You’ll ride through valleys with waterfalls tumbling down sheer cliffs, snow fields, and chocolate-box Swiss mountain villages.
- Operator page: Top of Europe | jungfrau.ch
Darjeeling Himalayan Railway, India
The “Toy Train” winds up from New Jalpaiguri to Darjeeling, hugging forest tracks, hill stations, and tight curves along the mountainside. The scenery flips between tea estates, misty ridges, and Himalayan views.
- Booking (IRCTC): https://www.irctc.co.in/
The Settle-Carlisle Line, England
This is England’s most dramatic ride, crossing the Pennines and Ribblehead Viaduct. The train climbs from cozy farmland into wild uplands, passing stone villages and sweeping valleys.
- Route info: https://settle-carlisle.co.uk/
- Timetables: https://www.nationalrail.co.uk/
Sagano Scenic Railway, Japan
For a nature fix near Kyoto, hop aboard the “Romantic Train.” The route travels along the Hozugawa River through tunnels, gorges, and forested mountains, delivering a real taste of Japan’s countryside beauty.
- Official site: https://www.sagano-kanko.co.jp/en/
The Flåm Railway, Norway
A spellbinding, steep ride from Myrdal to Flåm, this train drops more than half a mile in under 13 miles. Waterfalls, snow-capped peaks, and apple orchards fill every frame. Unbelievable in any season.
- Official site: https://www.flamsbana.no/en/
Pyrenees Train Jaune, France
Known as the “Yellow Train,” this route cuts through the French Pyrenees from Villefranche-de-Conflent to Latour-de-Carol. You’ll spot stone viaducts, deep gorges, and snowy crags, all from bright yellow carriages.
- Official page: Timetable and Information – Let’s Get on the Yellow Train
Mountain Rails, Curves, and Memories
Riding a train through mountains is a relaxed way to see scenery you’ll never forget. Watching cloud shadows race across valleys or sipping coffee as peaks appear outside your window makes each of these journeys a unique kind of magic. Some trains are famous and fancy, while others are more modest but just as spectacular.
Ready for a new adventure? If you want to compare routes, check out this handy scenic train guide and vacation planner. For even more inspiration, travel experts at Lonely Planet share their picks for incredible mountain train journeys.
Whichever route you choose, pack a comfy sweater, a good playlist, and someone to share the view with. These train trips prove there’s no better seat than a window with mountains rolling by.
