All aboard: Europe’s most beautiful train journeys

There’s an air of old-fashioned romance to train travel. Between the gentle sway of the carriage and rhythmic turn of the wheels, time seems to slow down. In Europe, rail journeys are also one of the best ways to unlock the region’s beauty, delivering an ever-changing tableaux of stunning vistas. 

If you’ve been dreaming of traversing verdant valleys or gliding past quaint medieval villages, here are seven of Europe’s most scenic train journeys that turn your ride into an unforgettable adventure. 

Vintage luxury on the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express

Route: overnight from Paris to Venice. Alternative routes cover multiple cities across Europe 

The epitome of old-world glamour, the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express moves between Europe’s most fashionable cities. The classic Paris-Venice route offers a front-row seat to views of French pastures, Alpine peaks and Venetian lagoons. The restored 1920s-style luxury train carriages, featuring opulent Art Deco interiors, are just as enticing as the cinematic landscapes outside. By day, feast on seasonal dishes created by Michelin-awarded chef Jean Imbert in the dining car; by night, let the bar car’s baby grand piano lull you to sleep. The train runs from late March through early November during favourable weather conditions. Places fill up quickly, so book your tickets well in advance.

Alpine beauty on the Glacier Express

Route: day trip from Zermatt to St. Moritz, Switzerland

Dubbed the “slowest express train in the world”, Switzerland’s Glacier Express is Europe’s best train journey for dramatic mountain vistas, winding across 291 bridges and through 91 tunnels between St. Moritz and Zermatt over the course of eight leisurely hours. Floor-to-ceiling windows provide views of the Rhine Gorge’s vertiginous cliffs and the Matterhorn’s iconic silhouette, while first-class service includes a three-course meal served with local wines. 

Rugged natural beauty on the West Highland Line

Route: day trip from Glasgow to Mallaig, Scotland

On this six-hour train journey, you’ll delve deeper into the wild west coast of Scotland. You might recognise the astounding Glenfinnan Viaduct from the Harry Potter movies on the way, but that’s far from all there is to see on the West Highland Line . Feast your eyes on the otherworldly Rannoch Moor, said to be one of the last remaining wildernesses in Europe. The route culminates at the fishing port of Mallaig, with optional ferry connections to the Isle of Skye.

A Pyrénées adventure on Le Petit Train Jaune

Route: half-day trip from Villefranche-de-Conflent to Latour-de-Carol, France

Nicknamed Le Canari (The Canary) owing to its cheerful colour, France’s little yellow train has been rattling through the Pyrénées mountain range since 1910. The 63km journey takes four and a half hours – every minute packed with gasp-inducing views. This is no luxury service, feeling more akin to a joyous rollercoaster as wind whips through the open windows while you climb past saw-toothed peaks and picturesque little villages. Your ride will end at Latour de Carol terminus, France’s highest station at 1,232m above sea level.

A throwback journey on the Brenner Railway

Route: day trip from Munich to Venice, encompassing Germany, Austria and Italy

Built in the 19th century, the cross-country Brenner Railway is a vestige of the Golden age of rail travel – except now, it’s a smoother, more modern ride, filled with majestic natural spectacles. As the train pulls out of Munich, the cityscape gives way to green pastures, then rugged terrain. After a quick stop in the historic city of Innsbruck, the train embarks on its most iconic leg: the Brenner Pass, a major mountain pass in the Eastern Alps. The train steadily climbs past towering, snow-capped mountains and dramatic ridges until you’re 1,371m above sea level. Before you know it, you’re brought back to reality as the train winds down the mountain towards Dolomite vineyards.

Riverside charm on the Douro Valley Line

Route: day trip from Porto to Pocinho, Portugal

Skip the cruise crowds and travel by public train along the Douro River from Porto, Portugal’s capital, to the rural village of Pocinho, stopping at historic riverside towns and quintas for wine tastings and tours. The Linha do Douro Line takes approximately three and a half hours each way as you weave through terraced vineyards and sleepy villages clinging to the hillside. Our top tip? Sit on the right-hand side for the best view.

From glaciers to castles and beyond on the Bernina Express 

Route: half-day trip from Chur to Tirano, encompassing Switzerland and Italy

Add this Unesco World heritage train to your bucket list and be whisked through 55 tunnels and over 196 bridges on this four-hour journey between icy Switzerland and sunny Italy. Plan your journey for autumn to experience the full splendour of the season’s foliage – think hillsides ablaze with red and orange – or opt for a winter excursion to see the route transformed into a snow-laden wonderland, with glowing chalets dotting the hillsides.