Scenic Train Journeys That Are Better Than Flying

Flying may be faster, but speed isn’t everything. Some journeys are about the experience—watching landscapes unfold, feeling connected to the route, and arriving with memories already made. Around the world, certain train journeys offer scenery so spectacular that flying feels like the lesser option.

Here are scenic train journeys that are genuinely better than flying.

Glacier Express, Switzerland

Known as the “slowest express train in the world,” the Glacier Express connects Zermatt and St. Moritz through the heart of the Swiss Alps. Panoramic windows reveal snow-covered peaks, deep gorges, and charming alpine villages. This route turns travel into a moving postcard that flying could never replicate.

Rocky Mountaineer, Canada

This luxury train journey through the Canadian Rockies offers breathtaking views of mountains, turquoise lakes, and wildlife. Traveling between Vancouver and Banff or Jasper, passengers enjoy glass-dome coaches and relaxed pacing—something completely lost when flying over the same terrain.

Bernina Express, Switzerland & Italy

Crossing from Switzerland into Italy, the Bernina Express winds through dramatic alpine scenery, glaciers, and vineyards without tunnels or shortcuts. The gradual change in landscape makes the journey feel immersive, not rushed.

West Highland Line, Scotland

Often considered one of the most beautiful rail journeys in the world, this route passes lochs, rugged highlands, and coastal landscapes. The stretch over the Glenfinnan Viaduct alone is reason enough to choose rail over air.

TranzAlpine, New Zealand

This journey across New Zealand’s South Island travels from the Pacific Ocean to the Southern Alps. Rolling plains, deep river valleys, and alpine passes make this a front-row seat to nature—far more rewarding than a short domestic flight.

Trans-Siberian Railway, Russia

Spanning thousands of miles, the Trans-Siberian Railway is less about one view and more about scale and rhythm. Forests, villages, lakes, and vast open spaces unfold slowly, offering perspective that flying simply erases.

Flåm Railway, Norway

One of the steepest standard-gauge railways in the world, the Flåm Railway descends through waterfalls, mountains, and fjords. The journey is short but intensely scenic, making it a destination in itself rather than just transport.

Why Trains Can Beat Flying

Trains offer something flights can’t: continuity. You see how landscapes connect, how cities fade into countryside, and how geography shapes culture. There’s space to move, time to observe, and freedom from airport stress.

What This Means for Slow Travelers

Choosing trains over planes transforms travel into part of the adventure. Scenic rail journeys slow you down, deepen appreciation for place, and turn transit time into a highlight rather than a chore.

Sometimes, the best journeys aren’t about getting there faster—they’re about seeing more along the way.