Here it’s a list of some of our favorite and most scenic European train routes:
Bernina Express: Chur to Tirano
The Bernina Express is one of the most popular railways in Switzerland which boasts one of the most scenic train routes in Europe – the Alps. The Bernina Express runs between Switzerland and northern Italy across dramatic mountain passes (like the Bernina Pass), turquoise lakes and glaciers.
The Bernina Express runs all year-round though it has a special train route for the summer, which runs between the town of Chur (Switzerland) and the village of Tirano (Italy). This train ride makes a dozen stops along the way to Tirano in places such as Thusis, Filisur, Samedan, and Pontresina for a locomotive change.
The rest of the year, the Bernina Express runs several regional trains (Regio Express) between the Chur and Samedan; and St. Moritz and Tirano.
West Highland Line: Mallaig to Glasgow
The West Highland Line is without question, one of the most beautiful railways in Great Britain. It runs between the port of Mallaig and the city of Glasgow. The Mallaig- Glasgow train journey meanders along the stunning west coast of Scotland through beautiful viaducts and moorland scenery.
If you like the idea of a train ride onboard the West Highland Line it’s worth noting that the summer months are the best time to do it because the railway runs a special service for tourist (The Jacobite) between Fort William and Mallaig using a steam engine.
Bergen Railway: Oslo and Bergen
The Bergen Railway in Norway boasts one of the most scenic train rides in Europe and possibly one of the best in the world! This scenic line runs a high-speed train between the cities of Oslo and Bergen (taking 6-7 hours) at altitudes of over 3,000ft above sea-level, and across deep narrow gorges and waterfalls.
The Oslo-Bergen train route stops in popular touristy places such as Drammen, Vikersund, Gol, and Finse. The Bergen Railway also runs daily throughout the year, although winter time is the most popular time (late February) for a scenic train ride because days are shorter so, you get to enjoy fantastic sunsets along the train journey.
West Rhine Railway: Cologne to Mainz
The West Rhine Railway boasts one of the most scenic railways in Europe as it runs through the heart of the Rhine Valley of Germany. The scenic train journey between Cologne and Mainz takes around 3 hours making stops in Bonn, Koblenz, and Bingen (Rhine Gorge section).
North Yorkshire Moors Railway: Pickering and Grosmont
The North Yorkshire Moors Railway is one of the oldest and most beloved railway lines in England. The North Yorkshire Moors Railway route runs between the charming towns of Pickering and Grosmont and it's certainly one of the most scenic train rides in Europe.
This train route runs through the beautiful heart of the North York Moors National Park, which is without a doubt, the quintessential of the great English outdoors and home to forts, castles, and fantastic moorland views.
Trans-Siberian Railway: Moscow to Vladivostok
The Trans-Siberian train ride between Moscow and Vladivostok is probably one of the most popular routes on the Trans-Siberian Railway, which is one of the most fascinating railways anywhere in the world.
A ride on the Trans-Siberian Railway offers an amazing opportunity to discover the Russian countryside and an opportunity to mingle with Russians since many locals use the Trans Siberian as a daily mode of transport.
