National Geographic Says These Are the Most Scenic Train Trips in the World

Add these to your bucket list ASAP.

From the wildlife-packed plains of Africa to the castle-laden hills of the Irish countryside, National Geographic Traveler has done its research to name the 16 best train trips in the world in its August/September issue, on newsstands now. Check out 12 of our favorites from their list below (including America’s most beautiful train ride), then book your tickets and charge your camera, because that domed scenery car is calling your name!





Get your camera ready—you’ll want to snap photos of all the amazing views of the Rocky Mountains, Sierra Nevada mountains, and the Pacific coastline along this train ride. (Read more about how you can see the most beautiful sights in America on the California Zephyr.)





You’ll see a little bit of everything in this trip, which covers nearly 3,000 miles of Canada’s most scenic fields, mountains, and forests.



Travel by train from the metropolis of Toronto to the serenity of the Canadian Rockies and through to Vancouver. To begin and end your journey, stay in the charming towns of Niagara-on-the-Lake in the east and Victoria in the west.

This legendary journey aboard the Canadian Train fulfills your desire for the energy of city life and the serenity of nature. As you travel across the country, experience first-hand the diverse landscape of Canada.







One of the most elegant train rides in the world, this high-class experience features delicious food, luxurious comforts, and of course, beautiful views of London, Paris, and Venice.





Take in views of Cork, Belfast, and Dublin from your plush and comfy train suite.

Switzerland: The Gotthard Panorama Express



Before hopping aboard the Swiss train, you’ll get to behold the beauty of Lake Lucerne during a two-hour boat steamer boat ride.





This iconic train provides one of the most opulent travel experiences in the world.





In just five hours you’ll see some of the most stunning sights in New Zealand including the Waimakariri River, the Southern Alp mountain range, and a lush beech forest.





Cover the length of Russia in 16 days in this one-of-a-kind train ride offered by National Geographic Expeditions.





Longing for a safari getaway? This 12-day trip provides an intimate view of the most beautiful areas and creatures in South Africa, Namibia, Zimbabwe, and more.





There’s a reason this locomotive is called «the train to the clouds.» It’s one of the highest trips in the world and travels more than 13,800 feet up into the Andes mountains.





Travel across the heart of Australia on this magnificent four-day journey.

Get more details on the train trips listed here at NationalGeographic.com.