As travelers look for environmentally friendly alternatives to flying, train travel is gaining popularity. The increasing demand for scenic, relaxed journeys, luxurious rail services, and new overnight trains reimagines slow travel, combining nostalgia with sustainability.
Trains are about more than just reaching your destination. They become a significant part of your overall journey. You feel like you're on vacation from the moment you board, thanks to the wonderful scenery, comfortable seating or even beds, and the fine dining on offer.
With the introduction of flexible and budget-friendly rail passes and a wider variety of ticket choices than ever before, trains are drawing closer to being as cost-effective as flights.
European rail travel has seen a significant increase in demand, primarily driven by environmentally conscious Gen Z and Millennials who prioritize sustainable and convenient travel experiences.
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While air travel continues to attract many passengers, Rail Europe notes a trend towards more environmentally friendly and leisurely journey choices.
With our simplified booking process, you'll experience a convenient and stress-free trip,” says Rail Europe CEO Björn Bender.
He emphasizes the advantages of night trains for solo travelers, who find the savings on hotel costs and travel time appealing.
"The ingenuity of direct air capture systems is drawing a wide range of innovators and entrepreneurs who seek something more than just a one-way ticket," Bender elaborates.
Looking forward, Rail Europe is focused on making train travel simpler and easier to use. “Transparency in fees and ease of booking are key demands we’re addressing,” he adds.
New nighttime rail services and picturesque routes stand out as attractive alternatives. They combine practicality with a desire for slower, more environmentally friendly travel.
Here are some of the top rail journeys for 2025.
The Glacier Express, Switzerland
Experience the breathtaking vistas in a spectacular 8-hour journey.
As the train makes its way through the mountains, the scenery continuously changes, gradually revealing breathtaking peaks, profound valleys, and picturesque mountain villages.
It then travels up to the Oberalp Pass, the highest point on the route, which provides a breathtaking panorama.
Onboard, a focus is placed on comfort and on ensuring a high-quality experience. The cuisine features traditional Swiss specialties served with fine wines, elevating the scenic travel experience to a gourmet level.
The Orient Express, from Paris to Istanbul
is crucial for the revival of rail travel, drawing on a renewed appreciation for the sophistication and grandeur of the era of steam trains.
One of the most notable developments is the return of the Orient Express, a rail journey from Paris to Istanbul that crime writer Agatha Christie immortalized.
Starting from 2026, the Orient Express will allow passengers to relive a bygone era on 17 vintage railcars originally built in the 1920s and 1930s.
These cars, once part of the 'Nostalgic Istanbul-Orient Express,' have been meticulously restored and adorned with exceptional decoration.
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The Reunification Express, Vietnam
Connecting Hanoi in the north to Ho Chi Minh City in the south.
Although no particular train bears this designation, the route embodies the concept of unity, its origins dating back to 1936, when the French constructed the line.
Services resumed on December 31, 1976, as a symbol of reunification, after being interrupted in 1954 during Vietnam's division.
Enjoying serene scenes of lush rice fields, quaint coastal hamlets, and picturesque vistas that constantly change outside your window.
Onboard, the leisurely pace lets you indulge in Vietnamese treats, converse with fellow passengers, and immerse yourself in the lively atmosphere of local train stations.
Coleraine to Londonderry/ Derry, Northern Ireland
Hailed by Michael Palin as "one of the most beautiful rail journeys in the world," this 38-minute trip through Northern Ireland's misty landscapes is short but breathtakingly spectacular.
The train follows the River Foyle as it departs Derry/Londonderry and enters the picturesque countryside, offering a view of the Atlantic coastline and the sandy shore of Benone Strand with its golden beaches.
The scenic views are the main attraction of this hassle-free train, with the rails running alongside one of Northern Ireland's most stunning and untouched beaches.
It's an ideal location for a beach picnic or an enjoyable stroll through its quaint streets.
A short and scenic journey, spanning less than an hour, showcases Northern Ireland's breathtaking landscape, encompassing everything from majestic seascapes to rolling hills, exemplifying how incredible journeys can be accomplished in a relatively short duration.
* Second Class classmeter seating
Deemed one of the most scenic train rides globally, the popular seven-hour journey from Ella to Kandy navigates through Sri Lanka’s lush tea country.
Swirling fields of undulating greenery occupy the horizon as the train traverses along the serpentine railway paths.
When it comes to selecting your class, there are numerous options. Air-conditioned First Class provides reserved seats and cool comfort, although this means you will not have the possibility of opening the windows - a cherished tradition for leaning out of train doors, enjoyed by many who travel by train in Sri Lanka.
For expansive views and a more local experience, 2nd Class Reserved is an excellent choice, featuring comfortable seating and no standing passengers.
Want a thrilling experience? Try 3rd Class Unreserved - same amenities, but first-come, first-served seating contributes to a lively atmosphere.
Tickets for unreserved classes are easily available; just drop by the station, buy your ticket, and take the economy-friendly blue train.
Rovos Rail, South Africa
Founded in 1989 by South African business owner and railway enthusiast Rohan Vos, Rovos Rail has earned a reputation as a premier option for leisurely travel across southern Africa, presenting various multi-day journeys that highlight the continent's most breathtaking vistas.
Namibia's harsh deserts, or Botswana's expansive savannas.
Enter, and you'll discover a realm of refined elegance reminiscent of a bygone age. The train's carriage interiors bring to mind a classic era, characterized by gleaming wood, plush leather furnishings, and spacious accommodations that blend comfort with sophistication.
Dining areas while the swish lounge car is ideal for relaxation and taking in the constantly changing views.
The Rocky Mountaineer, Canada
Features four scenic routes through Western Canada, the Canadian Rockies and the American Southwest, where rugged alpine landscapes and wildlife can be exclusively experienced by rail.
The all-dome rail fleet is widely regarded as Canada's pride and joy, operating solely during daylight hours to provide unobstructed views of the surrounding remote landscapes while upholding exceptional customer service standards.
Each route offers a unique experience, but the 'First Passage to the West' is particularly memorable.
This voyage follows the historic paths of 19th-century pioneers and winds through towering mountains, fast-moving rivers, and lush valleys.
The glass-domed coaches surround you with a panoramic view, while outdoor viewing platforms enable you to get even closer to the action.
Every moment on board offers an entirely new viewpoint, from sightings in the valleys to the dramatic cascades of Fraser Canyon.
The TranzAlpine, New Zealand
New Zealand's TranzAlpine journey is an approximately four-hour rail spectacle that spans the South Island from Christchurch to Greymouth.
Among New Zealand's most impressive landscapes are rolling plains that give way to river gorges, glacial rivers, and the snow-dusted Southern Alps.
The carriages that are designed for the outdoors offer an unrivaled connection to the surrounding landscape, while the GPS information triggered in-seat commentary ensures that you do not miss the most important points of the journey.
Ffestiniog Railway, Wales
heritage and features several lines traversing through the magnificent Eryri National Park (Snowdonia).
Originally used to transport blue slate from the Blaenau Ffestiniog quarries to Porthmadog's harbor, this narrow-gauge old railway now offers passengers a journey through Welsh history and nature on board the flagship "The Mountain Spirit" service.
Your thrilling 21.5 kilometer adventure commences in the coastal town of Porthmadog, gradually gaining altitude through verdant fields, dense forests, and glistening lakes towards Blaenau.
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