10 lesser-known train trips
The journey matters as much as the destination on these rail adventures our readers recommend.
As travelers, we know there are a lot of ways to get from point A to point B. But if you’re looking for a journey that’s more than just the destination, travel by train is just the ticket. There’s something romantic about a trip by rail. It allows us to imagine a bygone era when transportation—and perhaps the feeling of time itself—moved a little more slowly. Plus, nothing beats the views out the window through a countryside that you might otherwise miss if you’d chosen to fly. Some of the world’s most classic train rides inspire exactly this type of experience. (See 16 scenic train trips recommended by our editors.)
But where might we have missed on this vast, beautiful planet? Surely, there are always more places to explore by rail. So we posed the question to our social community, and thousands of stories poured in from readers that have us planning our next big train adventure. All aboard!
Oslo to Bergen, Norway
“Over the Scandinavian mountains down to the sea side city surrounded by [the] fjords of Bergen.”—Carlos R. Castillo (Check out stunning photos of Scandinavia.)
Alausí to Silambe, Ecuador
“The Nariz del Diablo (Devil’s Nose) train ride is one of the most difficult railroads in the world, having to climb over one thousand vertical meters—engineers do a zigzag climb.” —Nicole Villacís
Malaig to Fort William, Scotland
“[Over the Glenfinnan Viaduct.] Not only spectacular but as a Harry Potter fan very cool!”—Tamara Bryant (Here are 12 reasons to go to Scotland now.)
Ella to Nuwara Eliya, Sri Lanka
"Through the tea fields in the mountains."—Fabiola Leyton
Lisbon Tramway, Portugal
“The Lisbon tramway (not quite a train) is fascinating and very scenic.”—Mike Keretschko (See beautiful photos from Lisbon and beyond.)
Sacred Valley, Peru
“Machu Picchu to Cusco! Glass ceilings in train cars to get the full majesty of the Sacred Valley.”—Kt Krause (Discover 10 secrets about Machu Picchu.)
Budapest, Hungary, to Vienna, Austria
“The poppies were in bloom and lined the train tracks. It was a sea of vibrant color. Magical; unforgettable.”—Allison Harris Bannister
Sanford, Florida, to Lawton, Virginia, United States
Related: 16 scenic train trips
“We put our motorcycle on the auto train in Sanford near Orlando, Florida, disembarked in Lorton, Virginia and rode our motorcycle through the Shenandoah Valley. Beautiful country, great train ride—and the only one of its kind in the U.S.”—Carmen Tallon Monroy
Anchorage to Steward, Alaska, United States
“Caught the Alaska Railroad Coastal Classic out of Anchorage headed to Seward. Such a beautiful route including a mama bear and two cubs running along the countryside. [We ate] reindeer sausage in the dining car.”—Trish Haigood
Nairobi to Mombasa, Kenya
“Nairobi to Mombasa on a vintage train for a 13-hour journey, complemented with full moon that lit the African savanna. We saw some giraffes and rhinos and got called with a rustic handbell to the dinner cart and had our meals served on original chipped china and silverware probably as old as the train.”—Yazan Assaf
Related Topics
You May Also Like
Go Further
Animals
- When did bioluminescence evolve? It’s older than we thought.When did bioluminescence evolve? It’s older than we thought.
- Soy, skim … spider. Are any of these technically milk?Soy, skim … spider. Are any of these technically milk?
- This pristine piece of the Amazon shows nature’s resilienceThis pristine piece of the Amazon shows nature’s resilience
- Octopuses have a lot of secrets. Can you guess 8 of them?
- Animals
- Feature
Octopuses have a lot of secrets. Can you guess 8 of them?
Environment
- This pristine piece of the Amazon shows nature’s resilienceThis pristine piece of the Amazon shows nature’s resilience
- Listen to 30 years of climate change transformed into haunting musicListen to 30 years of climate change transformed into haunting music
- This ancient society tried to stop El Niño—with child sacrificeThis ancient society tried to stop El Niño—with child sacrifice
- U.S. plans to clean its drinking water. What does that mean?U.S. plans to clean its drinking water. What does that mean?
History & Culture
- Gambling is everywhere now. When is that a problem?Gambling is everywhere now. When is that a problem?
- Beauty is pain—at least it was in 17th-century SpainBeauty is pain—at least it was in 17th-century Spain
- The real spies who inspired ‘The Ministry of Ungentlemanly Warfare’The real spies who inspired ‘The Ministry of Ungentlemanly Warfare’
- Heard of Zoroastrianism? The religion still has fervent followersHeard of Zoroastrianism? The religion still has fervent followers
- Strange clues in a Maya temple reveal a fiery political dramaStrange clues in a Maya temple reveal a fiery political drama
Science
- Not an extrovert or introvert? There’s a word for that.Not an extrovert or introvert? There’s a word for that.
- NASA has a plan to clean up space junk—but is going green enough?NASA has a plan to clean up space junk—but is going green enough?
- Soy, skim … spider. Are any of these technically milk?Soy, skim … spider. Are any of these technically milk?
- Can aspirin help protect against colorectal cancers?Can aspirin help protect against colorectal cancers?
- The unexpected health benefits of Ozempic and MounjaroThe unexpected health benefits of Ozempic and Mounjaro
Travel
- What it's like to hike the Camino del Mayab in MexicoWhat it's like to hike the Camino del Mayab in Mexico
- Follow in the footsteps of Robin Hood in Sherwood ForestFollow in the footsteps of Robin Hood in Sherwood Forest
- This chef is taking Indian cuisine in a bold new directionThis chef is taking Indian cuisine in a bold new direction
- On the path of Latin America's greatest wildlife migrationOn the path of Latin America's greatest wildlife migration
- Everything you need to know about Everglades National ParkEverything you need to know about Everglades National Park