When in Canada, try the Rocky Mountaineer. — Rocky Mountaineer
Rail tourism is gaining traction among tourists, thanks to its nostalgic appeal and sustainability factor. It is seen as a unique way to experience the world, and at a slower and more relaxed pace.
Taking the train not only means leaving a smaller carbon footprint as compared to flying, but it’s also considerably cheaper depending on the type of rail service, and the distance of the route.
You can also cut down your budget by using different types of tickets or passes.
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For instance, with Europe’s Interrail Pass, travellers can seamlessly explore over 33 countries – covering 40,000 destinations – within the continent by rail. The pass is accessible on most trains in Europe.
Interestingly, there is a growing demand for premium rail travel, too, where passengers are able to travel in luxurious style with much more comfortable cabins and better amenities.
Here is a list of some of the coolest train journeys around the world.
Eastern & Oriental Express runs between Malaysia and Singapore. — Filepic
Opulent cabins, beautiful vistas and fantastic gastronomic experiences are among the offerings that can be enjoyed by passengers aboard the newly-launched Eastern & Oriental Express.
Departing from Singapore, the luxury service is a four-day journey into Peninsular Malaysia that includes a string of activities along the way, ranging from snorkelling to cultural adventures.
There are four types of packages available for passengers. For example, Wild Malaysia is great for nature lovers as they get to explore the country’s expansive tropical rainforests at Taman Negara, Pahang.
The park is home to the endangered Malayan tiger and many other animals endemic to Malaysia.
The Essence Of Malaysia package, on the other hand, makes pit stops at Langkawi’s Pulau Payar Marine Park in Kedah and Penang.
The train sweeps past remote wilderness, temples and rural villages along the journey, providing an interesting shift of scenery.
Passengers can indulge in the authentic taste of Malaysian cuisine on the train.
The Deccan Odyssey started its journey back in 2004. — The Deccan Odyssey
One unique way to discover India’s rich culture and history is by going on an exclusive rail tour.
Measuring 700m in length, The Deccan Odyssey has been taking passengers through some of the country’s most renowned places – including the Ellora Caves in Aurangabad, Maharashtra and Taj Mahal in Agra – since its existence in the early 2000s.
The train embarked on its maiden voyage in 2004 at Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus in Mumbai. It is a nine-time winner of Asia’s leading luxury train awards at the World Luxury Travel Awards.
Today, the train has six packages, each lasting seven days.
The Heritage Odyssey Journey, Cultural Odyssey Journey and Maharashtra Splendour Journey are among the favoured routes, which come with enticing itineraries.
While onboard the carriage, passengers get to enjoy the bar lounge, gym and spa, as well as other amenities.
The train has 21 coaches, including presidential suites and 12 private cabins; the train can host up to 88 passengers.
The Glacier Express has been drawing travellers from around the world. — Glacier Express
The famed Glacier Express is a must try for many travellers visiting Switzerland.
The train commenced its first journey in 1930 ferrying guests from the Matterhorn to the alpine resort town of St Moritz.
Regarded as the country’s most scenic rail experience, the century-old train offers amazing views of the Swiss landscapes, such as the towering viaducts, and postcard-perfect villages and lakes, while travelling through 91 tunnels and nearly 300 bridges.
Among the panoramic sites it passes through are the Rhine Gorge, Landwasser Viaduct and Oberalp Pass, as well as the Gotthard Base Tunnel – one of the world’s longest railway tunnels, which spans 57km long.
Dubbed the “slowest express train in the world”, it takes roughly eight hours to travel from Zermatt to St Moritz (290km). The journey is as much a feast for the eyes as it is for the palate, as meals are served on board, too.
Glacier Express is divided into several classes: second class, first class and the Excellence class, all of which have varied perks (and prices).
From verdant valleys to rugged landscapes and historic towns, travellers can experience these while onboard the Rocky Mountaineer train.
It has an array of short and long excursions, with the most spectacular being the round-trip package, “Best Of The Rockies Circle Journey”, which spans 14 nights, journeying through destinations like Vancouver, Kamloops and Banff in Canada.
Aside from Vancouver’s peaceful coastal surroundings, passengers will also see the Coast and Cascade Mountains dominating the skyline during their travel along Kamloops.
Rocky Mountaineer’s journey goes back to more than three decades when it started welcoming passengers in 1990. Focusing on adventures of the great outdoors, it operates several rail routes today, namely the First Passage To The West, Journey Through The Clouds, Rainforest To Gold Rush and Rockies To The Red Rocks.
For an even more epic experience, opt for its Goldleaf Service, which features wraparound glass-dome windows and an outdoor observation deck.
The West Highland Line is a one-of-a-kind rail experiences, especially for Harry Potter fans. — Visit Scotland
Having started operations in the late 1800s, the West Highland Line still runs now on three main routes – Glasgow to Oban, Fort William, and Mallaig, all in Scotland. The journeys are between three and five-and-a-half to complete.
En route to Scotland’s port town, Oban, passengers will be rewarded with beautiful landmarks like the Falls Of Lora, Loch Lomond and The Trossachs National Park, where they might even spot the Scottish red deer!
As the train makes its way into Oban, the 15th-century Kilchurn Castle will emerge. The ruined structure is the remnants of the Campbells Of Glenorchy and Jacobite Rising.
Meanwhile, heading north to Fort William (or Mallaig), the historic carriage passes scenic spots including Ben Nevis and the Glenfinnan Viaduct, one of the filming locations for popular novel and movie series Harry Potter.
At an elevation of 100ft, the viaduct – set amid beautiful Scottish landscapes – also holds the record for the longest concrete railway bridge constructed in 1901.
