All aboard for 10 of the world’s most epic train journeys
From cross-continental epics to slow travel branch lines, these rail-based adventures make the journey an experience in itself.
10 epic train journeys
1. Shonan Monorail, Japan
This short but mighty danglebahn (a train suspended from the rail above it) offers a thrilling 6.5-kilometre route for Tokyo and Yokohama residents (and visitors) heading for the beaches, baths
and parks around Enoshima. If Japan’s too far for a dangle, try Shonan’s twin sister in Wuppertal, Germany.
2. The Skeena (Prince Rupert to Jasper), Canada
In a country of stunning rail journeys, this is the tip of the moose’s antlers. An unbeatably scenic two-day adventure through the Rockies, with a Prince George stopover to maximise daylight sightseeing.
Unbelievably scenic? Aboard the Skeena. Photo: Facebook
You might like
3. The Sunset Limited, US
A true American epic, The Sunset Limited makes a thrice-weekly pilgrimage from New Orleans to Los Angeles via San Antonio, Tucson and Phoenix. It crosses five states in 48 hours, brushes the Mexican border and once beyond the southwest and into California its terminus is just a taxi ride from the Pacific.
4. Septemvri-Dobrinishte, Bulgaria
Amble off the main line between Sofia and Plovdiv to tackle this venerable narrow-gauge route: Part tourist service, part local lifeline. Expect spiralling ascents and dizzying views climbing up as high as Avramovo – at 1267 metres, it’s the highest station in the Balkans.
The famous narrow-gauge route between Septemvri and Dobrinishte, Bulgaria. Photo: Pexels.com
5. Cuba’s changing railways
New rolling stock has sped up services and improved reliability, comfort and facilities on the main Havana-Santiago de Cuba line. On other stretches, including the iconic Hershey Line, the unpredictably old-school experience is all part of the fun.
6. Bentham Line, England
This near-secret railway runs from Leeds in Yorkshire, to Morecambe, on the Lancashire coast. Enjoy the Bentham Line a scenic day out in itself, or use it as a gateway to cosy pub stays and walks in the Yorkshire Dales National Park from Clapham and Giggleswick stations.
Stay informed, daily
7. Montpellier-Perpignan, France
Fast TGVs (high-speed trains) from Paris to the south of France unfussily slow down and hug the coastline, particularly while passing Béziers and Narbonne. Sit on the left if heading ‘down’ France for Mediterranean views and to spot flamboyances of flamingos in the seaside saline waters.
The French town of Béziers is worth slowing down for. Photo: Unsplash
8. The Karwar Express, India
After sampling the craft beer and coffee-fuelled delights of Bengaluru (Bangalore), a trip on the Karwar Express is the perfect preparation for some languid downtempo beach life in Gokarna. It takes just over 15 hours to travel through and enjoy 711 kilometres of tropical greenery, in particular the section of rolling hills between Sakleshpura and Subramanya.
9. Le Train du Desert Iron Ore, Mauritania
Arguably travel’s filthiest frontier, to ride on the Train du Desert through the Mauritanian Sahara, from Zouérat to Nouadhibou, is to endure a day and a night in the open, travelling on a pile of freshly mined mineral dust. There is a seated car, but that’s not really the point. Seek and heed local advice.
10. Brasov–Ploiesti, Romania
This scenic section of the longer train journey from Budapest to Bucharest travels through evocative Carpathian forests, home to bears, hiking trails and castles. The area contains Romania’s best-known ski resorts too – which is where, in winter, most of your fellow passengers will be headed.
This list is taken from Lonely Planet’s Best in Travel 2025 ($32.99 RRP). shop.lonelyplanet.com
