All Aboard! Scenic Train Journeys to Take This February & March

Introduction

There’s a certain nostalgia to train journeys—the slow, rhythmic motion, the gentle hum of the tracks, and the unhurried way the world passes by. Unlike planes or cars, where speed is the priority, trains allow you to soak in the scenery at a more relaxed pace, making the journey just as enchanting as the destination. And what better time to experience this charm than in February and March, when winter’s final frost meets the first bloom of spring?

This time of year brings the best of both worlds—the beauty of lingering winter landscapes and the fresh promise of spring. Fewer crowds and crisp, clear skies add to the appeal, making it an ideal season to sit back, relax, and soak in breathtaking views. From luxurious heritage trains to rugged alpine routes, these journeys aren’t just about the destination but the experience itself.

Switzerland’s Most Stunning Train Journeys

Switzerland is a dream destination for scenic train journeys, offering a front-row seat to some of the most spectacular landscapes on Earth. Whether you’re gliding past glacial peaks, rolling meadows, or crystal-clear lakes, each route delivers an immersive experience at a pace that lets you truly take it all in. Here are some of the country’s most unforgettable train rides.

Glacier Express – The ‘Slowest Express Train in the World’

Also dubbed as the ‘Slowest Express Train in the World’, for those who believe train travel should be about the journey, not just the destination, the Glacier Express is a must. Connecting Zermatt and St. Moritz, this legendary route winds through the Swiss Alps, passing over 291 bridges and through 91 tunnels. Along the way, travellers can admire panoramic views of glaciers, the Matterhorn, deep valleys, and charming alpine villages. Fully covered by the Swiss Travel Pass, this is train travel experience at its finest.

Bernina Express – From Snowy Peaks to Mediterranean Charm

A true showcase of Switzerland’s diverse landscapes, the Bernina Express travels from Chur to Tirano in Italy. The route takes passengers through 55 tunnels, 196 bridges, and dramatic spiral loops, offering breathtaking train views of frozen lakes, alpine meadows, and even palm trees as the scenery shifts towards the Italian border.

GoldenPass Line – A Journey Through Time and Beauty

Spanning six Swiss cantons between Lucerne and Montreux, the GoldenPass Line is as much a historical experience as it is a visual delight. Switch between the ultra-modern GoldenPass Panoramic train and the Belle Époque carriages, reminiscent of the 1930s Orient Express. With rolling vineyards, snow-capped peaks, and fairy-tale villages along the way, this is one of the most enchanting train travel experiences in Switzerland.

Luzern–Interlaken Express – A Lakes and Mountains Spectacle

This journey offers ever-changing views of sparkling lakes, rolling green hills, and cascading waterfalls. Connecting Lucerne and Interlaken, the route perfectly captures Switzerland’s natural beauty in a way only a train journey can.

Gotthard Panorama Express – A Boat-and-Train Adventure

Combining rail and water travel, this unique route takes you from Lucerne to Lugano via a scenic boat ride across Lake Lucerne before transitioning onto a panoramic train. From rugged alpine landscapes to sun-soaked palm trees, the contrasts along this route make for one of Switzerland’s most unforgettable train rides.

Mount Rigi Cogwheel Railway – A Historic Ascent to Breathtaking Views

Dating back to 1871, this is one of Europe’s oldest mountain railways, leading passengers up Mount Rigi—known as the ‘Queen of the Mountains.’ The climb is rewarded with sweeping views of Lake Lucerne, alpine pastures, and the surrounding snow-capped summits. Fully covered by the Swiss Travel Pass, it’s a journey into history, nature, and awe-inspiring scenery.

Indian Train Journeys

India’s varied landscapes make train travel one of the most immersive ways to experience the country. Each journey offers a window into its changing scenery, unfolding at a pace that allows travellers to absorb their surroundings. From the rolling tea plantations of Darjeeling to the rugged slopes of the Nilgiris and the vast golden deserts of Rajasthan, these routes reflect the country’s geographical diversity. Many of these railways have a rich history, with century-old tracks and engineering marvels that continue to operate today. Whether passing through mist-covered mountains, crossing deep valleys, or winding through arid terrain, these train journeys offer a perspective that road or air travel cannot match.

Darjeeling Himalayan Railway (Toy Train):

A UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Darjeeling Himalayan Railway offers a train travel experience like no other. Covering 88 km between New Jalpaiguri and Darjeeling, this narrow-gauge railway ascends from 100 metres to 2,200 metres, passing through six zigzags and five loops. Along the way, travellers are treated to breathtaking train views of emerald-green tea estates, dense forests, and the snow-clad peaks of the Kanchenjunga range. The highest point of the journey, Ghoom, is India’s highest railway station, and the iconic Batasia Loop offers panoramic mountain vistas. Whether on a steam or diesel engine, every ride on the Toy Train is an unforgettable train ride steeped in nostalgia.

Nilgiri Mountain Railway:

Running from Mettupalayam to Ooty, this narrow-gauge railway climbs to 7,347 feet, making it one of India’s steepest rail routes. With its vintage steam locomotives and leisurely pace, the journey winds through thick forests, deep ravines, and rolling tea plantations, offering spectacular views of the Nilgiri Hills. Recognised as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, this railway is an engineering marvel, with tunnels and bridges that make the ride both thrilling and picturesque. Perfect for those seeking a tranquil escape, the Nilgiri Mountain Railway captures the timeless beauty of South India’s landscapes.

Jaisalmer to Jodhpur (Desert Queen):

For those enchanted by Rajasthan’s desert landscapes, the journey from Jaisalmer to Jodhpur on the Desert Queen train is nothing short of mesmerising. This six-hour ride takes travellers through an ever-changing canvas of golden sand dunes, xerophytic plants, and grazing camels. Scattered desert settlements, where locals in vibrant traditional attire go about their daily lives, add to the region’s rustic charm. More than just a mode of transport, this route feels like a long desert safari, offering some of the finest views of Rajasthan’s Thar Desert.

Train Journeys in Scotland

Scotland’s landscapes are nothing short of dramatic—rugged mountains, deep glens, shimmering lochs, and windswept coastlines create a breathtaking backdrop for some of the world’s most scenic train journeys. Whether crossing the iconic Glenfinnan Viaduct, winding through the Torridon Peaks, or skirting remote northern coastlines, these routes offer unparalleled views of Scotland’s wild beauty. Each journey tells a story—of ancient landscapes, rich heritage, and untamed wilderness. From steam-powered nostalgia to modern routes carving through remote terrains, Scotland’s railway network provides one of the best ways to explore its most spectacular regions. Hop aboard and let these train travel experiences transport you through the heart of Scotland’s breathtaking scenery.

West Highland Line:

The West Highland Line is one of Scotland’s most renowned scenic train journeys, running from Glasgow to Oban or Mallaig. The route takes passengers through the breathtaking landscapes of Loch Lomond and the Trossachs National Park, across the remote Rannoch Moor, and over the Glenfinnan Viaduct, famously featured in the Harry Potter films. This unforgettable train ride offers stunning views of lochs, mountains, and vast wilderness, making it a must for nature lovers and railway enthusiasts alike.

Far North Line:

The Far North Line offers one of the most remote train travel experiences in Scotland, stretching from Inverness to Thurso and Wick. This journey takes just under 4 hours and showcases dramatic landscapes, including rugged coastlines, rolling hills, and serene lochs. Wildlife enthusiasts may even catch glimpses of seals and dolphins along the northern shores. Passing through some of the country’s most unspoiled regions, this route captures the wild and untamed beauty of Scotland’s northernmost reaches.

Kyle Line (Inverness–Kyle of Lochalsh Line):

Connecting Inverness to Kyle of Lochalsh, the Kyle Line is a breathtaking railway journey that cuts through the heart of the Torridon Peaks and Highland scenery. As the train winds through mountain passes and moorlands, passengers are treated to views of deep valleys, tranquil lochs, and roaming red deer. The journey offers a perfect blend of scenic train travel and Highland adventure.

Strathspey Steam Railway:

For those seeking a nostalgic train travel experience, the Strathspey Steam Railway offers a unique ride through the Cairngorm Mountains. Running from Aviemore to Broomhill, this heritage railway covers a 10-mile stretch of stunning countryside, where passengers can enjoy views of wildlife, rolling hills, and historic railway stations.

The Skye Railway (Inverness–Kyle of Lochalsh Line):

Also known as the Skye Railway, this route takes passengers from Inverness on Scotland’s east coast through the rugged Highlands to Kyle of Lochalsh on the west coast. Highlights of this unforgettable train ride include the picturesque mountain village of Achnasheen and the charming seaside town of Plockton, known for its colourful boats and scenic harbour.

Scenic Train Journeys in Norway

Norway is a land where nature takes centre stage, offering an ever-changing spectacle of towering mountains, deep fjords, and expansive wilderness. Travelling by train unlocks a front-row seat to this breathtaking panorama, where every turn reveals a new masterpiece carved by time and nature. As the train winds through rugged peaks, plunging valleys, and pristine coastlines, passengers are immersed in Norway’s raw beauty without the rush of the road. Whether gliding past snow-dusted plateaus or hugging the edges of dramatic cliffs, each route tells its own story—one of ancient glaciers, roaring waterfalls, and picturesque villages nestled in the wild. For those seeking an unforgettable journey through one of the world’s most scenic landscapes, Norway’s railways promise an experience that is as mesmerising as it is serene.

Bergen Line

Widely regarded as one of the world’s most scenic rail journeys, the Bergen Line covers a seven-hour expedition across Norway’s diverse landscapes. Departing from Oslo, the train winds through lush valleys, dense forests, and glistening lakes, gradually climbing toward the country’s highest railway station at Finse. As the journey continues, passengers are treated to sweeping views of the Hardangervidda plateau and the imposing Hardangerjøkulen glacier, before descending into the vibrant coastal city of Bergen.

Flåm Line

One of Norway’s most celebrated train routes, the Flåm Line is a one-hour journey that delivers some of the country’s most dramatic scenery. This steep descent from the high-altitude station of Myrdal to the fjord-side village of Flåm takes travellers through sheer cliffs, deep ravines, and thundering waterfalls. Panoramic windows frame the striking Aurlandsfjord, offering an unmatched view of Norway’s rugged beauty.

Rauma Line

Known as one of Norway’s most scenic train journeys, the Rauma Line is a 1-hour and 40-minute ride through some of the country’s most striking landscapes. The train travels along the Romsdalen valley, passing the vertical Trollveggen rock face, Europe’s tallest vertical cliff. With panoramic windows enhancing the view, passengers can admire the towering peaks, the winding Rauma River, and the famous Kylling Bridge, a stunning stone railway bridge spanning the valley.

Conclusion

There is something about train travel that stays with you. The sound of wheels on the tracks, the slow change in landscapes, and the brief glimpses of life outside the window make the journey feel more real. Flights are quick, and highways can feel repetitive, but trains give you time to take in a place as it unfolds—its shifting seasons, quiet corners, and everyday scenes.

A holiday is not just about the destination. The journey matters, too. Whether passing through Norway’s fjords, the Swiss Alps, or India’s countryside, train travel brings a different kind of experience—one that should be part of your itinerary. It is a chance to sit back, watch, and take it all in at your own pace.

FAQs

Do I need to book tickets in advance for scenic train journeys?

Yes, it’s recommended, especially for popular routes like the Glacier Express, Bernina Express, and Indian heritage trains, as they tend to sell out quickly.

Are scenic train journeys suitable for families with children?

Yes, many scenic train routes offer family-friendly services, including spacious seating, dining options, and entertainment facilities.

Can I bring my own food and drinks on board?

Policies vary, but most trains allow passengers to bring snacks and non-alcoholic beverages. Some luxury trains provide full meal services.