If you are looking for amazing scenic train rides in Europe, check out these 12 journeys!
Traveling by train is my favorite way to see Europe. Europe has efficient high-speed train networks, scenic routes, all offering a comfortable and stress-free way to explore. Train travel makes the journey easy and lets you relax and enjoy the views.
These scenic train rides in Europe range from short journeys to all-day experiences and even a luxurious 24-hour trip. Swiss mountains to Norwegian fjords, German vineyards, and the Scottish highlands are just a few of the scenic journeys on our list!
Whether you’re planning your first train adventure in Europe or looking for the best Christmas train itinerary, you’ll find the perfect ride here.
12 Incredible Scenic Train Rides In Europe
1. Glacier Express – Switzerland
The Glacier Express takes about 8 hours to travel from Zermatt to St. Moritz, crossing 291 bridges and 91 tunnels. It’s often called the window to the Alps. If you don’t have a full day, you can ride just a part of the route.
On this scenic train ride, you will see alpine chalets and travel into the valley of the Rhône before the route begins its dramatic climb to the Matterhorn.
A highlight of the trip is crossing the Oberalp Pass, the highest point, where the train uses a cogwheel to climb. The views are stunning, with frozen lakes in winter and green meadows in summer.
The train then winds through the Rhine Gorge, known as the Swiss Grand Canyon, and finishes in St. Moritz, which is famous for its luxury resorts and some of the most beautiful towns in Switzerland. You can choose the first or comfort class, or opt for the Excellence class with fine dining and wine.
Book Glaicer Express: HERE
2. Bernina Express – Switzerland to Italy
The Bernina Express takes about 4 hours (with 25 stops) to travel from Chur in Switzerland to Tirano in Italy. After riding, it is easy to see why this train ride is on the UNESCO World Heritage List!
On the first leg from Thusis and Tiefencastell, alpine valleys and thick forests dominate the view.
After reaching St. Moritz, the train climbs toward the Bernina Pass, the highest railway crossing in the Alps without a tunnel. The scenery here is breathtaking.
You’ll pass glaciers near Morteratsch and ride through the open landscapes of Lago Bianco before the line begins its descent.
The most famous sight is the Brusio Circular Viaduct, where the train loops in a full circle to handle the steep drop in altitude. Soon after, the Swiss landscape gives way to the Italian countryside with vineyards and cypress trees.
Book Bernina Express: HERE
3. West Highland Line – Scotland
The Scottish Highlands has one of the most scenic European Train journeys. It is voted as one of the most scenic journeys in the World!
Starting in Glasgow, the 5-hour West Highland Line runs to Mallaig on the rugged Scottish coast. And best of all, you can follow along on the journey with an audio guide! After leaving the city, the train rolls past the gentle hills of Loch Lomond, then the scenery becomes more wild with moorlands, bogs, and rolling hills.
As you head towards Oban, you will see no roads, no villages, just endless wilderness. The final stretch toward Mallaig passes Fort William, where you’re greeted with views of Ben Nevis, the UK’s tallest mountain.
Harry Potter fans will recognize the Glenfinnan Viaduct before the train continues along the coast to Mallaig, where ferries connect to the Isle of Skye, one of the fairy tale places in Europe to visit! Be sure to check our tips for making the most of your Scotland trip.
Book the West Highland Railways: HERE
4. Belgrade-to-Bar Railway, Serbia and Montenegro
For couples looking to explore Eastern Europe and want a dramatic yet scenic train ride, the almost 300-mile journey across the Dinaric Alps takes about 12 hours! It is one of the most underrated and cost-effective scenic train rides in Europe on our list.
The ride takes you from the capital city of Belgrade along the Adriatic Coast, known for its pristine yet uninhabited landscapes, and then the train heads to the Dinaric Alps.
As you pass through engineering marvels of over 400 bridges, the Mala Rijeka Viaduct is stunning! When you cross 200 meters above the gorge, rugged mountains, deep valleys, and a turquoise river below await.
Before finally descending into the Montenegrin coastline. The train offers views of Lake Skadar, the largest in Montenegro, as well as the Mediterranean coastline of the Adriatic Sea, with small fishing villages. Sit on the left side for unrivalled views!
Book Montenegro Express: HERE
5. Flam Railway – Norway
The Flam Railway in Norway makes the list of the most stunning train rides in Europe. The Flam Railway connects the fjord-side village of Flåm with the mountain station of Myrdal in about an hour.
Departing from Flåm, the train immediately begins its climb from sea level into the surrounding cliffs. The first stretch winds through the Flåm Valley, where farms cling to steep hillsides and waterfalls tumble down sheer rock faces.
Halfway through, the train makes a short photo stop at Kjosfossen waterfall. Step off onto a platform right beside the roaring falls to take a photo, with mist spraying your face.
The final climb to Myrdal is steep and winding, with tunnels carved directly into the mountains. Myrdal connects to the Bergen Line, so many travelers pair this journey with the longer Oslo to Bergen ride. But for those with limited time, this Flam Railway is a true highlight of Norway in 60 minutes!
Book Flam Railway: HERE
6. Cinque Terre Local Train – Italy
The Cinque Terre train is technically just a local commuter line, but the stretch between La Spezia and Levanto offers some of the most stunning of the Italian Coast. From March to November, you must have a Trenitalia Cinque Terre Ticket Fare to travel inside the park.
Each of the five villages: Monterosso, Vernazza, Corniglia, Manarola, and Riomaggiore only a few minutes apart, with trains running every 10–20 minutes in high season. Check out the best things to do in Cinque Terre!
Most of the ride takes you through tunnels blasted into the cliffs, but the moments when the track emerges, the views over the sea are magical.
Traveling between all five villages takes under 30 minutes total. Jump off at any of the local villages, head to the beach, grab lunch, or enjoy a hike! I highly recommend getting a Cinque Terre card that includes access to the park, as well as train travel!
We have all the tips on what to pack for your trip to Cinque Terre!
Book Cinque Terre Local Train: HERE
7. Rhine Valley Train – Germany
The Rhine Valley train between Mainz and Koblenz takes about 90 minutes and follows the Rhine River almost the entire way. It is one of my favorite scenic train rides during the summer.
Departing from Mainz, you’ll pass vineyards and riverside villages before reaching towns like Bingen and Rüdesheim, famous for their wine culture and architecture! Where half-timbered houses and cobbled streets of fairytale German villages.
As the train winds along the left bank of the Rhine, you’ll spot castle after castle perched above the water that can be easily viewed from the train windows.
The route ends in Koblenz ( a UNESCO World Heritage Site), where the Rhine meets the Moselle River at the Deutsches Eck monument.
With such a short ride time, you can easily do this as a day trip and combine train stops with river cruises for the ultimate Rhine Valley experience. A bonus not to miss is the Koblenz Cable Car!
Book Rhine Valley Train : HERE
8. Mariazell Railway – Austria
The Mariazell Railway is an electric train that travels from St. Pölten to Mariazell in 3 hours. The historic narrow-gauge train winds through forests and river valleys, offering a slower-paced, more nostalgic experience.
Leaving St. Pölten, the train begins in relatively flat countryside before gradually climbing into the foothills of the Alps. Stops like Laubenbachmühle mark the transition from farmland to mountains.
One of the highlights is the Wienerbrück Reservoir, where the turquoise water mirrors the surrounding peaks. In autumn, this stretch is picture-perfect with golden foliage.
The journey ends in Mariazell, Austria’s most famous pilgrimage town, home to the Mariazell Basilica. For the ultimate experience, make sure to book one of the four panoramic train cars!
Book Mariazelle Train: HERE
9. The Train to Montserrat – Spain
The Montserrat train departs from Barcelona’s Plaça d’Espanya station and takes just over an hour to reach the base of the mountain. The ride begins in the city before passing through Catalonia’s smaller towns, where the peaks of Montserrat suddenly rise in the distance.
At Monistrol de Montserrat, you’ll transfer to the rack railway (or take the cable car) that climbs dramatically up the mountainside. This 15-minute segment features stunning scenery of jagged peaks surrounding you.
The journey ends at Montserrat Monastery, perched 720 meters above sea level. From here, funiculars can take you even higher for panoramic views of Catalonia. While the train portion is short, the combined experience feels like a layered adventure.
For those who want to experience it all and SAVE money, purchase the Trans Montserrat Card that includes the railway and cable car journey and access to the Black Madonna and basilica! We have you covered with all the packing tips to make the most of your trip to Spain!
Book Montserrat Train: HERE
10. Bergen Line – Norway
The Bergen Line connects Oslo and Bergen in about 7 hours, making it one of Europe’s most spectacular long scenic train rides!
From Oslo, the train passes through rolling farmland and forests before climbing steadily into the mountains. At the midpoint of the journey in Finse, you reach the highest station in Norway! With snow year-round (and ski towns), glaciers are visible right from your window.
The desolate Hardangervidda plateau is windswept, stark, and unforgettable. Descending toward Bergen, the scenery shifts dramatically from stark and snowy to green and lush!
Pass through waterfalls cascading down cliffs, fjords, and charming wooden homes across the valley. By the time you arrive in Bergen, you’ll feel like you’ve traveled through every landscape Norway offers!
Book the Bergen Train: HERE
11. GoldenPass Line – Switzerland
The GoldenPass Line links Montreux on Lake Geneva with Interlaken in about 3 hours. Starting in Montreux, the train climbs steeply above the lake, offering views of vineyards and the water below.
Stops along the way include Château-d’Oex and Gstaad, both classic (and expensive!) Swiss resort towns. As the train continues, the scenery shifts from vineyard to alpine meadows with snowy peaks. The panoramic windows make it easy to take in every view.
The journey ends in Interlaken, one of my favorite towns in Switzerland. Wedged between Lake Thun and Lake Brienz with the towering Jungfrau mountains as a backdrop, it is the perfect town for adventure and water enthusiasts.
Compared to the Glacier Express, the GoldenPass feels more intimate and is easier to squeeze into a shorter Swiss trip. If travelling during winter or Christmastime, and you can splurge for Premier class, the heated seats are divine!
Book Golden Pass Line: HERE
12. Venice Simplon-Orient-Express – Luxury Across Europe
The Venice Simplon-Orient-Express is not for those who enjoy quick train rides. This route is for those celebrating a special occasion or a honeymoon, looking for a luxurious, scenic train ride in Europe that transports you to a glamorous past era of travel!
On this ride, the classic routes run from Paris to Venice, taking about 24 hours, with stops in cities like Innsbruck and Verona. Each leg offers views of changing landscapes, from the French countryside to the Swiss Alps to the Italian lakes.
The train is luxury ( with a price tag to match!), with restored 1920s carriages, polished wood interiors, and white-tablecloth dining for those looking for an upscale, memorable trip.
The staff serves meals as the scenery rolls past, and live piano music often fills the bar car. Overnight, you’ll retire to your private cabin, which has been transformed into a cozy bedroom.
Book Belmond Orient Express: HERE
Tips for Enjoying these Scenic Train Rides in Europe
Book far in advance for peak travel season (summer time or Holiday season), especially for the Glacier Express, Bernina Express, as these can sell out months in advance! And don’t forget your seat reservations on certain routes, even if you have a railpass or tickets!
Choose your cabin, and research what is included with each ticket. On many journeys, first-class or Premier cabins have larger seats and panoramic windows, and also include meals. But, if booking in economy, you can purchase food in the bar or restaurant car, or pack a picnic!
Sitting on the correct side of the train, depending on the direction, can make a HUGE difference in your view! If you are doing a round-trip journey, I suggest booking alternate sides of the train. On the Rhine Valley line, the left side when heading south is best, while on the Belgrade-Bar, the left side showcases mountain views!
The beauty of these scenic train rides in Europe is that they are not just about getting from one city to the next! Instead, the journey showcases the landscapes of mountains, coastlines, fjords, seaside cliffs, and more while you sit back, relax, and let the world be showcased outside your window!
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