Back

Europe's most magical train rides

Iconic rail journeys worth the trip

All aboard for the Best. Holiday. Ever! If the words “train travel” conjure up dreary commuter chaos, it’s time to recalibrate your imagination. In Europe and the UK, trains aren’t just a way to get from A to B, they’re part of the adventure. You’ll wind past glaciers and castles, sleep under starry skies, sip champagne in wood-panelled luxury, and chug through landscapes so beautiful they belong in a storybook.

Whether you’re a slow travel convert or chasing that once-in-a-lifetime bucket list moment, these iconic Europe rail journeys will make you fall in love with the journey itself.

Glacier Express, Switzerland

The slowest express train in the world (and proud of it).

Switzerland’s Glacier Express isn’t about getting there fast. It’s about soaking in every second. Travelling between Zermatt and St Moritz, this legendary red train ambles through the Alps in all their jaw-dropping glory. Picture snowy peaks, dizzying viaducts and deep pine valleys. The journey takes around 8 hours, which is just enough time to indulge in a three-course lunch, sip local wine and get lost in the view from the panoramic windows.

The Bernina Express is an iconic experience. Image credit: Railbookers

Bernina Express, Switzerland

A UNESCO-listed wonder and a must-do for mountain lovers.

If you only take one train in Switzerland, make it the Bernina Express. Linking Chur with Tirano in Italy, it’s an alpine marvel that crosses the iconic Landwasser Viaduct and climbs to glacial heights before dipping into palm-lined villages. It’s one of five trains we think you shouldn’t miss when in Switzerland – the others include the GoldenPass Line, Gotthard Panorama Express, Luzern-Interlaken Express and the Glacier Express. All deliver that “is this real life?” feeling.

The Orient Express

Old-school glamour at its finest.

Step aboard the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express and you’re stepping into a golden age of travel. This isn’t just a train; it’s a time capsule of 1920s luxury, with vintage cabins, fine dining, white-gloved service and an atmosphere that whispers of art deco soirées and love affairs at high speed. Most famously running between Paris and Venice, it’s a dreamy way to celebrate a special occasion or just live out your Agatha Christie fantasy (without the murder, obviously).

Nightjet sleeper train, Vienna and beyond

Fall asleep in Austria, wake up somewhere magical.

Austrian Rail’s Nightjet service is a gamechanger for European travellers. Want to wake up in Venice? Rome? Amsterdam? Berlin? Just book your cosy sleeper berth in Vienna, doze off under your blanket and let the rhythmic rocking of the train carry you into a new country. It’s sustainable, romantic and efficient… the kind of slow travel that doesn’t waste a minute.

Royal Scotsman, Scotland

A Highland fling on rails.

Whisky in hand, plaid blanket on your lap, and a castle appearing round the bend… the Royal Scotsman redefines rugged luxury. Travelling through the wild Scottish Highlands, this train feels more like a five-star country house on wheels. Expect gourmet dinners, onboard spa treatments, and off-train excursions to lochs, distilleries and grand estates. It’s Scotland at its most scenic, sumptuous and soul-stirring.

Harry Potter fans will recognise this view. Image credit: Visit Scotland/Kenny Lam

The Jacobite Steam Train, Scotland

Hogwarts magic with Highland views.

Better known to Potterheads as the Hogwarts Express, this heritage steam train puffs its way from Fort William to Mallaig across the famous Glenfinnan Viaduct (yes, that bridge). But you don’t need a wand to be spellbound - the views of lochs, mountains and coastlines are magical enough. You’ll feel like you’ve stepped into a movie… because you kind of have.

Our hottest picks 4

Cairngorms National Park Scotland © Visitscotland & Kenny Lam

Dugald Stewart Monument Edinburgh © Visitscotland & Kenny Lam

Mealt Falls Isle Of Skye - Scotland © Visitscotland & Richard Elliot

SELF-DRIVE

Scotland

The Classic Scotland Self Drive

8-Day itinerary

Self drive

Breakfast daily

from

$ 2865

per person share twin. Flights are additional

Explore

Edinburgh Military Tattoo ©Visitscotland & Kenny Lam

ROYAL MILITARY TATTOO

Scotland

The Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo

2 Nights

Military Tattoo ticket

Sightseeing

Breakfast daily

from

$ 1679

per person share twin. Flights are additional

Explore

TOWER OF LONDON ENTRANCE

2 DAY HOP-ON HOP-OFF BUS

London

Taste of London

4 Nights

Sightseeing

Breakfast daily

from

$ 1409

per person share twin. Flights are additional

Explore

JACOBITE STEAM TRAIN INCLUDED

Scotland

Complete Scotland by Rail

9 Nights

Rail travel

Sightseeing

Explore

Ready to start your rail journey?

Let’s make it happen!

Explore all

More Europe Blogs

Destination spotlight: France is full of little pleasures

Whether you’re chasing culture in the cities, bliss by the coast, or pure countryside calm, France will always have you saying encore, s’il vous plaît.

Business, Premium, Suites: What it’s really like flying up the front

Flying up front comes with big benefits beyond the seat.

The perks that turn flying into part of the holiday

A trip to Europe is always exciting, but the journey itself can be just as memorable.

Best stopover flights from New Zealand to Europe

Why rush through your journey to Europe when you can add another adventure along the way?

Cheap flights to Europe: Why the lowest fare isn’t always the smartest

Low fares often hide extra fees because budget tickets can exclude essentials like checked baggage, seat selection or meals.

How to travel around Italy?

Europe's most magical train rides

Whether you’re a slow travel convert or chasing that once-in-a-lifetime bucket list moment, these iconic rail journeys will make you fall in love with the journey itself.

Living like a local

This is about heartbeats not highlights — getting your hands doughy in an Italian kitchen, hearing old village stories over a pint, or wandering a backstreet in Portugal that’s not even on Google Maps.

Jewels of Southern Europe

From secret fjords to seaside feasts and sunken relics, discover the southern gems of Europe before the rest of the world catches on.

Up-and-Coming Corners of Europe

Beach lovers or history buffers? Early risers or night crawlers? No two travellers are the same. Except for the one question posed by all those who travel. So where to next?

UK and Europe: Taking the scenic route

Find your sea legs or hang on to your land legs. Discover Europe by wheel, rail or sail.

Cruising in a Winter Wonderland

Sail through Europe’s storybook towns, where twinkling lights, mulled wine and magical markets make for the ultimate Christmas escape.

Italy: Food, Glorious Food!

If you’re heading to Italy, come hungry. From silky carbonara in Rome to truffle-dusted risotto in the north, these are the bites worth booking your flights around.

Cruise: The HOT List

Here’s what’s making waves in the world of cruise holidays right now

Small groups big adventures

Delve into rich cultures, histories and cuisine with a fully-coordinated guided tour. Professionally led and planned to perfection, you're in great hands.

Our favourite River Cruises

River cruising is for everyone! Whether you've done it before, or it's your first time. Here's a list of our favourite river cruises to inspire your next holiday.

On a Solo'ish adventure

Got an inner urge to get out and explore, but none of your travel buddies can make it happen? One big misconception is that you must be single if you’re travelling alone.

The roads best travelled in Europe

We believe Europe is best discovered along its tiny lanes and scenic coastal roads. House of Travel Johnsonville’s Danny Hooper picks four of his favourite roadies.

Milestone celebration holiday ideas

Whether you’ve got a big birthday coming up, planning a 3G holiday (aka a fun trip with three generations), or making the most of your family time before the kids head out into the world, we’ve got you covered!