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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

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Edinburgh Military Tattoo ©Visitscotland & Kenny Lam

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