For a holiday unlike any other, you can’t beat a scenic train journey and the UK has one of the most beautiful in the world. The experts at Titan Travel tours analysed Tripadvisor reviews, ticket prices, and rail route stops for the world’s most scenic train routes, revealing the ultimate bucket-list rail journeys and one famous Scottish journey has made the list.
For lovers of the Harry Potter films, this journey will look familiar. The Jacobite Steam Train has been ranked the 9th most picturesque rail journey in the world, and the best in the UK. The Glenfinnan Viaduct is the most iconic landmark along the route, offering stunning views of the Glenfinnan Monument and the waters of Loch Shiel.
Famous for its prominent appearance in the Harry Potter films, the viaduct has earned the Jacobite the nickname ‘The Hogwarts Express.’
Based on views alone, it takes the second spot globally, with over 1,245 TripAdvisor reviews praising its breathtaking scenery.
On the global list, the most beautiful train journey is India’s Himalayan Queen.
Running from Kalka to Shimla in India, this gorgeous trip takes the top spot as the world’s most picturesque rail journey, scoring 7.35/10.
This charming ‘toy train’ ride winds through breathtaking valleys, snow-capped Himalayas, and vibrant villages—all for a bargain price of just £2 for standard travel and £4 for premium.
With 378 Tripadvisor reviews praising its stunning scenery, it’s an unmissable experience for train lovers and adventurers alike.
In third place is the Bernina Express scoring 7.10/10 for its jaw-dropping Alpine views. This legendary Swiss route boasts a 4.5/5 Tripadvisor rating, with 580 reviews describing its postcard-perfect scenery. The panoramic carriages ensure every twist through the Alps is a breathtaking sight.
If you want to explore the top ten most beautiful train rides in the country the full list is below
The 10 most picturesque rail journeys in the world:
Rank | Rail name | Country | Tripadvisor reviews that mention views | Tripadvisor review score /5 | Standard cost to travel route (GBP) | Premium cost to travel route (GBP) | Difference between standard and most expensive ticket | Number of stops | Picturesque rail journey score (/10) |
1 | The Himalayan Queen | India | 378 | 4.5 | £2.47 | £4.43 | 79.25% | 12 | 7.35 |
2 | The Bernina Express | Switzerland and Italy | 580 | 4.5 | £58.96 | £100.95 | 71.21% | 25 | 7.10 |
3 | Kuranda Scenic Railway | Australia | 961 | 4.5 | £28.18 | £55.84 | 98.18% | 6 | 6.76 |
4 | Sagano Railway | Japan | 101 | 4 | £4.51 | £4.51 | 0.00% | 4 | 6.30 |
5 | Alaska Railroad Aurora Winter Train | USA | 587 | 4.5 | £393.07 | £393.07 | 0.00% | 16 | 6.13 |
6 | The Darjeeling Toy Train | India | 81 | 3.5 | £13.06 | £13.99 | 7.14% | 12 | 6.01 |
7 | The Bergensbanen | Norway | 748 | 4.5 | £28.00 | £202.00 | 621.43% | 22 | 5.97 |
8 | TranzAlpine | New Zealand | 1,027 | 4.5 | £115.79 | £232.03 | 100.40% | 9 | 5.84 |
9 | The Jacobite Steam Train | Scotland | 1,245 | 4.0 | £69.00 | £425.00 | 515.94% | 26 | 5.63 |
10 | Tokaido Shinkansen | Japan | 28 | 4.5 | £94.87 | £124.52 | 31.25% | 17 | 5.55 |