Ever stared at a travel show’s lush landscapes or bustling cityscapes and thought, “I could totally go there—if only I had a car”? What if I told you that some of the most breathtaking destinations featured on your favorite travel TV shows are actually accessible by train, no rental keys or parking permits required? Imagine trading in traffic jams for panoramic windows, swapping GPS confusion for rhythmic train tracks, and arriving at your destination with a story already half-told. But here’s the twist: while the journey might be scenic, the real challenge isn’t the ride—it’s choosing which adventure calls to you first. So, let’s embark on a rail-bound odyssey through 10 TV-worthy destinations you can reach by train, where the only thing faster than the locomotive is your wanderlust.
1. The Swiss Alps: Where Peaks and Pastries Collide
Picture this: a crisp morning in Interlaken, the scent of fresh alpine air mingling with the aroma of warm croissants drifting from a nearby bakery. The Swiss Alps aren’t just a postcard-perfect backdrop—they’re a living, breathing dreamscape you can step into via the GoldenPass Line. This scenic route winds through emerald valleys, past mirror-like lakes, and under towering peaks like the Eiger and Jungfrau. The challenge? Resisting the urge to hop off at every station just to snap a photo of a cow wearing a bell. Pro tip: Book a seat on the upper deck for unobstructed views of the Lauterbrunnen Valley, where waterfalls cascade like silver threads against limestone cliffs.
2. Kyoto’s Serene Streets: A Train Ride Through Time
Kyoto, with its vermilion gates and moss-draped temples, feels like a scene plucked from a Studio Ghibli film. But here’s the kicker: you can arrive by train without ever touching a steering wheel. The Shinkansen (bullet train) whisks you from Tokyo to Kyoto in under two and a half hours, depositing you in a city where tradition and modernity coexist like old friends at a tea ceremony. The real test? Navigating the labyrinthine alleys of Gion without mistaking a geisha for a tourist in a kimono. Don’t miss the Sagano Scenic Railway, a slower, more intimate ride along the Hozu River, where autumn foliage turns the landscape into a watercolor painting.
3. The Amalfi Coast: Cliffside Drama Without the Cliffhanger
Italy’s Amalfi Coast is the kind of place that makes travelers weep—literally. Steep cliffs, pastel villages clinging to the shore, and the Tyrrhenian Sea shimmering below. The secret? You can reach this coastal masterpiece by train, thanks to the Circumvesuviana line from Naples to Sorrento, followed by a ferry to Positano or Amalfi. The challenge isn’t the journey; it’s choosing between squeezing into a packed train or splurging on a first-class seat with a view. Once there, the real dilemma is whether to devour a plate of lemon-infused spaghetti or spend an hour just staring at the horizon, wondering how such beauty exists.
4. The Canadian Rockies: A Symphony of Snow and Pine
Canada’s Rockies are the kind of landscape that makes you question whether you’re still on Earth or inside a David Attenborough documentary. The Canadian (VIA Rail’s flagship train) cuts through this wilderness like a hot knife through butter, offering glass-domed cars that frame peaks like the Victoria Glacier and the Spiral Tunnels. The challenge? Deciding whether to gawk at the scenery or nap in your cozy berth as the train hums through Banff National Park. Pro move: Time your trip for fall, when the larch trees turn golden, painting the valleys in hues that defy description.
5. The Scottish Highlands: Mist, Myths, and Midnight Sun
There’s something deliciously eerie about the Scottish Highlands—rolling moors, crumbling castles, and legends of clans and ghosts. The Caledonian Sleeper train from London to Fort William or Inverness is your golden ticket, whisking you north in a blur of tartan and whisky-fueled camaraderie. The challenge? Resisting the urge to disembark at every tiny station just to say you’ve “been there.” Don’t miss the Jacobite Steam Train (yes, the one from the Harry Potter films) for a detour to Glenfinnan Viaduct, where the train crosses a 100-foot-high bridge against a backdrop of misty lochs.
6. The Norwegian Fjords: Where Waterfalls Are the Main Attraction
Norway’s fjords are nature’s skyscrapers—towering cliffs plunging into icy waters, waterfalls cascading like silver ribbons, and villages so picturesque they look Photoshopped. The Bergen Line is a 470-mile journey from Oslo to Bergen, offering views that will make your camera beg for mercy. The challenge? Choosing between the comfort of your seat or the thrill of standing on the observation deck, wind whipping your hair as the train hugs the edge of a cliff. Pair this with a fjord cruise, and you’ve got a trip that’s equal parts adrenaline and awe.
7. The Trans-Siberian Railway: The Ultimate Bucket-List Journey
If life is a story, the Trans-Siberian Railway is its epic prologue. Stretching from Moscow to Vladivostok (or Beijing, if you take the branch line), this 5,772-mile odyssey is the world’s longest train ride—a rolling continent where time zones blur and landscapes shift from European charm to Siberian vastness. The challenge? Deciding what to do when you’re stuck on a train for a week: learn Russian from your compartment neighbor, attempt to cook instant noodles without burning the carriage down, or just stare out the window in stunned silence. Pro tip: Pack a deck of cards and a sense of adventure.
8. The Blue Train of South Africa: Luxury on the Move
South Africa’s Blue Train isn’t just a mode of transport; it’s a five-star moving palace. From Pretoria to Cape Town, this opulent locomotive offers butler service, gourmet meals, and views of the Karoo’s golden plains and the dramatic Hex River Pass. The challenge? Resisting the urge to treat it like a floating hotel and actually explore the destinations. Don’t miss the stop in Kimberley, where you can visit the Big Hole, a gaping diamond mine that’s a stark reminder of the earth’s hidden treasures.
9. The West Highland Line: Scotland’s Most Scenic Detour
If the Scottish Highlands had a highlight reel, it would be the West Highland Line from Glasgow to Mallaig. This route is a masterclass in drama: lochs reflecting the sky, viaducts stretching like ribbons, and the iconic Glenfinnan Viaduct (yes, again—it’s that good). The challenge? Keeping your eyes open long enough to take it all in. Pro move: Sit on the right side of the train for the best views of Ben Nevis, the UK’s highest peak, looming in the distance.
10. The Ghan: Australia’s Outback Odyssey
Australia’s The Ghan is more than a train—it’s a rite of passage. From Adelaide to Darwin, this legendary locomotive cuts through the heart of the Outback, where red deserts stretch to infinity and the night sky is a canvas of stars. The challenge? Surviving the 54-hour journey without losing your mind (or your sense of humor). But when you step off in Alice Springs and see the MacDonnell Ranges glowing in the sunset, you’ll realize it was worth every mile. Bonus: The onboard fine dining is so good, you’ll forget you’re in the middle of nowhere.
