As travelers look for environmentally friendly alternatives to flying, train travel is experiencing a resurgence. The increasing demand for picturesque, leisurely trips, luxurious railway services, and new overnight trains redefine slow travel, combining nostalgia with eco-friendliness.
A train ride isn't just about reaching your destination, as it is an unforgettable experience. You feel like you're on vacation from the moment you board, thanks to the spectacular views, comfortable seating or sleeping accommodations, and the appealing food options available.
With the introduction of budget-friendly and adaptable rail passes and a greater variety of ticket options than ever before, trains are nearing the point of becoming comparable in cost to flights.
Rail travel in Europe has experienced a significant increase in popularity, mainly due to Gen Z and younger Millennials who are environmentally aware and value convenient, stress-free travel options.
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While air travel continues to hold its appeal, a trend is emerging towards environmentally friendly and stress-free travel alternatives.
“With more peace of mind, and it's great to enjoy a stress-free journey,” says Rail Europe CEO Björn Bender.
He emphasizes the appeal of night trains for solo travelers, who especially value the "savings on hotels and travel time," whereas families and older travelers find them comfortable and convenient.
“(...) attract people looking for more than just a simple point-to-point trip," Bender explains.
Looking ahead, Rail Europe is focusing on streamlining rail travel and making it more accessible. “Transparency in pricing and ease of booking are key demands we’re addressing,” he adds.
The addition of new night train services and more scenic routes provide commuter choices that balance practicality with a preference for slower, more eco-friendly travel.
Here are some of the top recommended rail journeys to take in the coming year.
The Glacier Express, Switzerland
Experience a spectacular 8-hour journey through a breathtaking landscape.
As the train travels through the mountains, the scenery changes steadily, gradually unveiling majestic peaks, profound valleys, and picturesque alpine villages along the way.
It then ascends to the Oberalp Pass, the highest point on the route, offering spectacular views.
Onboard, a focus is placed on comfort and quality. The cuisine includes regional Swiss specialties and quality wines, bringing a touch of gourmet sophistication to the scenic trip.
This iconic overnight train started its daily runs from Paris' Gare de l'Est to Strasbourg, a journey that took around 9 hours.
Is instrumental in reviving the appeal of train travel, drawing on the nostalgia for the sophistication and grandeur of the heyday of rail.
One of the most significant developments is the resumption of the Orient Express, a rail journey from Paris to Istanbul that crime writer Agatha Christie has brought to eternal fame.
From 2026, the Orient Express will welcome travellers to relive the legend onboard 17 authentic Orient Express cars from the 1920s and 1930s.
These vintage cars, formerly part of the "Nostalgie-Istanbul-Orient-Express," have been meticulously restored to their original grandeur, boasting exceptional décor and opulent furnishings.
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The Reunification Express, Vietnam
Connecting the northern city of Hanoi to the southern city of Ho Chi Minh City.
While no single train bears this name officially, the route embodies the spirit of unity, dating back to 1936 when the French completed the line.
Services resumed on December 31, 1976, marking a reunion after disruption commenced in 1954 during Vietnam's partition.
Picturesque rice fields, and serene coastal villages, with constantly shifting landscapes outside your window.
On the train, you can enjoy Vietnamese snacks at a leisurely pace, strike up conversations with fellow travelers, and notice the lively atmosphere at local train stations.
Journey from Derry/Londonderry to Coleraine, Northern Ireland
This trip, described by Michael Palin as "one of the most beautiful rail journeys in the world", takes you through Northern Ireland's misty landscapes in just 38 minutes but it is no less spectacular.
Following the River Foyle as it leaves Derry/Londonderry, the train moves into the picturesque, green countryside, before displaying the Atlantic coastline and the warm sandy shores of Benone Beach.
The scenic views are a major highlight of this hassle-free train journey, with the tracks passing alongside one of Northern Ireland’s most pristine beaches.
makes a perfect spot for a beach picnic or a leisurely stroll through its charming streets.
This short route captures Northern Ireland's stunning natural landscapes, including dramatic coastlines and rolling countryside, in under an hour - demonstrating that epic experiences don't depend on duration.
Sri Lanka's most popular train route is the Ella to Kandy train.
This seven-hour train ride from Ella to Kandy is considered one of the most picturesque journey in the world, passing through Sri Lanka's lush tea-covered countryside.
Winding through the countryside, the train chugs along, set against a backdrop of rolling hills blanketed with lush, undulating green plantations.
When it comes to selecting your class, numerous options are available. Air-conditioned Class offers reserved seats and a cool environment but no open windows, so you'll miss the experience of leaning out the doors, a traditional Sri Lankan practice for train travel.
For expansive views and a more regional ambiance, 2nd Class Reserved is perfect, featuring cozy seating and a stand-up free environment.
Feeling adventurous? Try 3rd Class Unreserved - same setup, but first-come, first-served seating adds to the lively and spontaneous character.
Tickets for trains without reserved seats are simple to secure; just head to the station, purchase a ticket, and board the affordable blue train at your convenience.
Rovos Rail, South Africa
Founded in 1989 by Rohan Vos, a successful entrepreneur from South Africa with a passion for trains, Rovos Rail has become renowned for its luxurious, multi-day journeys through southern Africa, providing a unique perspective on the continent's breathtaking scenery.
Its vast desert landscapes, or Botswana's expansive savannas.
Step inside and discover a world of vintage sophistication. The train's compartments bring back a bygone era, featuring refined woodwork, plush leather seats, and spacious apartments that combine comfort with luxurious style.
You may dine in style, while the swish lounge car is ideal for unwinding and gazing at the ever-changing landscape unfolding outside.
The Rocky Mountaineer, Canada
The train offers four scenic routes through Western Canada and the American Southwest, the Canadian Rockies, where rugged mountain landscapes and wildlife can be encountered exclusively by rail.
Regarded as Canada's highlight, the entirely domed rail service runs nonstop during the daytime, providing uninterrupted views of distant surroundings alongside peerless service.
Each route has its own distinct experience, but one of them, known as the "First Passage to the West", is particularly memorable.
It follows the historic paths of 19th-century pioneers and passes through mountain ranges, fast-moving rivers, and lush valleys.
The glass-domed coaches give you an immersive view of the scene, while outdoor viewing platforms enable you to get an up-close experience.
Sights in the valleys to the dramatic cataracts of Fraser Canyon, every instant on board offers a new outlook.
The TranzAlpine, New Zealand
New Zealand's TranzAlpine train ride is a four-hour scenic journey that spans the South Island, connecting Christchurch to Greymouth from coast to coast.
Some of the country's most striking natural settings, with rolling plains blending into river gorges, glacial rivers, and the snow-capped Southern Alps.
Open-air carriages offer an unparalleled link to the surrounding landscape, with GPS-activated in-seat commentary to ensure you don't miss the journey's most notable landmarks.
Ffestiniog Railway, Wales
It runs through the beautiful Eryri National Park, formerly known as Snowdonia.
Originally designed to transport blue slate from mines in Blaenau Ffestiniog to Porthmadog Harbour, this narrow-gauge historic railway now provides riders with a passage through Welsh history and natural landscapes aboard the flagship "The Mountain Spirit" service.
Your spectacular 21.65 km journey begins in the seaside town of Porthmadog, rising gradually through verdant fields, thick forests, and glistening lakes towards Blaenau.
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