As travelers look for environmentally friendly options to flying, train travel is experiencing a resurgence in popularity. The increasing demand for scenic, leisurely journeys, luxurious rail services, and new overnight trains is reviving the notion of slow travel, combining nostalgia with eco-friendliness.
Trains are not just a means of getting to your destination, but an integral part of the journey. From the moment you board, you’re already on vacation, enjoying panoramic views, comfortable seating or even beds, and savory cuisine.
With the introduction of flexible and budget-friendly rail passes and a greater variety of ticket options than ever before, trains are moving closer to becoming as cost-effective as air travel.
Travel by train in Europe has experienced a significant increase in popularity, primarily due to environmentally aware Gen Z and Millennials who seek out eco-friendly, low-stress trips.
Overall, while planes have their benefits, such as speed and short travel times, they can't compare to the comfort, scenery, and environmental benefits offered by trains.
Flight bookings remain popular, but according to the railway booking website Rail Europe, there is a trend towards more environmentally friendly and laid-back travel options.
"Rail Europe is committed to making every journey stress-free, and we look forward to welcoming you on board," says Rail Europe CEO Björn Bender.
He emphasizes that night trains offer particular benefits to solo travelers, who appreciate the "savings on accommodation and travel time," whereas families and elderly travelers value them for their comfort and convenience.
"they are attracting those seeking more than just a point to point journey," Bender explains.
Moving forward, Rail Europe aims to simplify and make train travel more accessible. “Transparency in pricing and ease of booking are key requirements we are addressing,” he mentions.
New night train services and additional scenic routes are standout options, balancing practical considerations and a desire for slower, more environmentally friendly travel.
Here are some of the year's most impressive rail journeys.
The Glacier Express, Switzerland
Experience a breathtaking 8-hour spectacular in a scenic landscape.
As the train traverses through the mountains, the landscape constantly changes, gradually unfolding majestic peaks, profound valleys, and quaint alpine hamlets.
Thereafter, it ascends to the Oberalp Pass, the highest point of the route, which features breathtaking vistas.
On board, the emphasis is on comfort and quality. As for the cuisine, one can expect regional Swiss specialties and high-quality wines, providing a hint of gourmet elegance to the scenic passage.
The legendary Orient Express, a journey from the City of Light to the Istanbul Straits.
The revival of train travel has hinged on a longing for the elegance and grandeur of the rail industry's heyday.
One of the most significant developments is the revival of the Orient Express, a rail journey from Paris to Istanbul that crime author Agatha Christie has made famous.
From 2026, the Orient Express will invite travelers to relive the legend aboard 17 original Orient Express cars from the 1920s and 1930s.
These trains, once part of the ‘Nostalgia Istanbul Orient Express,’ have been meticulously restored and adorned with exceptional decoration.
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The Reunification Express, Vietnam
which connects Hanoi in the north to Ho Chi Minh City in the south
While no single train bears this official name, the route embodies the sentiment of unity, having its origins dating back to 1936 when the French completed the line.
Trains were temporarily discontinued in 1954 at the time of Vietnam's partition, resuming on December 31, 1976 as a representation of reunification.
Idyllic rice paddies, serene coastal towns, and breathtaking vistas that transform with every glance out the window.
As you travel on the local transportation, you are able to thoroughly indulge in Vietnamese snacks, converse with other fellow travellers, and immerse yourself in the lively atmosphere at each station stop.
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Described by Michael Palin as "one of the most beautiful rail journeys in the world," this 38-minute journey through Northern Ireland's misty landscapes is brief but breathtaking.
As the train leaves Derry/Londonderry and moves along the River Foyle's route, it passes through a scenic landscape with lush greenery before running along the Atlantic coast and passing by the golden beaches of Benone Strand.
The views are the main attraction of this hassle-free train, with the tracks passing beside one of Northern Ireland’s most pristine beaches.
makes an ideal stop for a beach picnic or a leisurely stroll through its quaint streets.
With dramatic seascapes and rolling countryside, this short route captures Northern Ireland's natural beauty in under an hour, demonstrating that extraordinary experiences don't require lengthy journeys.
For regular and frequent travel between Ella and Kandy, use the Local Train Services in Sri Lanka.
Described as one of the most scenic train rides globally, the well-known seven-hour trip from Ella to Kandy transports you through Sri Lanka's picturesque tea regions.
Undulating green plantations cover the landscape as the train progresses along the narrow tracks.
When selecting your train class, a variety of choices are available. Air-conditioned First Class (AFC) provides reserved seats and a cool temperature, but features no open windows, meaning you'll miss out on the experience of leaning out the doors - a timeless Sri Lankan train travel tradition.
For expansive views and a more local atmosphere, 2nd Class Reserved is a great choice, offering comfortable seats and a seat-space-only arrangement.
Feeling adventurous? Try 3rd Class Unreserved -having the same setup on board, but first-come, first-served seating adds to the mildly chaotic excitement!
Tickets for non-reserved seating classes are readily available; simply arrive at the station, purchase your ticket, and then board the affordable blue train at your convenience.
Rovos Rail, South Africa
Established in 1989 by South African entrepreneur and train enthusiast Rohan Vos, Rovos Rail has earned a reputation as one of the finest ways to travel slowly across southern Africa, providing a range of multi-day itineraries that highlight the continent's most breathtaking landscapes.
Namibia's stark yet desolate deserts, or Botswana's vast and expansive open grasslands.
Enter and discover a world of classic refinement. The train's compartments resemble a past era, showcasing polished wood, plush leather seats, and expansive suites that provide comfort and sophistication.
The dining car is ideal for dining, while the lounge car is perfect for relaxing and watching the scenery unfold.
The Rocky Mountaineer, Canada
They offer four scenic routes through Western Canada, the Canadian Rockies, and the American Southwest, where rugged alpine landscapes and wildlife can be experienced in a uniquely exclusive by-rail experience.
Consistently regarded as Canada's crowning achievement, the all-dome rail fleet exclusively operates during daylight hours, offering unobstructed sightseeing opportunities of far-reaching landscapes alongside outstanding customer service.
Each route offers a distinct experience, but the "First Passage to the West" stands out particularly.
This trail follows the historic paths of 19th-century pioneers and winds its way through towering mountains, swift rivers, and lush valleys.
The coaches with glazed covers surround you in a panoramic environment, while walk-out platforms on the outside enable you to approach the action even more closely.
Sights in the valleys to the dramatic waterfalls of the Fraser Canyon, every moment on board presents a new viewpoint.
The TranzAlpine, New Zealand
New Zealand’s TranzAlpine journey is a four-hour rail spectacle that spans across the South Island from Christchurch to Greymouth.
This area boasts some of the country's most stunning landscapes, characterized by sweeping plains, dramatic river gorges, glacial rivers, and the majestic snow-capped Southern Alps.
In generously open carriages, you have a unique connection to the surrounding landscape, and the commentary in your seat is automatically triggered by GPS, so you won't miss out on the tour's notable features.
Ffestiniog Railway, Wales
The heritage route traverses the stunning Eryri National Park (Snowdonia) with several sections.
Originally intended to transport blue slate from the quarries of Blaenau Ffestiniog to Porthmadog's harbour, this narrow-gauge vintage railway now offers passengers an excursion through Welsh heritage and scenery aboard the flagship The Mountain Spirit service.
Your incredible 21.7 km journey begins in the oceanfront town of Porthmadog, gradually ascending through lush meadows, dense woodlands, and glinting lakes up to Blaenau.
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