7 of the Most Spectacular Winter Train Rides Around the World
People tend to have very strong opinions when it comes to winter travel, but we can all agree that a serene, snow-blanketed mountain range is the stuff of fairytales. What better way is there to enjoy panoramic views of a dramatic winter wonderland than from a cozy train cabin? These eight beautiful winter train rides showcase some of the most stunning landscapes in the world (even one without snow!), without exposing you to any harsh winter elements. What's more, many of these trains offer fine dining, luxurious suites and dedicated observation cars for you to take in all of winter’s raw beauty.
From the Peruvian Highlands to the scenic mountains of Japan, here are the scenic winter train rides to add to your travel bucket list.
Glacier Express: St. Moritz to Zermatt, Switzerland
When you imagine a dazzling winter train ride, the legendary Glacier Express in Switzerland is exactly what comes to mind. Dubbed the slowest express train in the world, the eight-hour journey takes travelers from the ritzy ski town of St. Moritz through the pristine peaks of the Swiss Alps on its way to Zermatt.
The natural beauty of the route absolutely shines in winter, allowing guests to traverse Switzerland’s prized snow-covered landscape at the foot of the Matterhorn peak, ascend the Oberalp Pass (the route's highest point at 2345 meters above sea level), get a glimpse of the Rhine Gorge, and pass through 91 tunnels and over 291 bridges.
The new Excellence Class ticket offers an unparalleled level of luxury on the classic ride with guaranteed panoramic and sky light window seats, a refined regional five-course menu with wine pairings, a dedicated concierge to offer exciting cultural anecdotes and access to the fully stocked Glacier Bar.
Aurora Winter Train: Anchorage to Fairbanks, Alaska
A trip to Alaska during the winter may seem a bit daunting, but there’s really no better place to experience Polar Express vibes than the Aurora Winter Train. On weekends from late September through mid-May, the route from Anchorage to Fairbanks brings passengers through snow-covered Alaskan scenery, and most importantly, offers the chance to see the neon-hued northern lights.
For the best chance at catching them, time your train ride for February or March when the route will add mid-week departures to accommodate fellow northern lights seekers. Onboard, all seats have large picture windows so you can try to spot moose and eagles along the way, but we suggest heading to a vista dome car for panoramic views of Denali, North America’s tallest peak.
Andean Explorer, A Belmond Train: Cusco to Arequipa, Peru
The two-night Peruvian Highlands journey between Cusco, the ancient Incan capital, and the volcano-framed city of Arequipa, is one of the highest train journeys in the world. The sleek Belmond train traverses the snow-capped Peruvian Andes during winter months, and the route offers the chance to enjoy a breathtaking view of Lake Titicaca at sunrise.
Belmond train journeys are known for evoking the golden age of train travel, and the Andean Explorer, the first luxury sleeper train in South America is no different. Alongside spellbinding landscapes, travelers can enjoy a semi-open observation car, the dedicated Picaflor Spa Car for Andean-inspired spa treatments, a Piano Bar lounge car and two dining carriages serving world-class Peruvian cuisine.
During the journey, guests will have the opportunity to hop off for a stargazing experience at Saracocha, a small town in Puno located 4,500 meters above sea level, and a stop to the Sumbay Caves, home to rock paintings dating back 8,000 years.
Rovos Rail African Trilogy Journey: Pretoria, South Africa to Walvis Bay, Namibia
Who says a winter train ride must include snow? Rovos Rail, a South African railway company, offers bespoke train journeys across the African continent through vast landscapes where you won’t see a speck of snow—even during the winter months. Their flagship tour (and their longest) is the 15-day panoramic African Trilogy journey across Southern Africa near the Indian Ocean in the east to the Atlantic coast in the west.
Through South Africa and Namibia, you’ll watch the region change from the golden bush plains near Kruger National Park to the lush green Valley of a Thousand Hills and eventually the rich, rust-hued sands of the Namib Desert. On such a long journey, taking multiple stops is key, and this route includes visits to a game drive in Hluhluwe Wildlife Reserve, a trip to the botanical gardens in Durban and a lodge stay surrounded by the rolling dunes of the Namib-Naukluft Park, among others.
The Ghan Expedition: Darwin to Adelaide, Australia
The Ghan is one of the most iconic rail journeys in the world and the only one where you can see the length of a continent on one trip. On a four-day, three-night journey on The Ghan Expedition route, you’ll watch some of the most remote landscapes of Australia between Darwin and Adelaide transform before your eyes.
Cotton candy streaked sunrises and sunsets are especially vibrant in the rugged Australian outback, particularly near Alice Springs where you’ll see Uluru (also known as Ayers Rock), a massive amber-colored sandstone rock formation considered sacred in Indigenous Australian culture. You may even spot Australian wildlife like kangaroos, wallabies and dingos as your train traverses land rarely touched by humans.
Upgrade to the Platinum experience for spacious suites with oversized windows on both sides of the carriage, an en-suite bathroom and four-course dinners with French Champagne and regional wines.
Tadami Line: Fukushima to Niigata, Japan
Zipping through the mountainous regions of Fukushima and Niigata, Japan, the Tadami Line is a scenic ride in all seasons, but the diverse landscapes are especially beautiful in winter. The 135 kilometer route was seriously damaged by torrential rains in 2011 and closed for 11 years before finally reopening to passengers in October 2022 at the wishes of the local community.
The journey passes ice-crusted trees as it crosses the frozen Tadami River, while running through the majestic Tadami River valley surrounded by towering mountains. Make sure to grab a window seat as the train crosses the Daiichi Tadami River Bridge, a purple arch bridge spanning over the Tadami River. In winter, its reflection on the glittering surface of the water surrounded by snow is a sight to behold.
Venice Simplon-Orient-Express, A Belmond Train: Paris to the French Alps
This December, the 1920s Art Deco-inspired Venice Simplon-Orient-Express, A Belmond Train will offer a new one-night journey from Paris to the French Alps, marking the first season the iconic train travels to the snow-capped mountain range. Guests will have the option to disembark in either Albertville, first city to host the Winter Olympics in 1992; Moutiers, the charming town that’s the gateway to the largest ski area in the world, Les Trois Vallées; or stay on until you reach Bourg-Saint-Maurice in the sweeping Tarentaise Valley.
Departing from Paris in the evening, guests will begin the journey in Bar Car '3674' for a round of cocktails while the pianist plays in the background before heading to one of the three dining cars for a feast of seasonal dishes designed by French Chef Jean Imbert. The following morning, travelers will wake to the enchanted scenery of the Savoie region and enjoy a multi-course brunch to refuel before an afternoon of skiing and alpine activities. Getting to the French Alps has never been so glamorous.
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