TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - Trains bring an essence of nostalgia with every glide of their steel wheels. From mountainous villages to golden shores and alpine landmarks, these most beautiful train rides in Europe are more than just a sit-out journey; they fill a yearning soul of peace.
Most Beautiful Train Rides in Europe
Both LonelyPlanet and Metro UK picked England’s Settle to Carlisle line and the Bernina Express as top contenders for the most beautiful train rides in Europe. Other dramatic journeys include:
1. Settle to Carlisle, England
England’s Settle to Carlisle line is undoubtedly the most beautiful train ride in Europe, offering idyllic views of preserved natural wonders and historic railway networks. Despite being excluded from the heritage railways, this line presents panoramic views across the national park, with countryside stations. Passengers can enjoy steam-hauled mainline services for a ticket price as low as £10.
Route: Settle to Carlisle
Distance: 73 miles
Duration: 1 hour 40 minutes
2. The Bernina Express, Switzerland and Italy
Switzerland and all its glacier-capped mountain belongings are always magical, making the Bernina Express easily slide its way to the list of the most beautiful train rides in Europe. The journey is both scenic and fulfilling, given the golden opportunities to gaze at crystal-clear lakes and endless lush forests through the windows. The route promises 55 tunnels and 196 bridges across the Alps, so befriending quantity villages is easy.
Route: Chur to Tirano
Distance: 96 miles
Duration: 4 hours 30 minutes
3. Le Petit Train Jaune, France
France is synonymous with elegance in every way possible, and its railway networks definitely are not ones to be left behind. Le Petit Train Jaune’s striking yellow carriages have witnessed endearing moments in the Pyrenees since 1910, earning them a nod from many travelers. While the journey does not scream luxurious, the scenic scenery of mountainous French alleys certainly pays off the trouble of a rollercoaster ride.
Route: Villefranche-de-Conflent to Latour-de-Carol
Distance: 39 miles
Duration: 4 hours 30 minutes
4. Belgrade-to-Bar Railway, Serbia and Montenegro
Passengers on the Belgrade-to-Bar Railway often hail it as one of the most beautiful train rides in Europe due to the once-in-a-lifetime experience this route offers. Disappearing into the Dinaric Alps, the carriages will soon teeter over river gorges and emerge to skim the tectonic lake towards Montenegro’s Adriatic Coast. With dramatic views all around the carriers, picture-perfect snapshots in the camera rolls are granted.
Route: Belgrade to Bar
Distance: 296 miles
Duration: 12 hours
5. Munich to Venice on the Brenner Railway, Germany, Austria, and Italy
As the first high-altitude train to cross the Alps, this line has provided excellent service since the 1860s. Passengers are taken on a marvelous journey through three countries: Germany, Austria, and Italy. On top of the snow-capped mountains in the windows, travelers are treated to a stunning sight of vineyard havens.
Route: Munich to Venice
Distance: 350 miles
Duration: 6 hours 30 minutes
6. The Heart of Wales Line, Wales and England
Considered one of the most beautiful train rides in Europe, the Heart of Wales Line catches the perfect scenery of becoming a treasured postcard. From the sand-edged estuaries of South Wales and farming towns to forest and hill country, this one-carriage train has all it takes to stay relevant.
Route: Swansea to Shrewsbury
Distance: 121 miles
Duration: 4 hours
7. Nova Gorica to Jesenice, Slovenia
Oftentimes, the Nova Gorica to Jesenice line is being overlooked within the discussion, but its status remains the same. Bearing the appeal of European ancient history, the Nova Gorica-Jesenice line connects two significant places in Slovenia. Thanks to the festive addition of upland highlights and mountain towns, the Alpine scenery of Lake Bohinj and Lake Bled is perfectly captured.
Route: Nova Gorica to Jesenice
Distance: 55 miles
Duration: 2 hours
8. Venice-Simplon-Orient-Express, Europe
Its accolade as the world’s most luxurious train has brought the route of these carriages to become a perennial favorite. As it winds through the iconic cities of London, Paris, Venice, and Verona, this luxurious train offers more than just stunning views. Each elegant carriage has its own onboard chef, serving up lavish feasts featuring delicacies like Brittany lobsters and prized Italian truffles, transforming every meal into a rolling gourmet celebration.
Route: European cities (Geneva-Rome-Paris)
Duration: 2 days
9. Bergensbanen, Norway
This railway network packs Norway’s incredible natural spectacles in one compact trip. Throughout the ten-hour journey, there are plenty of stunning sights, from rivers, and towering canyons, to fjords and icescapes. Blending the Norwegian nature into the backdrop of your picture is breezy and rewarding.
Route: Oslo to Bergen
Distance: 308 miles
Duration: 6 hours 30 minutes
10. The Centovalli Express, Switzerland and Italy
This journey traversing 83 bridges and 34 tunnels is considered one of the most beautiful train rides in Europe. Not only does it exceed expectations in terms of viewing experiences, but the Centovalli Express serves graceful views of striking waterfalls, hillside vineyards, glacier-carved ravines, and beech forests.
Route: Locarno to Domodossola
Distance: 32 miles
Duration: 2 hours
In a continent where every turn reveals a storybook scene, these most beautiful train rides in Europe offer far more than just transportation; they are immersive journeys into nature’s grandeur and human craftsmanship. For more unforgettable trips, check out the most beautiful train stations in the world here.
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