There’s so much more to travel than simply getting from point A to point B. It’s about savouring the journey itself, and few modes of transport capture that sense of discovery quite like a scenic rail adventure. Travelling by train invites you to relax in comfort while the world unfolds outside your window. Sweeping landscapes, vibrant cities, and charming towns glide by, turning the journey into an experience where every mile reveals something new.
In celebration of this timeless way to explore, here are five of the world’s most unique train experiences:
The Belmond Andean Explorer
Peru
The Belmond Andean Explorer offers a rare opportunity to experience the quiet villages and dramatic peaks of the Peruvian Andes in unhurried comfort. Choose between one or two nights onboard, then settle into elegant sleeper cabins as you journey between some of Peru’s most iconic destinations. Routes typically run between Cusco and Arequipa, with time to visit Lake Titicaca and the colourful port city of Puno along the way.
Your time onboard includes thoughtful touches like Peruvian textiles and a dining menu inspired by regional flavours. In the evenings, live piano music creates a relaxed, easy-going atmosphere.
Rovos Rail
South Africa
Step aboard Rovos Rail in Pretoria or Cape Town and enjoy wood-panelled carriages as you pass sweeping grasslands, vineyards, and mountain ranges. The classic route between Pretoria and Cape Town blends city views with long, peaceful stretches of quintessential South African countryside.
For something more adventurous, the three-night journey to Victoria Falls adds dramatic scenery and a chance to explore en route, including wildlife viewing in Hwange National Park.
Victoria Express Train
Vietnam
The Victoria Express Train offers relaxed, refined travel between Hanoi and the mountain town of Sapa. During the overnight journey, you’ll have plenty of time to settle in, dine, and watch the North Vietnam countryside — from quiet villages to terraced hillsides — roll past your private cabin window.
Reserved exclusively for guests of the Victoria Sapa Resort & Spa, the train provides a seamless and scenic introduction to one of Vietnam’s most romantic regions.
The Ghan
Australia
The Ghan offers a legendary transcontinental journey from Adelaide to Darwin, crossing the heart of Australia’s Outback. From desert plains to the MacDonnell Ranges, each mile reveals the distinct landscapes and remote settlements that define the region.
The journey includes stops in Alice Springs, where you can explore local culture and natural landmarks, and Nitmiluk Gorge further north, with opportunities to experience the Northern Territory’s dramatic scenery up close.
Meals in the dining car highlight regional flavours, paired with carefully selected wines, transforming this long, winding route into a luxurious adventure.
Palace on Wheels
India
The Palace on Wheels delivers a taste of India’s royal heritage as you travel through North India. The seven-night adventure begins in New Delhi and makes its first stop in Jaipur, where pink-hued architecture and lively streets set the tone for what’s ahead. Each day brings a new city to discover and a chance to delve into local stories, traditions, and the rich culture of Rajasthan.
Onboard, the train features two dining cars serving traditional dishes, along with a spa salon offering Ayurvedic treatments — a memorable way to experience the spirit and history of India on the move.
Unique Train Rides to Remember
Wherever your travels take you, these journeys prove that the experience itself can be just as unforgettable as the destination. From the high peaks of the Andes to the wild expanses of the Australian Outback, each route offers a different way to see the world at a pace that invites you to fully absorb every moment.
When you’re ready to plan a rail holiday, Hayes & Jarvis’ experts are here to help. Whether it’s a luxurious overnight cabin, a multi-day expedition through remote regions, or an itinerary that pairs rail travel with enriching local experiences, we’ll design a journey that’s entirely your own.
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Written by: Kat Barber
Posted in: Touring and exploring
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