Traveling by train through Europe is one of those rare travel experiences, as it’s a form of slow travel while enjoying the views comfortably. And it’s not just about getting from one place to another, the actual trip is an adventure in itself! If you’re wondering where to find the most scenic train trips in Europe, this guide is for you.
1. Glacier Express – Switzerland
Let’s start with what’s arguably the most scenic train in Switzerland, and possibly the world. The Glacier Express is definitely not about speed; it’s famously called the slowest express train in the world. But that’s kind of the point.
Route: Zermatt to St. Moritz
Travel time: About 8 hours
Highlights: Matterhorn views, Landwasser Viaduct, Oberalp Pass
The Glacier Express slices through the Swiss Alps in full cinematic mode. You pass 291 bridges, 91 tunnels, and countless landscapes that look like they were designed by a perfectionist with a soft spot for snow-capped peaks and green valleys.
This train has panoramic windows that stretch up into the ceiling, which is super useful so you're not craning your neck to see the mountain tops.
Travel tip: Book a seat on the right side if you're heading east, and try to avoid cloudy days. Visibility is everything on this ride.
2. West Highland Line – Scotland
This one is for the rugged romantics. The West Highland Line is raw, dramatic, and quiet in the best way.
It starts in Glasgow, but the scenery really begins once the suburbs are behind you.
Route: Glasgow to Mallaig
Travel time: 5.5 hours
Highlights: Loch Lomond, Rannoch Moor, Glenfinnan Viaduct (yes, the Harry Potter one)
The train crosses desolate moors, sparkling lochs, and remote mountain passes. There are long stretches where there’s no road beside the tracks, which makes it feel like you're traveling through untouched wilderness.
And yes, the Glenfinnan Viaduct is just as magical in real life, even if there’s no flying Ford Anglia overhead.
Travel tip: Sit on the left side going northbound for the best views. If you're a photography nerd, keep your camera out around Fort William and Glenfinnan.
3. Bernina Express – Switzerland to Italy
Another Swiss gem, but this time with a cross-border twist. The Bernina Express runs from the mountains of eastern Switzerland into the warmth of northern Italy, descending nearly 1,800 meters without using a single cogwheel.
Engineering? Impressive. Views? Even better.
Route: Chur to Tirano
Travel time: 4 hours
Highlights: Morteratsch Glacier, Bernina Pass, Brusio Circular Viaduct
This route is part of a UNESCO World Heritage Site—and for good reason. It’s one of the most scenic train trips in Europe, especially because it moves from glacial heights to palm-tree-lined streets in the space of a few hours.
The descent into Italy feels like switching continents, all without boarding a plane.
Travel tip: You don’t need to buy a seat in the panoramic carriage—regular trains run the same route and have windows that open (great for glare-free photos).
4. Cinque Terre Train – Italy
Short, sweet, and spectacular. The train that connects the five villages of Cinque Terre isn’t long or luxurious, but what it lacks in comfort, it makes up for with coastal views that genuinely slap.
One minute you're in a dark tunnel, the next you're looking straight out over the Ligurian Sea.
Route: La Spezia to Levanto (stopping at Riomaggiore, Manarola, Corniglia, Vernazza, Monterosso)
Travel time: Around 30 minutes (but you’ll stop and explore along the way)
Highlights: Clifftop villages, terraced vineyards, dramatic coastlines
This is a different kind of journey, as it’s not about staying on the train, but using it as a hop-on-hop-off to explore one of the most iconic stretches of Italian coast. The sea is on your left heading north, and when the sun hits it right, it basically turns into a glitter bomb.
Travel tip: Avoid rush hours and weekends if you want space to breathe. And bring your swimsuit. You’ll want to jump in.
5. Flåm Railway – Norway
Possibly Europe’s steepest normal-gauge railway, the Flåm Railway takes you from high mountain plateaus straight down to a fjord. It’s a relatively short ride, but every minute is packed with drama - waterfalls, tunnels, and almost vertical descents.
Route: Myrdal to Flåm
Travel time: About 1 hour
Highlights: Kjosfossen waterfall, Aurlandsfjord, valley views
You start off in snow and end up surrounded by green forests and mirror-like water. The train moves slowly enough to let you take it all in, and there's even a short stop at a waterfall where a mysterious music-and-dance performance sometimes happens (yes, it's weird, but it's part of the charm).
Travel tip: Sit on the right side going downhill. Myrdal connects to the Oslo-Bergen line, so you can combine this with one of the best long-distance scenic routes in Norway.
