The 7 Best Scenic Train Routes in Europe
Europe is a dream destination for train lovers—and for good reason. The continent boasts a diverse network of railway lines that cut through towering mountains, trace sunlit coastlines, and glide past medieval towns. If you’re looking for unforgettable landscapes, all from the comfort of a train window, you’re in for a treat.
In this guide, we’re showcasing seven of the most scenic train routes across Europe. These aren’t just ways to get from A to B—they’re journeys worth savoring in their own right.
The 7 Best Scenic Train Routes in Europe
From snowy alpine crossings to coastal cliff rides, each route below is chosen for its visual drama, cultural richness, and journey experience.
1. The Glacier Express (Switzerland)
The Glacier Express is famously known as the “slowest express train in the world.” Running between Zermatt and St. Moritz, it takes you on an eight-hour ride across Switzerland’s most breathtaking landscapes. Expect deep valleys, high bridges, and the 2,033-meter-high Oberalp Pass.
This route is best enjoyed from the panoramic cars, which offer wide-angle views of snow-dusted peaks and charming alpine villages.
| Route | Zermatt to St. Moritz |
| Duration | ~8 hours |
| Scenery | Alps, gorges, viaducts |
| Highlight | Landwasser Viaduct |
| Travel Tip | Book Excellence Class for meals + window seating |
| Best Time | Winter for snow, summer for green valleys |
| Booking | Advance reservation required |
| Price | 160 USD / 148 EUR |
2. The West Highland Line (Scotland)
Famous for crossing the Glenfinnan Viaduct (aka the “Harry Potter bridge”), the West Highland Line stretches from Glasgow to Mallaig. This remote Scottish journey winds through wild moors, lochs, and rugged mountains.
It’s an ideal route for those seeking cinematic scenery and historic charm.
| Route | Glasgow to Mallaig |
| Duration | ~5.5 hours |
| Scenery | Highlands, lochs, viaducts |
| Highlight | Glenfinnan Viaduct |
| Travel Tip | Sit on the left side heading north |
| Best Time | Summer for longer daylight |
| Booking | ScotRail or BritRail pass |
| Price | 40 USD / 37 EUR |
3. The Bernina Express (Switzerland–Italy)
This route climbs up and over the Bernina Pass without a cogwheel, making it one of the highest rail crossings in Europe. It connects Chur in Switzerland to Tirano in Italy and is recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage site.
Along the way, passengers see glaciers, turquoise lakes, and spiral viaducts. It’s one of the most dramatic train journeys on the continent.
| Route | Chur to Tirano |
| Duration | ~4 hours |
| Scenery | Glaciers, lakes, high alpine terrain |
| Highlight | Brusio Spiral Viaduct |
| Travel Tip | Combine with the Glacier Express |
| Best Time | Any season – snow or sun |
| Booking | Panoramic reservations suggested |
| Price | 75 USD / 69 EUR |
4. The Cinque Terre Express (Italy)
Though short in duration, this ride offers access to one of Italy’s most stunning coastlines. The Cinque Terre Express links the five cliffside villages along the Ligurian Sea between La Spezia and Levanto.
The tunnels between towns occasionally reveal sudden views of bright blue sea, terraced vineyards, and pastel-colored houses clinging to rocky cliffs.
| Route | La Spezia to Levanto |
| Duration | ~25 minutes |
| Scenery | Coastal cliffs, sea views |
| Highlight | Manarola and Vernazza views |
| Travel Tip | Use Cinque Terre Card for unlimited rides |
| Best Time | Spring and fall |
| Booking | Regional Trenitalia ticket |
| Price | 6 USD / 5.5 EUR |
5. The Flåm Railway (Norway)
This 20-kilometer route descends from the high-altitude station at Myrdal to the fjord town of Flåm. It’s one of the steepest railways in the world without a rack-and-pinion system.
Riders pass cascading waterfalls, wooden farmhouses, and deep green valleys. This ride is often part of the Norway in a Nutshell tour.
| Route | Myrdal to Flåm |
| Duration | ~1 hour |
| Scenery | Waterfalls, fjords, valleys |
| Highlight | Kjosfossen Waterfall stop |
| Travel Tip | Pair with a fjord cruise |
| Best Time | Spring for waterfall volume |
| Booking | NSB/Vy or tour providers |
| Price | 50 USD / 46 EUR |
6. Rhodope Narrow-Gauge Railway (Bulgaria)
This little-known journey winds through Bulgaria’s Rhodope Mountains. It’s the last operating narrow-gauge railway in the country and offers a window into the rural heart of the Balkans.
Think pine forests, quiet villages, and a sense of timeless slowness—ideal for off-the-beaten-path travelers.
| Route | Septemvri to Dobrinishte |
| Duration | ~5 hours |
| Scenery | Forests, rivers, villages |
| Highlight | Avramovo – highest station in Balkans |
| Travel Tip | No reservations, buy ticket on board |
| Best Time | Autumn for golden foliage |
| Booking | BDZ (Bulgarian State Railways) |
| Price | 5 USD / 4.5 EUR |
7. The Rauma Line (Norway)
This short ride from Dombås to Åndalsnes packs a scenic punch. It travels through the Romsdalen valley and offers epic views of the Trollveggen (Troll Wall), Europe’s tallest vertical cliff face.
It’s a compact route that’s ideal for day trips or pairing with hikes in Norway’s rugged heartland.
| Route | Dombås to Åndalsnes |
| Duration | ~1.5 hours |
| Scenery | Valleys, cliffs, alpine rivers |
| Highlight | Trollveggen and Kylling Bridge |
| Travel Tip | Daylight hours are essential |
| Best Time | Summer or early autumn |
| Booking | Vy.no or rail passes |
| Price | 30 USD / 28 EUR |
Why Travel by Train in Europe
These train routes aren’t just pretty rides—they offer a way to travel more sustainably, more mindfully, and more connected to the landscapes you move through. Unlike flying or highway driving, rail lets you see the terrain unfold, town by town.
They’re also cultural experiences. Whether it’s dining aboard the Glacier Express or chatting with locals on Bulgaria’s narrow-gauge line, these journeys help travelers understand the places they’re passing through.
Real-Life Tip
Don’t underestimate how much planning can enhance the ride. Booking a specific seat with a great view, choosing the right time of year, or even packing a small picnic can turn a good trip into an unforgettable one.
And always bring a backup charger—few things are worse than running out of power just as the best view appears around the bend.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Here are a few things many travelers get wrong when riding Europe’s scenic trains:
- Assuming you don’t need a reservation – popular routes often require one.
- Overlooking pass surcharges – not all rides are fully covered by rail passes.
- Booking for speed, not views – some “express” trains are designed to be slow and scenic.
- Forgetting seasonality – daylight hours and weather affect visibility.
Takeaway
Europe’s scenic train routes offer far more than transport—they’re immersive travel experiences in their own right. With a bit of planning, these journeys can be among the most memorable parts of your trip.
Pick your route based on your interests—mountains, coastlines, culture—and get ready to ride in comfort with a front-row seat to Europe’s natural beauty.