Rockies, coastlines and big-sky country
North America
Scenic rail journeys across Canada and the United States — the Rocky Mountaineer, Amtrak’s great long-distance routes, and more.
View North America guidesThe World’s Most Beautiful Train Journeys
Honest, in-depth guides to scenic rail travel — which side of the train to sit on, when to go, and how to book the journey of a lifetime.
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Where will the rails take you?
Alpine passes and storybook valleys
Europe
Europe’s legendary panoramic trains — the Glacier Express, the Bernina Express, and the continent’s most beautiful rail routes.
View Europe guides Five-star hotels on rails
Luxury Trains
The world’s most indulgent rail experiences — the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express, the Royal Scotsman, and journeys where the train is the destination.
View Luxury Trains guides Fresh from the observation car
Latest journey guides
Luxury Trains
Venice Simplon-Orient-Express: What the Ticket Really Buys You
Art Deco carriages, black-tie dinners and a bill to match — an honest guide to the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express, cabin categories explained, and how to do it without regrets.
Europe
Glacier Express Guide: Riding the Slowest Express Train in the World
Eight hours, 291 bridges and 91 tunnels between Zermatt and St. Moritz — how to book the Glacier Express, whether Excellence Class is worth it, and the cheap local-train secret.
North America
Rocky Mountaineer Review: Is the Famous Glass-Dome Train Worth It?
A complete guide to the Rocky Mountaineer — routes compared, GoldLeaf vs SilverLeaf, the best season to travel, and honest advice on whether it justifies the price.
North America
Amtrak Coast Starlight: The Best-Value Scenic Train in America
Seattle to Los Angeles for the price of a dinner out — where to sit, whether a roomette is worth it, and the stretches of the Coast Starlight you must not sleep through.
Europe
Bernina Express: The Alps’ Most Spectacular Four Hours
From glaciers to palm trees in a single afternoon — a practical guide to the Bernina Express, the UNESCO-listed line from Chur to Tirano, and why it may beat the Glacier Express.
Luxury Trains
The Royal Scotsman: A Country-House Party Through the Highlands
Just 40 guests, dinner-party dining and whisky in the observation car — what to expect from Belmond’s Royal Scotsman, which itinerary to pick, and who this train suits best.
Why trust us
Real research, plain advice
We spend our time studying timetables, seating charts and traveller reviews so you don’t have to. Every guide tells you the best season, the best side of the train, and what the fare really includes — before you spend a penny.
About Scenic Railway Tours