The most scenic train journeys in the world

Kandy to Ella - Sri Lanka

The train ride from Kandy, the second largest city in Sri Lanka, to the village of Ella (also known as Elle) takes around seven hours. However, the views are so incredible you’ll probably wish it lasted longer. The mesmerising 121km journey travels through tea plantations, rice fields, forests, waterfalls and mountains, so it’s no surprise that it’s often named the most beautiful train journey ever. And while voyages such as these can often come with a hefty price tag, this trip will only set you back around a tenner. Remember, Sri Lanka Railways tickets aren’t available to buy online, so you can either purchase them from the station on the day you’re travelling or buy a seat in a reserved car from an agency - such as Visit Sri Lanka tours. 

Douro Line - Portugal

Travelling on the Douro Line is another very special experience. It was built in the late 19th century, and riding across it on the historic steam train is the most memorable ways to see Douro River Valley in Portugal. The route, which takes around an hour and a half, runs from Porto to Pocinho and crosses 30 bridges and 26 tunnels. It also offers some incredible views of the Douro wine region. Then, a stop at the famous Pinhão railway station gives you an opportunity to take in the gorgeous blue-and-white glazed tiles, called azulejos. This is hugely popular with visitors to the region.

Madrid to Seville - Spain

While Spain has plenty of scenic train rides to choose from, the journey from Madrid to Seville is definitely one of its finest. The 530km route, which takes two and a half hours, kicks off in the capital at Atocha Station. It then whisks those on board across Andalusia, travelling through the beautiful city of Cordoba, before setting down in Seville. Passengers can travel on either AVE, Altaria or Alvia trains. There's usually one every hour, so you can plan an itinerary that suits you. Online bookings for each service are available through renfe.com.

Maharajas' Express - India

When it comes to scenic and luxurious train journeys, India’s Maharajas' Express is in a class of its own. It’s won The World's Leading Luxury Train title four times in a row at the World Travel Awards, and also happens to be one of the most expensive train journeys ever. But if you’re prepared to fork out a few thousand pounds, you’ll be treated to some breath-taking views of India. The Maharajas Express runs on five different circuits. The rides on offer include a four-day journey which runs through Delhi, Agra, Ranthambore and Jaipur. Then there’s the seven-day Indian Splendour trip, which will take you through the before mentioned destinations as well as Bikaner, Jodhpur and Mumbai. It also includes a stopover at the Taj Mahal, as well as a visit to the to the largest dinosaur fossil park in the world in Balasinor.

The Blue Train - South Africa

There’s travelling in style, and then there’s travelling on the Blue Train. Known as a five-star hotel on wheels, this ridiculously swish train makes its way through the 994 miles between Cape Town and Pretoria in 27 hours. It also showcases some of South Africa’s most striking scenery, including the Karoo desert and Table Top mountain. There’s also a short stop in the town of Matjiesfontein in the Karoo on the northbound journey, while the diamond-mining town of Kimberley is the stopover on the journey back. But while the backdrop is definitely a sight to behold, the service on board is as top notch as the views. Passengers have access to an on call butler 24 hours a day, as well as some of the finest wines in the region.

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