Rail Journeys Around the World Worth Your Money
Look, I’m going to be completely straight with you: flying is a chore. It’s middle seats, recycled air, and a frantic rush to a gate that’s inevitably at the other end of the terminal. But a real rail journey? That’s not transportation. That’s a time machine.
It’s 2026, and "Slow Travel" has officially moved from a niche trend to the only way to travel without losing your mind. I’ve spent a lot of money—and a lot of hours—on tracks across five continents. Some were "once-in-a-lifetime" mistakes, but these four? These are the ones actually worth the dent in your savings account.
1. The Alpine Dream: The Bernina Express, Switzerland
If you have one day in Europe and want to see everything the continent is famous for—glaciers, palm trees, ancient viaducts—this is it. It’s a four-hour run from Chur to Tirano, and it’s a UNESCO World Heritage site for a reason.
Reality check:
You’ve seen the photos of the big panoramic windows. They’re stunning, but let me tell you what the brochures don’t: those windows don't open. If you’re a photographer (or just want the wind in your face), don't book the fancy panoramic car. Instead, hop in the regular "regional" carriages at the end of the train. You can pull the windows down, hear the gears grind as you hit the 7% grades, and get the perfect shot of the Landwasser Viaduct without the glass glare.
Pro tip:
In 2026, a 2nd-class ticket is about CHF 73 if you use a Swiss Half Fare Card. It’s the best "bang for your buck" rail trip in the world. You go from snowy alpine peaks to the Italian border where people are literally sipping espresso in the sun. It’s a total head-trip.
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2. The Great Outback: The Ghan, Australia
This is the big one. Darwin to Adelaide. It’s three days across the "Red Center" of Australia, and it feels like you’re crossing another planet.
What I didn't expect:
The food is better than most five-star restaurants I’ve been to in Sydney. I’m talking grilled kangaroo, saltwater barramundi, and local wines that keep flowing the entire time. It’s all-inclusive, which is lucky, because by day two, you’ll be doing a lot of "tasting."
The truth about the price:
Let’s be real—it’s expensive. You’re looking at around $3,600+ AUD for a Gold Service cabin. But here’s the thing: it includes your meals, your drinks, and "Off Train Experiences" like a helicopter ride over Katherine Gorge or a sunset dinner in the middle of the desert. When you factor in that you aren't paying for hotels or food for four days, the math actually starts to make sense.
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3. The Glass-Topped Wonder: Rocky Mountaineer, Canada
This is the "First Passage to the West" route from Vancouver to Banff. Unlike most long-haul trains, this one doesn't have sleeper cars. Why? Because the scenery is too good to miss at night. They put you up in luxury hotels at every stop.
I learned this the hard way:
Pay for the GoldLeaf service. I tried to save money once with the SilverLeaf, and while it was fine, I spent the whole time looking up at the GoldLeaf passengers in their bi-level glass-dome cars with total envy. In GoldLeaf, you have a private dining room downstairs and a 360-degree view upstairs.
Real talk:
The train moves slowly. This is not for people who are in a rush to get to the Rockies. It’s for people who want to spend two days drinking mimosas while watching grizzly bears and bald eagles from a heated seat. Expect to pay about $2,300+ CAD in the shoulder season (April/October 2026) to avoid the mid-summer price hikes.
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4. The 1930s Glamour: Eastern & Oriental Express, Southeast Asia
This train runs through Malaysia and into Singapore, and stepping on board feels like you’ve been cast in an Agatha Christie novel. It’s all cherry-wood paneling, silk upholstery, and stewards in white gloves.
Why it’s aesthetic:
The observation car at the back of the train is open-air. Sitting there with a gin and tonic while the jungle of Malaysia brushes past the sides of the train is the most "main character" I have ever felt. In 2026, they’ve even added a Dior Spa car, which is just peak decadence.
The catch:
You have to dress up. This isn't a "flip-flops and shorts" kind of train. If you don't like packing a blazer or a cocktail dress, you’re going to feel out of place. It’s about the theater of travel as much as the destination.
Which One Is For You?
- If you’re on a budget: Bernina Express. It’s a day trip that feels like a week of sightseeing.
- If you want a "Cruise on Wheels": The Ghan. Everything is handled, from your luggage to your desert excursions.
- If you want the best views: Rocky Mountaineer. That glass dome is unbeatable.
- If you want romance: Eastern & Oriental. It’s pure, old-world glamou
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