There’s never been a better time to explore the world by rail.
Here are 13 of the most scenic train journeys around the world, from Japan to the United Kingdom.
In San Diego, visitBalboa Parkmuseums or dine in Little Italy or the Gaslamp Quarter.
Credit: Courtesy of TranzAlpine
Dine or enjoy a cocktail at Traxx while you wait to board for your next adventure.
The Jacobite Steam Train runs from April to October, and purchasing tickets in advance is recommended.
The train cars themselves are part of the fun, adding to the vintage feel of train travel.
Courtesy of Amtrak
The daily departure time is 9:30 a.m., and the trip takes two hours and 15 minutes.
Opened in 1961 after several decades of construction, the train crosses 37 bridges and passes through 86 tunnels.
The landscape includes rugged terrain, mountains, gorges, deep ravines, and even agricultural areas.
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A few tips: Book your trip in advance or use a tour company to arrange your visit.
When heading eastward, sit on the right side of the train for the best views.
Beacon is a walkable artist community offering galleries, boutiques, and the Dia Beacon contemporary art museum.
Courtesy of the Napa Valley Wine Train
These includeBoscobelin Garrison,KykuitinSleepy Hollow,Springwoodin Tarrytown, theVanderbilt Mansionin Hyde Park, andLocust Grovein Poughkeepsie.
Check tour hours before stopping, and for the best views, sit on the trains left heading north.
The two-hour trip begins in Cairns and passes scenery that includes trees, waterfalls, mountains, and ravines.
Courtesy of Grand Canyon Railway
In Kuranda, guests can shop for locally made art and handicrafts or stop at a cafe.
A bird aviary, butterfly sanctuary, and reptile park are other attractions.
Historic Kuranda Station, over 100 years old, is part of the experience, too.
Courtesy of Copper Canyon
Glacier Express, Switzerland
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Thistraintravels betweenZermattandSt.
Moritz, Switzerland, through the Swiss Alps with breathtaking views of mountains, streams, and quaint towns.
The trains panoramic windows make viewing easy, and headphones are provided for narration.
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Reclining seats, panoramic windows, and skylights make the ride comfortable and rewarding.
The cafe offers food, snacks, beer, wine, and spirits.
Heading to Greymouth, the best views are on the right side of the train.
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Ella is a hill country village, worth exploring before you board or when you arrive.
Kandy, located in central Sri Lanka, is larger with sacred Buddhist shrines and scenic Kandy Lake.
From Kandy, the better views are on the right side.
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Tickets are available at train stations throughout the country, and the schedule can be checkedonline.
Pick from four-day, three-night or two-day, one-night journeys that begin and end in Hakata.
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Courtesy of Rocky Mountaineer
Hirokazu Fukushima/Courtesy of Kyushu Railway Company
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