The Best Scenic Train Journeys for Travelers

 

🚂 Introduction: Why Train Travel is the Best for Budget Travelers

Train journeys offer a relaxing, scenic, and budget-friendly way to explore new destinations. Unlike flights, trains let you soak in the views, travel comfortably, and experience local cultures without the stress of airport security.

In this guide, we’ll cover:
✔ The most scenic & affordable train routes worldwide
✔ How to save money on train tickets
✔ Tips for making the most of your train journey

Let’s get on track! 🚆🌍

🌄 7 Most Scenic & Affordable Train Journeys in 2025

1️⃣ The Reunification Express – Vietnam 🇻🇳

✅ Route: Hanoi → Ho Chi Minh City
✅ Duration: ~34 hours (or shorter segments)
✅ Why It’s Special: Coastal views, rice paddies, and mountain landscapes
✅ Budget Tip: Book soft seats or hard sleepers instead of luxury cabins

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2️⃣ The Glacier Express – Switzerland 🇨🇭

✅ Route: Zermatt → St. Moritz
✅ Duration: 7.5 hours
✅ Why It’s Special: Stunning views of the Swiss Alps & charming villages
✅ Budget Tip: Travel in off-season months (April & October) for cheaper tickets

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3️⃣ The Darjeeling Himalayan Railway – India 🇮🇳

✅ Route: New Jalpaiguri → Darjeeling
✅ Duration: 7 hours
✅ Why It’s Special: A UNESCO-listed toy train with breathtaking tea garden views
✅ Budget Tip: Second-class seats offer the same views at a lower price

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4️⃣ The West Highland Line – Scotland 🇬🇧

✅ Route: Glasgow → Mallaig
✅ Duration: 5.5 hours
✅ Why It’s Special: Famous Harry Potter train route over the Glenfinnan Viaduct
✅ Budget Tip: Use a Scottish Rail Pass for discounted fares

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5️⃣ The Copper Canyon Railway – Mexico 🇲🇽

✅ Route: Chihuahua → Los Mochis
✅ Duration: 16 hours
✅ Why It’s Special: Mexico’s Grand Canyon with breathtaking cliffs & waterfalls
✅ Budget Tip: Take the local train (Chepe Regional) for cheaper fares

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6️⃣ The Trans-Siberian Railway – Russia 🇷🇺

✅ Route: Moscow → Vladivostok
✅ Duration: ~7 days
✅ Why It’s Special: The longest railway journey through forests, mountains & lakes
✅ Budget Tip: Third-class tickets (platzkart) are the cheapest way to travel

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7️⃣ The Kandy to Ella Train – Sri Lanka 🇱🇰

✅ Route: Kandy → Ella
✅ Duration: 7 hours
✅ Why It’s Special: One of the most beautiful train rides in Asia with lush tea plantations
✅ Budget Tip: Book second-class reserved seats for the best value

💰 How to Save Money on Train Tickets

📅 1️⃣ Book in Advance

✔ Many train operators offer discounted early bird tickets
✔ Avoid buying last-minute tickets at stations

🎟️ 2️⃣ Use Rail Passes

✔ Eurail Pass (Europe) → Multiple country access
✔ Japan Rail Pass → Unlimited travel on JR trains
✔ Indrail Pass (India) → Ideal for backpackers

🌍 3️⃣ Travel in Off-Peak Seasons

✔ Train fares are cheaper outside of summer and holiday seasons

🛏️ 4️⃣ Travel Overnight to Save on Accommodation

✔ Many long-distance trains offer sleeper cabins
✔ Saves money on hotels & allows you to wake up at your next destination!

❓ Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q1: Which country has the cheapest train travel?

A: India, Vietnam, and Sri Lanka offer some of the most affordable train journeys.

Q2: How can I book train tickets online?

A: Use platforms like RailEurope, Omio, 12Go Asia, and official railway websites.

Q3: What’s the best train route for first-time travelers?

A: The West Highland Line (Scotland) or Kandy to Ella (Sri Lanka) are great for beginners!

📢 Final Thoughts

Train travel offers an affordable, scenic, and comfortable way to explore new destinations. Whether you’re looking for mountain landscapes, ocean views, or historic routes, these budget-friendly train journeys are perfect for 2025!

📍 Follow us on Instagram for more travel tips: @travelthriftytales

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