7 European Train Routes With Better Views Than Flights

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The best scenic train routes Europe offers beat any airplane window view—and they emit 66 to 75 percent less carbon than flying or driving.

These seven routes deliver jaw-dropping landscapes, UNESCO heritage, and coastal drama you simply cannot experience at 35,000 feet.

1. The Glacier Express: Alpine Majesty Across Switzerland’s Most Dramatic Peaks

Spanning 291 kilometers between Zermatt and St. Moritz, the Glacier Express crosses 291 bridges and passes through 91 tunnels in around eight hours. For deeper planning, our guide on train travel routes and passes covers everything you need before booking.

• Key Takeaway: Book panoramic car seats well in advance—they sell out months ahead.

2. The Flåm Railway: Norway’s Steep Mountain Descent Through Cascading Waterfalls and Fjord Valleys

The Flåm Railway drops 863 meters in just 20 kilometers, making it one of the steepest standard-gauge railways in the world. Waterfalls like Kjosfossen appear directly beside the tracks, close enough to feel the mist.

• Key Takeaway: Combine this route with a Sognefjord cruise for a full Norwegian fjord experience.

3. The Bernina Express: Italian and Swiss Border Crossing With UNESCO-Listed Viaducts and Chestnut Forests

Running from Chur to Tirano, the Bernina Express crosses the iconic Landwasser Viaduct and climbs to 2,253 meters without a rack system—a genuine engineering achievement. According to Eurail’s scenic route guide, this is consistently ranked among Europe’s most spectacular rail journeys.

• Key Takeaway: The route is UNESCO World Heritage listed alongside the Rhaetian Railway.

4. The Golden Pass Line: Swiss Lakeside Journey Connecting Three Iconic Alpine Lakes

The Golden Pass Line links Montreux, Interlaken, and Lucerne, rolling past Lake Geneva, Lake Thun, and Lake Brienz with unobstructed panoramic windows. It’s a seamless way to connect Switzerland’s most postcard-worthy destinations in a single day.

• Key Takeaway: The GoldenPass Express now runs direct with no transfer required between Montreux and Interlaken.

5. The Rhaetian Railway: Graubünden’s Engineering Marvel Through Spiral Tunnels and Red-Roofed Villages

The Rhaetian Railway’s Albula line features helical tunnels that loop inside mountains to gain elevation—an architectural feat built in 1904. Villages like Bergün and Filisur appear framed in snow-capped peaks at every curve.

• Key Takeaway: Shared UNESCO status with the Bernina line makes this a double heritage tick in one country.

6. The Cinque Terre Express: Italian Riviera Coastal Route Hugging Cliffsides Above the Mediterranean

This short but spectacular route connects La Spezia to Levanto, darting through tunnels before bursting out above turquoise coves and pastel-colored villages. If you’re staying nearby, check out castle stays across Europe for a memorable base.

• Key Takeaway: Trains run every 30 minutes, making village-hopping effortless without a car.

7. The Semmering Railway: Austrian Historic Line Featuring 14 Tunnels and 16 Viaducts Across Mountain Terrain

Built between 1848 and 1854, the Semmering Railway was the world’s first mountain railway built with a steam locomotive—and it’s still fully operational today. Its 14 tunnels and 16 viaducts cross the Eastern Alps between Gloggnitz and Mürzzuschlag.

• Key Takeaway: UNESCO World Heritage status since 1998 confirms its global significance beyond just the scenery.

Elderly or mobility-impaired travelers should note that a stalled or delayed train can present challenges—plan ahead and consult the U.S. State Department’s accessibility travel guidance for practical support tips.

Pack medications including incontinence supplies, diabetes test strips, and hearing aid batteries, and consult your physician 6 to 8 weeks before departure for any required vaccinations.