The 10 Most Beautiful Train Journeys Across Europe

The Venice Simplon-Orient-Express is revealed to be Europe’s most ‘beautiful’ train journey among tourists.

Student travel company Rustic Pathways analyzed the number of Tripadvisor reviews containing beauty descriptors, such as ‘beautiful,’ ‘lovely’ and ‘spectacular’ across 29 scenic train journeys in Europe. Each train journey has been ranked based on the percentage of reviews containing these beauty keywords out of their total number of reviews.

1. The Venice Simplon-Orient-Express

Topping the list of Europe’s most beautiful scenic train journeys is the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express, with 64.4% of its total 822 Tripadvisor reviews containing keywords describing the route’s beauty.  Over a third of reviews describe the Orient Express as ‘beautiful’ (275) and 264 reviews describe the journey as ‘wonderful’.

This luxurious, vintage train journey travels through various European cities. It typically starts in London and ventures through Paris, Innsbruck, Verona and Venice in restored 1920s cabins that cost from approximately $5,097 per passenger. The iconic train also stretches to Istanbul, Prague and Budapest.

2. The Vale of Rheidol Railway

In second place is the Vale of Rheidol Railway, with 63.9% of its Tripadvisor reviews describing its beautiful journey. Of 1,280 reviews, 346 describe the train as ‘lovely’, 249 describe it as ‘beautiful’ and 191 describe it as ‘stunning’.

The steam train travels 12 miles through the Rheidol Valley, beginning at Aberystwyth in west Wales and journeying to Devil’s Bridge at an estimated $46 for an adult return ticket.

3. The Kyle Line

The third most ‘beautiful’ scenic train journey in Europe is the Kyle Line, with 61.9% of its 190 reviews containing beauty keywords. Over 38% (73) of reviews describe the Kyle Line as ‘beautiful’ and 45 contain the keyword ‘stunning’.

This scenic railway train stretches from Dingwall to Kyle of Lochalsh, offering breathtaking views of the Scottish Highlands, including the Skye Bridge. An adult return ticket costs an estimated $33 but varies between seasons.

4. The Flåm Railway (Flånsbana)

Fourth on the list is the Flåm Railway, with 61.7% of Tripadvisor reviews referring to the scenic train journey’s beauty. Of 1,230 reviews, 29% describe the railway as ‘beautiful’, 195 describe it as ‘spectacular’ and 114 describe it as ‘stunning’.

This Norwegian train runs between the small village of Flåm and the mountain station, Myrdal. The journey includes a dramatic elevation change of 2,838 feet from sea level to the mountains and costs approximately $90 for an adult return ticket.

5. The Bernina Express

The Bernina Express closely follows in fifth place, with 61.1% of its 1,658 Tripadvisor reviews complimenting the train’s beautiful journey. Tourists have left 365 reviews containing the keyword ‘beautiful’, 262 containing ‘spectacular’ and 193 containing ‘stunning’.

Operating between Chur, Switzerland and Tirano, Italy, the Bernina Express travels through the Swiss Alps, reaching a peak altitude of 7,391 feet at the Ospizio Bernina station. A second class adult return ticket costs an estimated $150.

6. The Settle-Carlisle Railway

The Settle-Carlisle Railways takes sixth spot, with 60.1% of its Tripadvisor reviews containing keywords related to the journey’s beauty. Of 772 reviews, 136 describe the railway as ‘lovely’, 125 describe it as ‘beautiful’ and 108 describe it as ‘stunning’.

This historic line travels through Northern England from Settle in North Yorkshire to Carlisle in Cumbria, with views of the Yorkshire Dales and the North Pennines, costing approximately $46 for an adult return ticket.

7. The Ffestiniog and Welsh Highland Railways

In seventh place is the Ffestiniog and Welsh Highland Railways, with 59.6% of its reviews mentioning how beautiful the journey is. Tourists have left 3,290 reviews of the railway, with 884 containing the keyword ‘lovely’, 646 containing ‘beautiful’ and 407 containing ‘wonderful’.

These two interconnected narrow-gauge heritage railways run from Blaenau Ffestiniog to Porthmadog in North Wales, with passengers viewing the Snowdonia mountains. A combined journey ticket will cost passengers an estimated $105.

8. The Gotthard Panorama Express

The Gotthard Panorama Express ranks eighth, with 57.7% of its total 111 Tripadvisor reviews containing keywords related to the train routes’ beauty. Over a third of reviews (38%) describe the journey as ‘beautiful’ and 17 reviews describe it as ‘spectacular’.

Starting in Lugano or Bellinzona, this Swiss train combines a rail route with a lake cruise, offering passengers views of the Alps and stunning lakes. A second class adult return ticket costs approximately $95.

9. The Ravenglass and Eskdale Railway

Ninth on the list is the Ravenglass and Eskdale Railway, with 56.5% of its reviews referencing how stunning the train journey is. Of 1,171 reviews, 390 contain the keyword ‘lovely’, 214 contain ‘beautiful’ and 134 contain ‘wonderful’.

This narrow-gauge steam railway is located in the Lake District in Northern England and journeys through the scenic landscapes of the Eskdale Valley. An adult return ticket costs an estimated $24.

10. The Brecon Mountain Railway

The Brecon Mountain Railway completes the top ten most ‘beautiful’ scenic train journeys in Europe, with 54.5% of its Tripadvisor reviews complimenting the route’s beauty. Tourists have left 1,476 reviews of the railway, with 447 including the keyword ‘lovely’, 255 including ‘beautiful’ and 160 including ‘wonderful’.

This narrow-gauge heritage railway offers a scenic journey through South Wales, where passengers can enjoy the landscapes of the Brecon Beacons National Park. An adult return ticket costs approximately $27.

“The close proximity of these percentages expressing the beauty of these scenic train journeys illustrates the beauty and sheer popularity of exploring Europe. Tourists clearly love visiting the continent’s mountains, lakes and valleys and showing their appreciation through positive online reviews.”

“With train travel providing a great way to explore Europe in a relaxed and slow pace, it is no wonder that these routes are praised so highly.”