5 Epic Train Journeys For 2024
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The Tropical Adventure:
Colombo to Badulla, Sri Lanka
For a relatively small island, Sri Lanka has it all: vast jungles and wildlife-filled national parks, lush mountains and sandy beaches, great temples and ancient cities. It also has an extensive railway network that was built mainly in the 19th century and still passes through some of must-see places today. Most visitors start in the busy capital Colombo, before venturing out to visit the country’s tea plantations and incredible coastline. We’d take the train from Colombo to Ella, stopping halfway in Kandy – this part of the route takes three hours and passes paddy fields and tropical rainforest. After exploring Kandy (home to sacred temples and close to some of the best national parks), continue on to Ella, where you’ll find hipster cafes and local food stalls dotted around the famous Nine Arch Bridge – one of the country’s finest sites. From Ella, you can continue south to the old fort city of Galle, where the surf is always up.
When:
Visit during the sunny, dry season (the best time to hit beaches and tea country) from December to April, when temperatures in Kandy hover around 20°C.
How:
You can now buy advance train tickets using the country’s online ticketing system, though you will still need to pick up physical tickets from a station. Or Nemo Travel organises bespoke itineraries across the country.
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The Home Run:
West Highland Line, Scotland
One of the world’s most scenic train journeys begins in Glasgow before branching off to Oban or Fort William and Mallaig. We like the Mallaig route, which takes around six hours and passes dramatic mountain landscapes, lochs and ancient castles. It’s a run that’s featured in numerous films (including Harry Potter and Trainspotting). You’ll pass through the UK’s highest train station (Corrour) and on a clear day you’ll see its highest mountain (Ben Nevis) as the train makes it way to Fort William. Beyond that lies the Glenfinnan viaduct, as well as the starkly beautiful lochs Eilt, Ailort and Nan Uamh.
When:
This is a great year-round option, but the landscape looks particularly impressive during the autumn months.
How:
Book direct at ScotRail.co.uk.
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The Ski Trip:
Glacier Express, Switzerland
If you like the idea of tacking an Alpine adventure onto a ski holiday, the Glacier Express could be just the ticket. The famous train has panoramic wraparound windows for views of the rolling hills and snowy mountaintops – every seat has a great vantage point. The full route runs from St Moritz to Zermatt. In around eight hours, travellers will see the awesome Solis and Landwasser viaducts, as well as the Rhine Gorge, aka ‘the Grand Canyon of Switzerland’. In first class (£250 one way), guests can expect room to relax, and à la carte dining. It’s a leisurely route, so don’t expect a high-speed experience.
When:
There are great views year-round, but book during the ski season to skip the summer crowds and see the snow-capped mountains.
How:
Book direct tickets at GlacierExpress.ch. We’d also suggest pre-booking transfers to your accommodation.
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The Ultra-Luxe Option:
Paris to Portofino: Venice Simplon-Orient-Express, A Belmond Train
It doesn’t get better than the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express. Immerse yourself in decadent upholstery, art-deco details and polished cherry wood to enjoy excellent service and Michelin-starred food. On Thursday 20th June, it will travel to the Italian Riviera for the first time, starting in Paris and ending in Portofino. Guests will check into a luxury suite (there are eight new ones) before heading to the bar car for cocktails and live music from the resident pianist. Meanwhile, the train will wind through the French countryside and along the coastline of the Mediterranean before finishing at Splendido, A Belmond Hotel for two more nights.
When:
This is a timeless, year-round classic.
How:
Prices start from £7,920pp based on two guests sharing a cabin on the Venice Simplon-Orient Express plus two nights at Splendido. Check out Belmond.com.
VENICE SIMPLON-ORIENT-EXPRESS; BELMOND
VENICE SIMPLON-ORIENT-EXPRESS; BELMOND
The Historic Journey:
The Blue Train, South Africa
The Blue Train has been running for a century. The original locomotive has been replaced with something more modern that retains the old-school glamour of its predecessor. Passing vineyards, mountains, valleys and forestland, the journey takes passengers from Pretoria to the coast at Cape Town. Travellers can stop at the historic town of Kimberley, home to the Big Hole and Diamond Museum. There are two cabin options: deluxe or luxury. Both have en-suites, some with full-sized bathtubs. In the evening, lounge around the elegant Club Car. Dinner is a classy affair, with passengers asked to dress smartly as chefs serve classic South African dishes.
When:
For clear skies and sunny days, visit between January and March, or September and November.
How:
Book direct at BlueTrain.co. Travel operator Alfred & Kuoni also offers an itinerary combined with a safari at the Madikwe Game Reserve.
Tobias Reich
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