Booking.com reveals the most breathtaking train routes - Get updated on what's happening in tourism!

 From the coastal charm of Canada’s Ocean Route to a dreamy overnight journey to Penzance in Cornwall, we have tracked down some of the most iconic rail routes that don’t just get you from A to B - they are the adventure.

Blue Train Route from Pretoria (Pretoria, South Africa)


Embark on a luxurious rail adventure through South Africa aboard the famous Blue Train, a 3-day, 2-night adventure spanning roughly 1,600 km (990 miles). Over the course of 54 hours, passengers travel in five-star luxury with stylish interiors and fine dining. The journey begins in Pretoria, known as ‘Jacaranda City’ for the sea of purple blossoms that line its streets each spring. Grand and welcoming, this administrative capital is home to striking landmarks such as the Union Buildings, the Voortrekker Monument and Mahlamba Ndlopfu, the President's residence. Before boarding the train, take to the air on the Harties Cableway Experience, which gives travelers sweeping views of the Magaliesberg mountain range, Hartbeespoort Dam and the surrounding North West Province. Once aboard, the train glides towards Cape Town with a stop in Kimberley, where travelers step back in time at the legendary Black Hole and learn about South Africa’s diamond mining past. From start to finish, the Blue Train offers an immersive journey through the heart and history of South Africa.

VIA Rail Ocean Route to Halifax (Halifax, Canada)

Canada’s longest-running passenger train, VIA Rail’s Ocean Route, treats passengers to a scenic journey as it hugs the coastline from Montreal, transverses through the Monteregian Hills and follows along the Saint Lawrence river, soaking up the ocean breeze of Halifax ending on the Atlantic shores of Nova Scotia. Passengers can stretch out in their cozy quarters, gazing upon panoramic windows and enjoying the journey with friends and family with multiple cabin sizes to choose from. The 1,287 km (800 mile) journey may leave travelers feeling restless through parts of it, however it is recommended to stretch those legs and venture to the Service Car Lounge to enjoy a meal and a drink while traveling. After a restful night’s sleep on board, disembark in Halifax, where visitors will step into a vibrant coastal city steeped in maritime history and can wander the bustling waterfront boardwalk, stumble upon the iconic star-shaped Citadel and dive into a feast of fresh Atlantic seafood with this Food Walking Tour (lobster rolls, anyone?). For those who want to experience the sealife more closely, this Express Tour is an ideal way to discover the iconic picturesque fishing village ‘Peggy’s Cove’. Visitors can take in the ocean views, browse the many shops and restaurants and capture that iconic selfie in front of the most photographed lighthouse in Canada.

Tangier to Casablanca Train (Tangier, Morocco)

Travel at pace on the Al Boraq, the first high-speed train in Africa, offering a significantly faster journey, of 2 hours and 10 minutes, between Tangier and Casablanca compared to traditional rail travel. This direct route has double-decker trains with panoramic views across Morocco’s ever-changing landscapes, from coastal plains to rolling hills and sandy countryside, moving at speeds of up to 320 km/h (198 mph). Passengers have the choice between first and second-class seating, each with its own level of comfort. Before racing on this rail adventure to the iconic Casablanca, it’s worth spending some time getting to know Tangier. Located on the northern tip of Morocco where Africa and Europe almost touch, Tangier is a city where travelers can find a whitewashed medina, lively souks and sea views that appear to stretch forever. Taking a visit to the Kasbah Museum, set in the former sultan’s palace, provides a fascinating glimpse into Tangier’s layered history. For a more leisurely pace, the café culture is a cornerstone of life in Tangier. Sip coffee at the legendary Café Hafa, perched above the cliffs with sweeping views of the Mediterranean. Alternatively, this Sunset Camel Ride on Achakkar Beach provides an exciting excursion followed by a tasty Moroccan-style dinner with locals at a historic restaurant.

Coast Starlight - Los Angeles to Seattle (Seattle, USA)

Arriving in Seattle is half the magic of the trip, thanks to the Coast Starlight, one of Amtrak’s most celebrated routes. Stretching from sunny Los Angeles all the way to the ‘Emerald City’ of Seattle, this 35-hour rail journey is a moving postcard of the American West Coast. Travelers are treated to a panorama of changing scenery: golden beaches, lush forests, snow-capped peaks and vineyard-dotted valleys. Passengers can make use of the sleeper cabins, a glass-domed observation car, and delicious meals served with a view. Once in Seattle, start by taking in the iconic skyline from the Space Needle’s observation deck, then wander through the vibrant Chihuly Garden and Glass, and admire the dazzling showcase of the artist’s studio glasswork. Sip a world-class coffee as the city wakes up, explore the Seattle Art Museum’s rich collection and by midday, trade sidewalks for water with a kayak ride on Lake Union surrounded by mountain views and the fresh sea air.

Night Riviera Route from London (Penzance, Cornwall, UK)

For travelers looking to escape London, the Night Riviera Route, one of two sleeper routes available in the UK, is the perfect way to transport yourself to the seaside. Running six days a week from London to Penzance, the journey takes just over 8 hours, and is the perfect amount of time to get some restful shut-eye on the way to that next destination. Passengers can enjoy room service in their private cabins, with a variety of breakfast options served just before arrival - five star service all round! Once awake and arrived in the area, travelers can stroll across Penzance Promenade Beach, visit unique architectural features such as the Egyptian House and the Art Deco Jubilee Pool (a seawater lido), or take a break at one of the many independent cafés offering delicious Cornish treats. Come evening, as the town glows golden in the sea light, enjoy fresh crab linguine in a tucked-away bistro or sip a Cornish gin watching the sun slip behind St Michael’s Mount. For those wanting to venture further out from the quaint town, this Sea Kayak Lesson & Tour in Newquay provides another way of experiencing the rugged Cornish coastline.

TranzAlpine Route to Greymouth (Greymouth, New Zealand)

While snow capped mountains might be more commonly associated with Europe, New Zealand’s Southern Alps offer equally breathtaking alpine beauty, best experienced aboard the iconic TranzAlpine train. Departing from Christchurch, this 4.5-hour journey winds through misty mountain scenery, river valleys, deep gorges, and the vast Canterbury Plains, with panoramic windows, an open-air viewing platform, and onboard commentary bringing the landscape to life. A stop at Arthur’s Pass lets travelers explore the highest pass across the Southern Alps, perfect for a scenic detour. The final stop, Greymouth, offers a mix of wild landscapes and rich heritage. Explore the historic mining towns like Shantytown to natural wonders like Coal Creek Falls and the Pancake Rocks at Punakaiki to get a true feel of what this area has to offer. Those looking to embark on their next adventure following the scenic route can opt for rafting, caving, fishing, or surfing before wrapping up the day with a refreshing craft beer on the Monteith's Brewery Tour. This walking, talking and tasting experience takes travelers through the original home of Monteith’s, detailing local stories, historic recipes and learning about the craft beer through all the senses - smell, sight and taste.

*Research was commissioned by Booking.com and independently conducted among a sample of adults who had taken a leisure trip in the last 12 months with an overnight stay and plan to travel in 2025. The sample comprised 32,106 respondents across 32 markets surveyed in January 2025. USA N=2,000, Canada N=800, Spain N=800, Italy N=800, France N=1800, UK N=1800, Germany N=1800, Netherlands N=800, Denmark N=500, Sweden N=500, Croatia N=501, Switzerland N=800, Belgium N=800, Ireland N=504, Austria N=500, Portugal N=800, Mexico N=1,800, Colombia N=800, Brazil N=1,800, Argentina N=800, India N=1,800, China N=800, Hong Kong N=500, Thailand N=800, Singapore N=800, Taiwan N=500, Vietnam N=800, South Korea N=800, Japan N=1,800, UAE N=500, Australia N=1,800, New Zealand N=500.

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