The World's Top 5 Most Scenic Luxury Train Rides for Couples

There's something inherently romantic about train travel — the rhythmic lull of the tracks, the passing landscapes, and the secluded comfort of your cabin. For newlyweds or couples celebrating their love, a luxury train ride offers the perfect blend of adventure, romance, and unparalleled scenery. These journeys take you through some of the world's most breathtaking landscapes, from towering mountain ranges and pristine lakes to endless deserts and lush forests, all from the comfort of elegantly appointed carriages that harken back to a bygone era of travel. Here, we present the top 5 most scenic luxury train rides around the globe, selected for their stunning routes, exceptional service, and the unforgettable experiences they offer to couples seeking an extraordinary honeymoon adventure.

1. Glacier Express, Switzerland

The Slowest Fast Train in the World Through the Swiss Alps

Traversing the Swiss Alps from Zermatt to St. Moritz, the Glacier Express offers an eight-hour journey that showcases Switzerland's most dramatic alpine scenery. Its panoramic windows and leisurely pace allow passengers to fully immerse themselves in the stunning vistas of snow-capped peaks, alpine meadows, and pristine lakes.

Signature Experience: Enjoy a gourmet lunch with regional specialties as you cross 291 bridges and go through 91 tunnels, including the awe-inspiring Landwasser Viaduct, a UNESCO World Heritage site.

Why It's #1: The Glacier Express epitomizes scenic luxury rail travel, combining breathtaking alpine views with top-notch Swiss hospitality and comfort, making it an unforgettable experience for couples seeking both romance and adventure.

Daylight Journey Through Canada's Majestic Landscapes

Offering various routes through the Canadian Rockies, the Rocky Mountaineer is famed for its all-daylight journeys that ensure passengers don't miss a moment of the spectacular scenery, from the lush greenery of British Columbia to the rugged peaks of Alberta.

Signature Experience: Savor award-winning cuisine inspired by the regions you traverse, served in a glass-domed carriage that offers unobstructed views of the towering mountains, cascading waterfalls, and wildlife.

Why It's #2: The combination of luxurious comfort, exceptional service, and the awe-inspiring beauty of the Canadian Rockies places the Rocky Mountaineer among the most memorable luxury train journeys for couples.

3. The Blue Train, South Africa

A Moving Five-Star Hotel Across South Africa's Diverse Landscapes

Journeying between Pretoria and Cape Town, The Blue Train offers an opulent rail experience across South Africa's varied landscapes. From the gold-rich plains of the Highveld to the stark beauty of the Great Karoo and the vineyards of the Cape Winelands, this train provides a luxurious window to the soul of South Africa.

Signature Experience: Personal butler service, suites with full-sized bathtubs, and high tea in the observation car complement the scenic journey, making it a lavish retreat on rails.

Why It's #3: For its unparalleled service, luxurious accommodations, and the dramatic transition of landscapes it navigates, The Blue Train offers couples an intimate journey through the heart of South Africa.

Traversing the Peruvian Andes with Panoramic Views

South America's first luxury sleeper train takes passengers on a breathtaking journey through the Peruvian Andes, from Cusco, the ancient capital of the Inca Empire, to the beautiful Lake Titicaca and the city of Arequipa. Along the way, couples are treated to some of the most spectacular landscapes in the world, including vast plains, towering peaks, and deep valleys.

Signature Experience: The train features an open-air observation deck, allowing passengers to step outside and breathe in the crisp Andean air while admiring the panoramic views. The journey is enhanced by gourmet dining that showcases the best of Peruvian cuisine, using local and traditional ingredients prepared by skilled chefs.

Why It's #4: The Belmond Andean Explorer offers an unrivaled opportunity to experience the majestic beauty of the Andes in unparalleled luxury. Its unique route, combined with the highest standards of service, make it an unforgettable experience for couples seeking adventure and romance amidst the clouds.

5. The Ghan, Australia

A Journey to the Heart of Australia Through the Outback

Named after the Afghan cameleers who once traversed this route, The Ghan offers an epic transcontinental journey through the heart of Australia. Stretching from Darwin in the north to Adelaide in the south, this journey presents a unique way to experience the vast and varied landscapes of the Australian outback, including the red heart of the continent.

Signature Experience: The Ghan's all-inclusive service means that couples can enjoy fine dining, elegant cabins, and off-train excursions that explore the rich history and natural beauty of the outback. Signature experiences include helicopter tours over ancient landscapes, river cruises in search of wildlife, and immersive cultural experiences with Indigenous communities.

Why It's #5: The Ghan is more than a train journey; it's an exploration of Australia's soul. Its blend of luxury, adventure, and cultural immersion provides a once-in-a-lifetime experience for couples looking to discover the diverse beauty and history of Australia in comfort and style.

Embarking on a luxury train journey offers couples not just a trip but an experience—a chance to unwind in the lap of luxury while the world's most stunning landscapes unfold before their eyes. Each train on this list has been selected for its unique ability to blend romance, comfort, and breathtaking scenery, offering couples a truly memorable way to celebrate their union. From the alpine wonders of Switzerland aboard the Glacier Express to the rugged beauty of the Peruvian Andes on the Belmond Andean Explorer, these journeys invite couples to connect with each other and with the natural world in profound and lasting ways. Whether celebrating a honeymoon, anniversary, or simply the joy of being together, a luxury train ride is an unparalleled way to commemorate love's journey.