MomSkoop
Train journeys can transform ordinary family vacations into extraordinary adventures. The rhythmic clacking of wheels on tracks, breathtaking scenery rolling past large windows, and shared moments of wonder create perfect opportunities for family bonding. These 12 spectacular rail adventures across the globe offer experiences that will etch themselves into your family’s collective memory for generations to come.
1. Glacier Express – Switzerland
Dubbed the world’s slowest express train, this Swiss marvel winds through postcard-perfect Alpine landscapes that will have kids pressing their faces against windows in awe. The eight-hour journey between St. Moritz and Zermatt crosses 291 bridges and tunnels through 91 tunnels.
Panoramic cars offer unobstructed views of snowcapped peaks, emerald valleys, and charming villages. Families particularly enjoy crossing the impressive Landwasser Viaduct, a curved limestone structure that seems to appear straight from a fairy tale.
The onboard dining experience features traditional Swiss cuisine served on white tablecloths, making lunchtime an adventure itself. Pack playing cards and encourage kids to spot wildlife like ibex and chamois along the route.
2. Rocky Mountaineer – Canada
Gold-tinted sunlight streaming through glass-domed carriages reveals Canada’s wilderness in all its glory. This daylight-only journey ensures families don’t miss a moment of the spectacular Rocky Mountain scenery between Vancouver and Banff or Jasper.
Bears, elk, and eagles frequently make appearances alongside turquoise lakes and towering waterfalls. The train’s GoldLeaf Service offers a split-level experience with dining below and observation areas above, perfect for keeping children engaged.
Onboard storytellers share tales of indigenous peoples and pioneer history, turning the journey into an educational adventure. The overnight hotel stops provide welcome breaks for energetic youngsters to explore mountain towns before continuing the rail adventure.
3. The Jacobite Steam Train – Scotland
Harry Potter fans rejoice! This vintage steam locomotive crosses the famous Glenfinnan Viaduct featured in the films. Children squeal with delight as clouds of steam billow past windows during the 84-mile round trip between Fort William and Mallaig.
The journey showcases Scotland’s most dramatic western landscapes – mist-shrouded mountains, mirror-like lochs, and heather-covered moors. Families can pack a picnic or visit the onboard trolley for treats while keeping eyes peeled for Highland cattle and red deer.
At Mallaig, the fishing village endpoint, kids can stretch their legs with a beach walk before the return journey. The four-hour experience is perfect for younger travelers with shorter attention spans who still want a magical train adventure.
4. The Blue Train – South Africa
Luxury meets adventure on South Africa’s legendary Blue Train. The 27-hour journey between Pretoria and Cape Town transforms the concept of family travel with butler service, elegant suites, and marble bathrooms that somehow make long-distance travel with children feel effortless.
Floor-to-ceiling windows frame the changing landscapes – from golden grasslands to dramatic mountain passes and vineyards. The observation car becomes a favorite family gathering spot for wildlife spotting across the Karoo Desert.
Evening meals become special occasions with regional cuisine served on fine china. Children receive dedicated menus and activity packs to keep them entertained. Though pricey, this journey offers families an unparalleled combination of adventure and comfort in one unforgettable package.
5. Trans-Siberian Railway – Russia
For adventurous families with older children, nothing compares to this epic seven-day crossing of Russia. The world’s longest railway journey spans 5,772 miles from Moscow to Vladivostok, crossing eight time zones and showcasing the vastness of the world’s largest country.
Families share cabins with fold-down berths that transform from daytime seating to nighttime beds. The rhythmic rocking lulls everyone to sleep after days spent watching birch forests, tiny villages, and the magnificent Lake Baikal roll past.
Stops in Siberian cities provide welcome breaks from train life. The dining car becomes a social hub where families meet travelers from around the world over steaming bowls of borscht. This journey isn’t just transportation – it’s a lesson in geography, history, and cultural immersion.
6. West Highland Line – Scotland
Scotland earns a second spot on this list with the West Highland Line, connecting Glasgow to Mallaig through some of Britain’s most untamed landscapes. The four-hour journey feels like traveling through a living storybook of Scottish folklore.
Children press noses against windows as the train passes through valleys where mist clings to mountain peaks and sunlight dances across hidden lochs. The remote Rannoch Moor section traverses miles of bogland so inaccessible that the railway floats on a bed of plants, earth and ashes.
Families should pack binoculars for spotting golden eagles and red deer. The regular ScotRail service makes this journey affordable for families compared to specialty trains, while delivering equally magical Highland scenery that inspired countless artists and poets.
7. Kuranda Scenic Railway – Australia
Tropical rainforest adventures await families on this historic railway climbing from Cairns to the mountain village of Kuranda. The 90-minute journey aboard vintage carriages provides the perfect introduction to Queensland’s ancient landscapes for even the youngest travelers.
Engineering marvels appear around every bend – 15 tunnels, 37 bridges, and spectacular Barron Falls where children gasp as the train seems to cling to cliffsides. The Gold Class option includes refreshments and comfortable seating, though standard class offers equally magnificent views.
Aboriginal guides share Dreamtime stories about the rainforest at designated stops. Families often combine this journey with the Skyrail Rainforest Cableway for the return trip, creating a perfect day of contrasting perspectives on one of the world’s oldest tropical rainforests.
8. Darjeeling Himalayan Railway (Toy Train) – India
Nicknamed the ‘Toy Train’ for its narrow-gauge tracks and diminutive size, this UNESCO World Heritage railway delights families with its slow-paced charm. The blue steam locomotive chugs uphill from New Jalpaiguri to Darjeeling, climbing over 7,000 feet through the foothills of the Himalayas.
Children marvel as the train spirals around itself on the Batasia Loop and passes within inches of market stalls and homes. The open windows allow interaction with local children who wave enthusiastically as the train passes their villages and schools.
The seven-hour journey offers stunning views of tea plantations and, on clear days, Mount Kanchenjunga. Frequent stops allow families to stretch legs, sample local snacks from platform vendors, and photograph the historic locomotive taking on water.
9. Oslo to Bergen Railway – Norway
Norway’s most spectacular train journey traverses landscapes straight from a Viking saga. The seven-hour route between Oslo and Bergen crosses Europe’s highest mountain plateau, the Hardangervidda, showcasing Norway’s dramatic natural beauty in every season.
Winter transforms the journey into a magical snow-globe experience, while summer reveals cascading waterfalls and wildflower meadows. The family-friendly trains feature special play areas for younger children and large windows perfectly positioned for spotting reindeer and arctic foxes.
The highest point at Finse station (4,009 feet) offers a photo opportunity where kids can touch snow even in summer months. Families particularly enjoy the final descent toward Bergen, where the train spirals down the mountainside offering breathtaking fjord views that exemplify why Norway is considered one of the world’s most beautiful countries.
10. TranzAlpine – New Zealand
New Zealand’s South Island reveals its spectacular diversity on this 4.5-hour journey between Christchurch and Greymouth. The TranzAlpine crosses the Canterbury Plains before climbing into the Southern Alps through landscapes that starred in The Lord of the Rings films.
Open-air viewing platforms (with safety barriers) allow families to feel the mountain air and capture perfect photos of river gorges and alpine forests. The train slows for major scenic highlights, including the 240-foot-high Staircase Viaduct spanning a deep gorge.
Families appreciate the café car serving kid-friendly meals and the free activity books that help children identify landmarks. The journey can be completed as a day trip with a brief stop in Greymouth, or as part of a longer South Island adventure exploring glacier country beyond the western terminus.
11. California Zephyr – USA
America’s most scenic long-distance train journey carries families on a 51-hour adventure between Chicago and San Francisco. The route showcases the country’s geographic diversity – from the Mississippi River and Great Plains to the Rocky Mountains and Sierra Nevada range.
Family-friendly sleeping compartments transform from daytime seating to comfortable nighttime berths. The observation car, with its floor-to-ceiling windows and swiveling seats, becomes the favorite hangout for children watching for wildlife and marveling at engineering feats like the six-mile Moffat Tunnel.
The dining car serves kid-approved meals with tablecloth service, turning mealtimes into special occasions. Longer stops in Denver and Salt Lake City allow families to stretch legs before continuing through the spectacular Ruby Canyon and across the Nevada desert to California.
12. Belmond Hiram Bingham to Machu Picchu – Peru
The journey to Machu Picchu becomes as memorable as the destination aboard this luxury vintage-style train. Named after the explorer who rediscovered the ancient Incan citadel, the blue and gold carriages transport families through the Sacred Valley along the Urubamba River.
The three-hour journey features live Andean music, gourmet dining, and large windows framing the increasingly dramatic mountain scenery. Children receive special activity packs teaching them about Incan history and the surrounding landscape.
Families appreciate the morning departure that allows a full day exploring Machu Picchu before returning on the evening train. Though premium-priced, this experience transforms what could be a challenging journey with children into a highlight of any South American adventure, creating magical memories of Peru beyond the ancient ruins themselves.