Top 20 'Window-to-the-World' Scenic Train Journeys to experience in January 2025 - Goh Ling Yong
There’s a unique magic to the start of a new year. The slate is clean, the possibilities are endless, and the desire for a new perspective is stronger than ever. While many rush to book flights to the nearest beach or bustling city, I want to propose a different kind of adventure for January 2025—one that’s about the journey, not just the destination. I'm talking about the timeless romance of train travel.
Forget the cramped seats and recycled air of a plane. Imagine instead a comfortable seat next to a vast panoramic window, a hot drink in hand, as the world unfolds before you like a living painting. A train journey is an immersive experience. It’s the rhythmic clatter of wheels on steel, the gentle sway of the carriage, and the luxury of watching landscapes morph from snow-dusted forests to sun-kissed coastlines, all from your moving 'window-to-the-world'.
This is travel at a human pace, a chance to reconnect with the world and yourself. Whether you're chasing winter wonderlands or escaping to summer in the Southern Hemisphere, there's a railway line waiting to transport you. So, get ready to be inspired. Here are the top 20 scenic train journeys that offer an unforgettable experience in the heart of January.
1. The Bernina Express, Switzerland to Italy
The Journey: A UNESCO World Heritage marvel, the Bernina Express is the quintessential alpine train experience. This ruby-red train carves a dramatic path from Chur or St. Moritz in Switzerland to Tirano, Italy, crossing 196 bridges and passing through 55 tunnels without using any rack-and-pinion assistance.
January Magic: In January, the route is a full-blown winter fairytale. You’ll glide past frozen turquoise lakes, through valleys blanketed in pristine snow, and over the iconic Landwasser Viaduct, which looks like something straight out of a fantasy film when its stone arches are draped in ice. The highlight is crossing the Bernina Pass at 2,253 meters (7,392 ft), where you are completely surrounded by a world of white.
Pro Tip: Book a seat in the panoramic carriages for floor-to-ceiling windows. For the best views of the Brusio Circular Viaduct, sit on the right-hand side when travelling south towards Italy.
2. The Glacier Express, Switzerland
The Journey: Known as the "world's slowest express train," the Glacier Express is an eight-hour epic that connects the famous mountain resorts of Zermatt and St. Moritz. It's a masterclass in Swiss engineering and a journey through the very heart of the Swiss Alps, crossing deep gorges, lush valleys, and high mountain passes.
January Magic: While Zermatt’s Matterhorn is a spectacle year-round, seeing it on a crisp, clear January morning is breathtaking. The journey takes you over the Oberalp Pass, often closed to road traffic in winter, giving you exclusive access to a remote, snow-covered landscape that feels both immense and utterly serene.
Pro Tip: Upgrade to Excellence Class for a truly luxurious experience, complete with a multi-course meal, a dedicated concierge, and guaranteed window seats.
3. The Flåm Railway, Norway
The Journey: This is one of the steepest and most beautiful train lines in the world. The Flåm Railway (Flåmsbana) takes you on a 20-kilometer journey from the mountain station of Myrdal down to Flåm, nestled at the end of the Aurlandsfjord. In just one hour, you'll descend 867 meters.
January Magic: Winter transforms this journey into a Nordic spectacle. The powerful waterfalls that cascade down the mountainsides in summer are frozen into magnificent sculptures of ice. The train makes a photo stop at the Kjosfossen waterfall, where you can step out and feel the icy spray and sheer power of the frozen landscape.
Pro Tip: Combine this trip with a fjord cruise from Flåm. Seeing the snow-lined fjords from the water after descending through the mountains is an unforgettable combination.
4. The Bergen Line, Norway
The Journey: Often cited as one of the world's most scenic train rides, the Bergen Line connects Norway's two largest cities, Oslo and Bergen. The seven-hour journey crosses the Hardangervidda plateau, the highest mountainous plateau in Europe.
January Magic: The stretch across Hardangervidda is the real star in winter. The landscape becomes a stark, minimalist masterpiece of snow and rock, a polar-like expanse that feels like another planet. The train's powerful snowplows keep the tracks clear, making you feel like you're on a true arctic expedition from the warmth of your carriage.
Pro Tip: Break your journey in Myrdal to experience the aforementioned Flåm Railway. It’s a perfect one-day combination of high-altitude wilderness and steep fjord descent.
5. The Canadian, Canada
The Journey: This is one of the world's last great transcontinental train journeys. VIA Rail's The Canadian travels for four days and four nights between Toronto and Vancouver, covering an astonishing 4,466 kilometers of diverse Canadian landscape.
January Magic: The prairie provinces are a vast, frozen sea of white, beautiful in their emptiness. The true highlight, however, is crossing the Canadian Rockies. The snow-laden peaks of Jasper National Park, the frozen rivers, and the sight of Mount Robson, the range's highest peak, are simply epic. From the panoramic dome car, the views are unparalleled.
Pro Tip: Book a sleeper cabin for comfort and access to the dining car and dome cars. Keep your eyes peeled for wildlife—moose and elk are often spotted near the tracks, even in the dead of winter.
6. West Highland Line, Scotland
The Journey: Winding its way from Glasgow to Fort William and Mallaig, the West Highland Line is a journey through Scotland's raw, untamed soul. It traverses the desolate beauty of Rannoch Moor and crosses the famous Glenfinnan Viaduct, instantly recognizable to any Harry Potter fan.
January Magic: January strips the landscape back to its dramatic bones. The moors are painted in shades of russet and gold, the mountains are often dusted with snow, and a mystical low-hanging mist frequently shrouds the lochs. It’s moody, atmospheric, and utterly enchanting, with far fewer tourists than in the summer months.
Pro Tip: The journey is spectacular, but so is the destination. Spend a night or two in Fort William to explore the area around Ben Nevis, the UK's highest peak.
7. California Zephyr, USA
The Journey: An American classic, Amtrak's California Zephyr runs daily between Chicago and Emeryville (San Francisco). This 51-hour trip is a rolling showcase of America's vast and varied geography, from the plains of Nebraska to the deserts of Utah and Nevada.
January Magic: The most breathtaking winter scenery is found on the leg through the Colorado Rockies. The train climbs through the Moffat Tunnel and then follows the Colorado River, offering views of snow-covered canyons and peaks that are inaccessible by car. Crossing the Sierra Nevada mountains into California with a fresh blanket of snow is another unforgettable highlight.
Pro Tip: Book a roomette or bedroom for the full experience. Access to the Sightseer Lounge car with its panoramic windows is included and is the best place to be while crossing the Rockies.
8. Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad, USA
The Journey: A trip back in time, this historic steam locomotive chugs along a track that was first built in the 1880s to haul silver and gold ore. The route winds through the remote wilderness of the San Juan National Forest in Colorado, following the course of the Animas River.
January Magic: The Cascade Canyon Winter Train is a special, shorter excursion offered in the winter months. The sight and sound of the vintage steam engine puffing through a valley of snow-laden pines is pure nostalgia. The snow transforms the rugged canyon into a peaceful, sparkling wonderland.
Pro Tip: Dress in layers! While the carriages are heated, you'll want to step out onto the open-air gondola car to get the best, unobstructed photos of the breathtaking scenery.
9. TranzAlpine, New Zealand
The Journey: While the Northern Hemisphere shivers, it's summer down in New Zealand. The TranzAlpine is arguably the Southern Hemisphere's greatest one-day train journey, traveling coast-to-coast across South Island from Christchurch to Greymouth.
January Splendor: You'll start by crossing the fertile Canterbury Plains before climbing into the heart of the Southern Alps. The train navigates dramatic gorges, crosses the aquamarine Waimakariri River on towering viaducts, and passes through the lush, subtropical rainforests of the West Coast. The contrast in scenery is staggering.
Pro Tip: The open-air viewing carriage is a must for photographers. It allows you to take stunning photos without the glare of a window, capturing the grandeur of the Alps.
10. The Ghan, Australia
The Journey: The Ghan is a legendary journey through the Australian Outback, connecting Adelaide in the south with Darwin in the north. It’s an immersive, all-inclusive experience that delves deep into the heart of the continent.
January Splendor: January is the "green season" or wet season in Australia's Top End. This means the landscape around Katherine and Darwin, often parched and red, is transformed into a lush, vibrant green. You’ll witness dramatic skies, powerful thunderstorms in the distance, and full-flowing waterfalls—a side of the Outback many tourists never see.
Pro Tip: Take advantage of the off-train excursions. The cruise through Nitmiluk (Katherine) Gorge is particularly spectacular during the green season when the water levels are high.
11. Kandy to Ella Train, Sri Lanka
The Journey: Often called the most beautiful train ride in the world, this is a slow, winding journey through Sri Lanka's impossibly green Hill Country. The train ambles past endless tea plantations, misty mountains, and charming villages, with locals and tourists alike hanging out of the open doorways.
January Splendor: January is one of the best months to visit this region. The weather is typically dry and sunny, offering clear views of the emerald-green hills. The air is fresh and cool, a welcome respite from the coastal heat, making for a perfectly comfortable and scenic ride. It's a journey I, Goh Ling Yong, personally recommend for anyone seeking vibrant culture and landscapes.
Pro Tip: Don’t book the air-conditioned first-class carriage. Opt for second or third class to be able to open the windows and doors (safely, of course!) for the full, immersive, wind-in-your-hair experience.
12. The Blue Train, South Africa
The Journey: A "window to the soul of Africa," The Blue Train is a byword for five-star luxury on rails. The main route glides between Pretoria and Cape Town, offering impeccable service, gourmet cuisine, and elegant private suites with full-sized bathtubs.
January Splendor: As it's peak summer in South Africa, the journey is filled with sunshine and long daylight hours. You'll witness the dramatic landscapes of the Karoo desert before descending into the lush Cape Winelands, which are in full, vibrant foliage in January.
Pro Tip: Pack a smart outfit for dinner. The evenings on The Blue Train are a formal affair and part of the classic, sophisticated experience.
13. Andean Explorer, A Belmond Train, Peru
The Journey: As one of the highest train routes on Earth, the Andean Explorer travels across the Peruvian Altiplano from Cusco to Arequipa (or vice versa), passing by Lake Titicaca. This is slow travel at its most luxurious and scenic, with opulent cabins and an open-air observation car.
January Splendor: January falls in the rainy season, but don't let that deter you. The rains turn the high plains a brilliant, almost surreal shade of green. You'll see dramatic cloud formations, and the landscape feels alive and fertile. It's a photographer's dream.
Pro Tip: The altitude is serious (reaching over 4,800 meters). Arrive in Cusco a few days early to acclimatize before boarding. Sip the complimentary coca tea on board to help with any symptoms.
14. Eastern & Oriental Express, A Belmond Train, Southeast Asia
The Journey: A journey of classic romance, the Eastern & Oriental Express links Singapore, Malaysia, and Thailand. It harks back to the golden age of travel with its colonial-style décor, impeccable service, and excursions into the lush tropical landscape.
January Splendor: January offers some of the best weather along this route—it’s the dry season, meaning less humidity and plenty of sunshine. From your window, you'll see a tapestry of rice paddies, dense jungle, and remote villages, all bathed in beautiful tropical light.
Pro Tip: Spend time in the open-air observation car at the rear of the train. Feeling the warm tropical breeze as you glide through the Malaysian countryside is an unforgettable sensory experience.
15. The Douro Line, Portugal
The Journey: The Linha do Douro is a hidden gem that follows the course of the spectacular Douro River from Porto to Pocinho. The train clings to the riverbank, offering breathtaking views of the steep, terraced vineyards that produce the world's port wine.
January Magic: While the vines are dormant in January, the landscape possesses a stark, sculptural beauty. The crowds are gone, giving the journey a quiet, contemplative feel. You’ll have the dramatic valley almost to yourself, and the low winter sun casts a beautiful, soft light on the terraces.
Pro Tip: Sit on the right side of the train when leaving Porto for the best, most consistent river views. Stop in the town of Pinhão to visit a quinta (wine estate) for a port tasting.
16. Shinkansen (Tokaido Line), Japan
The Journey: Japan’s bullet train isn't typically considered a scenic journey, but the Tokaido Shinkansen line between Tokyo and Kyoto offers one of the most iconic views in the world. As the train speeds through the countryside, a certain sacred mountain comes into view.
January Magic: Winter offers the best and clearest views of Mount Fuji. On a crisp January day, there is a high probability you will see the perfectly symmetrical cone, its top covered in a thick blanket of snow, rising majestically against a brilliant blue sky. It's a fleeting but profound sight.
Pro Tip: When traveling from Tokyo to Kyoto/Osaka, reserve a "D" or "E" seat (a window seat on the right side) for the best chance of spotting Fuji-san.
17. Semmering Railway, Austria
The Journey: Another UNESCO World Heritage site, the Semmering Railway was the world's first mountain railway, an incredible feat of engineering when it was built in the mid-19th century. The line travels between Gloggnitz and Mürzzuschlag, crossing spectacular viaducts and passing through numerous tunnels.
January Magic: In winter, the journey is magical. The Austrian Alps are draped in snow, and the elegant stone viaducts stand out in stark, beautiful contrast. The train winds through dense forests of snow-dusted firs, making you feel like you're traveling through a vintage Christmas card.
Pro Tip: This line is part of the main route from Vienna to Graz or Venice, so it's easy to incorporate into a larger European rail adventure.
18. Ffestiniog & Welsh Highland Railways, Wales
The Journey: These two interconnected heritage railway lines offer the UK's longest steam train experience, running for a combined 40 miles through the heart of Snowdonia National Park. These historic narrow-gauge trains climb from sea level right into the mountains.
January Magic: The railways operate a more limited "Winter Wanderer" service in January, but it's a special time to go. The rugged beauty of Snowdonia is amplified in winter, with snow-capped peaks, frosty valleys, and a powerful, dramatic atmosphere. The steam from the engine hangs beautifully in the cold, crisp air.
Pro Tip: Start your journey at the harbor in Porthmadog. The sight of the steam train waiting at the station with the estuary and mountains as a backdrop is picture-perfect.
19. Mocănița Steam Train, Romania
The Journey: For a truly unique, off-the-beaten-path adventure, head to the Vaser Valley in the Maramureș region of Romania. The Mocănița is one of the last-operating forestry steam trains in Europe, and it still hauls timber, as well as tourists, up a remote, snow-filled valley.
January Magic: A ride in January is a journey into a forgotten world. The narrow-gauge train chugs slowly through a pristine wilderness of snow-blanketed forests and alongside a frozen river. The carriages are heated by wood-burning stoves, adding to the rustic, fairytale-like charm.
Pro Tip: This is not a luxury journey; it's a rustic adventure. Dress warmly, bring snacks, and embrace the authentic, unpolished experience. The experience is well worth it, a highlight that Goh Ling Yong has recommended to adventurous friends.
20. The Grand Canyon Railway, USA
The Journey: Traveling from Williams, Arizona, to the South Rim of the Grand Canyon, this heritage railway has been taking passengers to the national park since 1901. The journey itself features commentary from knowledgeable guides and even a mock train robbery for a bit of Old West fun.
January Magic: The real prize is the destination. While a snow-covered Grand Canyon isn't guaranteed, when it happens, it is one of the most sublime sights in nature. A dusting of white on the red and orange rock formations adds a layer of contrast and beauty that few people ever get to witness. The air is crisp, and the crowds are significantly smaller.
Pro Tip: Book your ticket as a package with a night's stay at one of the lodges on the South Rim. This gives you time to see the canyon at sunset and sunrise, the most magical times of day.
Your Next Chapter Awaits
There you have it—20 windows to a world of wonder, each offering a unique and unforgettable way to kick off 2025. Train travel reminds us that the spaces between places are just as important as the destinations themselves. It’s a chance to slow down, to look up from our screens, and to witness the incredible beauty our planet has to offer.
So, which journey is calling to you? Are you dreaming of a snowy alpine escape or a sun-drenched ride through the tropics?
Share your dream train journey in the comments below! I'd love to hear which of these sparked your wanderlust or if you have a favorite scenic ride that I missed.
About the Author
Goh Ling Yong is a content creator and digital strategist sharing insights across various topics. Connect and follow for more content:
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