Whether you choose to travel by train for sustainability reasons, to avoid the faff of airports or because you fancy a trip with a view, there are spectacular rail routes being launched across globe. There’s the beloved British Pullman that stops all across the UK, or the Reunification Express in Vietnam where you can take in the lush Hai Van mountain pass before reaching the major cities, Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh.
But according to Travel + Leisure, one train is a cut above the rest, offering cross-country journeys and a host of diverse landscapes with panoramic views: all aboard the Rocky Mountaineer.
The Mountaineer’s railways wind through Alberta and British Columba in Canada and Colorado and Utah in the US, taking travellers on journeys through — you guessed it — the mighty Rocky Mountains. But aside from the these dramatic peaks (which reach a staggering 4400 metres high), and the remaining scenery is just as stunning.
On the route from Vancouver to Banff, Canada’s popular mountain town, travellers will journey past the serene, turquoise waters of Lake Louise of Banff National Park in Alberta. There’s also the red and golden canyons that trace the routes to Colorado, the waters of Horseshoe Bay, the fjords of Howe Sound and the lush, green forests in between.
As for the train, it’s an ode to classic luxury travel. The ‘SilverLeaf’ service includes comfortable seating, a signature cocktail, top-notch staff and guides, gourmet meals and panoramic views via the coaches’ glass-domes. Opt for the ‘GoldLeaf’ service for access to a premium lounge and an outdoor viewing platform to properly soak in those views.
The 5 best luxury trains in the world for 2025, according to Travel + Leisure
- Rocky Mountaineer
- British Pullman, a Belmond Train
- Napa Valley Wine Train
- Venice Simplon-Orient-Express, a Belmond Train
- Al Andalus Train
ICYMI: This British train journey is officially one of the most scenic in the world.
Plus: What it’s like to travel on Scotland’s £5,300 Belmond Royal Scotsman sleeper train.
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