There’s something timeless about train travel – the slow unfolding of landscapes, the rhythm of the rails, and the sense that the journey itself matters just as much as the destination. Now, a new global ranking has revealed the world’s most visually stunning rail journeys, and while Europe and Japan dominate the top spots, Australia has made a surprise showing.
Two local icons – the Kuranda Scenic Railway and The Ghan – both feature in the global top 15, offering dramatically different experiences, from lush tropical rainforest to the vast red heart of the outback.
The list, compiled for British travel insurer InsureandGo, used an unusual method to determine the rankings. Researchers analysed how viewers responded to footage of each route, tracking eye movement to see which landscapes captured the most attention – and held it the longest.
Taking out the top spot is Japan’s Sagano Romantic Train, a journey that winds through the Hozugawa River valley, framed by forested mountains and seasonal colour. It’s the kind of scenery that feels almost curated, with views on both sides of the train designed to impress at every turn.
Close behind are two Swiss heavyweights: the Bernina Express and the Glacier Express. These alpine routes are famed for their sweeping mountain vistas, dramatic bridges and snow-dusted peaks – the kind of landscapes that have long defined European rail travel.
Scotland’s rugged beauty also makes a strong impression via the West Highland Line, while Taiwan’s Alishan Forest Railway offers a completely different perspective, climbing through misty forests and steep terrain.
What makes this list particularly interesting is its global spread. From Brazil’s lush greenery on the Serra Verde Express to Peru’s high-altitude drama aboard the Central Andean Railway, the ranking highlights just how diverse – and spectacular – rail travel can be.
And then there’s Australia.
Described as a “surprise entry” by the report’s authors, the country’s inclusion reflects the sheer contrast of its landscapes. The Kuranda Scenic Railway, built in 1891, is a relatively short 37-kilometre journey from Cairns into the rainforest-clad mountains of the Atherton Tablelands. Along the way, passengers pass waterfalls, dense greenery and sweeping views across the coast – a lush, immersive experience that feels worlds away from the typical image of Australia.
By contrast, The Ghan is all about scale. Stretching nearly 3000 kilometres from Adelaide to Darwin, the journey takes more than two days and slices through the centre of the continent. Here, the appeal lies in the vastness – endless horizons, ochre landscapes and the slow transition between climates and regions.
Together, they showcase two extremes of Australian travel – and help explain why both caught the attention of researchers.
For travellers, the takeaway is simple: while Europe may still be the traditional home of scenic rail journeys, there’s a whole world of unforgettable experiences waiting on the tracks – including right here in Australia.
Sagano Romantic Train (Japan)
Bernina Express (Switzerland/Italy)
Glacier Express (Switzerland)
West Highland Line (Scotland)
Alishan Forest Railway (Taiwan)
Serra Verde Express (Brazil)
Rocky Mountaineer (Canada)
Semmering Railway (Austria)
Coast Starlight (USA)
White Pass and Yukon Route (USA/Canada)
Central Andean Railway (Peru)
Kuranda Scenic Railway (Australia)
TranzAlpine (New Zealand)
Blue Train (South Africa)
The Ghan (Australia)
If you love train travel, why not contact the experts at Travel at 60. They can book all your holiday needs – from flights, hotels, cruises, and yes, dramatic rail journeys.