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(Last Updated On: 25/06/2021)

Taking the train is one of the most underrated forms of modern transportation. As intercontinental airplane rides become more affordable every year, but trains are on the rise everywhere. There are several reasons why traveling by train is one of the most fascinating ways to cross international borders.

 

The Bernina Express

For instance, the sights offered by the Bernina Express alone are enough to convert any airline enthusiast into a railroad fanatic. Stretching from Chur and St. Moritz in gorgeous eastern Switzerland to northern Italy’s Tirano, the Bernina Express is also known as the most scenic railroad journey in the world. This journey spans a total of 90 miles. That means 4 hours of cinematic alpine landscapes, glaciers, large waterfalls, and dramatic ravines.

All of the beautiful scenery is visible through the Express train generous vista windows in every passenger car. The journey culminates at Bernina Pass. At 7,000 feet above sea level, the pass is prone to raging snowstorms. Meanwhile, sunny Italy awaits you at the other end of this journey. This scenic train ride should be mandatory on every railroad lover’s bucket list.

 

Deutsche Bahn

Meanwhile, joining the Express on that list is the DB or Deutsche Bahn. Germany’s national train network offers some of the most scenic rides near the River Rhine. Its routes will take you through striking views of the Alps and the mountain valleys. For instance, the best way to appreciate Europe’s longest river is via the route that connects the cities of Mainz and Cologne. This route takes you through gentle hills, crumbling castles, and terraced vineyards.

DB offers regular train rides that connect cities like Amsterdam, Copenhagen, and Prague to Germany’s major metropolises. Similar to the Bernina Express, it’s a fantastic way to see Europe’s heartland. It’s no wonder that CNN refers to the Deutsche Bahn as “one of the most pleasant German travel experiences that don’t involve a Mercedes-Benz 450.” While Europe’s trains are mostly prized for the long cross-country and cross-continent journeys, there are other shorter options for more casual train travelers. For instance, the Berlin Ringbahn has always been popular among tourists who want a simple sightseeing tour of the city. You can try this out for the price of a single ticket.

Frankfurt to Cologne Trains

Brussels to Cologne Trains

Vienna to Cologne Trains

Hanover to Cologne Trains

 

Trans-Siberian Express

No talk of fascinating train journeys would be complete without including the Trans-Siberian Express. Also known as the longest train journey on the planet, the Trans-Siberian Express connects Moscow in western Russia to the coastal city of Vladivostok in Eastern Russian. Along the way, the railroad branches out into nearby countries like China, Mongolia, and North Korea. Several locations in Western Europe, including Amsterdam, have train stations that offer rides to the Trans-Siberian station in St. Petersburg, Russia. No wonder many Europeans choose to take the train when venturing east.

Traveling around Russia by train is one of the cheapest ways to travel. Granted, it’s also one of the slowest, with Ladbrokes claiming that an overnight sleeper train from Volgograd to Nizhny Novgorod takes 27 hours. Still, Russia’s extensive railway system saw a lot of action this year when the country hosted the World Cup. Many fans got to see more of the country and its people as they traveled to the fixtures by train.

 

 

This is another fascinating and often overlooked aspect of railway travel. Certainly, there’s nothing like the people and experiences you’ll encounter along the way. Get ready to meet some of the most fascinating people from all over the world. Whichever cross-country train journey you’re on, you’re likely to end up finding a friend or two among fellow overnight travelers. Whether you’re taking the scenic Bernina Express, traversing several countries on either the Deutsche Bahn or the Trans-Siberian Express, or relaxing on Switzerland’s Glacier Express, which The Culture Trip describes as a journey that rivals the sights of the Bernina, journeying by train is bound to be one of the most fascinating experiences of your life.

 

To get the best train experience in your life, at the cheapest prices, and relieved of obnoxious booking fees, use Save A Train!

 

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