Enter A Frozen Wonderland: The Best Winter Train Journeys Across The Globe

THE ULTIMATE WINTER ESCAPE

Travelling the world by train is a one-of-a-kind experience. It's also an experience that is only heightened during colder months. Quite simply you can sit back, relax and watch as the world outside is transformed into a magnificent winter wonderland by a layer of pure white. As snow blankets the land and ice covers the once-flowing waterfalls and rippling lakes, you can enjoy the comfort of your warm seat and some delicious food while you soak in the glacial paradise.

While each of the seasons brings something unique, nothing can quite compare to the breathtaking wonders you will witness on our winter train journeys. In this guide, we will be unveiling the best winter train journeys you can take in 2024 and beyond, as well as how you can secure a place on some of our exclusive winter train tours!

THE BEST WINTER TRAIN JOURNEYS

VENICE SIMPLON-ORIENT EXPRESS

Step into a world of luxury upon the Venice Simplon-Orient Express. A testimony to its time, the train’s carriages perfectly reflect the golden age of travel from which it originates. This train offers guests a luxurious travelling experience, including 24-hour butler service, 4-course meals, a stylish onboard piano bar and private cabins adorned with polished wood finishes, marble en-suite bathrooms and exquisite, high-end furnishings. Whilst the interior of the train is remarkable, it’s the views outside the windows which make this train a number one contender on our best winter train journeys list.

Travelling between Paris and Verona (or Venice), everyone onboard this route will be in for a treat. Expect everything from snow-capped mountains through to famous ski resorts and historic cities aglow with festive lights. 

You’ll be pleased to know that this world-famous train has now extended its timetable to run into the December months, allowing you to witness its beauty in a completely new light. 

THE ROCKY MOUNTAINS, CANADA

Every winter, Canada transforms into the ideal winter rail destination. Offering panoramic views of snow-covered mountains, frozen lakes, dense forests and (if you’re really lucky) the breathtaking Northern Lights on particularly clear nights. For this winter train tour, guests will travel through the Canadian Rockies, which transform into a magical snowy mountainscape in winter.

This is all possible onboard the iconic Rocky Mountaineer train. Starting out in Vancouver it whisks you off to the iconic Banff or serene Jasper. With its oversized windows, glass-domed coaches, and gourmet dining experiences, passengers will be wrapped up in a world of luxury as they comfortably enjoy the scenic beauty of the Rockies from the comfort of their seats.

Get in touch with our travel experts today to learn more about our winter train tours and available routes on our exclusive Canadian rail holidays. 

FLÅM RAILWAY, NORWAY

Embark on one of the best winter train tours in 2024 aboard the scenic Flåm Railway, taking you from Flåm in Aurlandsfjord, uphill to Myrdal in Norway. Whilst this rail journey may be a short one, only covering 12.5 miles (20km) in total, the scenes it conjures up along the way surely make up for it! Passing by fjords, rivers, waterfalls, snow-capped mountains and remote stone buildings on one of the steepest railway lines in the world, you won’t want to miss this iconic rail journey off of your list. Book your place on one of our Norway rail holidays by getting in touch with our travel specialists today!

GLACIER EXPRESS, SWITZERLAND

No list of the best winter train tours is complete without stopping off in Switzerland - the top winter destination in Europe. The Glacier Express is an amazing winter route which passes dramatic frozen glaciers, snow-capped mountains and vast valleys that stretch as far as the eye can see, gracefully rumbling from Zermatt to St Moritz. 

 

To make this winter train tour one to remember, why not upgrade to Excellence Class? With a seasonal 5-course dining experience and full access to the Glacier Bar, this added upgrade can make your trip a truly special occasion.

 

Also, do check out our Switzerland rail holidays to learn more about scenic rail journeys in Switzerland and other famous trains such as The Bernina Express and The Jungfraujoch Express. 

THE WEST HIGHLAND LINE, SCOTLAND

If you’re looking for something a little closer to home, the West Highland Line in Scotland offers otherworldly winter views without the need to travel abroad. Think historic fortresses, as well as mountains and glens blanketed in snow, frozen lochs, and vast moors, where winter simply enhances the beauty of these natural wonders.

 

On clear days you may be lucky enough to see Ben Nevis in the distance, but the real landmark highlight of this winter train journey is the 30-metre-high bridge over Loch Shiel, made famous by the Harry Potter films. 

 

On our exclusive Edinburgh, Isle of Skye, and the West Highland Line Tour, you can witness all of these wonderful sites and more. Starting at £1,699 Per Person, this 10-day tour is the perfect way to see Scotland all year round. To book your place for winter, get in touch with our travel experts today!

BOOKING WINTER TRAIN TOURS WITH MARVELLOUS ESCAPES

Rail holidays are a great way to witness a country’s natural and historic beauty in a comfortable and luxurious manner. Throughout the year, we run exclusive rail tours to a variety of destinations, but there is something quite spectacular about our winter train tours. 

 

From securing the best deals and exclusive upgrades on your rail journeys to creating tailored tours that suit your travel needs, our team can help you plan the winter rail holiday of your dreams.

Secure your place on one of the winter train tours today! Get in touch with train specialists.