10 Most Scenic Train Routes in Europe (Switzerland, Italy & More)

Europe’s rail network offers some of the world’s most beautiful train journeys, perfect for travelers who want to relax and take in stunning landscapes without the stress of driving. From alpine railways in Switzerland to coastal tracks in Italy and France, these routes combine breathtaking scenery with the comfort and efficiency of European trains. Whether you’re traveling with a Eurail Pass, booking point-to-point tickets, or mixing in overnight trains, here are 10 routes that deserve a spot on your bucket list.

1. Bernina Express – Switzerland & Italy

Bernina Line train descending through the famous Montebello curve towards Pontresina

Scenery: Towering glaciers, spiraling viaducts, deep gorges, alpine meadows.
Route: Chur (Switzerland) to Tirano (Italy), passing UNESCO-listed landscapes in the Albula and Bernina ranges.
Why It’s Special: The Bernina Express is famous for crossing the iconic Landwasser Viaduct and climbing to the 2,253-meter Ospizio Bernina before descending into Italy. Every season offers a different view — wildflowers in summer, blazing colors in autumn, and sparkling snow in winter.
Booking Tip: This route is hugely popular — reserve panoramic carriages early. Check Omio or RailEurope for seat availability and ticket options, especially if pairing it with a Swiss Travel Pass.

2. Glacier Express – Switzerland

The Glacier Express crosses the Swiss Alps in the East-West direction. Here it is descending the Oberalp Pass high above Andermatt.

The Glacier Express descending the Oberalp Pass high above Andermatt

Scenery: Deep valleys, historic stone bridges, the Oberalp Pass, and picturesque mountain villages.
Route: Zermatt to St. Moritz in roughly 8 hours.
Why It’s Special: Known as the slowest express train in the world, the Glacier Express turns the journey itself into the highlight of your trip. The large panoramic windows make it ideal for photography.
Booking Tip: Tickets and reservations are separate, so secure both well in advance. Compare fares on Trainline and RailEurope — sometimes multi-day scenic train packages include this route.

3. Cinque Terre Local Train – Italy

Scenery: Sheer cliffs, colorful fishing villages, sweeping Mediterranean views.
Route: La Spezia to Levanto, stopping at Riomaggiore, Manarola, Corniglia, Vernazza, and Monterosso al Mare.
Why It’s Special: It’s the easiest and fastest way to explore all five Cinque Terre villages without hiking the rugged trails between them.
Booking Tip: The Cinque Terre Card includes unlimited train rides in the area and access to walking paths. Timetables are easy to check on Omio for planning day trips.

4. West Highland Line – Scotland

Glenfinnan Viaduct, Glenfinnan, United Kingdom

The famous Glenfinnan Viaduct in Scotland

Scenery: Highland peaks, glassy lochs, the famous Glenfinnan Viaduct.
Route: Glasgow to Mallaig.
Why It’s Special: Consistently ranked among the best train journeys in the UK, this line combines dramatic landscapes with historical charm. It’s also the filming location for the Hogwarts Express scenes in Harry Potter.
Booking Tip: Buy in advance on Trainline to lock in lower fares. If you’re traveling with a BritRail Pass, this route is included.

5. Rhine Valley Line – Germany

Scenery: Fairytale castles, terraced vineyards, and winding river bends.
Route: Koblenz to Mainz along the UNESCO-listed Upper Middle Rhine.
Why It’s Special: You’ll pass iconic castles like Marksburg and Pfalzgrafenstein, with villages that look unchanged for centuries. This is one of the most romantic train rides in Europe.
Booking Tip: Local regional trains are inexpensive and scenic. Use Omio to compare German Rail Pass options with single tickets.

6. Flåm Railway – Norway

While we took the Flam Railway as a scenic tour it actually is a commuter rail line. ??It runs between the towns of Flam (sea level) and Myrdal (866m above sea level) in a distance of only 20km. The train ride offers spectacular scenery as it goes through many ttwists and turns to make its ascent up the mountain side..

The Flam Railway between the towns of Flam (sea level) and Myrdal (866m above sea level) in a distance of only 20km

Scenery: Steep fjords, roaring waterfalls, green valleys.
Route: Myrdal to Flåm.
Why It’s Special: Often called one of the steepest standard-gauge railways in the world, it’s an engineering marvel that drops nearly 900 meters in just 20 kilometers.
Booking Tip: Book through RailEurope or Vy official channels for through-tickets with connections from Oslo or Bergen.

7. Glasgow to Fort William & Oban – Scotland

Scenery: Rugged coastlines, sea lochs, fishing towns, and highland scenery.
Route: Glasgow Queen Street to Oban or Fort William.
Why It’s Special: These branch lines give you access to Scotland’s west coast and serve as gateways to the Hebrides.
Booking Tip: Use Trainline for discounts on advance tickets. If traveling with multiple routes, a Spirit of Scotland Travelpass can save money.

8. Venice to Florence – Italy

Scenery: Rolling Tuscan hills, vineyards, medieval towns.
Route: Venice Santa Lucia to Florence Santa Maria Novella, often in under two hours.
Why It’s Special: This high-speed train connects two of Italy’s most beautiful cities with countryside views in between — ideal for short itineraries.
Booking Tip: Frecciarossa and Italo trains can be booked on Omio or RailEurope. Buying early often means big savings.

9. Zermatt to Gornergrat – Switzerland

A train traveling down a snow covered mountain side. Gornergrat matterhorn mountains.

Scenery: Sweeping views of the Matterhorn and 29 other 4,000-meter peaks.
Route: Zermatt to Gornergrat Summit via cogwheel railway.
Why It’s Special: The highest open-air railway in Europe offers incredible panoramic views year-round. In winter, it’s popular with skiers; in summer, hikers use it as a trailhead.
Booking Tip: Check RailEurope for bundled tickets with the Glacier Express or Swiss Travel Pass.

10. Nice to Ventimiglia – France/Italy

Scenery: Mediterranean beaches, palm-lined promenades, Italian Riviera villages.
Route: Nice Ville to Ventimiglia.
Why It’s Special: This short cross-border trip feels like a mini coastal road trip by train, with sea views almost the entire way.
Booking Tip: Omio makes it easy to buy cross-border tickets without switching between French and Italian booking sites.

Pro Booking Tips for Scenic Train Travel in Europe

Compare prices across platforms — Trainline often has the best rates for UK and France; RailEurope is strong for Switzerland and luxury scenic trains.
Book months ahead for iconic routes like the Glacier Express and Bernina Express.
Consider a Eurail or Interrail Pass if combining multiple scenic journeys. Available via Omio and RailEurope.