There’s a certain magic to travelling by rail — to relax and truly connect with the world outside your window.

Glide through lush forests, sweep across untouched lands, and traverse around towering peaks as the scenery unfolds in cinematic style. Recline into a spacious seat, savour local food and wine, and let the rhythm of luxury travel carry you. Many of our handcrafted Scenic land experiences include some of the world's most iconic rail journeys.

1. Canada’s Rocky Mountains
2. Australia’s Red Centre
3. Switzerland’s Alpine Region
4. Coast to Coast New Zealand
5. Japan by Shinkansen
6. South Africa’s Blue Train
7. Featured itineraries

Be swept away by the wonder of the Rockies, past towering pines hiding local wildlife on board Canada’s iconic Rocky Mountaineer. Travelling exclusively in daylight, the experience is designed for uninterrupted views — whether you’re gazing through the bi-level glass-domed carriage, stepping out to feel the crisp alpine air from the open-air viewing platform, or listening to your host as they point out passing landmarks and wildlife.

On the Majestic Rockies & Alaskan Cruise itinerary, you’ll journey between Jasper and Vancouver; on the Icons of Western Canada & Alaskan Cruise tour, between Vancouver and Lake Louise. Paired with 5-star GoldLeaf service and gourmet cuisine, this is rail travel at its most unforgettable.

Travel across the heart of a continent on one of Australia’s most celebrated rail experiences.

The Ghan is more than a train — it’s a journey deep into the soul of Australia. This iconic rail experience spans nearly 3,000 kilometres between Darwin and Adelaide. Traverse landscapes that transition from hues of golds to reds of the ochre plains of the Red Centre.

Opt for a shorter two-day journey from Darwin to Alice Springs on the Territory Explorer itinerary or embark on the full four-day, three-night adventure on the Central Australia and The Ghan tour, and be immersed in the powerful stories of Australia’s remote heartland.

The Swiss have a passion for rail. With the highest usage per capita in the world, many Swiss icons are best experienced by rail — and on a Scenic luxury land journey, you’ll see why.

On the Wonders of Switzerland & Austria, glide through Alpine wonderlands on two of the country’s most spectacular routes: the panoramic GoldenPass Line from Interlaken to Montreux, and the legendary Glacier Express from Zermatt to Chur. Travelling during the day, you’ll soak in every breathtaking view as you wind through the Alps, crossing soaring viaducts and passing through dramatic tunnels.

Also experience ascending the Swiss Alps by rail to Gornergrat. As the Gornergrat cogwheel train climbs to 3,100 metres, the Matterhorn comes into view — silent, striking, and utterly unforgettable.

Cross the South Island of New Zealand from coast to coast on the TranzAlpine. This iconic rail journey reveals a landscape shaped by ancient forces and wild beauty. Glide past the braided rivers of the Canterbury Plains, wind through the soaring peaks of the Southern Alps, and descend into misty Alpine rainforest on the west coast.

On our Ultimate New Zealand land journey, you’ll travel from Christchurch to Arthur’s Pass in daylight, with every window framing a new scene. Settle in and let the ever-changing views steal the show.

Feel the exhilaration of travelling at 300km/h on Japan’s iconic Shinkansen bullet trains on all Scenic journeys in Japan. Panoramic windows offer sweeping views of the countryside zipping by, transforming journey time into part of your exploration.

Only with Scenic, settle into your spacious seat in the Green Pass (Business Class) carriage and relax knowledge your luggage has already been taken care of to your next destination.

On the Essential Japan land journey your rail exploration takes you from Hakone to Nagoya; Kyoto to Himeji then Hiroshima; and from Hiroshima to Kobe. Along the way, experience a captivating mix of train styles, including the sleek Thunderbird Express, and bustling metro lines in Osaka.

Enhance your appreciation of Japan’s deep connection to rail travel with visits to both the Shinkansen Train Museum and the Railway Museum. These fascinating highlights reveal the cultural significance and engineering marvel of this iconic way to explore the country.

South Africa’s Blue Train is steeped in tradition, offering a nostalgic rail journey through the country’s diverse landscapes. With classic wood-panelled carriages, an elegant dining car, and attentive butler service, it’s a chance to slow down and savour the rhythm of the rails.

Over three days and two nights, the train travels between Pretoria and Cape Town, passing through dramatic mountains, vast deserts, lush vineyards, and sprawling farmland. Add the Blue Train experience to the start of the South Africa & Victoria Falls journey for a taste of timeless colonial-era elegance.

Travel is a journey of the senses — an invitation to see, taste, and feel the places you visit. From the comfort of your seat to the stories unfolding outside your window, every moment invites you to slow down and connect with the journey. It’s not just about reaching a destination but about enjoying the ride in a way only a train can offer.