Train rides are a relaxed and laidback way of traveling. Some of the world’s most breathtaking views can be seen while riding a train. The journey on a train might take from few hours to more than a week but that won’t beat the drama and the opportunities of seeing amazing views along the way. Let’s take a look at some of the exceptionally scenic train rides around the world.

Glacier Express ( Switzerland)

Referred to as the slowest express train in the world, The Glacier Express travels directly from Zermatt to St. Moritz for about 8 hours. The reason for its slow pace: it chugs through the Alps, through narrow valleys, 91 tunnels and across 291 bridges. The green valleys and the snowy mountains make it a visually pleasing experience.

Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad (Colorado)

The Durango train, which has been in continuous operation since 1882, winds through spectacular & breathtaking canyons in the remote wilderness of the two-million acre San Juan National Forest. At Durango you’ll experience the adventure of traveling by a coal-fired, steam-operated train that chugs its way at 18 miles per hour.

Tranzalpine ( New Zealand)

The Tranzalpine travels from the garden-loving city of Christchurch, to the rugged wilds of Greymouth and crosses the South Island’s west coast through the amazing misty mountain scenery of the Southern Alps in 4.5 hours. Along the way, your eyes will feast on vistas of Canterbury plain farmland and the Waimakiriri River, followed by dramatic alpine viaducts leading to Arthur’s Pass.

Maharajas ( India )

The Maharajas Express, a luxury train debuted in 2010 and was voted “The World’s Leading Luxury Train” 5 times in a row and is the most expensive luxury train in the world. Its journey from Delhi and Mumbai lasts three-to-seven nights. Aside from the modern amenities and the comfortable on board experience, a train ride on Maharajas Express will take you through colorful Rajasthan to India’s most photo-worthy destinations: Agra (home of the Taj Mahal), Jaipur, Udaipur and Ranthambore (where you can see Bengal tigers in the wild).

Bergen Railway (Norway)

Northern Europe’s highest railway was built between 1875 and 1909. Using hydroelectricity or other renewable sources, the train crosses the high mountain range between Oslo and Bergen for 7 hours. Along the way some of the most pristine glacier-carved fjords, the windswept mountain plateau, largest protected wilderness area in Europe and lush valleys in the city of Bergen can be seen.