There’s something magical about winter travel — especially when it’s by train. As snow blankets the countryside and the world slows down, a train window becomes the perfect frame for some of the planet’s most breathtaking landscapes.
Forget the stress of airports and icy roads — winter rail journeys combine comfort, nostalgia, and adventure. Whether you’re gliding through the Swiss Alps or crossing Canada’s frozen wilderness, these rides offer cinematic views and a cozy seat to enjoy them.
Here are 10 of the most scenic winter train journeys around the world, each delivering postcard-perfect scenery and unforgettable experiences — all bookable with exclusive flight and hotel deals through Travelupo.
1. Bernina Express – Switzerland & Italy
- Route: Chur, Switzerland → Tirano, Italy
- Duration: 4 hours
- Best for: Snow-covered Alps, engineering marvels, and mountain charm.
The Bernina Express is Europe’s ultimate winter postcard. It crosses 196 bridges, passes through 55 tunnels, and climbs over the 2,253-meter Bernina Pass — all while delivering panoramic Alpine views through floor-to-ceiling windows.
In winter, the journey is pure magic: snow-draped forests, frozen lakes, and picturesque villages beneath white peaks. End your trip with an espresso in sunny Tirano, where the Italian warmth greets you after a Swiss winter wonderland.
Pro tip: Book the premium “Panorama” seats early — they sell fast.
Stay nearby: Hotel Stern Chur – classic Swiss hospitality from €140/night via Travelupo.
2. The Glacier Express – Switzerland
- Route: Zermatt → St. Moritz
- Duration: 8 hours
- Best for: Alpine luxury and slow travel at its finest.
Nicknamed “the world’s slowest express train,” the Glacier Express takes its time — and that’s exactly why travelers love it. Snow-covered chalets, icy ravines, and dazzling peaks unfold at a gentle pace.
You’ll glide over the Landwasser Viaduct, cross the Oberalp Pass, and dine on gourmet meals served at your seat — all while sipping Swiss wine and watching glaciers shimmer outside.
Pro tip: Travel in Excellence Class for a private bar, five-course lunch, and panoramic views.
Stay nearby: CERVO Mountain Resort Zermatt – stylish comfort from €210/night with Travelupo winter deals.
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3. The Arctic Circle Train – Sweden to Norway
- Route: Stockholm, Sweden → Narvik, Norway
- Duration: 18 hours
- Best for: Northern Lights and Arctic wilderness.
This train journey is an adventurer’s dream. Starting in Sweden’s capital, the Arctic Circle Train winds north past Lapland forests, reindeer herds, and frozen lakes before crossing into Norway’s fjord country.
In the long polar nights, you might see the Aurora Borealis dance across the sky — a spectacle best viewed through your cabin window with a warm drink in hand.
Pro tip: Stop in Abisko National Park, one of the world’s best spots for Northern Lights.
Stay nearby: STF Abisko Mountain Lodge – cozy cabins from €120/night.
4. The Rocky Mountaineer – Canada
- Route: Vancouver → Banff / Jasper (winter itineraries vary)
- Duration: 2–3 days
- Best for: Vast snowy landscapes and Canadian wilderness.
Few train rides capture the wild beauty of winter like the Rocky Mountaineer. Its glass-domed cars roll past frozen waterfalls, glacier valleys, and the peaks of the Canadian Rockies.
While the train typically runs more in summer, select winter departures and partner packages include skiing, snowshoeing, and cozy lodge stays in Banff or Jasper.
Pro tip: Combine with Travelupo flight deals to Calgary for the best entry route.
Stay nearby: Fairmont Banff Springs – iconic castle hotel with off-season deals from €280/night.
5. The Hokkaido Snow Train – Japan
- Route: Sapporo → Kushiro (JR Senmō Line)
- Duration: 4.5 hours
- Best for: Japanese winter scenery and quiet countryside.
Japan’s northern island of Hokkaido transforms into a serene snowscape in winter — and this local line lets you see it all. Passing through icy lakes, steaming hot-spring towns, and open white plains, the Hokkaido Snow Train feels like a moving meditation.
Warm bento boxes, hot tea, and punctual service make it quintessentially Japanese. At the end of the line, Kushiro’s wetlands are home to graceful red-crowned cranes — a magical sight in the snow.
Pro tip: Combine this with a stay in Sapporo during its famous Snow Festival (February).
Stay nearby: JR Tower Hotel Nikko Sapporo – modern comfort from €150/night.
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6. The Jacobite Steam Train – Scotland
- Route: Fort William → Mallaig
- Duration: 2 hours (one way)
- Best for: Harry Potter fans and Highland beauty.
Known worldwide as the Hogwarts Express, this steam train crosses the famous Glenfinnan Viaduct, winding through misty glens and snow-dusted hills. In winter, the Scottish Highlands take on a cinematic stillness that feels otherworldly.
The Jacobite may pause in the coldest months, but December and early spring departures are unforgettable — fewer crowds, frost-tipped mountains, and that unmistakable sound of steam echoing through the valley.
Pro tip: Sit on the left side for the best views of Loch Shiel and the Viaduct.
Stay nearby: Inverlochy Castle Hotel – historic charm from €230/night.
7. The Train to the Clouds – Argentina
- Route: Salta → La Polvorilla Viaduct (Andes)
- Duration: 16 hours round trip
- Best for: High-altitude adventure and otherworldly views.
Rising to over 4,200 meters above sea level, Argentina’s Tren a las Nubes (“Train to the Clouds”) is one of the highest railways in the world. The journey begins in the warm Andean foothills and climbs into thin air, surrounded by red canyons and snow-topped peaks.
Even in winter, the high sun keeps the colors vivid — rust, gold, and sapphire blue. It’s not just a ride but a once-in-a-lifetime journey through the spine of South America.
Pro tip: Bring layers — temperatures drop sharply as altitude rises.
Stay nearby: Legado Mitico Salta – boutique stay from €110/night.
8. The Trans-Alpine – New Zealand
- Route: Christchurch → Greymouth
- Duration: 5 hours
- Best for: Glacial valleys and South Island wilderness.
New Zealand’s Trans-Alpine Railway is a breathtaking year-round adventure, but in winter, it’s at its most spectacular. The train climbs across the Southern Alps, passing turquoise rivers, deep gorges, and snow-capped peaks.
You’ll move from Canterbury’s farmlands to Arthur’s Pass National Park — and end in the rainforest of the West Coast. It’s like traveling through four seasons in one day.
Pro tip: Sit in the open-air viewing car for the full sensory experience.
Stay nearby: The George Christchurch – five-star boutique from €180/night.
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9. The Danube Express – Central Europe
- Route: Budapest → Prague → Vienna (seasonal itineraries vary)
- Duration: 4–7 days (luxury sleeper journey)
- Best for: Grand European cities in their winter glow.
For travelers who crave both comfort and culture, the Danube Express is the definition of luxury rail. Think golden dining cars, wood-paneled suites, and a route through Europe’s most elegant capitals — without airport chaos.
Winter itineraries include festive stops at Vienna’s Christmas markets, Prague’s Old Town Square, and Budapest’s thermal baths. Snow outside, champagne inside — pure European romance.
Pro tip: Watch for early-bird promotions through Travelupo partners.
Stay nearby: Aria Hotel Budapest – music-themed luxury from €220/night.
10. The Blue Train – South Africa
- Route: Pretoria → Cape Town
- Duration: 31 hours
- Best for: African scenery and five-star comfort.
South Africa’s legendary Blue Train is pure elegance on rails. In winter (June–August in the Southern Hemisphere), the landscapes turn crisp and golden — perfect for photography.
You’ll glide past vineyards, deserts, and savannas while enjoying gourmet dining, afternoon tea, and marble-lined suites. The service is famously personal — more like a boutique hotel than a train.
Pro tip: Combine it with a safari or Cape Town beach stay via Travelupo’s package deals.
Stay nearby: Taj Cape Town – central luxury from €190/night.
Why Winter Train Travel Is the Ultimate Escape
Train journeys offer a rare kind of serenity. You don’t rush — you observe. The world passes slowly outside your window: villages dusted with snow, distant mountains glowing pink at sunset, rivers shimmering under ice.
Unlike flying, rail travel is part of the experience, not just transportation. And in winter, it’s a front-row seat to nature’s quiet masterpiece.
- Eco-friendly: Trains emit far less carbon than flights.
- Comfortable: Spacious seats, local cuisine, and uninterrupted views.
- Flexible: Easy to combine with city breaks and winter resorts.
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Travelupo Tips for Booking Scenic Train Trips
- Book shoulder dates: Late November and February often mean lower prices.
- Pair with flights: Use Travelupo to bundle your airfare and hotels for hidden discounts.
- Reserve scenic seats: Always check which side offers the best views.
- Stay overnight: Many stations sit in charming towns perfect for short stays.
- Travel light: On-board luggage space is limited — bring layers and essentials only.
Final Thoughts
From the Swiss Alps to the African plains, winter train travel proves that the journey itself can be the destination. These scenic rides offer everything travelers crave — comfort, adventure, and the chance to see the world from a new perspective.
So this winter, instead of rushing to the airport, consider boarding a train. Sip coffee, watch snow fall outside, and let the rhythm of the rails carry you somewhere unforgettable.
👉 Find exclusive winter rail and hotel packages now on Travelupo — where your next journey begins with a single click.
