The top 7 rail journeys you won’t want to miss in 2025 and beyond

There’s something pleasantly nostalgic about travelling by train. A flashback to a time when the journey was all part of the experience. 

In the 1970s there was an advertising campaign by British Rail with the slogan ‘let the train take the strain’. It was designed to encourage Brits to enjoy a more relaxed, stress-free way to travel. Rail journeys have seen a resurgence in recent times thanks to the preference for slow, sustainable travel but there’s still a lot to be said for the sentiment of the old commercial. What better way to take in the scenery and embrace a mindful approach to exploring with less haste and more presence?

In 2025, the modern railway marks a significant milestone with its 200th anniversary. On 27th September 1825 George Stephenson’s steam-powered Locomotion No. 1 travelled twenty-six miles between Shildon, Darlington and Stockton in the north of England, becoming the first steam-powered public railway. More than a century before the advent of the package holiday, setting in motion the birth of tourism as we know it.

Nowadays, you can elect to traverse every continent along an iconic stretch of railway, whether that’s crossing the snowcapped Alps or speeding across Japan by Bullet Train. Whether you’re in the market for full whistles and bells luxury or a taste of one of the classic trips, here are our top rail journeys to tick off, at least once in a lifetime.

NEW RAIL JOURNEYS FOR 2025

For bragging rights, set your sights on one of these shiny new train trips coming on board in 2025.

For showstopping scenery, the new Norient Express is going straight to the top of the list. The two trains slated to fulfil this service from autumn 2025 will be electrically powered and will come complete with an observatory. Starting in Bergen and taking six days, the service will travel through Oslo before going north to Trondheim. Passengers can sit back and enjoy some of Norway's most iconic landscapes from fjords and mountains to glaciers and lakes in total comfort. Then disembark to overnight at hotels near the line each night.

Price tbc. 

La Dolce Vita, Italy – for romance & top-notch food

Billed as Italy's first luxury train, the new Orient Express La Dolce Vita is due to debut in mid-2025. Most of the eight itineraries will depart from Rome, heading to destinations including Venice and Palermo with one or two nights on board. Just sixty-two guests will be catered for, guaranteeing an exclusive setting, and dining overseen by Michelin-starred chef Heinz Beck.

From €3,500 pp for a one-night itinerary (approx. £2,928). 

The Floridian, North America – for value for money

The Floridian combines two iconic routes, travelling between Chicago in Illinois and Miami in Florida, in classic Amtrak style. Running for a limited time to coincide with works on the line in New York, travellers will be transported from the Midwest to the Sunshine State in 47 hours. Stops include Cleveland, Pittsburgh, Washington DC, Jacksonville, Orlando, and Tampa.

From $113 one-way in coach (approx. £88), with first class rooms priced upwards of $1,500 (approx. £1,160) including dining.

THE BEST TRAIN TRIPS OF ALL TIME

Sometimes you have to go a long way to beat the classics. These bucket-list rail journeys have earned their right to be on the ‘one day I’m gonna’ wish list.

Rocky Mountaineer, Canada – for wildlife lovers

There are several scenic rail journeys through the Canadian Rockies to choose from on board the Rocky Mountaineer, taking in destinations including Lake Louise, Jasper, Whistler, Denver, and Calgary. Passengers can look out for black bears, grizzlies, elk, and bald eagles through the panoramic windows of the glass-domed fleet.

From £1,389 pp for a 2 day Vancouver to Lake Louise trip.

Bernina Express, Switzerland – for adrenaline

Named amongst the world's greatest train journeys by National Geographic, the Bernina Express packs a punch for one of the shortest routes. At just four hours long, this 76-mile railway from Chur in Switzerland traverses the Bernina Pass before reaching St Moritz at its midway point, where skiers can disembark. From here, the route is famed for heart-stopping twists and turns. No wonder this feat of engineering is one of only a handful of railway World Heritage Sites in the world.

From £60 pp one way for a second class ticket.

The Jacobite Steam Train, Scotland – for wizard adventures

There’s tough competition for the ultimate railway trip across Scotland but the Jacobite is the one for any Harry Potter fans, starring as the Hogwarts Express in the films. The journey from Fort William starts close to Ben Nevis, Britain's highest mountain. Highlights on the 84-mile round trip include the Glenfinnan Viaduct (as seen on the screen) and the chance to marvel at lochs as well as spot outlying islands including Skye as the train puffs along the scenic west coast.

From £65 pp return.

Rovos Rail, South Africa – for extravagance

Launched in the 1980s, Rovos Rail in South Africa might just have the last word when it comes to elegant travel. Think formal-attired evening wear, clawfoot bathtubs and smart upholstery. But it’s not just about the onboard experience: crisscrossing the heart of Africa, scheduled stops take in game reserves for safari, national parks, and landmarks like Victoria Falls. Tours range from a short two-night trip from Pretoria to Durban to the 15-day Trail of Two Oceans itinerary that links Dar es Salaam in Tanzania with Lobito in Angola.

From £1,429 pp for a 2 night trip.

It's safe to say that 2025 is the year to travel by train - which journey would you love to take this year? Don't forget to add the Train Adventure Step to your El Camino, and cherish your memories from the railway!