By rail · TRAIN TOURS

The World’s Best Train Journeys: 15 Rides Worth the Ticket

563 rail days  ·  from $5 a seat

Some trains are the way to the thing and some are the thing itself. The 15 below are the second kind, from a market line outside Bangkok to a rack railway above Lucerne, each with the fare, the running time and whether the seat has to be reserved separately.

Bangkok: Damnoen Saduak Market and Maeklong Railway Market - The long ride from Bangkok
Bangkok Train Tours, Markets, Railway & Floating Market Tours, Shopping Tours, Thailand Train Tours, Tour Reviews, Train Tours

Bangkok: Damnoen Saduak Market and Maeklong Railway Market

1.Damnoen Saduak Market and Maeklong Railway Market

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 26,723 reviews · 7 hours · from $25Our pick

Travel from Bangkok with a guide such as Patty, Pooh, Mike, or Aekaphol to see a train pass through Maeklong Market, then paddle through Damnoen Saduak Floating Market. The $25 tour includes transport, guide, water, and boat ride, with early departures best for cooler weather and smaller crowds.

“Such a great experience! The floating market was a once in a lifetime experience experience that I’ll cherish forever. Phu was an amazing host and very informative. Would definitely recommend!”

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The Old Siam: Damnoen Saduak and Maeklong Railway Market - The paddleboat ride into Damnoen Saduak
Bangkok Train Tours, Markets, Railway & Floating Market Tours, Shopping Tours, Thailand Train Tours, Tour Reviews, Train Tours

The Old Siam: Damnoen Saduak and Maeklong Railway Market

2.The Old Siam: Damnoen Saduak and Maeklong Railway Market

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 10,992 reviews · 7 hours · from $32

Travel from Bangkok to two famous markets with a guide such as Tim, Pui, or Kwan. Watch vendors clear the railway for a passing train, then reach Damnoen Saduak by paddleboat. You get time to shop, eat pad thai or mango sticky rice, and see a quieter side of central Thailand.

“Amazing!!! Bobby was our guide, he gave us a lot of information during the way, he is very funny! What to say about the markets? What experience!!!! Unique! Both market were amazing, at the Maeklong, we arrived by train and also could watch the training pass through the market. At the Damnoen Saduak we had a beautiful view of the river channels and could enjoy an amazing coconut ice-cream. The experience was really worthy, just do it! You will love it!”

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Mt Fuji & Hakone Cruise, Drum Show Bullet Train 1 Day from Tokyo - Starting at Tokyo Station and Heading Toward Fuji
1-Day Tours, Bullet Train Tours, Bullet Train Tours in Japan, Cruises & Boat Tours, Japan Train Tours, Show, Tokyo Train Tours, Tour Reviews, Train Tours

Mt Fuji & Hakone Cruise, Drum Show Bullet Train 1 Day from Tokyo

3.Mt Fuji & Hakone Cruise, Drum Show Bullet Train 1 Day from Tokyo

★★★★★★★★★★4.0 · 7,413 reviews · from $149

Travel from Tokyo to Mt Fuji’s 5th Station, Lake Ashi, and Mt Komagatake on a guided coach tour, then return by non-reserved Shinkansen. Expect a full, weather-sensitive day with a short cruise, ropeway ride, Japanese lunch option, and wadaiko drum performance.

“We had the bad luck to have our one tour day on our week to Tokyo be the one day that week with poor weather. It was drizzling a light mist in Shinjuku when we found the hotel to meet up (inside the hotel), and we had a nice bus ride through the countryside. It was great to see the forests so different from my home in California, and the villages with little farm plots in between the houses. We got up to the mountain, and it was actually a bit clear, the sun came out and we saw a bit of blue sky, but it was still too cloudy…”

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Montserrat & Cogwheel Train, Gourmet Wine Tasting & Tapas/Lunch - The Oller del Mas winery and its old stone setting
Barcelona Train Tours, Food & Drink, Funicular & Mountain Railway Rides, Funicular and Mountain Railway Rides in Spain, Lunch Experiences, Spain Train Tours, Tour Reviews, Train Tours, Wine Tours

Montserrat & Cogwheel Train, Gourmet Wine Tasting & Tapas/Lunch

4.Montserrat & Cogwheel Train, Gourmet Wine Tasting & Tapas/Lunch

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 6,290 reviews · 7 to 8 hours (approx.) · from $81Top rated

Travel from Barcelona to Montserrat by air-conditioned bus and cogwheel train, tour the Basilica with an English-speaking guide, then choose wine and tapas or a full lunch at a centuries-old winery. Guides such as Thais, Toni, Mariana, and Lesly are praised for clear explanations and warm humor.

“The tour and our tour guide Vince was absolutely amazing and super knowledgeable!! Beautiful experience!”

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Hanoi: Guided Food Tour with Train Street Visit - Bun cha gives you a proper Hanoi welcome
Food, Food & Drink, Guided, Hanoi Train Tours, Tour Reviews, Tours, Train Street Tours, Train Tours, Vietnam Train Tours

Hanoi: Guided Food Tour with Train Street Visit

5.Guided Food Tour with Train Street Visit

★★★★★★★★★★4.9 · 6,239 reviews · 210 minutes - 4 hours · from $19

Join an English or Vietnamese-speaking guide for bun cha, dry chicken pho, banh mi, and sticky rice ice cream in Hanoi’s Old Quarter. Finish with egg coffee beside Train Street, where schedules can change but flexible tour times improve your chance of seeing a train.

“Liam was the beste guide, smiling local guide guiding us through his city. So many nice things to try, and also a great way to see a the city. We did the evening tour, it was a great vibe thanks to our fun guide. Loved the coconut ice most ;)”

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From Milan: Lake Como Cruise, St. Moritz & Bernina Red Train - Lake Como by private boat
Cruises & Boat Tours, Italy Train Tours, Scenic Train Journeys, Scenic Train Journeys in Italy, Tour Reviews, Train Tours

From Milan: Lake Como Cruise, St. Moritz & Bernina Red Train

6.Lake Como Cruise, St. Moritz & Bernina Red Train

★★★★★★★★★★4.6 · 5,648 reviews · 13 hours · from $159

Leave Milan by coach for a private Lake Como cruise, a scenic drive over the Maloja Pass, free time in St. Moritz, and a 2-hour Bernina Red Train ride. English and Spanish guides, including names such as Sabrina, Lina, and Simona, lead the day. Bring a passport, warm clothes, and snacks.

“The day was very well organised. Our guide Lina was amazing, she was very friendly, very knowledgeable and kept everyone to schedule. The day itself was brilliant from the boat trip around Lake Como, to time spent in St Moritz with the high light being the train ride through the alps on the bernina red train. The views were spectacular. it was worth every penny.”

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Tokyo Mt Fuji 5th St & Hakone Cruise Bus Tour w/Bullet Train - Reaching Mt. Fuji’s 5th Station at 2,000 meters
Bullet Train Tours, Bullet Train Tours in Japan, Cruises & Boat Tours, Japan Train Tours, Tokyo Train Tours, Tour Reviews, Tours, Train Tours

Tokyo Mt Fuji 5th St & Hakone Cruise Bus Tour w/Bullet Train

7.Tokyo Mt Fuji 5th St & Hakone Cruise Bus Tour w/Bullet Train

★★★★★★★★★★4.4 · 5,024 reviews · 10 hours · from $154

Spend 10 hours with an English-speaking guide such as Lisa, Kazu, Yuta, or Aya, visiting Mt. Fuji’s 5th Station and Hakone’s ropeway and Lake Ashi. The coach includes Wi-Fi, lunch is available, and a Shinkansen ride returns you to Tokyo.

“hero and lionson (guide and driver) were awesome!!! great views great lunch! this was worth every penny”

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From Milan: Bernina Train and St. Moritz Day Trip - Leaving Milan from Piazza 4 Novembre
1-Day Tours, Italy Train Tours, Scenic Train Journeys, Scenic Train Journeys in Italy, Tour Reviews, Train Tours

From Milan: Bernina Train and St. Moritz Day Trip

8.Bernina Train and St. Moritz Day Trip

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 4,495 reviews · 12 hours · from $122

Travel from Milan to Tirano by air-conditioned bus, cross the Swiss Alps on the Bernina Red Train, and spend about 90 minutes in St. Moritz. Guides such as Lina, Carolina, Simona, and Andrea have led recent departures. Bring your passport, a jacket, and room for photos.

“The trip was amazing which we will never forget Marina was a very nice sweetheart lady which made it our trip more relaxed and easy”

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Christ the Redeemer Entry Ticket by Corcovado Train - Standing Beneath Christ the Redeemer
Brazil Train Tours, Rio De Janeiro Train Tours, Tickets, Tour Reviews, Train Tours

Christ the Redeemer Entry Ticket by Corcovado Train

9.Christ the Redeemer Entry Ticket by Corcovado Train

★★★★★★★★★★4.4 · 4,476 reviews · 1 day · from $45

You ride the official Corcovado Train through Tijuca National Park to Christ the Redeemer, then explore the monument area, museum, and Visitors Center. The ticket includes train admission and statue access. Go early for shorter lines, carry your passport or ID, and expect crowds at the summit.

“My experience was great because I had the reservations if not I need to be on line around an hour and half .”

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From Málaga: Ronda+Setenil de las Bodegas with Little Train - The day begins with a long coach ride
Spain Train Tours, Tour Reviews, Train Tours

From Málaga: Ronda+Setenil de las Bodegas with Little Train

10.From Málaga: Ronda+Setenil de las Bodegas with Little Train

★★★★★★★★★★4.6 · 4,115 reviews · 10 hours · from $34

Travel from Málaga to Setenil de las Bodegas and Ronda on a 10-hour day trip costing $34. Enjoy free time in Setenil, its included little train, and an optional Ronda tour with guides such as Vanessa, Sylvia, or Melina. Expect striking views, old streets, a famous bridge, and a long day with plenty of walking.

“There was about 90 minutes of free time in Setenil de las Bodegas, and that was enough - the village is charming but small and the bus stop is very close to the center. The guide let us know about where the main points of the city are and what are some local products to try. I decided to pay for the guided tour in Ronda so I had about 2+ hours of free time there, but the tour with our guide was great. We got to hear stories about the city and its history, our guide was funny and let us spend time taking photos at each point. We…”

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Bangkok: Floating Market and Train Market Experience - Maeklong Railway Market and the disappearing stalls
Markets, Railway & Floating Market Tours, Shopping Tours, Thailand Train Tours, Tour Reviews, Train Tours

Bangkok: Floating Market and Train Market Experience

11.Floating Market and Train Market Experience

★★★★★★★★★★4.8 · 3,998 reviews · 8h 30m · from $25

Ride a local train through the countryside, watch vendors fold back their stalls as the train passes at Maeklong Railway Market, then cruise Damnoen Saduak by longtail boat. English-speaking guides such as Jenny, Woody, and Tukta keep the day moving, while an audio guide offers 28 language choices.

“Driver James Bond and rep Nee from tripza are a perfect combo for a superb days outing Nee is very knowledgeable and a very caring person who makes sure you have a very enjoyable outing”

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Half-Day Railway Market and Floating Market Tour in Thailand - What makes the railway market worth seeing
Bangkok Train Tours, Half-Day, Markets, Railway & Floating Market Tours, Shopping Tours, Thailand Train Tours, Tour Reviews, Tours, Train Tours

Half-Day Railway Market and Floating Market Tour in Thailand

12.Half-Day Railway Market and Floating Market Tour in Thailand

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 3,924 reviews · from $32

Travel from Bangkok in a group of up to 15 to Maeklong Railway Market, arriving by local train before browsing stalls beside the tracks. Continue by boat through Damnoen Saduak Floating Market. English, German, and Japanese guide options are available.

“That the travel time far exceeds the actual tour. There is no time to shop and you are not returns to the location you are picked up. Also it is not a half day tour, it is 7-8 hours. Our tour guide tried to make the tour enjoyable and she was wonderful but could t get past 4 1/2 hours in a vehicle for a 2 hr tour.”

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Montserrat with Cog-Wheel Train & Black Madonna Priority Access - Meeting in central Barcelona and riding to the mountain
Barcelona Train Tours, Spain Train Tours, Tour Reviews, Train Tours

Montserrat with Cog-Wheel Train & Black Madonna Priority Access

13.Montserrat with Cog-Wheel Train & Black Madonna Priority Access

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 3,400 reviews · 5 to 7 hours (approx.) · from $63

Travel from central Barcelona to Montserrat by air-conditioned coach and cogwheel train. A bilingual guide such as Sandra, Jessica, Lorena, or Ana leads the monastery visit, then you have free time for the Black Madonna, liquor tasting, trails, or the audiovisual exhibition.

“Bring coat and gloves wind may affect your visit. This place is stunning. Glad we went. Take early tour if possible”

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From Cairns: Self-Guided Kuranda Trip with Train and Skyrail - Morning pickup from Cairns
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From Cairns: Self-Guided Kuranda Trip with Train and Skyrail

14.Self-Guided Kuranda Trip with Train and Skyrail

★★★★★★★★★★4.6 · 3,392 reviews · 7 hours · from $127

Travel from central Cairns to Kuranda by the historic scenic railway, then return above the rainforest on the 7.5-kilometre Skyrail. You get free time for markets, cafés, trails, and optional wildlife parks. Drivers such as Victor and Dean add useful local tips, but the schedule can feel tight.

“the place is vast with lots to see from different angles. The views are spectacular from both the trains and sky rail”

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Granada City Train 1 or 2-Day Hop-On Hop-Off Ticket - Starting at Alhambra Generalife
2-Day Experiences, City Tours, Hop-On Hop-Off Train & Tram Tours, Spain Train Tours, Tickets, Tour Reviews, Train Tours

Granada City Train 1 or 2-Day Hop-On Hop-Off Ticket

15.Granada City Train 1 or 2-Day Hop-On Hop-Off Ticket

★★★★★★★★★★3.5 · 3,128 reviews · 1 - 2 days · from $8Best value

Use Granada’s open-carriage city train to reach the Alhambra, Cathedral, Plaza Nueva, and hilltop viewpoints. Choose a single ride or a one or two-day hop-on, hop-off ticket. Bring your own headphones for the 12-language audio guide, and expect a bumpy ride on old stone streets.

“Good, value for money. For a 1 trip ticket the good thing is you get a good idea of where the monuments you'd like to visit again are. If you purchase the hop on and off ticket (which weren't available online!) you can explore at your leisure.”

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New in Train Tours

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★ 4.6Floating Market & Railway Market with Hotel Pick UpFrom $5621 reviews
★ 4.3Private Damnoen Saduak Floating & Train Market Tour41 reviews
★ 5.0Vietnam Tea Tasting – Giang Egg Coffee & Train Street VisitFrom $3610 reviews
★ 4.7Weekend Amphawa Floating Market & Train Market Private TourFrom $14035 reviews
★ 4.3Amphawa Floating & Railway Markets Guided Day Tour4 reviews
★ 4.3Meteora Daytrip by train with optional lunchFrom $8013 reviews
★ 4.2Assisi Christmas Train TourFrom $96 reviews
★ 5.0Secret Countryside Rice fields-Bamboo Train/Bat CaveFrom $196 reviews
★ 3.3Amphawa & Railway Market & Boat Ride: from BKKFrom $1593 reviews
★ 4.4Amsterdam: Historic Tram Ride on Heritage Line to AmstelveenFrom $920 reviews
★ 4.3Amalfi Coast by Train & Ferry with Smart Digital Guide37 reviews
★ 4.8Full Day Trip to Alpaca Farm with Rail BikeFrom $598 reviews

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