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Best rail journeys for 2026

Discover why train journeys are becoming the ultimate eco-friendly travel option. Explore local culture, breathtaking countryside and vibrant cityscapes on sustainable rail adventures in 2026.

Written by: Hannah Methven - Sustainability Specialist at Explore Worldwide
Published: 17 November 2025

 

Haven't you heard? Train travel is seriously cool. So much so, we've dubbed the 'Rail Revival' as one of our 2026 Travel Trends. We saw a 25% year-on-year increase in our rail journey bookings in 2025 – and we're expecting its popularity to soar throughout 2026. It's not just a means to the start of your trip, but part of the adventure itself. Not to mention it's a more sustainable way to travel!


By her own admission, Hannah Methven, Explore’s Sustainability Specialist, has always been a train travel geek. We asked her to choose the most memorable journeys. There’s something about trains that people find inherently charming, from the historic huff and puff of the steam railway to the sleek and serene whisk of modern high speed:

 

"As well as many hours on bonerattling local lines in the UK, through my work I’ve been lucky enough to take some of the major tick-box train journeys that many talk about. I’ve wound around picture perfect mountains on Switzerland’s stunning Bernina route, rattled through southern India and sped across Japan on the famous Shinkansen. I’ve even travelled to Sicily by train, which involved the train carriage being loaded onto a ferry! Every time, it’s felt like more than just a mode of transportation. Here are just a few of my favourite trips where the trains take centre stage...

1. Toy Train to Shimla, India

Chugging up into the Himalayan foothills, the Kalka–Shimla Toy Train is a joyful throwback to the golden age of rail. On day seven of our Highlights of Northern India trip, you’ll hop aboard this narrow-gauge line for a leisurely, twisting climb past pine forests, hillside villages and colonial-era stations. It’s not fast – but that’s all part of the charm.

 

"What a great trip, the places we visited were amazing and the pace of the trip was about right" - Trusted Customer

 

Pictured: Toy Train to Shimla, India

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2. Nanu Oyu to Demodara, Sri Lanka

The train journey through Sri Lanka’s hill country meanders through lush tea estates, offering spectacular valley vistas as you traverse the iconic Nine Arch Bridge, aptly nicknamed the Bridge in the Sky, providing perfect opportunities to admire the breathtaking scenery and meet friendly locals.

 

"The itinerary was a great mix of culture, scenery & delicious food - I could not have expected more" - Rachel

 

Pictured: Blue train along the Nine Arch Bridge, Sri Lanka

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3. Footsteps of the Shogun, Japan

Japan’s rail network is the envy of the world – fast, punctual and famously smooth. On this trip, it’s also the perfect  way to trace the ancient Tokaido route, travelling from modern Tokyo to timeless Kyoto and beyond. You’ll ride both local lines and the iconic Shinkansen bullet trains, making the journey feel like a cultural experience in itself.

 

"We liked that the tour had nice chunks of free time including a full day in Kyoto, and we used public transport including the bullet trains" - Peter

 

Pictured: Shinkansen racing past Mount Fuji, Japan

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A high-speed train blurs past in front of Mount Fuji, surrounded by a field of vibrant pink flowers under a clear blue sky.

4. Venice to Rome, Italy

Not one but six iconic Italian destinations await your arrival. This Italy rail adventure sees you tick off some serious big-hitters: Venice, Bologna, Florence, Pisa, Rome and Naples. You'll embrace free time to explore Rome and the Vatican City; hike the Path of the Lemons in Amalfi; and a boat trip out to the island of Capri. Spread over two weeks, seeing Italy by train has never been easier – or more appealing.

 

"If you are not used to international travel or just simply prefer someone else to organize the trip for you, Explore is a great way to go" - Trusted Customer

 

Pictured: Train station in Venice, Italy

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5. Balkans Rail Adventure, Serbia and Montenegro

From the turquoise bays of Montenegro to the mountainous heart of Kosovo, this journey weaves together a patchwork of landscapes, cultures and railways – including one of Europe’s most spectacular train rides, the Belgrade to Bar line.

 

It’s a scenic, slow-travel odyssey through lesser-visited corners of Eastern  Europe. Expect rustic stations, vintage carriages, and panoramic views you’d struggle to see any other way.

 

"It is a great opportunity to get an overview of the Balkans and cover a lot of ground. Recommended!" - David

 

Pictured: Stari Most (Old Bridge) in Mostar, Bosnia and Herzegovina

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6. Hanoi to Da Nang, Vietnam

As if Vietnam wasn't beautiful enough, travelling by train is a unparallelled way to see this country up close and personal. Board the Reunification Express for an overnight train from Hanoi in the north to Da Nang on the central coast. Along the way, landscapes change before your eyes, plus it's an authentic way to travel. Upon arriving in Da Nang, home to the famous Marble Mountain, you'll take a short bus transfer to Hoi An where more magical scenes await.

 

"The overnight train from Hanoi to Danang was an excellent experience and the train was very clean and comfortable (I slept like a baby, which was unexpected!)" - Bethan

 

Pictured: Reunification Express train along the Hai Van pass, Vietnam

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7. Bratislava to Vienna, Slovakia and Austria

Explore central and eastern Europe by rail – it's really straight forward, and Budapest to Prague tour includes a train from Bratislava, the capital city of Slovakia, to Vienna.

 

In just one hour you'll arrive in Austria's capital for a captivating city tour. Afterwards, either return by train at your leisure (you're given a return ticket) or go one step extra by taking a two-hour boat back along the Danube River. Whichever route you choose, it's as unique as it is scenic!

 

"Our fantastic tour leader, Csilla, gave us all the necessary travel info to get us going every day for easier travel" - Shannon

 

Pictured: Woman admiring the views from the train window

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8. Warsaw, Wroclaw and Krakow, Poland

Get to know Poland on another level with an exciting European train journey. Explore Warsaw's charming Old Town and the magnificent Wilanow Palace before continuing onto Wroclaw for the Panorama of Raclawice and gnome spotting (yes, really). Continue onto Krakow for Old Town exploration, the Wieliczka Salt Mines and the Jewish Quarter where you can taste some traditional Jewish cuisine. 

 

With a couple of days in each city, you'll have plenty of time to soak up Poland's rich culture and history – all while travelling comfortably by train.

 

"The Explore tour is best suited to those who are a little unsure of themselves overseas, or don’t want the hassle of booking everything. We liked Monika, the tour guide." - Trusted Customer

 

Pictured: Tumski Bridge (Most Tumski), Wroclaw, Poland

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Explore by train

Sit back and watch the varied landscapes roll past your window on a rail tour, arguably one of the the best ways to experience a destination. With plenty of stops to see the highlights as well as explore some hidden gems, our expert itineraries pack in the very best. Explore our full range of train tours, with trips from London to all over Europe, as well as small group tours featuring sleeper trains for the full cultural experience.
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A sleek, modern train sits on railway tracks at a busy station, flanked by platforms with people and signage. Overhead wires and a cloudy sky are visible.

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