What is the most beautiful train journey in England?
The Settle to Carlisle line is widely regarded as the most beautiful train journey in England, celebrated for its Victorian engineering, including the Ribblehead Viaduct, and traversing the stunning scenery of the Yorkshire Dales and Cumbrian Fells. Other top contenders include the coastal views of the Riviera Line in Devon and the scenic North Yorkshire Moors Railway.
Which is better, British Pullman or Northern Belle?
The main difference between the Northern Belle and the Belmond British Pullman is departure location and onboard comfort: the British Pullman always leaves from London Victoria, while the Northern Belle offers regional departures across the UK, making it more convenient for non-Londoners. The Northern Belle often has air conditioning, adding comfort, whereas the British Pullman focuses heavily on vintage 1920s/30s glamour and experience, but both offer exquisite dining and luxurious journeys in restored vintage carriages.
There's no single "most" scenic train ride, as it's subjective, but top contenders consistently praised for dramatic landscapes include Norway's Flåm Railway (fjords, waterfalls), Canada's Rocky Mountaineer (Rockies, lakes), Switzerland's Glacier Express (Alps, Rhine Gorge), and Scotland's West Highland Line (Scottish Highlands, coastal views). Other highly-rated options feature Vietnam's coast, Australia's Outback (The Ghan), and the USA's Grand Canyon Railway, offering diverse natural beauty.
There's no single "most beautiful" route, but top contenders include Switzerland's Bernina & Glacier Expresses (Alps, glaciers), New Zealand's TranzAlpine (Southern Alps, gorges), Canada's Rocky Mountaineer (Rockies), the US Californian Zephyr (Rockies, Sierra Nevada), and India's Darjeeling Himalayan Railway (Himalayan foothills). Other famous choices feature diverse landscapes like Portugal's Douro Valley, South Africa's Rovos Rail, and Norway's Bergen Line, offering everything from lush valleys to dramatic coastlines.
How much does it cost to go on the Orient Express in the UK?
Orient Express tickets from the UK vary hugely in price, with UK day trips on the British Pullman starting from around £365 per person for afternoon tea, while longer European journeys on the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express (VSOE) begin at approximately £3,885 per person for short European routes and can cost tens of thousands for Grand Suites or multi-leg trips like London to Istanbul. Prices depend on the route, cabin type (Twin, Grand Suite), time of year, and demand, with all fares typically including meals and service.
Some of the most scenic train rides globally include Europe's Glacier Express (Switzerland) and Flam Railway (Norway), North America's Rocky Mountaineer (Canada) and Pacific Surfliner (USA), and Asia's Kandy to Ella (Sri Lanka) or Darjeeling Himalayan Railway (India), offering diverse landscapes from Alps and fjords to coasts and mountains, with many featuring historic routes or luxury experiences like the Orient Express.
What is the best time of year for the TranzAlpine?
There's no single best time to go on the TranzAlpine train in New Zealand, with great views through the huge panoramic windows every month. If you're travelling in late winter, you can enjoy snowy peaks as you travel through the Southern Alps but with less chance of any weather-related delays than midwinter.
Is the British Pullman the same as the Orient Express?
Belmond British Pullman is a private luxury train that operates day and weekend journeys around Britain. Until 2023, it also served as the British leg of the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express (VSOE) service between London and Venice. Belmond Ltd.
Which side of the TranzAlpine train should I sit on?
Choose Your Seat Wisely: Seats on the left side of the train (when departing from Christchurch) offer the best views of the mountains and gorges. Pack Snacks: While the train offers food and beverage service, bringing your own snacks can enhance your journey.
TranzAlpine is truly a luxurious journey. The cost of its tickets is usually available in 3 categories – Starter, Flexi & Flexi Plus. Tickets under starter are restricted & in limited numbers which get sold out very quickly. We got our ticket under Flexi category & it cost us $179 one way per person.
As April turns to May, snow melts and Norway's fjords become very colourful, with wildflowers in bloom and blossom on trees. May is also when most accommodation is open – so most fjord tours will start from now. Late June to mid August is the busy time of year in fjordland, with the weather at its mildest.
Do you sleep overnight on the Rocky Mountaineer train?
No, you do not sleep on the Rocky Mountaineer train; it's a daylight-only service designed to maximize scenery, with overnight stays in partner hotels included in your package, where your luggage is transferred for you. You'll wake up in a comfortable hotel, have breakfast, and then be transferred back to the train for another day of views, with services like GoldLeaf offering panoramic windows for daytime enjoyment.
Some of the most scenic train rides globally include Europe's Glacier Express (Switzerland) and Flam Railway (Norway), North America's Rocky Mountaineer (Canada) and Pacific Surfliner (USA), and Asia's Kandy to Ella (Sri Lanka) or Darjeeling Himalayan Railway (India), offering diverse landscapes from Alps and fjords to coasts and mountains, with many featuring historic routes or luxury experiences like the Orient Express.
