Steam Railways

I like steam railways. Even though I've ridden on only one, the Blaenau Ffestiniog railway in Wales, I'd like to try many more.

There are many steam and heritage railways throughout the UK and Europe. There are about 180 in England, 23 in Wales, 11 in Scotland, 4 in Northern Ireland and one on the Isle of Man.

The website of Railway Touring Company lists many steam rail trips around the UK, Europe and the rest of the world, both day trips and multi-day packages. See their 2024 schedule of UK day trips. They have been in business since 1997.

The Jacobite Steam Train

Running from Fort William to Mallaig, the Jacobite excursion is a great introduction to steam travel in Scotland. The Jacobite also have longer tours up to a 14 day Grand Tour of Scotland.

Inside a dining car on The Jacobite

McKinlay Kidd are a travel company that specialize in holidays in the UK and Ireland. They can organize rail tours like The Jacobite but can also add additional excursions.

The Jacobite - Fort William to Mallaig

14 day Grand Tour of Scotland

European Sleeper Trains

ÖBB, the national rail company of Austria, has launched a series of sleeper trains connecting widely varied routes throughout Europe. From Vienna you can head to Amsterdam, Brussels, Budapest, Hamburg, Paris, Milan, Rome, Warsaw and Zurich. Further lines extend from those cities to Berlin, Bucharest, Nice, Palermo, Prague, Stockholm and Syracuse.

The first map shows the Nightjet and EuroNight routes plus routes supplied by other European railways, see "Weitere Nachtzüge". For example, the route from Vienna to Bucharest is provided by Romanian Railway (CFR Călălatori), Berlin to Stockholm via Swedish Railway and SJ Railway.

ÖBB Nightjet, EuroNight & other routes

ÖBB Nightjet only routes

ItaliaRail has information and a booking portal for Italian sleeper trains. For instance, you can book an overnight train in either a 4 berth couchette or a 1 person cabin from Palermo to Rome for $152.

Also try the .italio Treno app.

Belmond Andean Explorer

From Belmond, the company that runs the Orient Express and the Royal Scotsman, comes two luxury trains in Peru. The spectacular Andean Express is considered to be one of the most scenic rail journeys in the world. The second is the Hiram Bingham that goes to Machu Picchu. These are high elevation journeys.

The Andean Express runs from Arequipa (at 2,335m, 7,661ft) to Puno on Lake Titicaca (3,812m, 12,507ft) to Cusco (3,399m, 11,152ft). The train journey can begin from either Arequipa or Cusco. The train eventually reaches a height of 4328 meters (14,200 feet) at is highest point. (They actually carry oxygen onboard in case a passenger is susceptible to altitude sickness.)

The Hiram Bingham runs from Cusco to Machu Picchu (2,400m, 7,874ft).

And there is a Belmond run hotel near Machu Picchu called Sanctuary Lodge.

From Lima, you can fly to either Arequipa or Cusco, or take a bus to Arequipa. Here is a good video of a couple riding the full length of the Andean Express.

Strathspey Steam Railway

The Strathspey Steam Railway running in the Highlands of Scotland starts from the station in Aviemore, 30 miles south-east of Inverness.

 

France memorable railway

For more than 100 years Le Petit Train de La Mure navigated the steep, narrow railway line that ran between the small mountain mining community of La Mure and the town of Saint-Georges-de-Commiers. What started as a coal train later became a dedicated tourist railway and the route through the Drac Valley and across the Matheysine Plateau was dubbed “the most beautiful train line in the Alps”.

Six Scenic Railway Journeys

From Wanderlust magazine and Channel 5 in Britain comes 6 great scenic railway journeys.

Indian Pacific - Australia

Journey Beyond, which operates the Indian Pacific, is an epic 4,532km transcontinental crossing from Sydney to Perth via the vineyard city of Adelaide. It traverses mountain ranges, passes through arid deserts, goldfields, valleys and subtropical savannahs over four days and three nights.

Northern Belle - Wales

The Northern Belle is as much about the journey itself as the destination, with guests being transported back in time to the golden age of travel ­– the 1930s era of opulence where train travel was truly glamorous. The seven lovingly restored carriages have been crafted by some of the UK’s top experts with every tiny detail being considered. This luxurious train operates day and weekend journeys around Britain from many departure points; guaranteeing guests exceptional fine dining and fabulous views.

Denali Star - Alaska

Denali National Park is home to some of Alaska’s most famous sights including the tallest mountain in North America – Denali (also known as Mt. McKinley), an unspoilt wilderness of glacial rivers and lots of wildlife, including moose, bears and wolves. The Alaska Railroad’s flagship train, the Denali Star departs Anchorage for the 356 mile journey to Fairbanks making a stop in Denali National Park, and is truly one of the world’s most scenic railway journeys.

Inlandsbanan - Sweden

The Inland Line (in Swedish, Inlandsbanan) provides an exciting journey through Lapland wilderness, where you can connect with the magical landscapes and incredible views of inland and Arctic Sweden. Taking in salmon rivers, snow-capped mountains, heritage museums and lakes, this journey is very special indeed. In June and early July, passengers are also treated to the midnight sun. The train experience can be packaged up with a cruise along the Norwegian coastline which makes for a spectacular trip.

Far North Line - Scotland

The Far North Line, the most northerly railway line in the UK, is a rural journey entirely within the Highland area of Scotland. From Inverness, the route traces the spectacular North Sea coast past distilleries and golf courses to Thurso, and then on to the once-mighty fishing port of Wick. The Inverness to Thurso leg takes about four hours and the full Inverness to Wick journey is approximately four and half hours. Look out of the window for views of Skibo Castle, Carbisdale Castle and Balblair Wood on the shores of Loch Fleet. For a true taste of Scotland on route, purchase The Great Scenic Tasting Box from Inverness Station before you travel and tuck into a selection of delicious local treats.

The Tornado - England-Scotland

The Tornado looks like a steam locomotive from a bygone age, but was in fact completed in 2008. The York to Edinburgh route highlights stunning views including the North Sea, River Tweed, the Holy Island of Lindisfarne and the cities of Durham and Newcastle.