Flying high among the clouds with the feeling that the world is literally at your feet is definitely an experience we all love to have. Ultimately, because of this experience, our mind and heart jump with joy for the new adventure that begins with us. However, while plane travel comes with its own benefits, nothing can beat the charm of traveling to some places in the world by train! the most beautiful Cities you should travel by train They are located in different continents around the world, but they have one thing in common, that is the unique breathtaking views of nature.
Ranging from under an hour to over 10 hours, train journeys to some cities include everything from majestic mountains to lush green fields to romantic tunnels where time stops. But since there are so many places that can be visited by train, we’ve rounded up the best from around the world for you, so no matter where you’re holidaying or travelling, there’s always something to do Be exciting to watch!
5 beautiful cities you should visit by train
Here is a list of the most amazing cities to visit by train in the world that will amaze you and make you realize what a heavenly world we live in!
1. Ella, Sri Lanka
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A small quaint town located east of Colombo, Ella is a place that you need to put on the top of your train trips list that you don’t want to miss! While the city welcomes its tourists with a plethora of beautiful attractions, the train ride from Kandy is no less than heavenly. Reputed as one of the most scenic train journeys in South Asia, the Kandy-Ela train journey offers innumerable breathtaking views. Lush meadows, rich tea plantations and spectacular waterfalls are some of the wonders you will encounter on your way to the city.
period of time: 6 hours
price: Rs 400 to Rs 3,000 for first class
Tips:
- Book your tickets for the Kandy-Ela train ride in advance. Prefer to get tickets for first class seats.
- Reach Kandy Railway Station 15 minutes before your train departure time.
- If the journey seems too long for you, drop down to Nuwara Eliya for a day for an enjoyable stay.
Must read: 15 things to do in Ella to take your Sri Lanka trip to the next level
2. Koblenz, Germany
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Located about an hour and a half from Frankfurt, Koblenz is a German city you probably haven’t heard of.
A perfect gateway for fairy tale dreamers and wine lovers, this ancient city is known to mesmerize travelers of all kinds. It has the Rhine valley and the Moselle valley on one side, and fascinating ruined castles on the other. But the train journey through the city makes this postcard-perfect place worth a visit. The train passes along rivers amidst spectacular scenery that will make you feel as if you have achieved everything in life!
period of time: 1 hour 45 minutes (approximately)
price: Starting from INR 1,500
Tips:
- Although you can easily buy tickets at the station, prefer to get the tickets yourself from the Red Ticket machines installed at the station.
- Make sure you know some common German phrases so you can understand last-minute announcements to passengers.
Read suggestions: Cottages in Germany: An exclusive guide to finding and staying in these gorgeous residences!
3. Barcelona, Spain
Spain is no slouch when it comes to being home to pristine natural beauty. Almost every other city in the country is painted blue, red and yellow, with Barcelona undoubtedly topping the list. But this is not the only reason that makes Barcelona worth visiting. One of these is the grand art work done by Gaudi throughout the city and the other major reason is that the city is only about 6 hours away from Paris. Yes, you read it right. You can easily start your day in France and end the evening in Spain if you take the RENFE-SNCF high-speed train. This train journey is not only considered one of the fastest ways to travel from Paris to Barcelona, but also one of the cheapest. And of course, the views are incredible!
period of time: 6 hours 30 minutes
price: Starting from INR 3,000
Tips:
- If you want to get the best bang for your buck, make sure you book your tickets well in advance. Train travel may seem longer than flying, but it is worth every penny.
- If you already have a Eurorail pass you do not need to buy a ticket. Just make sure you reserve seats in advance.
Read suggestions: 8 amazing water parks in Barcelona to stay cool and escape the heat!
4. Fort William, Scotland
Scotland is home to some of the most charming cities, and one should travel beyond Glasgow to see charming places in the country like the city of Fort William. Located in the western Scottish Highlands, the city is mainly popular because of the famous Hogwarts Express aka The Jacobite Train, which starts from Glasgow and takes you to the quaint city surrounded by amazing mountains, steep valleys and much more Is. What makes the ride more special is the thick plume of smoke that rises from the steam engine as the train crosses the Glenfinnan Viaduct. From the moment you start your journey till the time you disembark at Fort William, a plethora of picture-perfect landscapes surround you with utmost warmth.
period of time: 6 hours 50 minutes
price: Rs 3,000 for a standard ticket and around Rs 5,300 for a first class return ticket.
Tips:
- Try to plan your trip during summer as during this time you can choose train travel at your convenient time. Unlike summer when the Jacobite runs four times a day, it runs only twice in winter.
- If you want to capture memorable moments of the train crossing the bridge, be on time and aim for a window seat.
Read suggestions: Scottish Highland Railways: Scotland’s 12 Most Breathtaking Train Journeys!
5. Darjeeling, India
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India is home to countless places that can be reached through beautiful train journeys, but out of all the cities you should visit by train in India, Darjeeling is the city that should be on your list. The vintage toy train run by the Darjeeling Himalayan Railway, which originates from New Jalpaiguri station, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and dates back to the 18th century. This breathtaking route offers unprecedented views of mountains and valleys, so beautiful that you will feel like you are on your way to Darjeeling. The zigzags and loops in the track only add stars to the joyride experience.
period of time: 7 hours
price: Starting from INR 1,200
Tips:
- Book your tickets for the toy train online months before your trip as tickets sell out very quickly.
- Try to plan your trip between October to December as the weather is perfect for train rides during this season.
read ahead: 5 Best Cottages In Darjeeling Where You Can Enjoy Ultimate Bliss And Luxury
All these amazing cities deserve to be a part of your bucket list to travel by train! While the time taken by train is more than flying in some cases, the unique city travel experience while passing through the untouched beauty of nature definitely compensates for it. So, the next time you plan an international holiday or a trip to the Northeast with TourTravelHotels, don’t forget to include these train trips in your itinerary!
FAQs about cities where you should go by train
Q. What are the best sights you can see by train from London?
One. Amsterdam, Paris, Rotterdam, Lyon and Brussels are some of the best places you can visit from London. These locations also feature in the top 15 cities you can reach by train in less than six hours from London
Q. What are the best train journeys in the world?
One. The West Highland Line, The Ghan, the Trans-Siberian Railway and The Flint Railway offer some of the most whimsical train journeys in the world.
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