When you hear “bucket list train rides,” Europe often comes to mind — the Glacier Express, the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express, and Scotland’s Jacobite Steam Train. But the world’s most unforgettable rail journeys don’t stop at Europe’s borders. From high-altitude Andean climbs to jungle-flanked coastal routes in Southeast Asia, the most epic bucket list trains await in unexpected places.

These are not just rides; they’re rolling adventures through some of the most spectacular landscapes on Earth. Ready to plan a journey where the train is the destination? Here are the most incredible trains around the world — outside of Europe — that deserve a spot on every traveler’s list.

1. The Rocky Mountaineer (Canada)

Offering glass-domed coaches and five-star service, the Rocky Mountaineer winds through the dramatic landscapes of the Canadian Rockies. It’s slow travel at its finest.

• Route highlight: Vancouver to Banff or Jasper
• Why it’s a must: Towering peaks, glacial rivers, and bear sightings from your seat
• Experience: Fine dining, storytelling guides, and overnight hotel stays

This is luxury on rails with nature’s best theater outside your window.

2. The Blue Train (South Africa)

Often compared to a five-star hotel on wheels, South Africa’s Blue Train offers an unforgettable ride between Pretoria and Cape Town through vineyards, deserts, and historical towns.

• Route highlight: Pretoria to Cape Town (or vice versa)
• Why it’s a must: Elegance, history, and indulgent cuisine
• Experience: Butler service, cigar lounges, and panoramic observation cars

Few bucket list trains offer this level of romance and refinement.

3. The Ghan (Australia)

Crossing the Australian continent from north to south, The Ghan delivers a once-in-a-lifetime outback experience with deep cultural immersion.

• Route highlight: Darwin to Adelaide
• Why it’s a must: Ever-changing landscapes from tropical to arid
• Experience: Off-train excursions, storytelling, and Aboriginal culture

This legendary journey brings the soul of Australia to your carriage door.

4. Maharajas’ Express (India)

Dubbed the world’s most luxurious train, the Maharajas’ Express is a royal experience that takes you through India’s most iconic destinations in opulence and style.

• Route highlight: Golden Triangle and beyond — Delhi, Jaipur, Agra, Udaipur, Varanasi
• Why it’s a must: Palatial cabins, heritage sites, and cultural richness
• Experience: Onboard bars, lounges, and themed fine dining

This isn’t just travel — it’s a regal experience on rails.

5. The Belmond Andean Explorer (Peru)

South America’s first luxury sleeper train climbs the Andes with breathtaking views and Incan soul. This is high-altitude indulgence — literally.

• Route highlight: Cusco to Arequipa via Lake Titicaca
• Why it’s a must: Stunning Andean scenery and cultural immersion
• Experience: Open-air observation deck, Peruvian cuisine, and spa cabins

Travel through the clouds in a train that feels like a boutique hotel on wheels.

6. The Eastern & Oriental Express (Southeast Asia)

This iconic train brings old-world glamour to Southeast Asia, with lush landscapes, vibrant cities, and colonial charm connecting Bangkok, Kuala Lumpur, and Singapore.

• Route highlight: Bangkok to Singapore
• Why it’s a must: Tropical jungles, temples, and sophisticated style
• Experience: White-gloved service, piano bars, and local culinary flair

It’s the Orient Express spirit — with a Southeast Asian twist.

7. The Qinghai–Tibet Railway (China)

This isn’t just a train ride — it’s an engineering marvel that ascends into the “Roof of the World” over permafrost and past glaciers.

• Route highlight: Xining to Lhasa
• Why it’s a must: Altitude, scenery, and cultural shift into Tibetan plateau
• Experience: Oxygen systems onboard, unique Tibetan architecture

For adventurers and cultural explorers alike, this is a must-ride railway.

8. The Reunification Express (Vietnam)

Stretching the length of Vietnam, this coastal train gives you a front-row seat to lush jungles, ancient towns, and stunning beaches.

• Route highlight: Hanoi to Ho Chi Minh City
• Why it’s a must: Affordable, scenic, and full of local life
• Experience: Sleeper cabins, food carts, and a true taste of Vietnam

One of the most culturally immersive bucket list trains on the planet.

9. The Al-Andalus (Morocco)

Based on a 1920s train carriage design, Al-Andalus brings Art Deco elegance to Morocco’s deserts, cities, and kasbahs.

• Route highlight: Tangier to Marrakech
• Why it’s a must: Moorish beauty, North African cuisine, and sweeping desert views
• Experience: Luxurious interiors, day trips to historic towns, and curated cultural performances

Experience Morocco the way aristocrats once did — by train.

10. The TranzAlpine (New Zealand)

Widely regarded as one of the world’s most scenic short rail journeys, the TranzAlpine cuts through the heart of New Zealand’s South Island in under five hours.

• Route highlight: Christchurch to Greymouth
• Why it’s a must: Alps, rivers, gorges, and rainforest — all in one ride
• Experience: Open viewing cars, locally inspired meals, commentary on history and geology

It’s short, sweet, and jaw-droppingly beautiful.

How to Make the Most of Your Bucket List Train Ride

• Choose your cabin wisely: Go for observation cars or private suites when possible
• Pack lightly: Storage space is limited, and you’ll want room to roam the train
• Bring a camera and journal: These rides inspire reflection and memories worth preserving
• Book in advance: Many of these trains fill up months ahead — especially luxury lines
• Be present: Don’t overplan activities — let the journey itself be the experience

Whether you’re traveling in opulence or on a budget, these trains offer movement, magic, and mindfulness.

Conclusion: Let the Journey Be the Destination

Sometimes, the most memorable travel moments happen between the destinations — through rain-streaked windows, across deserts and mountains, over shared meals and gentle rhythms. These bucket list trains outside of Europe are proof that the rails can be every bit as enriching as the road.

Which train ride tops your bucket list? Share it in the comments and follow WentWorld for more curated travel experiences that move — in every sense of the word.