2025 Readers' Choice Awards: Best destination for rail journeys

Winner: Switzerland

Why you love it…

There’s something about train travel that evokes romance and nostalgia. And nowhere does it better than Switzerland. Not only is the rail system extremely efficient, but it’s also an engineering marvel, winding through some of the world’s most dramatic high-altitude mountains. The most iconic of all Swiss trains is the Glacier Express, which has been operating since 1930 between St Moritz and Zermatt, a slow and scenic journey through the Swiss Alps and its sky-piercing peaks and deep canyons.

Hot tip…

Book your tickets through the SBB (Swiss Federal Railways) website or app. To save costs, consider purchasing a Swiss Travel Pass, or a Swiss Half Fare Card for longer periods of travel.

Runners-up

Canada

Of its many scenic train routes, Canada’s legendary Rocky Mountaineer through the Rockies is a journey many keep high on their bucket list.

Japan

From bullet trains to slow rural journeys to playful, themed ‘Joyful Trains’, Japan’s rail network is varied and efficient.

Italy

Criss-crossing between Rome and Naples, Venice and Florence, and most places between, Italy’s trains are extensive. But it’s ultra-luxe La Dolce Vita Orient Express piquing our interest for our next Italian rail journey.

France

High-speed trains, vintage railcars and a ‘chunnel’ that gets you from London to Paris in 2.5 hours, France has a plethora of railway journeys between its glittering cities and picturesque regions.

For all the winners and runners-up, visit our 2025 Readers’ Choice hub.