Spring isn’t just pretty—it’s when train travel hits its peak. You’ve got snow melting in the mountains, wildflowers everywhere, and milder weather with way fewer crowds. Why rush through airports when you could glide through canyons?
Whether you’re eyeing cherry blossoms in Japan or dreaming of the Grand Canyon in bloom, we’ve got you. These 15 train rides are perfect for your spring plans. Each is packed with scenery, tips, and just the right vibe for 2025.
California Zephyr
Route: Chicago to San Francisco, USA
Pop some snacks in your bag and snag a window seat—this one’s got RANGE. From cityscape to snowcaps to blooming fields, the Zephyr delivers a full-screen Western drama. Spring’s your shot at catching green valleys and wildflowers in action, especially in Colorado. Roomettes start around $150.
Bonus tip: The observation car is a rolling planetarium if you’re into stargazing after dark.
Nederlandse Spoorwegen Trains
Route: Haarlem to Leiden, Netherlands
You want tulips without elbowing through tourists? THIS is the way. The local Dutch trains run right past rainbow-striped tulip fields in mid-to-late April. The ride’s short (20–30 minutes), smooth, and costs under €10.
Sprinter trains make more stops; Intercity gets you there faster. Sit on the right side heading south. It’s like a flower parade for your eyeballs.
Grand Canyon Railway
Route: Williams, Arizona to Grand Canyon National Park
Dust off your cowboy boots—this ride’s got old-school swagger. The 65-mile trip winds through ponderosa forests and bursts into desert blooms by mid-spring. You get live cowboy entertainment, vintage railcars, and epic canyon views. Starts around $70.
Pair it with Amtrak’s Southwest Chief from Chicago if you’re feeling extra. Go in April for cooler temps and fewer crowds.
Rocky Mountaineer
Route: Denver, CO to Moab, UT
Red rocks, orange sunsets, and a whole lotta canyons. This two-day ride is like a spa day for your eyeballs. It’s not cheap—starts at $1,500—but you get luxe meals, hotel overnights, and sweeping glass-dome views the entire way.
Best in late April when Utah’s wildflowers start showing off.
Belmond British Pullman
Route: Round trip from London, England
If Downton Abbey had a train, this would be it. You’re looking at 1920s carriages, liveried stewards, and day trips to places like Bath or the RHS flower show. Expect silver service and maybe even a surprise celebrity guest (Mary Berry popped in once).
Tickets start around £500. Go in late April when the English countryside turns BRIGHT green.
Gotthard Panorama Express
Route: Lucerne to Lugano, Switzerland
This route is doing the most in a good way. Start with a boat cruise across Lake Lucerne, then hop on a scenic train that dives through the Alps. It’s part tunnel, part mountain pass, all breathtaking.
Best part? It runs April through October, and spring means snow up high and flowers down low. You’ll need a first-class Swiss Rail Pass and a seat supplement.
Maharajas’ Express
Route: Delhi to Mumbai or Rajasthan
Imagine if your hotel room had wheels and rolled past palaces. That’s the vibe. With four routes through India’s north and west, the Maharajas’ Express gives royal treatment all the way.
April is the sweet spot before heat cranks up. Private suites, curated off-train tours, and fine dining. Starts around $3,500. Bring linen. And a wide-angle camera.
Belmond Royal Scotsman
Route: Edinburgh to the Highlands, Scotland
Whisky tastings, castle stops, and views that feel straight outta Outlander. This overnight train runs 2- to 7-night trips through the Scottish Highlands, with new Grand Suites launching in 2025. Think wood-paneled cabins and five-course meals.
April brings newborn lambs and misty mountains. It’s peaceful, pricey, and pretty much perfect. Starting at £3,500.
The Ghan
Route: Darwin to Adelaide, Australia
This one cuts through the literal center of Australia. It’s all desert blooms, red rock ranges, and sunrise coffee in a moving five-star hotel.
The Ghan runs April through October, and spring (Sept–Nov) gives you cooler air and sharper colors. Prices vary depending on cabin class, but expect $2K+ for Gold Service.
Hot tip: book a window-side seat for the sunrise stretch.
Glacier Express
Route: Zermatt to St. Moritz, Switzerland
They call it the “slowest express train in the world,” and trust us—you’ll be glad it lingers. You’ll pass over 291 bridges and through 91 tunnels, with spring bringing green valleys and snowy peaks in the same frame. It’s an 8-hour ride, but the views slap.
Panoramic carriages are a must. Tickets from CHF 150 (plus seat reservations).
TranzAlpine
Route: Christchurch to Greymouth, NZ
This 5-hour ride across the Southern Alps feels like scrolling through your screensaver—in real life. Spring (Oct–Nov) means blooming lupins, wild rivers, and snow-dusted mountains.
Sit on the left for alpine views westbound. Tickets start around NZD $189. The outdoor viewing deck? Cold but worth it. Just wear a beanie.
Settle to Carlisle Railway
Route: Northern England, UK
Old bridges, green hills, and sheep—LOTS of sheep. This historic route runs 72 miles with a view-heavy stretch over the Ribblehead Viaduct. April and May bring flowers, lambs, and clear skies.
Trains run regularly and cost under £30. Easy day trip if you’re anywhere near Yorkshire. Pack a picnic and your coziest cardigan.
Le Petit Train Jaune
Route: Pyrenees, France
Nicknamed “The Little Yellow Train,” this narrow-gauge beauty climbs over 5,000 feet into the French Pyrenees. It’s slow, wobbly, and utterly charming. Spring adds wildflowers to the mountain mix, and open-air cars return in May.
Tickets are cheap under €20. Great for a no-rush day, especially if you’re hiking nearby.
Aurora Winter Train
Route: Anchorage to Fairbanks, Alaska
Catch Alaska as it wakes up from winter. This once-a-week train runs until May and gives you a front-row seat to melting rivers, bald eagles, and maybe even the northern lights. No lie—it’s LONG (12 hours), but totally worth it.
Book a mid-April trip for peak daylight + lingering snow. Coach starts under $200.
Seven Stars in Kyushu
Route: Various in Kyushu, Japan
Luxury meets culture on this ultra-fancy train looping through southern Japan. Expect tatami-lined suites, wagyu dinners, and sakura trees peeking through your window.
Spring trips book FAST, especially in April. It’s pricey—over $4,000 for a 2-day ride—but the onboard hospitality? 10/10. Oh, and they send you postcards post-trip. So wholesome.
