Train travel offers stunning views without draining your wallet. Here are 12 routes where budgets and photo ops stay on track.
1. Coastal Corridor, Amtrak Cascades, Washington and Oregon
Stretching over 185 miles from Seattle to Portland, this route hugs the rugged Pacific coastline. Tickets start at just $35 if you book early. Visit in late spring when wildflowers bloom and the ocean’s mist adds an ethereal touch to your photos.
2. Settle to Carlisle Line, England
This 72-mile steel ribbon cuts through the Yorkshire Dales and North Pennines, offering rugged moorland and iconic viaduct shots. Off-peak tickets can be found for under £20. Autumn adds fiery colors, perfect for framing ancient stone bridges.
3. The Ghan, Australia (Alice Springs to Darwin, shorter segments)
While end-to-end can get pricey, shorter stretches start around AUD $90. The morning light over red deserts and sparse eucalyptus trees creates dramatic contrasts. Aim for the dry season (May to October) for clear skies and comfortable temperatures.
4. Bernina Express, Switzerland (Chur to Tirano)
This 81-mile route passes glacier-fed lakes and Alpine peaks. Although Switzerland tends to be costly, ticket discounts and regional passes bring prices down to about CHF 40. Winter months reveal snowy panoramas, but late spring offers melting ice and blooming meadows.
5. Hiram Bingham, Peru (Cusco to Machu Picchu, budget alternatives)
Luxury trains like the Hiram Bingham are pricey, but regular PeruRail tickets start around $30 one-way. The journey of roughly 50 miles traverses Andean foothills with terraced slopes. Dry season (May-September) ensures clear views of the iconic ruins.
6. Caledonian Sleeper, Birmingham to Scottish Highlands, UK
Launched in 2026, this overnight route covers about 285 miles and offers affordable couchette fares under £50. The Highlands’ sprawling lochs and misty forests emerge as the sun rises. Book midweek tickets for the best rates.
7. Istanbul to Ankara, Turkey (Anadolu Express)
This 270-mile trip passes rolling hills and historic sites, with seats starting near $15. Early morning departures catch sunrise over Cappadocia’s fairy chimneys. Avoid summer heat by traveling in spring or fall.
8. The Kingston Flyer, New Zealand
This heritage steam train travels a manageable 25 miles through Lake Wakatipu’s rugged edges. Tickets start at NZD 50, offering a nostalgic experience perfect for photographers who love old-world charm and lush green scenery. The best months are October to April when the trails are clear.
9. The Indian Pacific, Australia (Sydney to Broken Hill segment)
If a full cross-country trip is costly, a shorter section from Sydney to Broken Hill (about 650 miles) costs around AUD $120. This stretch features spectacular desert vistas and historic mining towns. Sunset and dawn light will make your photos pop with warm tones.
10. Napa Valley Wine Train, California
Tickets begin at $75 and include stops in picturesque vineyards famous for their wines. The 36-mile loop is ideal for crisp midday shots of rows of grapevines and classic train cars. Visit during harvest season in September for vineyard colors and festive energy.
11. Rovos Rail, South Africa (Pretoria to Matjiesfontein segment)
Although the full Rovos luxury trains are pricey, a shorter Pretoria to Matjiesfontein ride of around 250 miles can be under $100 depending on promotions. The route reveals dusty plains and rugged mountains. Winter (June-August) offers crisp air and clearer skies for photographing wildlife.
12. The Copper Canyon Train, Mexico (Chihuahua to Creel)
This 90-mile segment runs through steep canyon walls and pine forests, with fares around $20-$30. The whistle of the train echoes in the deep gorges, adding to the sensory experience. Best visited in the dry months from November to April for sharp, vivid photos.
This article was written by Hunter and edited with AI assistance. The Daily Dive travel desk uses AI-assisted visuals and content that were reviewed and approved by our editors prior to publication.
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