Recent data from EF Go Ahead Tours reveals a growing appetite for rail travel among North American vacationers. In a May 2026 survey, 93% of respondents said they are increasingly considering train tourism, while 78% expressed interest in adding trains to guided tours. Travelers cite breathtaking scenery, comfort and the novelty of the journey as top motivations.
Alpine Adventures: Dramatic Mountain Scenery
The Alps remain a premier destination for rail enthusiasts. A multi‑country itinerary that weaves through Germany, Austria, Switzerland and Italy showcases iconic lines such as the Zugspitze Cogwheel Train, the Arlberg Railway and the Vigezzina‑Centovalli Railway. The Gotthard Panorama Express even pairs a vintage paddle steamer on Lake Lucerne with a panoramic train ride, turning the landscape itself into a moving museum.
Switzerland’s Bucket‑List Journeys
Switzerland’s rail network is world‑renowned for its engineering and scenery. The Glacier Express, often billed as the “world’s slowest express,” traverses 291 bridges and 91 tunnels over six and a half hours, delivering an unforgettable Alpine panorama. The UNESCO‑listed Rhaetian Railway adds further charm, linking mountain resorts, lakeside towns and remote villages in a seamless travel experience.
High‑Altitude Excursions Across Borders
Cross‑border routes between Switzerland and France highlight Europe’s highest‑altitude rail travel. The GoldenPass Express carries passengers from Lucerne through pastoral Swiss countryside, while a rack railway ascends to the Jungfraujoch, Europe’s highest train station at 11,332 feet. The Mont‑Blanc Express continues toward Chamonix, offering glacier‑filled vistas and a stop on the famed Chocolate Train to the Cailler factory.
Classic European Romance
For those seeking the glamour of historic rail travel, the Orient Express route remains a timeless choice. The journey threads through London, Paris, Lausanne, Milan and Venice, evoking the Belle Époque era’s elegance and cultural richness that once defined continental travel.
Italian High‑Speed Efficiency
Italy’s high‑speed network demonstrates how rail can rival air travel for speed and convenience. Flagship services connect Venice, Florence and Rome in just over three and a half hours, allowing travelers to glide through the Apennines and Tuscany without the hassles of airport security or road traffic.
Central European Multicity Exploration
Berlin, Prague and Vienna are linked by EuroCity and Railjet services, providing a seamless way to explore three former imperial capitals. Extending the route to Budapest adds another historic hub, illustrating how rail can knit together diverse cultural experiences without reliance on short‑haul flights.
North American Scenic Rail
The Pacific Northwest’s Amtrak Cascades line showcases dramatic coastal and forested landscapes, connecting Portland, Seattle and Vancouver. Passengers enjoy views of Mount St. Helens and the San Juan Islands, with optional day trips to Mount Rainier adding further natural splendor to the journey.
Overall, the resurgence of train travel reflects a broader shift in vacation priorities: travelers now value the journey itself as much as the destination. With comfort, scenery and a slower pace, rail offers a family‑friendly, environmentally conscious alternative to flying or driving, aligning with the desire for meaningful, memorable experiences.
Original reporting: KRDO (Colorado Springs metro) — read the source article.
