15 Stunning Train Trips to Inspire Your Travels in 2025

Practical advice and wisdom from women about train travel

Curated by the JourneyWoman team

Who doesn’t love the idea of travelling by train, especially when it’s so much more relaxed and less hectic than most airports? When we asked experienced women travellers about their most memorable train trips, the responses surprised even us. While luxury train trips are most often touted as the most highly desirable experiences, it turns out that there’s much joy to be found in the journey itself, whether it’s a milk train across Canada or taking a steam locomotive in Zimbabwe.

If you’ve not travelled by train yet, make sure to read our Train Travel Etiquette Tips and Train Travel Tips from the Man in Seat 61.

15 memorable train trips

From long journeys in South Africa to misadventures in Europe, here are some of our readers’ favourite journeys, with some practical advice thrown in for good measure.

1. London to Exeter, England

“My first solo train trip was from London to Exeter in England. All the larger pieces of luggage are placed in a luggage receptacle at the back of the carriage as you board the train. I remember being concerned because so many riders exited that door and grabbed their luggage on the way out of the exit. My concern was that someone would take the wrong “black” luggage (mine) when they got off at their stop and I’d lose my suitcase. So like I do when checking luggage at the airlines, I decorate my luggage with bold decor and ribbons to clearly identify it. Better yet, I’ve pared down my luggage to handheld and a small carryon which can be placed at my seat or overhead if possible.” — RoseAnn W.

Book tickets for London trains here!

2. Brisbane to Cairns, Australia

“My most memorable train trip was a 24-hour journey on the Spirit of Queensland’s RailBed from Brisbane to Cairns in Australia. I booked in advance for the best price and for any train travel, I suggest carry-on luggage as most trains have an overhead rack and for extra security, a bag can be secured to the rack with a combination cable lock.” — Anne B.

Book the Spirit of Queensland here!