Six Rail Journeys Worth Taking Slowly

There is a particular kind of contentment that comes from watching a mountain range slide past a window while someone brings you lunch. Flying gets you there. A great train journey is the there.

1. The Glacier Express, Switzerland

Zermatt to St. Moritz in about eight hours, through passes, gorges and over hundreds of bridges. It is often described as the slowest express train in the world. That is a compliment.

2. The Bernina Express, Switzerland and Italy

From the Swiss Alps down to palm trees in Tirano, Italy, on a line recognised as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Glaciers in the morning, espresso in Italy by the afternoon.

3. Rocky Mountaineer, Canada

Daylight only rail journeys through the Canadian Rockies between Vancouver and Banff or Jasper, with a hotel stop overnight so you never miss the scenery in the dark. Glass domed carriages, attentive service and a good chance of spotting wildlife.

4. The Ghan, Australia

Adelaide to Darwin, straight through the red centre of the continent, with off train excursions along the way. The scale of the outback only really lands when you watch it for days.

5. The Bergen Line, Norway

Oslo to Bergen across the Hardangervidda mountain plateau. Add the steep Flåm Railway as a side trip down into the fjords and you have one of Europe's great days of travel.

6. Your own slow route

Some of the best rail trips are not famous at all. A regional line along a coast, a branch line into wine country, an overnight sleeper between two cities. Look at a rail map before you book a flight and ask whether the journey could be part of the holiday.

Tips before you book

• Scenic trains often sell out, especially in summer. Reserve early.
• Check which side of the carriage gets the best views, and ask for it.
• Look into rail passes and discounts. Many countries offer reduced fares for older travellers.
• Pack light. Luggage space on trains is more limited than you would think.