1. THE ROCKY MOUNTAINEER – CANADA

Few places on Earth boast fall foliage as bold and expansive as the Canadian Rockies. The Rocky Mountaineer, a luxurious train experience between Vancouver and Banff or Jasper, provides a front-row seat to nature’s seasonal masterpiece. As the train winds through dramatic mountain ranges, deep canyons, and along turquoise rivers, passengers can admire forests painted in vivid reds and yellows.

Autumn enhances the contrast between snow-capped peaks and the warm tones of changing leaves. Wildlife sightings are common—think elk, bears, and bald eagles preparing for the winter months. The glass-domed coaches and gourmet meals make this journey an indulgent yet deeply immersive way to experience the wild beauty of Canada in fall.

2. THE GLACIER EXPRESS – SWITZERLAND

The Swiss Alps are famous for their timeless beauty, and the Glacier Express offers a slow, scenic route through the heart of this mountain paradise. Linking the Zermatt and St. Moritz resorts, this eight-hour journey traverses 91 tunnels and 291 bridges, revealing pristine valleys, dramatic gorges, and charming Alpine villages.

In autumn, the larch trees lining the mountainsides turn a brilliant gold, contrasting with the evergreens and snow-covered summits. The serene lakes and the crisp, clear skies make this one of Europe’s most photogenic fall rail adventures. It’s not just about the views—this journey is also about savoring the moment, with multi-course meals and large panoramic windows ensuring passengers don’t miss a thing.

3. THE BELMOND ROYAL SCOTSMAN – SCOTLAND

For a truly regal experience, the Belmond Royal Scotsman delivers elegance, history, and natural beauty in equal measure. Winding through the Highlands, this luxurious train departs from Edinburgh and ventures into the moody, misty wilderness of Scotland. In autumn, the heather-covered hills are tinged with rust and ochre, and the landscapes are dotted with ancient castles and peaceful lochs.

Aboard the train, guests enjoy fine dining, cozy Edwardian-style cabins, and even a spa car for ultimate relaxation. This is more than a journey—it’s a voyage into Scotland’s soul, made even more magical by the crisp fall air and the warm glow of golden leaves.

4. THE HOZUGAWA RIVER TRAIN – JAPAN

While Japan is globally renowned for its cherry blossoms, its autumn colors are equally, if not more, spectacular. The Sagano Romantic Train, also known as the Hozugawa River Train, runs through the forested Arashiyama district near Kyoto. This 25-minute journey may be short, but it packs a punch when it comes to scenic beauty.

From mid-November to early December, the route is ablaze with maple leaves in deep crimson, golden yellow, and fiery orange. The train hugs the Hozugawa River, passing through tunnels, across bridges, and along cliffs, all framed by an explosion of color. It’s a poetic and serene ride that showcases Japan’s profound appreciation for the changing seasons.

5. THE GREAT SMOKY MOUNTAINS RAILROAD – USA

Tucked in the southeastern United States, the Great Smoky Mountains are home to one of the longest and most vibrant fall foliage seasons in North America. The Great Smoky Mountains Railroad, based in Bryson City, North Carolina, offers scenic excursions through this forested wonderland.

Riders can choose from different routes, but all provide sweeping views of colorful hardwood forests, meandering rivers, and rustic Appalachian landscapes. The Nantahala Gorge Excursion is a favorite in fall, with the train running alongside the Nantahala River and through a remote gorge bursting with fall color. With open-air cars and special fall-themed rides, this journey captures the heart of a classic American autumn.

6. THE FLÅM RAILWAY – NORWAY

The Flåm Railway, one of the steepest standard-gauge railways in the world, takes travelers on a short but unforgettable ride from the mountain station of Myrdal to the fjord-side village of Flåm. Norway’s autumns are brief but brilliant, with crisp air and vivid hues marking the landscape before the long winter sets in.

As the train descends nearly 900 meters over an hour, passengers are treated to views of thundering waterfalls, dramatic cliffs, and quaint farms nestled in the valley. In fall, the forests glow with golden birch leaves, and the fjords shimmer under low, mellow sunlight. It’s a dreamlike journey through one of Scandinavia’s most majestic regions.

7. THE BERNINA EXPRESS – SWITZERLAND AND ITALY

Another jewel in the Swiss rail crown, the Bernina Express connects Chur in Switzerland to Tirano in northern Italy. This UNESCO World Heritage route crosses the Alps, offering panoramic views of glaciers, mountains, and alpine lakes. In autumn, the route becomes a canvas of seasonal splendor, with fiery foliage juxtaposed against snow-dusted peaks.

The train’s large windows ensure that every curve in the track offers a fresh postcard-worthy view. As you descend into Italy, the scenery changes from rugged Alpine wilderness to vineyard-covered hills, offering a unique blend of cultural and natural beauty, especially magical in the harvest season.

8. KURANDA SCENIC RAILWAY – AUSTRALIA

For those in the Southern Hemisphere, autumn arrives in March through May. The Kuranda Scenic Railway, located in tropical North Queensland, offers a very different kind of fall journey. Though not marked by falling leaves, the change of season brings cooler temperatures and lush vegetation.

This historic railway winds through the dense rainforest of the Barron Gorge National Park, over wooden trestle bridges, and past stunning waterfalls. The train’s vintage carriages and narrated commentary offer a nostalgic charm, and the tropical flora—vivid greens punctuated by colorful blooms—makes for a vibrant, exotic take on autumn rail travel.