There’s something inherently romantic about the idea of train travel. Maybe it’s the rhythmic clatter of the wheels, the scenic views slipping past your window, or the allure of reaching distant places in style and comfort. In the late 19th and early 20th centuries, the Golden Age of Rail saw trains become more than just a mode of transport; they became symbols of adventure, luxury, and the promise of romantic escapades. Train journeys weren’t just about getting from Point A to Point B—they were about the experience itself: the elegant dining cars, the finely dressed passengers, and the sense that the journey was just as important as the destination.
In this article, we’ll take a step back in time to explore some of the most romantic train journeys from the Golden Age of Rail, and see why these historic journeys continue to captivate the imagination of travellers today.
1. The Orient Express: The Ultimate in Luxury
No discussion of romantic train journeys would be complete without mentioning the Orient Express, which has become synonymous with elegance, mystery, and exotic destinations. First launched in 1883, the Orient Express connected Paris to Istanbul (then Constantinople), cutting through Europe in style. It wasn’t just a train; it was an experience.
- What Made It Special? The train was the epitome of luxury travel, with Sumptuous dining cars, plush sleeping compartments, and even private luxury suites. It was said that to travel on the Orient Express was to experience the finest comforts of the time, offering guests the opportunity to enjoy gourmet meals, fine wines, and indulge in the romance of travel. The journey was as much about seeing exotic destinations like Vienna, Budapest, and Bucharest as it was about the opulence of the journey itself.
- Romantic Appeal: From its association with Agatha Christie’s novel “Murder on the Orient Express” to its status as a symbol of adventure and mystery, the Orient Express has always captured the imagination. For the wealthy, it offered the ultimate in both romantic getaways and international travel.
2. The Glacier Express: A Scenic Dream in Switzerland
If the Orient Express was the epitome of luxurious travel, the Glacier Express, introduced in 1930, offered passengers a different kind of romance: the romance of nature. This scenic route between Zermatt and St. Moritz in Switzerland is known for being one of the most beautiful train journeys in the world, cutting through the Swiss Alps and offering passengers breathtaking views of towering snow-capped peaks, sparkling lakes, and pristine valleys.
- What Made It Special? Unlike the speed and grandeur of other famous trains, the Glacier Express was all about the slow journey—a deliberate pace designed to allow passengers to drink in the views. The train’s panoramic windows and glass-roofed carriages made it ideal for sightseeing, and the journey itself was a slow, relaxing meander through some of the most picturesque landscapes in Europe.
- Romantic Appeal: There’s something undeniably romantic about snuggling up on a train with a loved one while the Swiss Alps drift past in a stunning panorama. The Glacier Express is still running today, and while it’s now part of the modern travel experience, it continues to offer a timeless sense of adventure and awe.
3. The California Zephyr: Through the Heart of America
For those looking to experience romantic train travel across the United States, the California Zephyr has long been one of the most beloved routes. First launched in 1949, the California Zephyr connected Chicago to San Francisco, passing through some of the most diverse and awe-inspiring landscapes in the country.
- What Made It Special? The train cut through the Great Plains, Rocky Mountains, and Sierra Nevada, offering passengers panoramic views of the natural beauty of America. The journey was particularly popular among those looking for a romantic escape as it passed through rugged mountain ranges and serene desert landscapes. In the 1950s and 60s, it became the go-to route for lovers and newlyweds seeking a romantic, scenic journey across the United States.
- Romantic Appeal: A trip on the California Zephyr was all about escaping the hustle and bustle of the modern world and finding peace in the rugged American wilderness. With luxurious dining cars and private compartments, passengers could enjoy fine meals and take in the stunning views, making it a perfect setting for those seeking adventure and romance.
4. The Royal Scot: The Royal Train of Scotland
If the idea of a regal train journey sounds like your idea of romance, then the Royal Scot is the one for you. Launched in 1927, the Royal Scot was a luxurious express service running between London and Glasgow. It wasn’t just any train—it was the train of choice for royalty, dignitaries, and VIPs, featuring the finest amenities and most opulent compartments.
- What Made It Special? The train was equipped with luxurious first-class carriages, fine dining, and impeccable service, offering a comfortable and stylish journey through the British countryside. The Royal Scot was more than just a way to travel—it was an experience in elegance and refinement.
- Romantic Appeal: The allure of the Royal Scot lies in its connection to royalty and the old-world glamour of a bygone era. If you were fortunate enough to travel aboard this majestic train, you’d have felt like a member of the British aristocracy, sipping champagne as you passed through the beautiful Scottish countryside. Today, the train no longer runs, but the idea of regal train travel still carries a distinct sense of romance and nostalgia.
5. The Trans-Siberian Express: A Journey Across Russia
For a more adventurous, yet still romantic, experience, the Trans-Siberian Express offers a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to cross the vast Russian landscape. First completed in the early 20th century, the train connected Moscow to Vladivostok, crossing the entire expanse of Siberia and offering a glimpse into one of the most mysterious and awe-inspiring parts of the world.
- What Made It Special? The Trans-Siberian Express is famous for being the longest railway route in the world, spanning an incredible 9,289 kilometres. The journey takes passengers through snowy tundra, wild forests, and bustling Russian cities, offering a fascinating cultural experience along the way.
- Romantic Appeal: While not traditionally thought of as romantic in the same sense as the Orient Express, the Trans-Siberian journey offers a different kind of romance—the romance of adventure, discovery, and the thrill of crossing an entire continent by train. Long evenings spent in a compartment, talking and watching the landscape unfold, create a unique, intimate experience.
What to Know More?
If you’re keen to dive deeper into the romantic history of rail travel or learn about other iconic train journeys from the past, here are some fantastic resources:
- The Great Railway Journeys of the World by Michael Palin
- The Romance of the Rail: A History of Romantic Train Travel by Oliver Green
- The Golden Age of Rail Travel: Luxury and Innovation by David McKee
- Trains Across Europe: The Scenic Routes of a Bygone Era by Matthew Hall
