Train travel offers a unique way to experience the world at a slower pace, aligning perfectly with the growing trend of slow tourism – a thriving sector which sees over 5,000 monthly searches, and boasts an estimated 10% compound annual growth rate.
As more travellers seek to immerse themselves in nature and savour every moment, picturesque train journeys provide the perfect opportunity to enjoy winter landscapes without the rush.
Inspired by this shift, the experts at Japan Rail Pass analysed popular winter train routes from around the world, using factors including TripAdvisor reviews, Instagram hashtags, and snowfall data to create a score for each. The result? A list of the world’s best snowy train journeys for your next winter trip!
Key findings:
- Three of the best journeys are based in Japan, largely due to impressive annual snowfall.
- The Canadian Rockies Snow Train is the world’s best winter train journey, boasting a score of 8.94/10.
- The featured trains typically travel through a mixture of mountain ranges, glaciers, and gorges, providing incredible opportunities for winter sightseeing.
The ten best winter train rides from around the world, ranked
| Railway +/ Train | Location | Average trip advisor rating /5 | Average Snowfall Across Route (cm) | Instagram Hashtags | Global Average Monthly Searches | Index Score/10 | |
| 1 | Canadian Rockies Snow Train | Vancouver to Calgary, Canada | 4.5 | 350 | 18 | 2,500 | 8.94 |
| 2 | Stove Winter Train, Tsugaru Railway | Japan, Aomori Prefecture | 4.5 | 460 | 600 | 100 | 8.28 |
| 3 | Pikes Peak Cog Railway | Colorado, United States | 5 | 223 | 3,919 | 80 | 8.28 |
| 4 | Montenvers train, Mer du Glace | Chamonix, France | 4. 5 | 461 | 715 | 1,000 | 7.95 |
| 5 | Bergen Line | Bergen to Oslo, Norway | 5 | 141 | 2,582 | 900 | 7.48 |
| 6 | Bernina Express, Rhaetian Railway | Chur, Switzerland to Tirano, Italy | 5 | 246 | 108,000 | 185,000 | 7.45 |
| 7 | Gornergrat Railway | Switzerland | 4.5 | 392 | 2,149 | 4,300 | 7.21 |
| 8 | Arctic Circle Train | Norway, Lapland, Sweden | 5 | 178 | 659 | 500 | 7.11 |
| 9 | Kurobe Gorge Railway | Japan, Toyama | 4.5 | 149 | 2,038 | 13,000 | 7.09 |
| 10 | Tadami Line | Japan, Fukushima to Niigata | 4.5 | 350 | 11,300 | 900 | 7.02 |
Canadian Rockies Snow Train, Canada
Topping the list with an outstanding score of 8.94/10 is the iconic Canadian Rockies Snow Train. This breathtaking journey transports passengers from Vancouver to Jasper and onward to Calgary, offering an unrivalled showcase of Canada’s majestic winter landscapes. With snowfall averaging an impressive 350 cm along the route, passengers are virtually guaranteed a snow-covered experience.
Renowned for its excellence, the service holds an impressive 4.5-star average on TripAdvisor and garners approximately 2,500 monthly searches, solidifying its status as a bucket-list winter adventure for travellers worldwide.
Stove Winter Train, Japan
Securing second place with a strong 8.28/10 rating is Japan’s charming Stove Winter Train. With its route experiencing the highest annual snowfall in the dataset at 460 cm, this cosy and nostalgic journey takes passengers through snow-blanketed landscapes while offering a unique experience: traditional coal stoves onboard, where you can warm up and even grill local snacks like squid.
Popular among travellers for its intimate atmosphere and cultural charm, the train earns a 4.5-star rating on TripAdvisor, and sees 600 monthly searches.
Pikes Peak Cog Railway, Colorado USA
Ranking third, with a score of 8.28/10, the Pikes Peak Cog Railway in Colorado transforms into a true winter wonderland experience during the colder months. Climbing to the summit of Pikes Peak-towering at 14,115 feet – it offers passengers unparalleled views of snow draped Rocky Mountain landscapes.
As the highest cog railway in the world, the journey combines icy alpine thrills with historic charm, dating back to its first run in 1891. With 223 cm of average annual snowfall blanketing its path, a flawless 5-star TripAdvisor rating, and 3,919 Instagram hashtags, this snow-kissed adventure is a must for winter enthusiasts.
Montenvers Train, France
Coming in fourth with a score of 7.95/10, the Montenvers Train offers a magical winter escape to France’s stunning Mer de Glace glacier in Chamonix. This historic rack railway takes passengers on a scenic climb through the snow-covered Alps, delivering awe-inspiring views of jagged peaks and icy valleys.
A beloved winter attraction, it boasts a 4.5-star rating on TripAdvisor and draws 1,000 monthly searches. With 461 cm of annual snowfall in the area and elevations of over 1,000 metres, the journey is a quintessential experience that combines breathtaking scenery with a touch of adventure.
Bergen Line, Norway
Securing fifth place with a score of 7.48/10, the Bergen Line offers an unforgettable journey through Norway’s winter wonderland. Crossing the snow-covered Hardangervidda plateau- one of Europe’s highest rail stretches at nearly 1,200 metres – the route showcases stunning fjords, frozen lakes, and towering peaks. With an annual average of 141 cm of snowfall, the landscape transforms into a true Nordic paradise each winter.
It’s no surprise the line boasts a perfect 5-star rating on TripAdvisor, along with 900 monthly searches and over 2,500 Instagram hashtags. A true Scandinavian adventure, the Bergen Line is an unforgettable experience to add to your winter travel plans.