The Best Train Journeys for History Buffs: A Journey Through Time on Tracks

For history enthusiasts, few experiences rival the thrill of exploring the past while traveling in comfort and style. Train journeys, with their rich histories and scenic routes, offer a unique opportunity to experience the evolution of both transport and culture. Whether you’re traversing Australia’s vast landscapes or exploring iconic European rail routes, these train experiences not only showcase breathtaking views but also take you through landmarks steeped in history. Here’s a look at some of the best train journeys for history buffs—both at home in Australia and around the world.

1. The Ghan (Australia)

One of Australia’s most iconic rail journeys, The Ghan takes passengers on a spectacular journey through the heart of the country, between Adelaide and Darwin. Along the way, history buffs can explore ancient Indigenous culture, colonial pasts, and pioneering stories of Australian settlers. Stops in key locations like Alice Springs offer a deep dive into the early exploration of the Outback, with fascinating tours of the Old Telegraph Station and local heritage centres. The Ghan also offers an immersive historical experience, where the rich stories of the desert and the tracks are shared by expert guides.

The Ghan- Credit Journey Beyond

2. The Orient Express (Europe)

For those fascinated by the golden age of rail travel and early 20th-century history, the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express offers a luxurious step back in time. From its first journey in the 19th century to its 1920s heyday, this train has been the epitome of elegance and intrigue, attracting aristocrats, spies, and intellectuals. The route from London to Venice allows passengers to experience the lavish interiors and opulence of the past while traveling through iconic European cities such as Paris, Vienna, and Venice. It’s a history lesson in glamour and international intrigue, with stories from World War I and II, as well as the Roaring Twenties.

The Orient Express - Credit Belmond

3. Glacier Express (Switzerland)

History buffs traveling through Switzerland will appreciate the Glacier Express, one of the highest-altitude trains in the world, connecting Zermatt and St. Moritz. This journey takes passengers through picturesque Alpine landscapes and offers a glimpse of the iconic Matterhorn. You'll also get insight into the history of the Swiss Confederation, which dates back to the 13th century. Key stops like the historic town of Chur, Switzerland’s oldest town, provide glimpses into centuries of Swiss history, culture, and architecture. The journey also traces the roots of Swiss railway engineering, dating back to the 19th century, when Switzerland's trains became known for their precision and innovation.

The Matterhorn - Credit Alex Fahrer

4. The Jacobite Steam Train (Scotland)

The Jacobite Steam Train offers a journey through Scotland’s history aboard a vintage steam locomotive. Running between Fort William and Mallaig, it traces the route of the West Highland Line, once used during the Jacobite uprisings. Passengers can admire landmarks like the Glenfinnan Viaduct, famous from the Harry Potter films, and the historic Glencoe, site of the 1692 massacre. This nostalgic ride immerses travellers in Scotland’s rich Jacobite history, making it a must for history enthusiasts.

The Jacobite Train - Credit Railbookers

5. Indian Pacific (Australia)

From coast to coast, the Indian Pacific offers a fascinating historical journey from Sydney to Perth, crossing the entire Australian continent. This rail journey offers an in-depth look at Australia’s development, from the gold rush era to the establishment of early settlements in the west. Travellers can explore towns like Broken Hill, an important mining hub with a deep history in Australia’s industrial revolution, and enjoy stunning views of the Nullarbor Plain, a place that holds significant Indigenous and European historical importance.

Indian Pacific- Credit Journey Beyond

6. The Rocky Mountaineer (Canada)

The Rocky Mountaineer’s routes through Canada’s wild and rugged western landscapes offer more than just jaw-dropping scenery. These trains pass through the heart of the Canadian Rockies, with stops in towns like Banff and Jasper, where visitors can learn about the Indigenous history of the region, the construction of the Canadian Pacific Railway, and the area's role in the expansion of Canada as a nation. The journey is a combination of natural history and human endeavour, highlighting the monumental feat of building the railway through some of the world’s most challenging terrain.

The Rocky Mountaineer - Credit Railbookers

Whether it’s the rich Aboriginal history encountered on Australian rail journeys or the ancient castles and battlefields of Europe, rail travel offers an unmatched way to explore the past. The best train journeys for history buffs not only bring you to scenic destinations but also immerse you in the stories of the people and events that shaped those lands. With every mile, you'll experience the evolution of culture, technology, and society—one track at a time.