Two distinct categories
Scenic public trains (Glacier Express, Bernina, Bergensbanen) cost €100–250 and are bookable direct with national rail. Luxury trains (Orient-Express, Royal Scotsman, Belmond Andean) cost €3,000–10,000+ for multi-day all-inclusive experiences. Different audiences.
Switzerland — Glacier Express
St. Moritz → Zermatt, 7h30, 291 bridges + 91 tunnels. Year-round (different scenery each season). €152 base + €33 mandatory reservation; first class €260. Excellence Class €495 (private compartment, lunch). Tickets via SBB or Swiss Travel Pass.
Switzerland — Bernina Express
Chur → Tirano (Italy), 4h. UNESCO heritage railway. €66 single + €26 reservation. Optional bus extension to Lugano. Less famous but arguably more dramatic than Glacier Express.
Norway — Bergensbanen
Oslo → Bergen, 7h. Crosses high mountain plateau, glaciers, fjord descent. Standard Vy fare €80–120. Combines with Flåmsbana branch (Myrdal → Flåm, 1h, steepest standard-gauge in Northern Europe).
Italy — Cinque Terre Express
La Spezia → Levanto, runs through Cinque Terre. Standard Trenitalia €5–10 single. Cinque Terre Card includes unlimited rides. Connects all five villages.
Venice Simplon-Orient-Express
Belmond's Paris–Venice route + Istanbul extensions. €3,500–10,000+ depending on cabin. Wisteria Suite tops out at €25,000+ for Paris-Venice. Era-Cabin sleeper, formal dinner, 1920s vintage rolling stock.
Royal Scotsman
Belmond Scotland — Edinburgh-based 2-7 night trips through Highlands. €3,500–8,000+ all-inclusive. Glamping-on-rails experience.
Other strong scenic public
Centovalli (Domodossola → Locarno), Albula Line (Chur → St. Moritz, UNESCO), Settle to Carlisle (UK Pennines).
Strategy
Scenic trains: book 1–2 months ahead June–September; off-season much easier. Luxury trains: 6–12 months ahead. Many Swiss and Italian scenic routes covered by Eurail or rail-specific passes — significant savings.