The World's 10 Best Train Experiences

1.Versailles Château and Gardens Walking Tour from Paris by Train

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 714 reviews · from $79Our pick

Meet your guide in Paris for a 30-minute RER ride to Versailles. Walk the gardens with guides such as Aaron, OJ, Mado, or Toby, then enter the palace independently with timed admission. Train tickets, a small group, and flexible return time make this a practical half-day visit.

“Our guide, Aaron, was very knowledgeable and enthusiastic about the history of the gardens of Versailles. He made it fun and enjoyable (even though it was raining!). Would definitely recommend this tour for incoming tourists”

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2.Dublin to Cork, Blarney Castle & Cóbh Heritage Centre by train

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 510 reviews · 12 hours (approx.) · from $195

This 12-hour rail and coach day trip takes you from Dublin Heuston to Cork, Blarney Castle, and Cobh. You’ll kiss the Blarney Stone, explore the gardens, eat in Blarney village, and visit the Queenstown Story Heritage Centre. Hosts such as Norman, Paul, John, and Peter have led past departures, though the guide varies.

“Would highly recommend to anyone going to Ireland! You get to experience riding on a train! Traveling through magical little villages and seeing the Blarney Stone Castle! All without having to worry about the travel plans! Everything was very well organized!”

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3.TranzAlpine Train, Arthur’s Pass and Castle Hill Day Trip

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 426 reviews · from $254Top rated

Travel from Christchurch to Arthur’s Pass by TranzAlpine train, then return by minibus through the Southern Alps. You’ll see the Canterbury Plains, Otira Viaduct, Devils Punchbowl, Lake Pearson, and Kura Tawhiti. Guides such as AJ and Anuj provide commentary, snacks, water, and help with the day’s walks.

“Great day out. Our guide was really helpful and knowledgeable. He did a great job explaining about the train journey and Arthur's Pass national park.”

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4.Hue Citadel tour by authentic Train via Hai Van Pass from Da Nang

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 337 reviews · from $46Best value

Take a one-way local train from Da Nang through Hai Van Pass to Lang Co, then continue by air-conditioned vehicle to Hue. With guides such as Tom, Thinh, Mariana, and Sky leading the way, you’ll visit the Imperial City, Khai Dinh Tomb, and Thien Mu Pagoda, with lunch included.

“Amazing to say the least Mariana was better than superb She is incredibly knowledgable and gas a wonderful sense of humour Greatbperson, we could have not have chosen a more proffessional guide. We all loved her so much Thank you Peter Herweg and family”

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5.Arthur’s Pass: TranzAlpine Train and Castle Hill Day Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.8 · 270 reviews · 10 hours · from $245

Take the TranzAlpine train from Christchurch to Arthur’s Pass, then return by air-conditioned minibus with an English-speaking guide such as Anuj or Anush. Expect mountain scenery, beech forest, waterfalls, Lake Pearson, Otira Viaduct lookout, and Castle Hill. Walks are optional but require comfortable shoes and moderate fitness.

“Excellent day trip, the hike to devils punchbowl does require moderate fitness and proper shoes (which I wasnt aware of). Our guide was wonderful! The whole tour is well organised and the train is definitely worthwhile.”

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6.3-Day Blarney Castle, Ring of Kerry, & Cliffs of Moher Rail tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 211 reviews · 3 days (approx.) · from $1,254

Travel from Dublin by train and coach to Blarney Castle, Cobh, Killarney, the Ring of Kerry, Bunratty Castle, the Cliffs of Moher, the Burren, and Galway. Railtours Ireland hosts the train journeys, while local guides such as John, Norman, Bob, and Bryan lead the road sections. Two Killarney nights and Irish breakfasts are included.

“Absolutely amazing! John was an outstanding tour guide and you could see how passionate he is about Ireland and its rich history. This is worth it for a first time traveler to Ireland because I feel like you get the most out of your trip. You don't have to worry about driving and you can enjoy the scenery. Such an amazing tour and so worth it if you only have a few days in Ireland.”

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7.Rail Tour: The Cliffs of Moher & Bunratty Castle Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.6 · 122 reviews · from $158

Start at Dublin Heuston Station, ride the InterCity train to Limerick, then tour Bunratty Castle, Doolin, the Cliffs of Moher, the Burren, Galway Bay, and Galway by coach before returning by rail. English-speaking guides may include John, Norman, David, or others, and admission fees are included.

“Too long. Starting at 6:40 and ending at 10 pm made for a very long day. Could have skipped or shortened activity and taken an earlier train back. Train back was not an express (as mentioned by the guide) and wasn’t the most comfortable ride. Brendan was knowledgeable and had a lot of fun stories, but was a little too chatty. The Cliffs were spectacular. Thank goodness we got a clear warm day. Unusual for this time of year.”

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8.Cardiff: Welsh Castles, Mountains & Steam Railway Day Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.7 · 110 reviews · 8 hours · from $148

Travel from Cardiff in a small group of up to 15 with an English-speaking guide and driver. See Cardiff and Caerphilly castles, ride the Brecon Mountain Railway, explore Brecon, and visit Cyfarthfa Castle Museum. The railway fare is included, while castle entry fees and meals are extra.

“Informative and well paced…our guide Federico was friendly, engaging and very knowledgeable. A totally enjoyable experience..”

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9.Segovia Private Guided Visit & Alcazar with High Speed Train

★★★★★★★★★★4.2 · 11 reviews · 6.5 hours · from $353

Take a high-speed train from Madrid to Segovia for a private guided visit to the Roman Aqueduct, Royal Alcazar, Plaza Mayor, and Old Town. You will also walk La Senda de los Molinos and have free time for lunch or cochinillo. English and Spanish guides include Christina and Laura.

“Christina was an excellent guide!! We were shown the Castle, the Aqueduct and had the Suckling pig! Would highly recommend this trip to friends and family!”

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10.Windsor Castle Full Day Guided Tour By Train

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 5 reviews · 7 hours · from $290

Travel from Paddington to Windsor with a small group of up to eight people, then tour Windsor Castle, St. George’s Chapel, and Eton. Your English-speaking guide leads the day, with Vincent specifically praised for clear, informative guidance. Castle entry and return rail tickets are included, while lunch is your own expense.

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