The Vacation Finder

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If you have the extra time, using a train is one of the most enjoyable and leisurely methods to move about. You don't always need to spend a lot of money for an amazing journey to take in some of the most stunning sights on earth—you can see some of the most amazing views from train windows. Here, we look at the most picturesque train trips in the globe that won't break the bank.

Christchurch to Greymouth, New Zealand

The TranzAlpine route from Christchurch to Greymouth passes through some of the most amazing sites in the South Island, including some of the most magnificent scenery in all of New Zealand. After passing by the Waimakariri River and over the Canterbury Plains, the train climbs into the highlands and reaches the Staircase Viaduct. All of the seats are in line with the large panoramic windows and ceiling skylights, and one-way rates begin at £97 ($117).

Glasgow to Mallaig, Scotland, UK

The West Highland Line, dubbed Britain's most picturesque train route, travels from Glasgow, Scotland, via Fort William and then on to the port of Mallaig. The route travels through the rugged Rannoch Moor wildness and the spectacular Scottish Highlands. The train travels over the Glenfinnan Viaduct, which is the same bridge that the Hogwarts Express crosses in the Harry Potter movies, following a brief stop at Fort William.

Glasgow to Mallaig, Scotland, UK

West Highland Line Information: Glasgow to Mallaig by Train

The steam train utilized in the movie, the Jacobite, offers an even more genuine Harry Potter experience. This year, the train between Fort William and Mallaig is expected to operate Monday through Friday from early April until late October. An adult return basic ticket is £57 ($69). On the other hand, daily ScotRail trains between Glasgow and Mallaig operate regularly, with a one-way off-peak ticket for around £29 ($35).

San Luis Obispo to San Diego, California, USA

Amtrak's Pacific Surfliner connects San Luis Obispo and San Diego in southern California by along the Pacific coastline. It's a pleasant 351-mile (565-kilometer) drive that passes through charming villages, beaches, rocky coasts, and breathtaking ocean vistas. If you have time, you may get off the train and tour the areas around Santa Barbara, Anaheim, and Los Angeles.

San Luis Obispo to San Diego, California, USA

A one-way ticket costs around £58 ($70), and the entire trip takes little longer than eight hours. Travelers can be flexible with their itinerary since the route typically offers 13 daily round-trip flights between San Diego and Los Angeles, five to Santa Barbara, and two to San Luis Obispo. However, be sure to check the website for the most recent schedules and service changes.

Williams to Grand Canyon Village, Arizona, USA

Grand Canyon by Train from Williams: Tickets for the Grand Caynon Railway Tour

The cost of a one-way ticket ranges from £56 ($67) for a standard Pullman Class seat to £187 ($226) for a seat in the opulent dome car, which offers amazing vistas and a private bar. If you choose the deluxe parlor, you can walk out onto the back platform to get a fresh perspective of the shifting scenery.

Cairns to Kuranda, Queensland, Australia

The Kuranda Scenic Railway starts in Cairns and travels through one of the oldest jungles in the world in two hours. The tropical landscape features Barron Gorge, one of Queensland's most well-known national parks, as well as waterfalls, mountains, and ravines. In Kuranda, tourists may explore the more than a century-old historic rail station as well as a butterfly sanctuary and reptile park.

Cairns to Kuranda, Queensland, Australia

Adult return costs start at £42 ($51), while children's fares start at £21 ($25). Many choose to go by train to Kuranda and return by the Skyrail Rainforest Cableway in order to see Queensland's World Heritage-listed Wet Tropics from a fresh perspective. For adults, a combined rail and cableway ticket costs £65 ($79), while for minors, it costs £35 ($42).

Dar es Salaam to Kapiri Mposhi, Tanzania and Zambia

The Tazara Railway: From Tanzania to Zambia by Train — Skratch

A fantastic method to go on safari without breaking the bank is to use the Tanzania & Zambia Railway Authority (TAZARA) route. Elephants, lions, giraffes, and other wildlife may be spotted on the train that runs through the Selous game reserve on its route from Dar es Salaam, Tanzania, to the town of Kapiri Mposhi, Zambia. In less than 48 hours, the 1,150-mile (1,852-kilometer) trip is finished.

Ho Chi Minh City to Hanoi, Vietnam

Stunning Vietnamese scenery, including the Annamite Range, Vân Phong Bay, and Hải Vân Pass, may be seen while traveling on this train. The cost of a soft seat for the entire, one-way trip from Hanoi to Ho Chi Minh City is £53 ($64), while the cost of an air-conditioned soft sleeper lower bed starts at £74 ($90).