Five Epic Eco-Friendly Rail Trips to Take Right Now
By Sam Lee, 2025. If you're a travel enthusiast with a heart for the planet, eco-friendly rail trips might be your perfect match.
I love rail travel: It’s a fantastic way to see the world and a more sustainable choice than flying or driving. Plus, train stations are often located right in the heart of cities, making it easier to explore your destination the moment you step off the platform —also, hello, legroom!
Why not give the planet a break and hop on a train for your next travel adventure? Here are five amazing eco-friendly rail trips that are on my bucket list — maybe they’ll inspire your next getaway.
Video by DW Travel
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The Glacier Express, Switzerland
Looking for a train journey that feels like stepping into a snow globe? Well, the Glacier Express in Switzerland just might be your ticket to a snow globe paradise. This iconic train ride links the glitzy resort town of Zermatt with the fancy St. Moritz, crossing 291 bridges and passing through more than 90 tunnels.
This isn't just any train ride—it's often dubbed the slowest express train in the world, giving you ample time to savor those Alpine vistas while sipping on a glass of Swiss wine. Sounds impressive, right?
But it's not just about the scenery. The Glacier Express operates on electricity, does its best to minimize energy consumption, recycles, and uses eco-friendly products, so you can feel better about your environmental footprint while indulging in those views and gourmet meals served on board.
Video by DownieLive
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The Rocky Mountaineer, Canada
Hop aboard the Rocky Mountaineer and glide through the Canadian Rockies, where snow-capped peaks, cascading waterfalls, and dense forests provide an ever-changing backdrop. The weather is not always perfect, but its glass-domed roof will give you the best chance of stunning panoramic views. Let's not forget the gourmet meals boasting local ingredients.
The company takes sustainability seriously, reducing fuel consumption and lower emissions and investing in hybrid vehicles. And it's not just the environment that benefits—local communities do, too. The Rocky Mountaineer partners with indigenous groups to ensure that tourism helps rather than harms these beautiful landscapes.
So you're not just taking a train ride; your trip is helping to respect and sustain the land and its people. Nice, right?
Video by Kensho Quest
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The Shinkansen, Japan
Ready to zoom through Japan at lightning speed while keeping your carbon footprint low? The Shinkansen is both futuristic and eco-friendly: You can dart between bustling Tokyo and tranquil Kyoto in just a few hours, enjoying spacious seats, ample legroom, and sleek interiors. And let's not forget the punctuality—these trains are famous for being on time!
The Shinkansen trains run on electricity, significantly reducing reliance on fossil fuels. Plus, they incorporate regenerative braking systems that recover energy, making them even more efficient.
What makes the Shinkansen even better? It's part of an extensive rail network that reaches even the most remote corners of Japan (so there's no excuse not to explore off-the-beaten-path gems).
Video by Chloé and sometimes Ludvig
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The TranzAlpine, New Zealand
If your bucket list includes New Zealand, then don't skip the TranzAlpine. The train takes you from Christchurch on the east coast to Greymouth on the west, slicing through the heart of the stunning South Island.
The real charm of the TranzAlpine lies in its ability to showcase New Zealand's stunning diversity: You'll cross deep gorges and lush valleys, with rivers so clear they look unreal.
The train operates on a combination of electric and fuel-efficient diesel engines, aiming to minimize its environmental impact. Plus, they're working on reducing waste and promoting recycling on board.
Video by Trek Trendy
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The Blue Train, South Africa
When it comes to luxury and adventure, The Blue Train in South Africa hits all the right notes.
You'll traverse the stunning landscapes between Pretoria and Cape Town in what feels like a moving hotel — yes, think plush suites, epic food, and five-star service.
You'll pass through quaint villages, sweeping vineyards, the vast savannas teeming with wildlife and crazy-dramatic mountain ranges.
Plus, the Blue Train is as green as it is grand. The train runs on a combination of electric and diesel power, and they reduce waste and conserve water onboard. So go ahead, pamper yourself while being kind to the planet. It’s on my list!
What do you think? Inspired to take an epic eco-friendly train trip? Pin it for later!
