Quick Facts
- Top Picks for 2025/2026: The Amtrak Pacific Surfliner (USA) offers the most accessible coastal views in North America, while the new Belmond Venice-Simplon Orient Express route from Paris to Amalfi (launching 2026) sets a new benchmark for Mediterranean luxury.
- The Best Seat in the House: For the Amtrak Pacific Surfliner, always sit on the left side when traveling Northbound (e.g., San Diego to San Luis Obispo) and the right side when traveling Southbound to ensure an unobstructed view of the Pacific Ocean.
- New Horizons: Luxury rail travel in 2025 is trending toward "Slow Travel," with new routes like the Britannic Explorer in the UK and The Vietage in Vietnam offering gourmet dining and spa services alongside coastal vistas.
- Logistics: The highly anticipated Paris-to-Amalfi journey covers the distance in approximately 28.5 hours, departing Paris at 11:00 a.m. and arriving in the historic shadow of Pompeii the following afternoon.
There is a specific, quiet magic that occurs when the rhythmic click-clack of a train meets the rhythmic ebb and flow of the tide. In an era of sterile airport terminals and cramped middle seats, coastal rail travel has emerged as the pinnacle of "Slow Travel"—a way to reclaim the journey itself as the highlight of the adventure. From the rugged, misty cliffs of Alaska to the sun-drenched, lemon-scented air of the Italian Riviera, these tracks offer a front-row seat to the edge of the world.
Whether you are seeking the Art Deco opulence of a private suite or the simple joy of watching surfers from a glass-domed carriage, the world’s most scenic coastal train rides provide a sensory experience that no flight can match. As we look toward the 2025 and 2026 travel seasons, new routes and refurbished classics are making luxury rail travel more alluring than ever.
1. Paris to Amalfi: Belmond’s Venice-Simplon Orient Express (Europe)
For those who believe that more is more, Belmond is unveiling a journey that bridges the gap between the fashion capital of the world and the rugged beauty of Southern Italy. Launching in Spring 2026, the Venice-Simplon Orient Express will expand its legendary network with a new route connecting Paris to the Amalfi Coast. This is not merely a transit; it is a 28.5-hour immersion into the glamour of the Gilded Age.
The journey begins at Paris’s Gare de l'Est at 11:00 a.m., where you are welcomed into carriages that are essentially rolling museums. Every inch of the train is adorned with intricate wood marquetry and Lalique glass, reflecting the Art Deco sophistication of the 1920s. As you sip champagne in the Bar Car '3674', the scenery shifts from the rolling vineyards of France to the dramatic, rocky coastlines of the Italian Riviera.
The train meanders through the heart of Italy, providing sweeping Mediterranean vistas that are usually reserved for private yachts. You will wake up to the sight of the Tyrrhenian Sea before arriving in Pompeii at 3:30 p.m. the following day. From there, a private transfer whisks you away to the cliffside hotels of Amalfi, completing a journey that is as seamless as it is spectacular.
Quick Specs
- Route: Paris to Pompeii/Amalfi
- Duration: 28.5 hours
- Best For: Ultimate luxury and romantic anniversaries
- Key Feature: Art Deco suites and Michelin-level dining
Book the Orient Express Experience →
2. Southern California: Amtrak Pacific Surfliner (USA)
While Europe offers old-world opulence, Southern California offers the raw, sun-soaked beauty of the American West. The Amtrak Pacific Surfliner is arguably the most famous coastal route in the United States, covering 351 miles of coastline from San Luis Obispo in the north to San Diego in the south.
What makes this journey iconic is its proximity to the water. Between the towns of Oceanside and San Clemente, the tracks run so close to the sand that you can practically see the spray from the breaking waves. It provides the longest uninterrupted views of the Pacific Ocean available on any rail line in the country. You’ll pass through the historic mission town of San Juan Capistrano, the upscale shores of Santa Barbara (often called the American Riviera), and the rugged bluffs of Gaviota.
For the ultimate experience, travelers should opt for Pacific Class, which offers slightly more legroom and complimentary snacks. However, the real secret to a successful Surfliner trip isn't the class of service—it's the seat selection.
Pro Tip: To maximize your ocean views, sit on the left side of the train when heading Northbound and the right side when traveling Southbound.
Quick Specs
- Route: San Luis Obispo to San Diego
- Duration: Approx. 5 hours 45 minutes (full route)
- Best For: Surfers, families, and California dreamers
- Key Feature: Uninterrupted Pacific views at sea level
3. Anchorage to Seward: Alaska Railroad Coastal Classic (USA)
In stark contrast to the palm trees of California, the Alaska Railroad’s Coastal Classic offers a journey into the wild. Departing Anchorage in the early morning (the 6:45 a.m. departure is essential to catch the best light), the train winds along the Turnagain Arm, where the mountains of the Chugach Range drop vertically into the sea.
This is a route where you keep your binoculars within reach. As the train hugs the coastline, passengers frequently spot beluga whales in the inlet or Dall sheep perched on the rocky cliffs above. The journey culminates in Seward, the gateway to Kenai Fjords National Park, but the transit through the Kenai Mountains—passing within feet of ancient glaciers—is the true draw.
For the best experience, book the "GoldStar Service." This premium tier includes seating in glass-domed observation cars and access to an exclusive outdoor viewing platform. Standing on that platform, feeling the crisp Alaskan air as you pass through wilderness inaccessible by car, is a bucket-list moment for any rail enthusiast.
Quick Specs
- Route: Anchorage to Seward
- Duration: 4 hours and 15 minutes
- Best For: Wildlife spotting and glacial photography
- Key Feature: GoldStar glass-domed cars and outdoor platforms
4. Tokyo to Izu: JR East’s Saphir Odoriko (Japan)
Japan is world-renowned for its high-speed Shinkansen, but for those who prefer scenery over speed, the Saphir Odoriko is the crown jewel of the JR East fleet. Named after the French word for "sapphire"—a nod to the sparkling blue waters of the Izu Peninsula—this train is designed entirely around the ocean view.
Every seat on the Saphir Odoriko is "Green Car" (first class) or better, including private "Premium Green" cabins and spacious 4-to-6 person compartments. The minimalist, modern luxury of the interiors provides a serene backdrop to the Sagami Bay views outside.
The culinary experience is equally refined. Instead of a standard cafeteria car, the train features a cafeteria where you can enjoy specialty yuzu shrimp wonton soup or locally sourced noodles, all while watching the coastline zip by through floor-to-ceiling windows. It is a masterclass in how modern design can enhance the traditional rail experience.
Quick Specs
- Route: Tokyo to Izukyu-Shimoda
- Duration: Approx. 2.5 hours
- Best For: Modern design lovers and foodies
- Key Feature: All-Green Car configuration and specialized dining car
5. Picton to Christchurch: The Coastal Pacific (New Zealand)
New Zealand’s South Island is often cited as the most beautiful place on earth, and the Coastal Pacific train is the best way to see its eastern edge. Traveling between the ferry port of Picton and the city of Christchurch, the train traverses a landscape that feels almost impossibly diverse.
One moment you are gliding past the pink-hued salt lagoons of Lake Grassmere, and the next, you are squeezed between the towering Kaikōura Ranges and the crashing waves of the Pacific Ocean. The Kaikōura section is world-famous for its marine life; keep a sharp eye out the window, and you are almost guaranteed to see New Zealand fur seals sunning themselves on the rocks.
The Coastal Pacific also features an open-air viewing carriage, which is essential for photographers looking to capture the contrast between the snow-capped mountains and the deep blue sea without the glare of a window.
Quick Specs
- Route: Picton to Christchurch
- Duration: 5 hours and 15 minutes
- Best For: Nature enthusiasts and landscape photographers
- Key Feature: Open-air viewing carriage and Kaikōura mountain views
6. London to Cornwall: Belmond’s Britannic Explorer (UK)
The British seaside has a rugged, moody charm that has inspired poets for centuries. In 2025, a new way to experience this "Riviera Line" arrives with the launch of the Britannic Explorer. This 4-day luxury voyage through Southwest England takes travelers from the bustle of London to the artistic enclave of St. Ives in Cornwall.
The train itself is a tribute to British heritage, with dining cars themed after English gardens and a spa carriage for onboard relaxation. As you travel through the counties of Devon and Cornwall, the train clings to the sea cliffs, providing dramatic views of St. Michael’s Mount and the turquoise waters of St. Ives Bay.
This is slow travel at its most indulgent. You aren't just passing through the landscape; you are stopping for guided excursions at artisanal cider farms and coastal hikes, all while returning to a private suite that rivals the finest boutique hotels in London.
Quick Specs
- Route: London to Cornwall (Roundtrip options)
- Duration: 3-4 nights
- Best For: Cultural immersion and multi-day luxury
- Key Feature: Onboard spa and English garden-themed dining
7. Da Nang to Nha Trang: The Vietage by Anantara (Vietnam)
Southeast Asia might not be the first place you think of for luxury rail, but The Vietage by Anantara is changing that perception. This boutique carriage, attached to the daily Reunification Express, carries only 12 passengers, ensuring an intimate and exclusive atmosphere.
The 6-hour journey connects the ancient town of Hoi An (via Da Nang) to the golden beaches of Nha Trang. As you wind through Central Vietnam, you’ll see lush emerald rice paddies, rural villages, and—most importantly—long stretches of untouched coastline.
The ticket price includes a three-course gourmet meal featuring local flavors like Wagyu beef and Da Lat strawberries, as well as free-flow wine and a dedicated head and shoulder massage service. It is a tropical take on the classic rail journey that feels both exotic and deeply relaxing.
Quick Specs
- Route: Da Nang to Nha Trang
- Duration: 6 hours
- Best For: Intimate travel and tropical scenery
- Key Feature: 12-seat capacity and onboard massage services
Planning Your 2025 Rail Adventure
Embarking on a coastal rail journey requires a bit more foresight than a standard flight. Because these trains often run on heritage tracks or share lines with freight, schedules can be seasonal.
- Booking: For luxury routes like the Venice-Simplon Orient Express or the Britannic Explorer, booking 12 to 18 months in advance is highly recommended. Specialist providers like Railbookers can help coordinate multi-city itineraries that include rail, hotels, and transfers.
- Seasonality: Coastal visibility is key. In Alaska, the Coastal Classic only runs from May to September. In California, the winter months can bring "marine layer" fog that obscures the ocean until midday, so afternoon departures are often better for views.
- Luggage: While luxury trains have porter services, the Amtrak and JR East lines may have limited overhead space. If you're doing a multi-leg journey, consider "luggage forwarding" services, which are particularly popular and efficient in Japan.
Luxury Rail Comparison Table
| Train Journey | Best For | Luxury Level | Scenic Highlight |
|---|---|---|---|
| VSOE (Paris to Amalfi) | Romance & History | Ultra-Luxury | Italian Riviera & Pompeii |
| Amtrak Pacific Surfliner | Budget & Accessibility | Standard / Business | San Clemente Surf Views |
| Alaska Coastal Classic | Wildlife & Glaciers | Premium (GoldStar) | Turnagain Arm & Beluga Whales |
| Saphir Odoriko | Modern Design | Premium | Izu Peninsula "Sapphire" Blue |
| The Coastal Pacific | Rugged Landscapes | Standard Plus | Kaikōura Seals & Pink Salt Lagoons |
| The Vietage | Intimacy & Service | Boutique Luxury | Central Vietnam Rice Paddies & Sea |
FAQ
Q: Which side of the train should I sit on for the best views? A: This depends on the direction of travel. For the Amtrak Pacific Surfliner, always sit on the side facing the ocean (Left heading North, Right heading South). For the Alaska Railroad, the left side (heading South to Seward) offers the best views of the Turnagain Arm.
Q: Are these trains suitable for children? A: The Amtrak Pacific Surfliner and Alaska Railroad are very family-friendly, with plenty of room to move around. However, ultra-luxury routes like the Venice-Simplon Orient Express are tailored more toward adults seeking a quiet, sophisticated atmosphere.
Q: Do I need to book a sleeper cabin for the Paris to Amalfi route? A: Yes. The 28.5-hour journey includes an overnight stay. The Belmond experience is built around the overnight stay in their iconic cabins or Grand Suites.
Ready to trade the clouds for the coast? Whether you’re dreaming of a glass of Prosecco on the Italian Riviera or a crisp morning breeze in the Alaskan wilderness, there has never been a better time to book your seat.
