Train Journeys for the Adventure-Seeker: The Most Thrilling Rides

19 May 2025

There’s something undeniably magical about train rides. The rhythmic chug of the engine, the hypnotic sway of the carriages, and the ever-changing scenery outside your window—it’s a moving adventure in itself. But if you’re someone who craves more than just a scenic ride, you’re in for a treat. Some train journeys take adrenaline to the next level, weaving through towering mountains, hanging over dramatic cliffs, or crawling across rickety bridges that seem to defy gravity.

If you're an adventure-seeker looking for a heart-pounding ride, here are some of the most thrilling train journeys in the world that you absolutely must experience.

1. The Death Railway – Thailand

A Ride Through History and Danger

The Death Railway—officially known as the Thailand-Burma Railway—has one of the most chilling backstories in railway history. Built during World War II by prisoners of war and forced laborers under brutal conditions, the railway stretches between Thailand and Myanmar.

What makes this journey a thrill-seeker’s dream? The train clings to towering cliffs, rumbles over frail wooden trestles, and sways perilously close to the edge of the River Kwai. The most heart-stopping section is the Wampo Viaduct, a wooden bridge that looks like it might collapse at any moment.

Even knowing it's safe today, that slight shake as the train crosses the bridges? It'll make your pulse spike!

2. Tren a las Nubes (Train to the Clouds) – Argentina

Climbing to Breathtaking Heights

Ever taken a train to the sky? That’s exactly what the Tren a las Nubes (Train to the Clouds) offers. This Argentine railway climbs an astonishing 4,220 meters (13,845 feet) above sea level, making it one of the highest train journeys in the world.

The ride takes you through tunnels, over zigzagging switchbacks, and across towering viaducts with no safety rails in sight. The most terrifying section? The La Polvorilla Viaduct, a fragile steel bridge hanging over a deep valley. When you’re up there, it feels like the entire world is beneath your feet—because, well, it kind of is.

3. White Pass & Yukon Route – USA & Canada

A Journey Through the Harshest Wilderness

Built in the late 19th century during the Klondike Gold Rush, this railway was not meant for the faint-hearted. It cuts through the rugged wilderness of Alaska and Canada, following the same treacherous path prospectors once risked their lives on.

The train climbs nearly 3,000 feet in just 20 miles, hugging the mountainside with sheer drops to the Yukon River below. The hair-raising part? The rickety wooden bridges and narrow tunnels blasted through solid rock. It’s like a roller coaster, but nature-sized.

4. The Devil’s Nose Train – Ecuador

A Descent No One Should Take Lightly

If a train called The Devil’s Nose doesn’t make your adventure radar go off, what will? This Ecuadorian railway zigzags down nearly vertical cliffs, descending 500 meters (1,640 feet) in just 12 kilometers.

The track was carved into a near-impossible mountain face, forcing the train to switch back and forth in a series of sharp reversals. There’s no turning back—once you start, you have to trust the train’s brakes. And let’s be honest, that alone is enough to break a sweat.

5. The Georgetown Loop Railroad – USA

Crossing One of the Scariest Bridges

Nestled in the Rocky Mountains of Colorado, the Georgetown Loop Railroad is a short but intense ride. The crescendo of the journey is the terrifying Devil’s Gate High Bridge, a towering iron trestle that looks straight out of an old Western movie.

As the train slowly creeps across, you’ll feel every little vibration. Below? A deep canyon that seems eager to swallow anything that falls. If you have a fear of heights, this one will really test your bravery.

6. The Cumbres & Toltec Scenic Railroad – USA

A Wild West Adventure

This 140-year-old narrow-gauge railway snakes through the Rocky Mountains between New Mexico and Colorado. With its vintage steam locomotives, dramatic cliffside curves, and wooden trestles that look one strong gust away from collapsing, this is adventure on rails.

One of the most hair-raising sections is Toltec Gorge, where the train balances on the brink of a rocky abyss. Let’s just say, you’ll want to sit on the side with the best views—if your nerves can handle it.

7. The DHR (Darjeeling Himalayan Railway) – India

A Toy Train With Real Danger

Don't let the name "toy train" fool you—the Darjeeling Himalayan Railway is no child’s play. This narrow-gauge track winds through mountain villages, clings to steep cliffs, and even crosses busy streets where you could literally touch the passing shops.

The most intense part? The spiraling loops and hairpin bends that make the entire ride feel like a roller coaster without rails on the sides. If you love adventure but prefer a slower pace, this ride is a perfect mix of terrifying and mesmerizing.

8. The Flåm Railway – Norway

A Steep Descent Through Viking Territory

The Flåm Railway claims the title of one of the steepest standard-gauge railways in the world. Dropping 867 meters (2,844 feet) in just 20 kilometers, this ride through Norway’s fjord country offers waterfalls, tunnels, and dizzying drops.

The train passes so close to sheer rock faces that you’ll swear you can reach out and touch them. And with sudden twists and turns, this ride keeps you on the edge of your seat (literally).

9. The Bernina Express – Switzerland

Glaciers, Loops, and Sky-High Viaducts

If you're not afraid of heights, the Bernina Express is a must-ride. This train crosses the Landwasser Viaduct, a towering stone structure that looks like it belongs in a fairy tale.

Sitting inside the panoramic carriages, you’ll glide past glaciers, climb steep gradients, and cross bridges that seem to float in thin air. It’s beautiful, yes—but also a bit nerve-wracking when you realize just how high up you are.

10. The Maharajas’ Express – India

A Luxury Train With a Wild Side

Okay, this one is more luxurious than death-defying, but don't be fooled—the Maharajas’ Express takes passengers through India’s most extreme landscapes. From the Thar Desert’s scorching heat to the dense jungles of Ranthambore, the journey has its fair share of thrilling moments.

And if that’s not exciting enough? The train passes through tiger territory, meaning you might just spot a wild Bengal tiger from your window. Now that’s an adventure.

Final Thoughts

Trains aren’t just a means of transport—they’re a window to the world's most breathtaking, heart-pounding, and awe-inspiring landscapes. Whether you're hanging over a steep cliff, climbing to dizzying heights, or rolling through untamed wilderness, these thrilling train journeys push the boundaries of adventure.

So, which one are you hopping on first? Pack your bags, grab a window seat, and prepare for a ride you won’t forget!