Where to Start: the 3 Best Train Experiences Worldwide

1.Puffing Billy Railway: Heritage Steam Train Journey

★★★★★★★★★★4.6 · 1,195 reviews · 2 - 4 hours · from $29Our pick

Ride Puffing Billy, a preserved steam railway built in 1900, through the Dandenong Ranges east of Melbourne. Choose a journey from Belgrave or Lakeside, sit in a heritage carriage, and enjoy the famous leg-dangling tradition between Belgrave and Lakeside. Allow 2 to 4 hours.

“We had a wonderful time riding on Puffing Billy. The scenery in the Dandenong region is stunning. The volunteer staff were very efficient and great fun. I travelled with my adult granddaughters and we all had an amazing time. At the age of 74 it’s the first time I have travelled on a train, sitting with my legs dangling over the side!”

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2.Ancient Ostia Antica Semi-Private Day Trip from Rome by Train with Guide

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 579 reviews · 4 hours (approx.) · from $59

Travel by train from Piramide to Ostia Antica with an English-speaking guide and a group of no more than 12. Spend about 2.5 hours among the port city’s baths, mosaics, shops, apartments, temples, and amphitheater. Guides such as Alberto, Laura, Cat, and Rob have earned especially warm praise.

“Great tour. Always amazed at how these cities were built so long ago and wonderful they are being restored for all to see. Our guide Alberto was very informative.”

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

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

Travel from Dublin Heuston to Cork by reserved train, then continue by coach to Blarney Castle and Cobh. You’ll kiss the Blarney Stone, explore the gardens, visit the Queenstown Story Heritage Centre, and return by rail. Guides such as Norman, Paul, John, and Peter add local stories along the way.

“We had a very enjoyable tour with Norman and Paul they made the tour fun and the wife and I enjoyed it very much”

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