Switzerland's 'Glacier Express' voted World's Top Train Trip

Switzerland's Glacier Express, billed as the world's slowest express train, ranked number one this year in The International Railway Traveler's readership poll: "World's Top Rail Experiences." The train takes a full day and the services of three private, narrow-gauge railroads to traverse the 168 mountainous miles between two posh resorts-Zermatt and St. Moritz.

"Best trip across the Swiss Alps," proclaimed Richard A. Perry, a member of The Society of International Railway Travelers®, which conducted the poll in its monthly newsletter. South Africa's Rovos Rail, an Edwardian fantasy featuring mammoth compartments-some taking up half a railway car-was the clear second-place winner. "Simply the best train I've ever been on in virtually all respects," said Dr. Fred Laubscher.

The Society counts about 2,000 rail-traveling members worldwide who have traveled just about everywhere flanged wheels roll over steel rails. They were given just one rule: Respondents had to have ridden every train or route they chose.
Besides the top two, Society members singled out 21 more trains in this first-ever poll. Here are their votes, ranked by preference within geographical areas:

THE BEST RAILWAY EXPERIENCES IN THE WORLD, BY THE MEMBERS OF THE SOCIETY OF INTERNATIONAL RAILWAY TRAVELERS®

North America
1) Amtrak Coast Starlight (U.S.A.)
=2) Rocky Mountaineer (Canada)
=2) Amtrak California Zephyr (U.S.A.)
4) Canadian (Canada)
5) Royal Canadian Pacific (Canada)
6) White Pass & Yukon (U.S.A.)
=7) Cumbres & Toltec (U.S.A.)
=7) Durango & Silverton (U.S.A.)
=9) American Orient Express (U.S.A.)
=9) Sierra Madre Express (U.S-owned, operates in Mexico)

Europe
1) Glacier Express (Switzerland)
2) Bernina Express (Switzerland)
3) Eurostar (United Kingdom, France)
=4) Flåm Line (Norway)
=4) Golden Pass Route (Switzerland)
=6) Royal Scotsman (Scotland)
=6) Kyle-Inverness Route (Scotland)

Rest of World
1) Rovos Rail (South Africa)
2) Blue Train (South Africa)
3) Union Limited (South Africa)
4) Indian Pacific (Australia)
=5) The Ghan (Australia)
=5) Queenslander

The Society of International Railway Travelers®, now celebrating its 20th year, is a membership organization of individuals who enjoy rail travel. Benefits include special international rail trips for members and a monthly subscription to The International Railway Traveler® newsletter.