Australia's Ghan Tops Holafly Express Train Index 2026 Ranking of World's Most Beautiful Rail Journeys
Australia's transcontinental Ghan train has been named the world's most beautiful rail journey in the Holafly Express Train Index 2026, leading global luxury sleeper and scenic routes.
Image Credit: LINR
Australia’s iconic transcontinental train, The Ghan, has been ranked the world’s most beautiful rail journey according to the Holafly Express Train Index 2026. Scoring 70.8 out of 100, the multi-day expedition across Australia's Red Centre from Adelaide to Darwin edged out South Africa’s Blue Train and Switzerland’s Glacier Express to claim the top global spot.
The 2026 index evaluates luxury overnight sleepers, daytime scenic railways, and historic corridors across five key pillars: access to protected national parks, operating heritage, booking simplicity, visual scenery density, and onboard accommodation standards. The findings underscore a structural shift in international tourism, where travelers prioritize slow travel that turns transit into the core holiday experience.
[ Holafly Express Train Index 2026 Top Tier ]
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#1 The Ghan (Australia) #2 The Blue Train (South Africa) #3 Glacier Express (Switzerland)
Score: 70.8 | Adelaide-Darwin Score: 69.2 | Pretoria-Cape Town Score: 58.8 | Zermatt-St. Moritz
Holafly Express Train Index 2026 Global Ranking Results
The index ranks both high-end luxury private sleeper services and accessible public scenic railways across six continents.
HOLAFLY EXPRESS TRAIN INDEX 2026 TOP 10 RANKINGS MATRIX
| Column 1 |
|---|
| 1. The Ghan (Australia): Score: 70.8 / 100 |
| 2. The Blue Train (South Africa): Score: 69.2 / 100 |
| 3. Glacier Express (Switzerland): Score: 58.8 / 100 |
| 4. Eastern & Oriental Express (S.E. Asia): Score: 57.8 / 100 |
| 5. California Zephyr (United States): Score: 55.0 / 100 |
| 6. Venice Simplon-Orient-Express (Europe): Score: 54.2 / 100 |
| 7. West Highland Line (Scotland / UK): Score: 53.0 / 100 |
| 8. Belmond Andean Explorer (Peru): Score: 52.9 / 100 |
| 9. Rocky Mountaineer (Canada): Score: 52.5 / 100 |
| 10. Danube Express (Central/Eastern Europe):Score: 48.9 / 100 |
| Rank | Train Journey | Country / Region | Format | Index Score | Key Geographic Highlight |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | The Ghan | Australia | Luxury Sleeper | 70.8 | Australian Red Centre & Katherine Gorge |
| 2 | The Blue Train | South Africa | Luxury Sleeper | 69.2 | Great Karoo & Hex River Valley |
| 3 | Glacier Express | Switzerland | Daytime Scenic | 58.8 | Swiss Alps, Landwasser Viaduct, Matterhorn |
| 4 | Eastern & Oriental Express | S.E. Asia (MY/SG) | Luxury Sleeper | 57.8 | Malaysian rainforests & Penang heritage |
| 5 | California Zephyr | United States | Cross-Country Amtrak | 55.0 | Colorado Rockies & Sierra Nevada Canyons |
| 6 | Venice Simplon-Orient-Express | Europe | Historic Sleeper | 54.2 | Restored 1920s Art Deco Alpine corridors |
| 7 | West Highland Line | Scotland, UK | Public Scenic Rail | 53.0 | Rannoch Moor & Glenfinnan Viaduct |
| 8 | Belmond Andean Explorer | Peru | Luxury Sleeper | 52.9 | Peruvian Altiplano, Lake Titicaca, Cusco |
| 9 | Rocky Mountaineer | Canada | Daytime Glass-Dome | 52.5 | Canadian Rockies & Fraser Canyon |
| 10 | Danube Express | Central/Eastern Europe | Luxury Sleeper | 48.9 | Transylvania, Budapest, & Danube Basin |
Australia’s Ghan Takes Top Spot in Global Luxury Rail
Connecting South Australia with the Northern Territory across 2,979 kilometers, The Ghan secured the highest composite score due to its seamless integration of luxury sleeper cabins, off-train wilderness excursions, and climate transitions.
The Ghan, a luxury train operating in Australia, has been ranked as the most beautiful rail journey in the world by the Holafly Express Train Index 2026. For more information on this prestigious train, visitors can check the official website of Great Southern Rail, which operates The Ghan, to learn about its history, routes, and amenities. The train's route spans from Adelaide to Darwin, offering breathtaking views of the Australian Outback.
THE GHAN ROUTE & EXPERIENTIAL SPECIFICATIONS
| Column 1 |
|---|
| Route Corridor: Adelaide ➔ Alice Springs ➔ Katherine ➔ Darwin (2,979 km) |
| Journey Duration: 3 Days / 2 Nights (Expedition format: 4 Days / 3 Nights) |
| Off-Train Safaris: Nitmiluk (Katherine) Gorge cruises, Alice Springs desert tours |
| Landscape Transit: Temperate coastline ➔ Arid Red Centre ➔ Tropical Outback |
| Onboard Service: Platinum & Gold Service all-inclusive dining & private suites |
1. Climate & Landscape Transitions
The journey showcases Australia’s continental geography, shifting from the green coastal plains around Adelaide to the rust-red soil of the MacDonnell Ranges in Alice Springs, before ending in the tropical wetlands of Darwin.
2. Off-Train Wilderness Excursions
The Ghan’s high score is supported by its structured off-train excursions, including river boat cruises through Nitmiluk (Katherine) Gorge, Outback flightseeing tours, and cultural dinners under the desert sky.
Top Luxury Sleeper vs Daytime Scenic Rail Comparison
The 2026 index highlights two distinct operational models: multi-day luxury sleepers that function as mobile hotels, and daytime glass-dome scenic trains designed for maximum daylight exposure.
Passengers traveling on The Ghan can expect luxurious accommodations and fine dining, making it an ideal choice for those seeking a unique and comfortable travel experience. To plan their trip, travelers can visit the Australian Government's Department of Home Affairs website for information on visa requirements and travel regulations. Additionally, the train's operator provides a range of packages and itineraries to suit different interests and budgets.
SLEEPER VS DAYTIME SCENIC OPERATIONAL MATRIX
| Column 1 |
|---|
| Sleeper Category (The Ghan, Blue Train, E&O): Combines lodging & dining at night |
| Daytime Category (Glacier Express, Rocky Mtn): Stops overnight in hotels for views |
| Public Option (West Highland Line, California Z):Affordable scenic access routes |
1. Luxury Overnight Sleepers (The Blue Train & E&O Express)
South Africa's Blue Train (Score: 69.2) and the Eastern & Oriental Express (Score: 57.8) emphasize vintage hospitality, private ensuite suites, and fine dining while crossing vast continental distances between major cities.
2. Daytime Scenic Icons (Glacier Express & Rocky Mountaineer)
Switzerland's Glacier Express (Score: 58.8) and Canada's Rocky Mountaineer (Score: 52.5) operate exclusively during daylight hours to ensure passengers do not miss mountain passes, viaducts, or river canyons, utilizing panoramic glass-dome carriages.
Traveler Logistics & Rail Booking Guide
For travelers planning a bucket-list rail journey, coordinating booking lead times and mobile connectivity across remote transit corridors is essential.
The ranking of The Ghan as the world's most beautiful rail journey is expected to boost tourism in Australia, particularly in the Northern Territory and South Australia. For tourism insights and travel tips, visitors can explore the Tourism Australia website, which offers a wealth of information on destinations, activities, and events across the country. By promoting The Ghan and other unique rail journeys, Tourism Australia aims to attract more visitors and showcase the country's diverse landscapes and cultural experiences.
RAIL TOURISM TRAVELER LOGISTICS MATRIX
| Column 1 |
|---|
| Booking Lead Times: 10 to 14 months advance booking for Ghan & Belmond routes |
| Peak Seasons: Ghan (May–Sept); Glacier Express (Dec–Apr / June–Aug) |
| Connectivity Solution:eSIM data packages for multi-country & wilderness corridors |
| Luggage Policy: Cabin hand-luggage for sleepers; checked baggage in van |
1. Booking Lead Times & Peak Seasons
- The Ghan & Belmond Trains: High-demand luxury sleepers frequently sell out 12 to 14 months in advance, particularly for peak austral winter departures (May to September).
- Swiss & North American Routes: Seat reservations for the Glacier Express open 90 days prior, while Rocky Mountaineer packages are best secured 6 months in advance.
2. Remote Corridor Connectivity & Travel eSIMs
Crossing remote environments like the Australian Outback, the Peruvian Altiplano, or the Canadian Rockies leads to frequent mobile coverage dead zones. Travelers are advised to install regional travel eSIMs with multi-network roaming capabilities to maintain data access across provincial borders.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Which train was named the world's most beautiful rail journey in 2026?
Australia’s The Ghan took the #1 spot in the Holafly Express Train Index 2026 with a score of 70.8 out of 100.
What are the top 5 train journeys in the 2026 index?
- The Ghan (Australia) - 70.8
- The Blue Train (South Africa) - 69.2
- Glacier Express (Switzerland) - 58.8
- Eastern & Oriental Express (Southeast Asia) - 57.8
- California Zephyr (United States) - 55.0
What criteria are used to evaluate the train index?
The Holafly Express Train Index assesses access to national parks, operating history, booking ease, visual scenery density, and onboard accommodation quality.
How far does The Ghan travel?
The Ghan travels 2,979 kilometers across Australia from Adelaide to Darwin over 3 days and 2 nights (or 4 days on expedition formats).
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Disclaimer
This article is for informational and educational purposes only. It does not constitute legal, financial, or professional advice. While we strive to provide accurate and up-to-date information, travel policies, regulations, and conditions change rapidly. Always verify information with official sources before making travel decisions. Nomad Lawyer makes no representations about the accuracy, reliability, completeness, or suitability of the information provided. Readers should consult qualified professionals for advice specific to their circumstances. The views expressed in this article are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of Nomad Lawyer.
Kunal K Choudhary
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A passionate traveller and tech enthusiast. Kunal contributes to the vision and growth of Nomad Lawyer, bringing fresh perspectives and driving the community forward.
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