Need a change of scenery?
Watching people, clouds, and birds pass your window is only entertaining for so long. After a while, a change to your limited, self-quarantined reality may be necessary. While you can virtually visit museums and even national parks from your couch, they’ve got nothing on a brisk train ride through the Swiss countryside or journey around the Arctic Circle.
Virtual train rides offer viewers the chance to zone out and calm the mind while seeing new landscapes, some of which many people will never experience in real life, quarantine or not. Moreover, you don’t have to worry about train fare or if the onboard amenities are up to par — just pour yourself a hot cup of tea (or a cocktail to fit the destination) and hop aboard.
1. The Flåm Railway, Norway
Widely considered one of the most beautiful train journeys in the world, this 12-mile route takes you from the end of Aurlandsfjord, a tributary of the Sognefjord, up to the high mountains at Myrdal station. Along the way, you’ll pass waterfalls, deep ravines, snow-capped mountains, and high-altitude farms while watching the weather shift from sun to rain.
2. Geibi Line to Fukuen Line, Japan
Experience the Japanese countryside as you travel virtually from Hiroshima Station to Fuchū Station on the Geibi Line turned Fukuen Line. The route passes through the mountainous area of the Chūgoku region, providing stunning views of bridges and long tunnels cutting through mountains.
3. Bernina Railway, Switzerland to Italy
This trip starts in St. Moritz, Switzerland on a perfectly sunny day and ends in Tirano, Italy via the high-mountain Bernina Pass. Sit back with an Italian-style caffè and watch as the train navigates picturesque villages, dizzying cliffs, and sparkling blue waters. Interestingly, it is the highest railway alpine crossing in Europe and the highest adhesion railway on the continent, making it a worthwhile virtual experience.
4. Pikes Peak Cog Railway, Colorado, United States
If you’ve dreamed of reaching the top of Colorado’s Pikes Peak, which sits 14,115 feet above sea level, here’s your chance. Hop aboard North America’s highest train and join this fast-motion virtual tour. The trip starts at the station in Manitou Springs and climbs the well-known peak in a matter of minutes, allowing viewers to enjoy the dizzying ride.
5. Belgrade–Bar Railway, Montenegro
Starting your journey in the town of Bar, near the Adriatic Sea, you will pass through the line’s longest tunnel (20,246 feet) and over the highest railway bridge in Europe. After traversing the country’s impressive mountainous region, the virtual trip concludes in Bijelo Polje, covering 102 tunnels and 96 bridges.
6. North Wales Coast Line, England to Wales
Travel along the stunning Wales coast aboard a British Rail Class 175, a diesel passenger train used across the United Kingdom. The virtual excursion commences in Chester, England and quickly crosses into Wales, passing through lush countryside before reaching the coast.
7. Nordland Line, Norway
Your adventure begins on the Trondheim Fjord in Trondheim and only seems to get snowier as you head farther north. Eventually, you virtually pass into the Arctic Circle, ending in Fauske. If cold and snow aren’t favorable, you can experience the journey in one of the other three seasons here.
8. Ferrocarril Central Andino, Peru
Often regarded as one of the world’s most scenic railroads, the Ferrocarril Central Andino links Callao and Lima with Huancayo and Cerro de Pasco. This four-part virtual journey begins in Chosica and concludes near the Galera railway station in the Andes. The journey includes epic views of the Puente Carrión bridge; scenic climbs from Matucana to San Mateo; the Puente Infiernillo bridge which passes through tight canyons; and the chance to traverse one of the world’s highest railroad tunnels.
9. 7 Express Line, New York, United States
If you find yourself missing the familiar sounds of your commute, this cab-view video of the New York City subway will fulfill the need. The 7 Express Line (Flushing Express) travels from Queens to Manhattan, providing both outside and underground views along the route. It is noteworthy that this footage was captured on one of the line’s R62A trains, now allocated to the 6 train.
10. Sarajevo–Ploče Railway, Bosnia and Herzegovina
Explore Bosnia and Herzegovina by train with this virtual cab-view video. Starting in Čapljina, you will quickly dip into Croatia before crossing back into Bosnia and Herzegovina, concluding your trip in Sarajevo. Much of the journey closely follows the Neretva River and traverses through mountainous terrain over the Bradina Pass.
11. South Western Railway, England
Begin your virtual journey on the London Underground at London Waterloo station and travel west, ultimately heading south towards Southampton and reaching the Southampton Central station. Along the way, you’ll witness the London skyline transitioning into vibrant, green countryside.
12. Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad, Colorado, United States
This historic line connects two mountain towns over a high-alpine mountain pass. This three-part tour provides a virtual ride on the three-foot-wide narrow-gauge heritage railroad along a 45-mile stretch between Durango and Silverton. During part one, enjoy breathtaking views along a narrow ledge cut into a steep cliff face high above the Animas River; in part two, the train climbs into the Colorado mountains; and in part three, it heads down the mountain pass into the Wild West town of Silverton.
13. Wengernalp Railway, Switzerland
Enjoy a crystal-clear driver’s-eye view of the enchanting route from Lauterbrunnen to Kleine Scheidegg. You’ll virtually cross picturesque Swiss villages and tree-covered slopes as you climb into the mountains, passing breathtaking views of snow-covered summits and deep valleys.
