4 Train Experiences Worth Flying For

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 historic carriages, and enjoy the famous leg-dangling tradition between Belgrave and Lakeside. Allow 2 to 4 hours, with no hotel transfers included.

“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!”

Check availability →Read our full review

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 Rome’s Piramide area to Ostia Antica with an English-speaking guide and a group capped at 12. Spend about 2.5 hours among the amphitheater, Baths of Neptune, mosaics, shops, and apartments of ancient Rome’s port city. Guides such as Alberto, Cat, Rob, and Laura have earned strong praise, though guide quality can vary.

“Laura was an amazing guide. Ostia Antica beautiful spot to visit. Rich in history and intact artifacts. Quiet, peaceful seaside city and refreshing diversion from Rome.”

Check availability →Read our full review

3.Fairbanks: Gold Dredge 8 Historic Train Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.7 · 219 reviews · 2 hours · from $89

Spend two hours at Fairbanks Gold Dredge 8, riding the narrow-gauge Tanana Valley Railroad through former gold fields. Guides such as Tim explain dredging, mining, and the Trans-Alaska Pipeline before you try panning for gold. The tour is hands-on, family-friendly, wheelchair accessible, and runs rain or shine.

“The information given and the tour was incredible. I will do the tour again, there was so many great things I wasn’t able to see do to my first experience.”

Check availability →Read our full review

4.Barbados: St Nicholas Abbey Distillery, CTH Heritage Railway

★★★★★★★★★★4.6 · 33 reviews · 4 hours · from $128

Spend four hours exploring St Nicholas Abbey, its small rum distillery, and restored Heritage Railway. Your English-speaking guide handles transport, entry, and a short rum tasting. The train runs to Cherry Tree Hill and back, where the view is the afternoon’s big reward. Hotel pickup and drop-off are included.

“Had a brilliant time host was excellent couldn’t fault a thing carry on the great work”

Check availability →Read our full review