Where to Ride Steam: The 15 Best Heritage Railways in the World

Puffing Billy Railway: Heritage Steam Train Journey - Starting at Belgrave or Lakeside

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

Ride Puffing Billy through Victoria’s Dandenong Ranges, with steam, forest views, Lakeside Park, and practical tips for a smooth visit.

“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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Mallorca in One Day Sightseeing Tour with Boat Ride and Vintage Train

2.Mallorca in One Day Sightseeing Tour with Boat Ride and Vintage Train

★★★★★★★★★★4.0 · 1,096 reviews · 9 hours (approx.) · from $123

Review of Mallorca’s one-day tour with Tramuntana roads, Sa Calobra, boat ride, Sóller tram, and vintage train.

“The day was amazing. We had the best tour guide, Angela and Miguel Angel the best driver( an absolute necessity due to the crazy road and turns!) we were taken to the wonderful places of our itinerary on a beautiful clean bus with A/C. There was plenty of information provided about all these places and in FOUR languages. We were able to do some swimming as well and a beautiful boat ride too while enjoying Mallorca. Beautiful area, wonderful day!!”

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From Inverness: Jacobite Steam Train and Highlands Tour

3.From Inverness: Jacobite Steam Train and Highlands Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.4 · 921 reviews · 12.5 hours · from $268

Review of the Jacobite Steam Train and Highlands Tour from Inverness, with Loch Ness, Mallaig, scenic stops, price advice, and practical tips.

“Exceptional, the Highlands, the Lochs, the Hogwarts Express and of course the secret stop. Tabby and Donny were great guides.”

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From Edinburgh: Magical Highlands Tour with Jacobite Train

4.Magical Highlands Tour with Jacobite Train

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 726 reviews · 13 - 14 hours · from $80

Ride the Jacobite steam train through the Highlands, see Harry Potter film sites, and weigh the long day, costs, and practical details.

“God bless Ian! He made a very long day so much more enjoyable! Great stories while driving through the highlands. Amazing view of the viaduct at Glennfinnian, once in a lifetime experience! Unfortunately the train from Mallaig was late returning so it put us behind, but Ian went above and beyond to get us all back in a timely manner! 😁”

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From Melbourne: Puffing Billy Steam Train & Wildlife Tour

5.Puffing Billy Steam Train & Wildlife Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.7 · 640 reviews · 8 hours · from $140

Review of Melbourne’s Puffing Billy and Healesville tour, with train tips, wildlife highlights, timing, transport, price, and practical advice.

“Mark our guide was superb, punctual and very friendly. Gave very clear information and told us about the local areas we were going through on the way. The Sanctuary Park was fantastic and then the ultimate experience at the end was the Puffing Billy Steam Train. Would highly recommend this for anyone travelling to Melbourne.”

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From Melbourne: Puffing Billy Train & Penguin Wildlife Tour

6.Puffing Billy Train & Penguin Wildlife Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.8 · 605 reviews · 12 hours · from $145

Ride Puffing Billy, tour The Nobbies, and watch Phillip Island’s little penguins return at sunset on this full-day trip from Melbourne.

“We had a great day. Our guide Alan looked after us well and made the whole day run smoothly. We really enjoyed the whole experience.”

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Moors, Whitby & The Yorkshire Steam Railway Day Trip from York

7.Moors, Whitby & The Yorkshire Steam Railway Day Trip from York

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 366 reviews · 8 hours 15 minutes (approx.) · from $108Top rated

Review of the York to Whitby and North York Moors day trip, with steam railway option, scenic stops, practical tips, and value advice.

“Mark was an incredible guide and driver for our tour today. Extremely passionate in delivering the historical, social and economical information of the area. He also made sure we were in the right spot at the right time (train ride) and had gear choices for food and drinks. Highly recommended”

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Scotland in 5 Days Including Jacobite Steam Train from Edinburgh

8.Scotland in 5 Days Including Jacobite Steam Train from Edinburgh

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 341 reviews · from $1,330

Review of Scotland in 5 Days from Edinburgh, including Skye, Loch Ness, Eilean Donan Castle and the Jacobite Steam Train.

“Our host Caroline was amazing! Totally exceeded my expectations! Definitely worth every penny! You will not regret such a wonderful experience!”

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Steam Trains, Whitby, and the North York Moors Full-Day Tour from York

9.Steam Trains, Whitby, and the North York Moors Full-Day Tour from York

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 320 reviews · 9 hours (approx.) · from $137

Review of the 9-hour York tour to Whitby and the North York Moors, with a small group, local guide, scenic stops, and steam train ride.

“I have always had great experiences with Viator and today was even better. We were scheduled to go to the North York Moors but there have been wild fires spreading there for the last 2 weeks. We received several emails about how Viator wouldn't place us in danger and several options were provided should travel through the Moors not work out. We discussed the options once everyone on our tour (7 people max, as promised) was together. Ultimately, there was a slight change to our train but everything else went on as planned. We felt safe and had a great time.”

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From York: Moors, Whitby, and the Yorkshire Steam Railway

10.From York: Moors, Whitby, and the Yorkshire Steam Railway

★★★★★★★★★★4.8 · 306 reviews · 8 hours · from $79

Explore the North York Moors, Whitby, Goathland, film sites, and an optional steam train ride on this full-day trip from York.

“mark, our guide was fabulous, he always makesure we are safe and explain the details very clearly. As a non-English native, I can fully understand all his introduction. Also, the organisation of the trip was great, we have ample time in each location. Priase to our tour members too, who are always on time and made the trip a wonderful one.”

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Melbourne: Half-Day Puffing Billy Steam Train Experience

11.Half-Day Puffing Billy Steam Train Experience

★★★★★★★★★★4.8 · 263 reviews · 6 hours - 1 day · from $126

Ride Puffing Billy through the Dandenong Ranges, cross a trestle bridge, and relax at Emerald Lake on a well-run Melbourne half-day tour.

“Fabulous experience on the Puffing Billy train! Our guide Jools (and her koala Gumnut) were amazing, nothing was too much trouble and her communications were brilliant. She even went out of her way to find kangaroos on the way home!! If you do one trip, make it this one 😍”

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Skunk Train: Pudding Creek Express from Fort Bragg

12.Skunk Train: Pudding Creek Express from Fort Bragg

★★★★★★★★★★4.0 · 260 reviews · 1 hour 15 minutes (approx.) · from $53

Ride Fort Bragg’s Skunk Train beside Pudding Creek, explore redwoods at Glen Blair Junction, and decide if the $53.95 fare is worth it.

“The ride to the redwoods was relaxed & comfy. Sitting in the original seats was a big part of the experience. It was fun imagining travelers of the past taking the same ride as us. Later we discovered that the seats convert forward facing with a simple pull on a lever! We had 45 minutes to explore the forest. It was enough time for our short visit. Next time, we’ll take the earlier trip & enjoy the day there. We also enjoyed talking with the park manager on the ride back. He shared more interesting facts about the trees, the future vision for the park, & how the old train…”

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Skunk Train: Wolf Tree Turn from Willits

13.Skunk Train: Wolf Tree Turn from Willits

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 258 reviews · 2 hours (approx.) · from $70

Ride the historic Skunk Train from Willits through redwood country with live music, onboard commentary, accessibility, and a 30-minute stop.

“This is a very family friendly and entertaining experience! From the ticket sale to the conductor and and all the staff - professional, friendly and engaging - all served up with smiles! I recommend being in the open air car and drinking a Skunk Train Amber Ale! Going back again!”

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Melbourne: Puffing Billy Railway & Rainforest Tour

14.Puffing Billy Railway & Rainforest Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.7 · 239 reviews · 6 hours · from $107

Ride Puffing Billy through the Dandenong Ranges, spot native birds, explore Grants Picnic Ground, and enjoy a scenic half-day escape from Melbourne.

“Amazing tour guide. Gina is incredible, informative and very friendly. We love our experience here. I traveled with my 80 year old mother and she had such an amazing time. Highly recommended!”

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Victorian Steam Railway to Cherry Tree Hill + Great House Tour

15.Victorian Steam Railway to Cherry Tree Hill + Great House Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 213 reviews · from $35

Review the St. Nicholas Abbey steam railway in Barbados, with Cherry Tree Hill views, Great House tour, rum tasting, price, and tips.

“The train ride was fun but the Main house was beautiful. Virginia is so knowledgeable to the plantation and has so many family ties to the house and the area.”

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