By Georgia Konidari | Wealth of Geeks
Rail transport is the fastest growing travel category worldwide, according to Euromonitor International, increasing 35.6% from 2023 to 2024.
In 2024, as the urgency to combat climate change intensifies, travelers and policymakers turn their gaze towards more eco-friendly modes of transport. Trains, with their significantly lower carbon footprint, are at the forefront of a transformation in how we explore our planet. This 220-year old transportation technology stands as a beacon of hope in the quest for sustainability.
A resurgence of interest in riding the rails comes from a global commitment to sustainable exploration.
Panoramic Train Trips Reduce Carbon Footprints
Trains offer a way to explore the world’s breathtaking natural wonders with minimal environmental impact, contrasting with air and road travel’s heavy carbon emissions.
By choosing trains, adventurers participate in a movement that prioritizes our environment without sacrificing the thrill of discovery. The world’s scenic train journeys allow travelers to explore breathtaking landscapes and beautiful cities.
These classic train rides couple sustainability and adventure, promising an unforgettable and eco-friendly experience. Passengers enjoy picturesque forests, rugged coastlines, and towering mountains, with less stress on them and the planet.
The Grand Canyon Railway, Arizona, United States
Sightseers can experience the Grand Canyon’s breathtaking grandeur in many ways, but riding the Grand Canyon Railway is among the most sustainable. The railway stretches approximately 65 miles from Williams, Arizona, to the South Rim of the Grand Canyon. The journey takes just over two hours each way.
The train passes through northern Arizona’s scenic landscapes: pine forests, high desert plains, and the magnificent red rock formations of the Grand Canyon. The picturesque park has long been an optimal setting for movies, such as Transformers and Thelma and Louise. Observant passengers can catch glimpses of elk, deer, and coyotes, depending on the season.
Visitors choosing the eco-friendly Grand Canyon Railway help prevent approximately 50,000 cars from entering the park annually. Additionally, the railway distinguishes itself by using recycled waste vegetable oil from the park’s restaurants to fuel its two steam engines.
Nicknamed “the French Fry Express,” the locomotives to operate on roughly 1,200 gallons of vegetable oil per round trip. Compared to traditional fuels like ultra-low-sulfur diesel, this significantly reduces waste and emissions.
The operating company also utilizes harvested rainwater and snowmelt in its steam locomotives, conserving crucial resources and reducing potable water consumption by more than 1.2 million gallons.
The Rocky Mountaineer, Canada
The Rocky Mountaineer is a luxury train company that operates four scenic routes. The most sought-after options are the First Passage to the West (Vancouver to Banff or Lake Louise) and Journey through the Clouds (Vancouver to Jasper). The scenic ride can last one or two days, depending on the route.
Whatever route travelers choose, they observe breathtaking snow-covered mountains, dense forests, glacial lakes, rushing rivers, and wildlife like eagles and bears.
The ride’s highlights include the Fraser Canyon, Thompson River, Spiral Tunnels, and the magnificent Mount Robson, the highest peak in the Canadian Rockies. Mount Robson is prominently featured in the 2021 movie “The Alpinist,” capturing the challenging ascent of its Emperor Face by Canadian climber Marc-André Leclerc.
The company implemented several eco-friendly practices to minimize environmental impact. Onboard, they use reusable tableware to reduce waste. In 2019, they added 10 new GoldLeaf rail cars with energy-efficient features, including dishwashers using 20% less water than older models. Partnering with Trees Canada, the company has facilitated planting more than 13,500 trees since 2008 in honor of each team member’s employment anniversary.
The company aims to divert 90% of waste from landfills and achieve a long-term carbon emission reduction. Research into alternative fuel sources for trains is part of this environmental strategy, indicating a forward-thinking approach to sustainable rail travel.
The Bernina Express, Switzerland/Italy
The Bernina Express traverses the stunning landscapes of Switzerland and Italy, two of the most beautiful countries in Europe. The 76-mile journey starts in Chur, Switzerland, ends in Tirano, Italy, and takes around four hours to complete.
This journey provides an opportunity to marvel at the Swiss Engadin Alps, Italian Valtellina Valley, pristine alpine lakes, and snow-capped peaks. The highlights are the Landwasser Viaduct, the Morteratsch Glacier, the Bernina Pass, and the circular viaduct of Brusio. The train ride also makes stopovers in scenic cities and points like St. Moritz, Pontresina, and Poschiavo.
The operators of the renowned Bernina Express are committed to sustainability and the origin of their energy procurement. They utilize 100% hydropower for both their locomotives and properties. They continuously optimize energy use on trains and at railway stations through various measures, including CO2-minimized external air controls, using renewable energy for heating, and implementing modern recycling concepts.
The Flam Railway, Norway
For travelers preferring short scenic rides, the Flam Railway in Norway starts in Flam and ends in Myrdal. The 12.5-mile trip takes around an hour one way. The Flam Railway offers stunning scenery, including waterfalls, steep mountain slopes, deep valleys, and lush greenery. One of the major highlights of the journey is the Kjosfossen waterfall, which the train passes by.
The Bergen Line (Bergensbanen) facilitates the eco-friendly and hassle-free trip from Oslo to Flåm and Bergen. The Bergen Line, which connects from Oslo to Bergen and then to the Flåm Railway at Myrdal, offers a scenic Norwegian journey.
Flåm is committed to sustainable tourism, encouraging visitors to travel green. The town is home to two award-winning vessels for exploring the UNESCO-listed Nærøyfjord: one hybrid and one fully electric boat, further promoting eco-friendly travel experiences in Flåm.
The resurgence of train travel in 2024 marks a shift in how we explore the world and reflects a commitment to conservation. Through the lens of some of the most iconic and sustainable train journeys — from the Grand Canyon Railway’s eco-friendly innovations to the Rocky Mountaineer’s green initiatives — these rail journeys offer a path to a more sustainable future, inviting us all to rethink travel in the age of climate change.
Whether harnessing alternative energy sources or implementing conservation efforts, these train adventures prove that exploring and preserving the world for future generations can go hand in hand.
This article was produced by Media Decision and syndicated by Wealth of Geeks.
