A train is rarely the swiftest, or the cheapest, way to get from point A to point Z. But there's something special about travel by train. It provides an intimate glimpse of the backyards and backwoods of the country you're visiting. The uniformed conductors and dining cars recall a golden age of travel, long before patdowns and cramped coach seats. And the scenery can take your breath away.

These five train rides are all legendary travel experiences, both for scenery and for luxury.

1. The Trans-Siberian Railway in Russia

Birch forests, wild steppes and onion-domed churches: You'll see it all on the famed Trans-Siberian Railway. The popular Moscow-to-Beijing via Mongolia train ride takes six nights. From your sleeping compartment, you'll see Lake Baikal and the Gobi Desert. The stations themselves are worthwhile destinations, from the futuristic station in Tynda to the classic beauty of the Vladivostok train station.

2. The Ghan in Australia

There's no better way to experience the wild beauty of Australia than the three-day, 1,846-mile train ride on the Ghan, from the train station in Adelaide in the north to Darwin in the south. The Ghan, named for the Afghan camel drivers who pioneered the route, passes by red deserts, green hills and the stunning Katherine Gorges. You might even see some freshwater crocodiles along the way - from a safe distance, of course.

3. The Rocky Mountaineer in Canada

Every scene glimpsed through the windows of the Rocky Mountaineer train looks like a picture postcard. The two-day train ride from Vancouver to Calgary is designed to let travelers soak in the majestic mountains, waterfalls and lakes, with an overnight stop in the mining town of Kamloops. For a first-class train vacation, upgrade to the glass-roofed GoldLeaf car, which offers gourmet dining and reclining seats.

4. The Blue Train in South Africa

The Blue Train from Cape Town to Pretoria is known for five-star service. Luxury suites include bathtubs, plush furnishings and crisp sheets; dinner is accompanied by white linen tablecloths and crystal glassware. Afternoon tea and evening cognacs are served in two lounges. But don't let the luxe accommodations distract you from the views of the South African countryside you can only get when you travel by train.

5. The Venice Simplon Orient-Express in Western Europe

The train immortalized by Agatha Christie has lost none of its luster since the Orient-Express route began in 1883. On the contrary: this train journey is now the gold standard for railroad luxury. The gleaming rail cars, liveried carriage stewards, fabulous French food and musicians who greet the passengers at each train station create an unforgettable train travel experience. You'll pay the price for luxury: As of this writing, the five-night train vacation on the Orient-Express from Paris to Istanbul costs about $20,000.

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