Autumn seen from the window? A growing trend that enchants everyone, and that is precisely why today we want to reveal to you the best foliage trains of Autumn 2026, some departing from Italy, others traveling across Europe, and there are even some very far away. In Autumn 2026 you can choose between historic carriages, steam locomotives, mountain railways, small narrow-gauge trains, and large panoramic coaches. Some cross through Italy’s more secluded regions, others climb the Swiss Alps or wind through the forests of Japan.
Foliage Train, between Piedmont and Switzerland
A classic that never goes out of fashion: the Foliage Train links Piedmont and Switzerland on a route of about 52 kilometers from Domodossola to Locarno along the Vigezzina-Centovalli line. Through valleys, stone villages and colorful landscapes you discover the magic of the foliage in a window from October 10 to November 15. Prices? They start from 36 euros on weekdays and 42 euros on weekends; the ticket includes a round trip and allows for one intermediate stop. The good news is that the Foliage Train also offers an intermediate stop chosen by the travelers.
Bernina Express, from the Alps to Italy
The Bernina Express is one of the most scenographic; it descends from the Engadin toward Tirano, passing between lakes, glaciers and larches that in October turn into pure gold. In 2026 the St. Moritz–Tirano route costs 33 Swiss francs in second class (about 35 euros), with an obligatory reservation of 32 francs (about 33 euros) for the shorter path. For those starting from Chur, the journey is longer, and the scenery changes again: nearly an entire catalogue of autumn in the Alps seen through a panoramic window.
The Transiberiana d’Italia, in the heart of the Apennines
Another gem is what we know as the Transiberiana d’Italia; the historic train with dates from September 27 to November 8 departs from Sulmona and climbs toward the uplands, allowing visitors to discover enchanting landscapes. Tickets cost roughly 40 to 55 euros but there are packages priced at 149 euros for the train-plus-overnight-stay option.
Alpine Green Train, from Domodossola to Bern
Another option is offered by the Alpine Green Train, which in autumn carries us from Domodossola to Bern, unveiling locations that shift from green to orange, yellow and red. Prices are 77 euros for adults and 25 euros for children aged 6 to 15. The flexible itinerary allows free stops at several stations, including one to visit the Lake Thun. Among the unmissables are then Frutigen with the mirror-like Blausee, Kandersteg with its Oeschinen Lake, and Brig, the gateway to Valais dominated by Stockalper Castle.
Sardinia’s Green Train
Autumn in Sardinia has little appetite for summer postcards. It changes tone: it smells of rain-soaked Mediterranean scrub, wood and earth. The Trenino Verde steps into this quieter part of the island, with tourist lines that traverse the interior and landscapes far from the coasts. The calendar varies by route; on the Macomer–Tresnuraghes line, for example, 2026 Sundays runs are scheduled from September 1 to November 1.
Autumn Flavors Historic Train, Friuli-Venezia Giulia
The name already says a lot. On October 4, 2026, a historic train departs from Trieste Centrale toward Fanna-Cavasso, taking travelers into a Friuli of small villages and seasonal flavors. In the area, the autumn festival brings together local products, agricultural traditions and cuisine. Aboard are 1930s Centoporte cars; the landscape, gradually, does the rest.
Sebino Express
For 2026 the most interesting autumn appointment is the Sebino Express, from Milan Centrale to Paratico Sarnico on Lake Iseo. The seasonal runs are set for October 4, 18 and 25; Fondazione FS indicates a fare of 12 euros per adult for some scheduled trips. A short journey, perfect to watch the landscape change from the plains to the lakeshore without turning the day into a marathon.
Nature Train, the slow Tuscany foliage
The steam locomotive puffs along the Sienese hills and, for a few hours, the present falls behind. The autumn calendar of the Treno Natura visits towns and village celebrations: October 10 Abbadia San Salvatore, October 11 Vivo d’Orcia, October 18 Trequanda, October 25 Montalcino, then San Giovanni d’Asso on November 8 and 15. Around, cypress trees, bare vines, the Amiata woods and that dull gold that arrives in Tuscany in November.
Pumpkin Train to Venzone
On October 25, 2026, the historic train returns from Trieste to Venzone with Centoporte carriages. Outside, the Karst begins to turn red; further ahead the Friulian mountains appear. The destination is one of the region’s emblematic villages, during the period when Venzone hosts its famous autumn atmosphere. For the 2026 edition the price is 10 euros for adults and 5 euros for children.
GoldenPass Express, Switzerland
From Montreux to Interlaken the journey lasts about three hours and fifteen minutes. Enough time to leave Lake Geneva, traverse valleys and chalets, and reach the alpine scenery of the Bernese Oberland. In autumn the greenery breaks into yellow and orange patches, especially as you climb in altitude. For 2026, second-class tickets are offered from 56 Swiss francs (about 60 euros), with no mandatory seat reservation.
Rhodope Narrow Gauge Railway, Bulgaria
Small carriages, immense mountains. The Rhodope Narrow Gauge Railway runs between Septemvri and Dobrinishte, weaving through forests and villages where October seems to last longer. It’s one of the cheapest options on this list: the ticket between the two termini typically costs between 6.60 and 10 Bulgarian leva (roughly 3.40 to 5 euros). Luxury isn’t needed. Just pick a seat by the window.
Semmering Railway, Austria
Stone viaducts, wide curves, tunnels and forested slopes. The Semmeringbahn, inaugurated in 1854 and today a UNESCO World Heritage Site, runs for about 41 kilometers between Gloggnitz and Mürzzuschlag. In October the Styrian landscape becomes almost theatrical, as the railway climbs and gains hundreds of meters in altitude. One of those journeys where you wish you wouldn’t arrive too soon.
Schneebergbahn, Austria
From Puchberg the cog railway climbs toward Hochschneeberg, at around 1,800 meters. Below, the forest tightens and changes color, curve after curve. From October 1 to November 1, 2026 the off-season tariff is in effect: €45 round trip for an adult with the Basic option, or €33.50 for a single journey.
Sagano Romantic Train, Kyoto
With a route of only 25 minutes, Japan lets us dream with its Sagano Romantic Train of Kyoto, which follows the Hozu River between Saga-Arashiyama and Kameoka to fall in love with maples that turn red and orange. The price is 880 yen, about 5.50 euros for adults and less than 3 euros for children. Be careful, though, as seats sell out quickly.
