Road, Rail, or Boat: What’s the Most Scenic Way to Travel?

As self-labeled slow travelers, travel often isn’t just about arriving somewhere new, it’s about the journey itself. There’s something enchanting about watching landscapes change, feeling the movement of the world around you, and getting lost in the rhythm of the trip.

The big question is: what’s the best way to experience these moments?

Some say the open road offers the most freedom, others swear by the romance of train travel, and then there are those who believe nothing beats the tranquility of a boat cutting through the water. Of course, where you are in the world plays a huge role in what you’ll see along the way. But choosing the right mode of transport can make the difference between a scenic ride and just another commute.

In this post, we’ll break down the pros and cons of traveling by road, rail, and boat, and at the end, we’ll tell you our personal favorite way to soak in the scenery. Let’s go!

On a bus in Hokkaido, Japan

Hitting the Road: Freedom, Adventure & The Right Travel Buddy

Traveling By Car

Roads can take you almost anywhere on land, from buzzing city streets to winding coastal highways and dramatic mountain passes. Some roads (looking at you, highways) can be a bit dull, but others can take your breath away with endless scenic views.

One of the best things about traveling by road? Freedom. Taking your own vehicle or renting one means choosing your own route, stopping wherever you like, and making detours whenever something catches your eye. That’s exactly what we did during our coast-to-coast USA road trip, and honestly, in some countries, driving is the only way to explore properly. (Trust us, we’ve learned that the hard way.)

Of course, there’s a downside: if you’re the one driving, you won’t be able to fully enjoy the views while on the move (although Ryan tends to forget he is driving and turns his head, anyway). That’s why we highly recommend road-tripping with someone who can share the driving duties. But, and this is a big but, choose your travel buddy wisely.

When you’re stuck in a car for hours (or days), the wrong person can turn an epic road trip into a nightmare. We’ve been lucky, though! On our US trip, and again on South Africa’s Garden Route, we had our friend Marriette with us. Traveling together wasn’t always easy, but we made it work. The key? Flexibility and patience.

Other Means of Road Travel

That said, if you really want to enjoy the road views without worrying about navigation, a bus or coach trip is another option. You won’t have control over stops, but you can sit back, relax, and enjoy the ride.

Want something more immersive? Motorcycling or cycling lets you feel the road and the surrounding landscape, perfect for adventure seekers.

Need some inspiration? Check out this Trailfinders article which lists some of the most stunning road trip routes in the world.

The Beauty of Train Travel: Smooth Rides & Scenic Views

Some of the most spectacular views in the world can be seen from a train window. Unlike road trips, where you have to keep your eyes on the road (or deal with traffic), train travel lets you sit back, relax, and just enjoy the scenery. It’s usually much more comfortable than a car or coach too; no bumps, no sudden stops, and plenty of legroom.

Like any mode of transportation, there are downsides. Trains follow fixed routes, so you don’t have the same freedom to stop wherever you want. But on the flip side, railways often pass through landscapes you can’t reach by car, like remote mountain passes, deep valleys, or endless fields that stretch out to the horizon.

Some trains even have restaurants on board, so you can sip a coffee or enjoy a meal while watching the world go by. If that sounds like your kind of journey, check out this Lonely Planet guide to the most stunning railway routes worldwide.

Happily grabbing a beer on a Warsaw to Berlin train

For us, trains are a game changer, not just for sightseeing, but also for relaxing and working on the go. We’ve done this many times, and it’s one of our favorite ways to travel.

Another big plus? Overnight trains. They let you save money on accommodation while covering long distances as you sleep (or at least try to). We had a great experience taking a night train from Milan to Naples, our first-ever overnight journey.

But not all night trains are so smooth...Ryan barely got 5 minutes of sleep between Serbia and Montenegro because of all the passport controls. Meanwhile, Fabio (me)? Slept almost like a baby. 😆

Sailing Into Adventure: The Magic of Boat Travel

Alas, there’s something special about traveling by boat. It gives you a completely different perspective, whether you’re gliding past dramatic coastal cliffs, hopping between remote islands, or watching the sunset paint the ocean gold from the deck. And let’s be honest, nothing beats the feeling of the wind in your hair and the open sea in front of you.

Boats also come in all styles, from tiny wooden ferries to massive cruise ships with pools, restaurants, and even nightclubs. If you're lucky enough to be on one of those (we aren’t yet, but it’s on the bucket list!), you can literally float from one paradise to another in total comfort. But even simple ferry rides can be an adventure. We’ve had some of our best travel memories island-hopping in Greece, taking ferries between Paros, Mykonos, and Crete. Pure freedom and bliss.

The 45 minute boat ride from Athens to Salamina Island was pure bliss, as most ferry journeys in Greece are.

Of course, boats have their limits. They won’t take you inland (unless you count river cruises), and you’re at the mercy of the weather, nothing fun about a choppy sea crossing! But if you really love the water, you can rent your own boat or even buy one (the likes of these Moomba boats could be perfect for organizing your own private tours).

For us, a cruise is still a dream, but one day, we’ll be sipping cocktails on a deck, sailing towards some tropical paradise. Until then, we’ll keep chasing ferries, hopping islands, and enjoying the sea, one small boat ride at a time.

So, What’s the Most Scenic Way to Travel?

So, after exploring road trips, train rides, and boat journeys, what’s the ultimate way to soak in the most breathtaking views? Well, the answer depends on what you’re looking for. Boats offer the most unique perspectives, especially on the coast. Trains are relaxing and can take you through landscapes you’d never see from a car. Road trips give you total freedom, letting you stop whenever and wherever you want.

But if we could, we’d only travel by bike. 🚴‍♂️

It’s the ultimate slow travel experience, zero impact on the planet, great for your health, and it allows you to truly connect with the places you visit. You feel the journey, the changing air, the smells, the little details you’d miss speeding past in a car. Ryan biked all the way from Berlin, Germany to Copenhagen, Denmark, and it was one of the most memorable experiences he has had.

Unfortunately, it’s not always possible (crossing countries or riding through remote landscapes on a bike isn’t exactly practical), so we mix and match with the options above.