Advertisement

The Longest Train Journeys in the World: Epic Rail Adventures

 

Train travel offers a unique way to explore the world, combining breathtaking landscapes, cultural immersion, and the romance of the rails. For those seeking the ultimate railway adventure, the longest train journeys provide an unforgettable experience. These epic routes traverse continents, cross vast deserts, and weave through towering mountain ranges, offering passengers a slow but rewarding way to see the world.

In this article, we’ll explore some of the longest train journeys in the world, detailing their routes, travel times, and the incredible sights along the way.



1. The Trans-Siberian Railway (Russia) – 9,289 km (5,772 miles)

Duration: 7 to 21 days (depending on stops)
Route: Moscow → Vladivostok

The Trans-Siberian Railway is the longest continuous train ride in the world, stretching across eight time zones and covering nearly a third of the globe. This legendary route takes passengers through the heart of Russia, offering glimpses of the Ural Mountains, Siberian taiga forests, and the vast steppes of Mongolia (if taking the Trans-Mongolian branch).

Highlights:

  • Moscow’s iconic stations (Kazan, Yaroslavl)
  • Lake Baikal (the deepest freshwater lake in the world)
  • The wild landscapes of Siberia
  • Vladivostok, Russia’s Pacific port city

Many travelers extend their journey by taking detours like the Trans-Mongolian (to Beijing via Ulaanbaatar) or the Trans-Manchurian (direct to China).



2. The Canadian (Canada) – 4,466 km (2,775 miles)

Duration: 4 days, 4 nights
Route: Toronto → Vancouver

Operated by VIA RailThe Canadian is one of the most scenic long-distance train journeys, crossing five provinces from Ontario to British Columbia. The train features panoramic windows, sleeper cabins, and gourmet dining, making it a luxurious way to experience Canada’s wilderness.

Highlights:

  • The Canadian Shield’s rocky landscapes
  • Prairies of Manitoba and Saskatchewan
  • The majestic Rocky Mountains (Jasper, Banff)
  • Vancouver’s coastal beauty

This journey is particularly stunning in winter, when snow blankets the forests and mountains.


3. The Indian Pacific (Australia) – 4,352 km (2,704 miles)

Duration: 3 days, 3 nights
Route: Sydney → Perth

Crossing the entire Australian continent from the Pacific to the Indian Ocean, the Indian Pacific is one of the world’s great transcontinental train rides. The journey includes the longest straight stretch of railway track (478 km across the Nullarbor Plain).

Highlights:

  • Blue Mountains (NSW)
  • Adelaide’s wine regions
  • The vast Nullarbor Desert
  • Goldfields of Western Australia

Passengers enjoy off-train excursions, including a stop in Kalgoorlie, a historic gold-mining town.



4. The Shanghai to Lhasa Express (China) – 4,373 km (2,717 miles)

Duration: 48 hours
Route: Shanghai → Lhasa

This high-altitude journey takes travelers from China’s bustling east coast to the roof of the world—Tibet. The train climbs to over 5,000 meters (16,400 ft), making it one of the highest railways globally. Special oxygen-enriched cabins help passengers acclimatize.

Highlights:

  • Yangtze River views
  • Qinghai-Tibet Plateau (snow-capped peaks & wild yaks)
  • Lhasa’s Potala Palace

This trip offers a rare glimpse into Tibetan culture while traversing some of the planet’s most dramatic landscapes.



5. The Moscow to Pyongyang Route (Russia & North Korea) – 10,267 km (6,380 miles)*

Duration: 7+ days (with transfers)
Route: Moscow → Pyongyang

Though not a direct train, this is one of the longest possible rail journeys when combining the Trans-Siberian Railway with a connection to North Korea. The route passes through Russia, China, and into the secretive nation of North Korea, making it one of the most unique (and politically intriguing) rail trips.

Highlights:

  • Trans-Siberian leg (Moscow to Vladivostok)
  • Border crossing into China (Dandong)
  • The rarely seen landscapes of North Korea

Due to political restrictions, this journey requires special permissions and guided tours.



6. The California Zephyr (USA) – 3,924 km (2,438 miles)

Duration: 51 hours
Route: Chicago → San Francisco (Emeryville)

Often called America’s most scenic train ride, the California Zephyr crosses the Great Plains, Rocky Mountains, and Sierra Nevada before reaching the Pacific. The observation car provides stunning views of canyons, rivers, and deserts.

Highlights:

  • Denver’s Rocky Mountains
  • Ruby Canyon (Colorado)
  • Donner Pass (California)

This route is especially popular with nature lovers and photographers.



7. The Ghan (Australia) – 2,979 km (1,851 miles)

Duration: 3 days, 2 nights
Route: Adelaide → Darwin

Named after Afghan camel traders who once traversed Australia’s outback, The Ghan runs from south to north, cutting through the Red Centre. The journey showcases Australia’s rugged interior, including Alice Springs and Katherine Gorge.

Highlights:

  • Flinders Ranges
  • Uluru (optional excursion)
  • Tropical Top End (Darwin)

Luxury options include Platinum Service with fine dining and private cabins.



8. The Vivek Express (India) – 4,273 km (2,655 miles)

Duration: 82 hours
Route: Dibrugarh (Assam) → Kanyakumari (Tamil Nadu)

India’s longest train journey, the Vivek Express, runs from the northeastern tea plantations to the southern tip of the subcontinent. The route passes through 12 states, offering a diverse glimpse of India’s culture and landscapes.

Highlights:

  • Brahmaputra River Valley
  • Varanasi’s ghats
  • Western Ghats’ lush greenery
  • Kanyakumari’s sunset views

This is one of the best ways to experience India’s incredible diversity in one trip.



9. The Silk Road Express (China to Europe) – Varies (up to 10,000 km+)

Duration: 10-21 days (depending on route)
Route: Multiple (e.g., Beijing → Moscow → Berlin)

Reviving the ancient Silk Road trade route, this journey connects China to Europe via Kazakhstan, Russia, and beyond. Different operators offer variations, including luxury trains like the Golden Eagle.

Highlights:

  • Gobi Desert (China/Mongolia)
  • Kazakh steppes
  • Caspian Sea crossing (ferry)
  • European capitals (Berlin, Paris)

This is one of the most epic overland adventures in the world.



10. The Rovos Rail (Africa) – 5,800 km (3,600 miles)*

Duration: 15+ days
Route: Cape Town → Dar es Salaam (Tanzania)

Africa’s most luxurious train, Rovos Rail, offers an extended cross-continental journey through South Africa, Zimbabwe, Zambia, and Tanzania. The train features vintage carriages, fine dining, and off-train safaris.

Highlights:

  • Victoria Falls
  • Selous Game Reserve
  • Tanzanian landscapes

once-in-a-lifetime rail safari experience.


Final Thoughts: The Allure of Long-Distance Train Travel

The world’s longest train journeys are more than just transportation—they are moving experiences that reveal the beauty and diversity of our planet. Whether crossing Siberia’s frozen tundra, Australia’s deserts, or India’s vibrant cities, these epic rail adventures offer a unique perspective on travel.

For those with time and a love of slow travel, booking a long-distance train journey can be the ultimate adventure. Which of these legendary routes would you choose?

 

Post a Comment

0 Comments