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 Rail, The 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
A 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?
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