Trains are an exciting way to travel. They offer a unique perspective on the world, allowing you to see the countryside up close and personal. And if you're looking for a truly epic journey, there are a few train routes that stand out from the rest. These routes are not only long, but they also traverse some of the most stunning and diverse landscapes on Earth.
| Train | Distance Covered in Miles |
| Trans-Siberian Railway | 5,772 miles |
| Beijing-Moscow Railway | 4,735 miles |
| Shanghai-Lhasa Railway | 2,666 miles |
| California Zephyr | 2,438 miles |
| Toronto-Vancouver Train | 2,740 miles |
| Eastern and Oriental Express | 1,262 miles |
| The Ghan | 1,851 miles |
| Indian Pacific | 2,704 miles |
| The Blue Train | 994 miles |
| The Maharajas' Express | 1,692 miles |
1. Trans-Siberian Railway (Russia):
Source: Wikipedia
Time Taken: 7 days
Starting Point: Moscow
End Point: Vladivostok
The Trans-Siberian Railway is the longest railway line in the world, stretching from Moscow to Vladivostok. The journey takes eight days and seven nights, and it covers eight time zones. Along the way, you'll see everything from Siberian forests and steppes to the Ural Mountains and Lake Baikal. This train travels from Moscow to Vladivostok.
2. Beijing-Moscow Railway (China/Russia/Mongolia):
Source: Trans-Siberian Railway
Time Taken: 6 Days
Starting Point: Moscow
End Point: Beijing
The Beijing-Moscow Railway is the second longest railway line in the world, and it's also one of the most scenic. The journey takes six days and five nights, and it covers four countries: China, Russia, Mongolia, and Kazakhstan. Along the way, you'll see the Gobi Desert, the Great Wall of China, and the Altai Mountains. The Trans-Siberian Express website mentions: “Such a journey covers three countries, Russia, Mongolia, and China, and provides a chance for the in-depth exploration of three great nations. Such rail trip usually take more than 3 weeks, around 20-23 days.”
3. Shanghai-Lhasa Railway (China):
Source: Tibet Tour
Time Taken: 2 Days
Starting Point: Shanghai
End Point: Lhasa
The Shanghai-Lhasa Railway is one of the highest railways in the world, reaching an altitude of 5,072 meters (16,640 feet) at Tanggula Pass. The journey takes two days and 30 hours, and it covers some of the most spectacular scenery in Tibet. Along the way, you'll see the Himalayas, the Yellow River, and the Qinghai Lake. Here is the timeline of this railway according to Tibet Travel:
- "In 1956, the Ministry of Railways officially launched the primary planning of the project. In the summer of 1957, a 13-person team was dispatched to start the survey.
- In September 1958, construction of the Xining-Golmud section of the Qinghai-Tibet Railway was secretly launched in Xining, and the Guanjiao Tunnel at the same time. However, the project was interrupted many times due to economic difficulties.
- In 1974, the construction of the Xining-Golmud section was resumed. At the same time, the scientific research, survey and design work of the Golmud-Lhasa Section was also restarted again.
- In September 1979, the first phase of the Qinghai-Tibet Railway from Xining to Golmud was completed. And it was opened for civil use in 1984. Due to the limited technological and economic capabilities of China at that time, the construction of the railway from Golmud to Lhasa was not continued.
- On June 29th, 2001, construction of the Qinghai-Tibet Railway officially started at Golmud, Qinghai Province.
- On August 24th, 2005,On August 24th, 2005, track was laid at the railway's highest point, the Tanggula Pass, 5,072 m (16,640 feet) above sea level.
- On October 12th, 2005, Lhasa-Golmud Railway was completed with rails reaching the Lhasa Railway Station. But, there was still a lot of work to do, like track testing and signaling work.
- On July 1st, 2006 , the world famous Qinghai-Tibet Railway was put into operation. At the beginning, only three train routes ran: daily trains running from Beijing to Lhasa and on alternate days between Chengdu-Lhasa and Chongqing-Lhasa, and between Xining-Lhasa and Lanzhou-Lhasa.
- As of Oct 1st, 2006 , As of Oct 1st, 2006, two more trains, from Shanghai and Guangzhou, were officially set for operation on alternate days, and both of the two trains ran every other day.
- In July 2010 , the Shanghai–Lhasa service became daily, and a daily service between Xining and Lhasa was added, but the service was then suspended for the winter low season.
- On September 26th 2010 the construction of Lhasa-Shigatse Railway, the first extension of the Qinghai-Tibet Railway, was started. It will be finished in 2014."
4. California Zephyr (United States):
Source: Wikipedia
Time Taken: 3 Days
Starting Point: Chicago
End Point: San Francisco
The train is the longest train route in the United States, covering 2,438 miles. The journey takes three days and two nights, and it covers eight states: Illinois, Iowa, Nebraska, Colorado, Utah, Nevada, Arizona, and California. Along the way, you'll see the Rocky Mountains, the Grand Canyon, and the Mojave Desert.
5. Toronto-Vancouver Train (Canada):
Source: Wikipedia
Time Taken: 4 Days
Starting Point: Toronto
End Point: Vancouver
The Toronto-Vancouver Train is the longest train route in Canada and covers a distance of 2740 miles. The journey takes four days and it covers four provinces: Ontario, Manitoba, Saskatchewan, and British Columbia. Along the way, you'll see the Canadian Shield, the Rocky Mountains, and the Pacific Ocean.
6. Eastern and Oriental Express (Thailand/Singapore):
Source: Asian Train Guide
Time Taken: 3 Days
Starting Point: Singapore
End Point: Thailand
The Eastern and Oriental Express is one of the most luxurious train journeys in the world. The journey takes four days and three nights, and it covers two countries: Thailand and Singapore. Along the way, you'll see the jungles of Malaysia, the temples of Angkor Wat, and the beaches of phu*ket.
7. The Ghan (Australia):
Source: Australian Traveller
Time Taken: 3 Days
Starting Point: Australia
End Point: Darwin
The Ghan is one of the most iconic train journeys in Australia. The journey takes three days and two nights, and it covers three states: South Australia, Northern Territory, and Western Australia. Along the way, you'll see the Outback, the MacDonnell Ranges, and the Nullarbor Plain.
8. Indian Pacific (Australia):
Source: Chasing The Unknown
Time Taken: 4 Days
Starting Point: Sydney
End Point: Perth
The Indian Pacific is another iconic train journey in Australia. The journey takes four days and three nights, and it covers three states: Western Australia, South Australia, and New South Wales. Along the way, you'll see the Outback, the Nullarbor Plain, and the Blue Mountains.
9. The Blue Train (South Africa):
Source: Audley Travel
Time Taken: 2 Days
Starting Point: Pretoria
End Point: Cape Town
Experience luxury rail travel aboard the opulent Blue Train, journeying between Pretoria and Cape Town. Spanning 1,600 kilometres (994 miles), this 27-hour journey unfolds across diverse landscapes, from the dramatic Drakensberg Mountains to the rolling plains of the Karoo. Savour gourmet meals in elegant dining cars, indulge in spa treatments and soak in breathtaking views from your private suite.
10. The Maharajas' Express (India):
Source: TheMaharajaExpress.com
Time Taken: 7 Days
Starting Point: Mumbai
End Point: Delhi
Embark on a royal odyssey through India's magnificent Rajasthan aboard the Maharajas' Express. This luxurious train traverses over 3,285 kilometres in seven days, showcasing princely states, majestic forts, and vibrant cultural treasures. Experience the opulence of colonial-era carriages, relish gourmet cuisine inspired by regional flavours, and participate in exclusive excursions to iconic destinations like the Taj Mahal and Amber Fort. The train also has a shorter version that runs four days and three nights.
According to Tour My India, "Maharajas' Express, the leading luxury train in India, was started in March 2010 by the Indian Railway Catering and Tourism Corporation Limited (IRCTC). On its inaugural run, there were 86 passengers on board the train. Over the years, it has been the recipient of several awards."
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