Rail travel can be a great way to see the world. From luxury travel, to a budget transport option, there are many Epic train journeys that would be a great highlight to your next holiday.
1. The Trans-Siberian Railway
This epic train journey stretches across Russia starting at Moscow and ending at the Eastern city of Vladivostok, some 7,000 km away.
The Trans-Siberian Railroad has 3 main branches that include Mongolia and China, which is a very popular route among foreign tourists. The 7 day trip is the longest rail trip in the world takes you through mountains, deserts and spectacular scenery across Russia, Mongolia and China. No wonder it is one of the most popular rail journeys in the world.
2- The Glacier Express – Switzerland
Enjoy stunning views of the most picturesque part of Switzerland on the Glacier Express through the Swiss Alps. The 8 hour ride begins at Zermatt taking you to the elegant holiday resort of St. Moritz. If you enjoy skiing, this is the trip for you, as you can incorporate the best slopes with your train journey. St. Moritz is very much the winter playground for the rich and famous, so don’t be surprised if you see a few celebrities while you’re there.
3. The TranzAlpine – New Zealand
This 5 hour journey on the TranzAlpine express had been described as one of the world’s most most scenic train journeys. Starts at Christchurch, the journey to Greymouth travels through the South Island’s amazing Southern Alps. The first part of the journey sees you travelling across the Canterbury Plains, on the Waimakariri River, then you cross the breath-taking Staircase Viaduct.. After travelling through the sub-tropical rainforests, you arrive at the quaint mining town of Greymouth, where your journey ends.
4. The Ghan – Australia
Starting at the Northern Territory capital of Darwin, the three day journey to Adelaide in South Australia takes you across the Australian outback. Travelling through the heart of Australia, the “Red Centre” and the fertile plains of South Australia. The train itself is an experience, with budget and luxury berths, full dining experience and off-train excursions to enjoy.
Discover the Australian outback on board the Ghan Photo credit: Flickr
5. The Golden Eagle Danube Express
Travel across Europe on a luxury hotel on wheels with a rail trip on the Golden Eagle Danube express. This epic 14 day journey journey takes you through eight countries including Turkey, Czech Republic, Hungary, Slovakia, Poland and Austria. Along the way the train weaves its way through some of the most spectacular scenery in Central and Eastern Europe, with a range of itineraries from Budapest to Instanbul.
Photo Credit: Flickr
Travelling on a train is a very romantic experience and with routes like the Trans-Siberian Railway, you can see some of the most beautiful regions in the world. If you want a truly unique holiday, combine it with an epic train journey and you won’t regret it.
*This article is published in collaboration with Mediabuzzer
One right up my alley as a lover of train travel. Coincidentally, I have a post lined up for release tomorrow morning Sydney time which will challenge your assertion that the Moscow – Vladivostok Trans-Siberian is the longest rail trip in the world. I will assert that the Moscow – Pyongyang trip (entering North Korea via the north east town of Tumangan) is longer though do accept that is is rarely taken and I am not even sure if foreigners are permitted to do it at present!
Look forward to reading it
Lesley did you pick up the post? now linked through from the bottom of this post.
Yes, I did…made a comment on it. I found it a really fascinating read, though not sure I’d be up for 211 hours on a train!
Glad you found it fascinating. Yes, 211 hrs would be a massive trip without any breaks. Though 12 of that is sitting in a siding once the carriage is decoupled from the Trans-Siberian and many more waiting on an engine at the Korean border and getting across it – not to mention other delays after that.