The great railway adventure: it’s the only way to travel* (*other modes of transport are available).
Nothing quite matches the epic scale of a railroad holiday, nor gathers so many elements into a single package: travel, photography, thrills, food, people, and a lot of sight-seeing. Here’s a dozen of the most memorable train trips you take.
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If these options don’t get you reaching for your monogrammed leather travel case, check out the full infographic to stir your wanderlust: all the facts and figures for these twelve essential rail trips are at hand, with awe-inspiring photographs to really make them pop. Time to get packing!
The Jacobite
Scotland’s iconic steam locomotive route lasts just two hours end-to-end, but it’s a great introduction to the stunning scenery of the Highlands. You’ll want to look out for a few big-screen locations along the way, most notably the Glenfinnan Viaduct o’er which the Hogwarts Express travelled in four of the Harry Potter movies.
The Trans-Siberian Railway
The world’s longest line has a number of enticing routes linking Europe and Asia – how does Moscow to Beijing via Mongolia sound? And if you live in Europe don’t even consider flying to Moscow to get started! Real adventurers take the train all the way from their home town.
Qinghai-Tibet Railway
The so-called “rocket to the roof of the world” runs so high that there are oxygen tubes provided in the carriages. Don’t let that put you off: the snowy vistas are the most breathtaking aspect of this particular journey.
Kalka Shimla Railway
Built under the British Raj, the Kalka Shimla was originally intended to make travel easier between the government’s winter base in Delhi and their summer station in the Himalayas. Today, it is an excellent way to catch a glimpse of India’s bustling villages, while making a 5000ft climb from the comfort of your carriage.
Cusco-Machu Picchu
Mysterious Machu Picchu beckons with its blend of untamed nature and sophisticated Incan engineering. And in case that’s not enough for you, onboard catering includes Peruvian cocktails and gourmet lunches – something to nibble on while you listen to live music in the observatory!
The Indian Pacific
Have you seen how wide Australia is? Well, the Indian Pacific exists to drive that feeling home – carrying you through mountains and plains, past goldmines and ghost towns on your way from the beaches of Sydney to Perth’s – uh – magnificent beaches. (It’s coast-to-coast, right?)
Train to the Clouds
Made famous by the eponymous film of the 1960s, the Tren a las Nubes was named for the way its steam mingled with the cold mountain air to create enchanting plumes. Running along part of Argentina’s Salta–Antofagasta railway line, this dreamlike quality continues today through the sequence of zigzags and spirals the train takes to avoid steep climbs on the way.
Eastern and Oriental Express
The luxury way to explore Southeast Asia, the Express contrasts teak interiors and exquisite catering with the buzzing cities and untouched villages it passes. Several different journeys are on offer – the Bangkok-Singapore offers a convenient way to further experience the tremendous diversity of the region.
Tokaido Shinkansen
Despite being just half a century old, Japan’s Tokyo-Kyoto route boasts the world record for the 5.3 billion passengers it’s carried during that period. Opened in time for the 1964 Olympics, it is favored by commuters today – but is an excellent experience for visitors who want the bullet train experience with some great views of Mount Fuji at the other end.
The Rocky Mountaineer
You are cordially invited to sip fine wines between snaps as you hurtle from Vancouver to Banff, camera at the ready for grizzlies and snow-capped mountains outside. Spiral tunnels make the ascent more bearable and assure safety through those treacherous peaks.
The Crescent
You’ll pass through thirteen states (and countless states-of-mind) en route from New York to New Orleans. The Carolinas by night, breakfast in Atlanta and lunch in Birmingham, Alabama, are just some of the highlights.
Venice-Simplon Orient Express
And not to forget that most iconic of rail journeys, the Orient Express. Travelling from London through France and Switzerland towards Venice, you won’t be able to say you’ve “done” Europe until you’ve taken the trip made famous by Hercules Poirot and his baker’s dozen of murder suspects.
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