Unique rail journeys

11/11/2021

A train journey is for sure something out of the ordinary; something unique and special. After all, it's not about the destination but the journey that counts and that's why train always attracts many travelers. Worldwide, you may find amazing rail trips and live your own adventures. In this article I will write 8 of the most beautiful routes on this wonderful planet, hoping to inspire you to find the one that suits you the most.   

Trans-Siberian Railway

The Trans-Pacific is perhaps the most well-known train journey that crosses 1/3 of the globe and passes through three countries (Russia, Mongolia and China). The total route from Moscow to Beijing consists of the Trans-Manchurian, Trans-Manchurian and Trans-Manchurian, exceeding 9000 kilometers and changing 8 different time zones. From Moscow to Beijing the non-stop journey takes six days, but you can do so in part.

Information and tickets: https://www.transsiberianexpress.net/

Beijing - Lhasa 

A trip from Beijing to Lhasa is truly a life enhancing experience, as it is the highest altitude train journey in the world (5072 meters). In order to travel, besides your ticket you also need a doctor's certificate! The line was launched in July 2006 and the trains themselves constitute a miracle of engineering, as they are designed to protect passengers from altitude sickness such as aircraft. The journey through inaccessible and unspoilt places is truly enchanting.

Information and tickets: https://www.chinatibettrain.com/

Glacier Express

A journey of about 300 kilometers to the Swiss Alps in less than 8 hours, at a speed up to 35 kilometers per hour, Glacier Express enables you to enjoy the ever-changing alpine scenery of the magnificent route. Some of the most beautiful points of the route are the ascent over the Oberalp Pass, the Alets Glacier and the Rhine Gorge.

Information and tickets: https://www.glacierexpress.ch/en/

Oslo - Bergen

The route from the Norwegian capital to Bergen is considered as one of the most beautiful in the world and not unjustly, as it passes through snow-capped mountains, glaciers and fjords. The train takes about 7 hours to cover the 500km route. If you have the time, it's worth taking a detour to Flom, one of the steepest routes in the world and admiring the Kjosfossen waterfall.

Information and tickets: https://www.vy.no/

Rocky Mountaineer

This is a trip starting from Vancouver and ending in Calgary or vice versa and passing through the Canadian Rockies. The route is spectacular as the train crosses the 604-meter-deep Fraser River Gorge, over the rushing waters of the famed Hells Gate, passing snowy peaks and deep blue lakes. The journey lasts 2 days with an overnight stay at a hotel in Kamloops, since the train only day.

Information and tickets: https://www.rockymountaineer.com/

Venice Simplon - Orient Express

The notorious train journey in the world and one of the most luxurious starts from London and after passing through France, Switzerland, Austria, ends in Venice. Travelling within luxurious wagons you can enjoy majestic alpine, and not only, landscapes but also excellent gastronomy. For dinner men should wear a tie while women dress.

Information and tickets: https://www.belmond.com/trains/europe/venice-simplon-orient-express/

Tokyo - Kyoto

A "bullet train" trip is truly unique, especially when combined with the enchanting landscapes of mysterious Japan. The journey is around 520 kilometers and it takes about 2 hours and 30 minutes. During the trip you can cross Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park, Nagoya, paddy fields and forests, as well as the largest lake in the country, Lake Beiva.

Information and tickets: https://www.japan-guide.com/e/e2018.htmlhttps://shinkansen-ticket.com/

Cusco - Machu Picchu

Cusco, the old capital of the Inca Empire and the only destination of Machu Picchu, couldn't be omitted from this list. On the journey of around 4:30 the train travels through stunning mountain landscapes, canyons and rivers, on a truly unique route.

Information and tickets: https://www.perurail.com/