10 Worlds Longest Train Journeys

Trains have been at the heart of modern transportation for over two centuries. Since the launch of the first steam-powered railway in 1804, they have evolved from steam engines to high-speed electric trains, shaping the way we travel. Trains are often a more affordable and environmentally friendly option for long-distance travel, and they connect some of the world’s most remote regions.

This list explores the longest train journeys available today. These routes span continents, cover immense distances, and offer travellers unique glimpses into the landscapes and cultures along the way. Keep in mind that as mega infrastructure projects emerge, this list may change with new routes, especially in areas like Asia where countries like India and China are exploring expanded rail connectivity.

1. The Trans-Siberian Railway, Russia

• Distance: 9,289 km (5,772 miles)
• Duration: Approximately 6–7 days
• Route: Moscow to Vladivostok

The Trans-Siberian Railway is the world’s longest continuous rail line, stretching across Russia from Moscow in the west to Vladivostok on the Pacific coast. This iconic journey traverses eight time zones, taking passengers through historic cities, vast steppes, Siberian forests, and along the edge of Lake Baikal, the world’s deepest freshwater lake. The route is a testament to human engineering and offers glimpses of Russian culture and history.

2. The Canada, Canada

• Distance: 4,466 km (2,775 miles)
• Duration: Approximately 4 days
• Route: Toronto to Vancouver

Spanning the breadth of Canada, “The Canadian” provides a scenic journey across the country, showcasing the diverse Canadian landscape—from the prairies of Saskatchewan to the rugged Rocky Mountains. Starting in Toronto and ending in Vancouver, this train ride offers a luxurious experience aboard vintage trains, with ample opportunities to spot wildlife and view pristine wilderness.

3. Eastern & Oriental Express, Southeast Asia

• Distance: 2,000 km (1,242 miles)
• Duration: Approximately 4 days
• Route: Singapore to Bangkok

The Eastern & Oriental Express offers a luxurious journey through the heart of Southeast Asia. Starting in Singapore and ending in Bangkok, this train passes through Malaysia and Thailand, with views of rice paddies, temples, and tropical landscapes. With onboard dining inspired by Asian cuisine and elegant, colonial-inspired carriages, this train journey combines luxury with the beauty of Southeast Asia.

4. The Indian Pacific, Australia

• Distance: 4,352 km (2,704 miles)
• Duration: Approximately 4 days
• Route: Sydney to Perth

The Indian Pacific crosses Australia from east to west, travelling from Sydney on the Pacific Ocean to Perth on the Indian Ocean. This journey includes the longest straight stretch of railway track in the world, across the Nullarbor Plain. Passengers witness the transition from Australia’s coastal cities to its vast deserts, making it one of the most scenic journeys down under.

5. Blue Train, South Africa

• Distance: 1,600 km (994 miles)
• Duration: Approximately 31 hours
• Route: Pretoria to Cape Town

The Blue Train in South Africa is famous for its luxury and opulence, offering a five-star experience across the South African landscape. The route, between Pretoria and Cape Town, includes views of the Karoo Desert and the dramatic Cape Winelands. Known for its plush interiors, attentive service, and gourmet meals, this journey is as much about comfort as it is about the stunning African scenery.

6. The Ghan, Australia

• Distance: 2,979 km (1,851 miles)
• Duration: Approximately 3 days
• Route: Adelaide to Darwin

Named after Afghan camel drivers who once traversed Australia’s centre, The Ghan travels from the southern coast to the northern tip of the continent. It crosses the heart of the Australian Outback, offering views of red deserts, lush wetlands, and ancient Aboriginal lands. Excursions along the route allow passengers to explore the landscapes up close, making it a truly immersive experience.

7. Qinghai-Tibet Railway, China

• Distance: 1,956 km (1,215 miles)
• Duration: Approximately 22 hours
• Route: Xining to Lhasa

The Qinghai-Tibet Railway is an engineering marvel that connects China to the Tibetan Plateau. This journey reaches some of the highest altitudes of any rail route, with breathtaking views of snow-capped mountains and vast plateaus. The train is specially equipped to manage high altitudes, offering oxygen supplies for passengers as it climbs over 5,000 meters (16,400 feet) above sea level.

8. The Vivek Express, India

• Distance: 4,273 km (2,656 miles)
• Duration: Approximately 4 days
• Route: Dibrugarh to Kanyakumari

India’s longest train journey, the Vivek Express travels from the northeastern city of Dibrugarh to Kanyakumari, the southernmost tip of India. This route covers the full length of the subcontinent, passing through diverse landscapes, bustling cities, and quiet rural areas, offering passengers an authentic cross-section of Indian culture and scenery.

9. The California Zephyr, United States

• Distance: 4,000 km (2,438 miles)
• Duration: Approximately 2–3 days
• Route: Chicago to Emeryville (near San Francisco)

The California Zephyr crosses the American heartland and the Rocky Mountains, offering views of canyons, deserts, and the Sierra Nevada mountain range. Travelling between Chicago and the San Francisco Bay Area, this route provides some of the most stunning scenery in the United States, with expansive landscapes and diverse ecosystems.

10. The Shosholoza Meyl, South Africa

• Distance: 1,600 km (994 miles)
• Duration: Approximately 26 hours
• Route: Johannesburg to Cape Town

The Shosholoza Meyl offers a more budget-friendly but equally scenic route across South Africa, travelling from Johannesburg to Cape Town. This journey passes through the South African countryside, with views of vineyards, mountains, and deserts. While not as luxurious as the Blue Train, it provides a comfortable journey with a glimpse of South Africa’s stunning landscapes.

Worlds Longest Train Journeys

What is the longest train journey without changing?

The longest train journey in the world without changing trains is the Trans-Siberian Railway in Russia, which stretches from Moscow to Vladivostok, covering a distance of 9,289 kilometres. This journey takes approximately 6 to 7 days and spans eight time zones without any requirement to change trains, making it an uninterrupted and remarkable journey across the vast Russian landscape.

What is the UK’s longest train journey?

The longest train journey within the UK is the Aberdeen to Penzance route, operated by CrossCountry. This journey:

• Distance: Covers around 1,220 kilometres (760 miles)
• Duration: Takes approximately 13 to 13.5 hours

This route travels nearly the entire length of the UK mainland, from northeast Scotland to the southwestern tip of England. It passes through major cities such as Edinburgh, Newcastle, York, Birmingham, Bristol, and Exeter, offering scenic views of the British countryside, coastlines, and urban landscapes along the way.

What is the longest train journey in Europe?

The longest continuous train journey in Europe is the Moscow to Nice route, operated by the Russian Railways. This journey:

• Distance: Covers approximately 3,315 kilometres (2,060 miles)
• Duration: Takes around 48 hours (two days)

The route runs from Moscow, Russia, to Nice, France, crossing eight countries, including Russia, Belarus, Poland, the Czech Republic, Austria, Italy, and France. This journey offers a diverse array of landscapes, from Eastern European forests and plains to the scenic Alpine views in Austria and Italy, and finally, the Mediterranean coast as the train approaches Nice.

However, due to recent global events, some services may be affected, so checking for availability is recommended if considering this journey.

What is the largest town in England without a train station?

The largest town in England without a train station is Gosport in Hampshire. Gosport has a population of over 90,000 people but no direct rail connection. The nearest train station is Portsmouth Harbour, accessible via a short ferry ride across Portsmouth Harbour.

This lack of a station is partly historical; although Gosport once had a rail line, it was closed to passenger services in the 1960s. Today, residents and visitors rely on bus services and the ferry link to connect with the broader rail network in Portsmouth.