It wasn’t long ago that trains were the only major transportation for the elite and masses to travel in America, Europe, Asia, Australia and Africa. Trains transformed countries and created towns, industries and trading between regions and countries.
The railway impacted the economy and brought about a way for travelers to visit places they could only dream of. Some invoke exotic, romantic and adventurous images. Today train travel is still popular among a unique group of travelers particularly those who prefer a slow way of traveling.
Are you a train enthusiast? Let us bring you to 5 amazing train journeys in the world:
Trans Siberian Railway
The Trans Siberian Railway travels from Moscow to Vladivostok for a total distance of about 5,600 miles (9012 km). Besides ending your trip in Vladivostok, you can choose two more routes through the Trans-Mongolian and the Trans-Manchurian.
In our opinion the most interesting route is the Trans-Mongolian that goes from Moscow, crosses Siberia to Irkutsk, continues the journey through Mongolia, the Gobi desert to Ulan Bataar Mongolia and ending in Beijing China.
You can travel eastbound or westbound from Moscow to Beijing or Beijing to Moscow. The train has two classes of service, first class 2-berth sleepers (Spalny Vagon) and second-class 4-berth sleepers (Kupe).
You can take your train travel a step further by adding Beijing to Shanghai and Guangzhou to Hong Kong and from Moscow to St. Petersburg and to Helsinki Finland.
The Ghan
Travel to the heart of Australia with The Ghan either from Adelaide to Alice Springs (952 miles) or Adelaide to Darwin. These trips can be done in reverse.
According to Great Southern Rail, The Ghan was originally named the Afghan Express, after the pioneering cameleers from Afghanistan. The original Ghan followed the route of explorer John MacDouall Stuart. Today this legendary train journey will take you from north to south Australia through the South Australian plains, the rusty reds of the MacDonnell Ranges and the tropical greens of Katherine and Darwin.
One feature to look forward to when on The Ghan is the Gold Service Bar and Lounge. Meet locals and travelers from around the world as you enjoy a game of cards and a nightcap.
The Blue Train
Travel with “A Window to the Soul of Africa”, The Blue Train has two routes, one between Pretoria and Cape Town (northbound or southbound) and the other from Cape Town to Hoedspruit area of Kruger National Park. This over 914 miles and 27-hour journey will take your through the African sub-continent’s amazing diverse scenery.
The Cape Town to Hoedspruit route is best for train enthusiasts who want to combine travel with a visit to Kruger National Park.
One highlight of The Blue Train is the 42-seater dining car. The luxurious dining car has two dinnertime sittings. Your meal at the dining car is accompanied by a variety of background music including local flair like the Soweto String Quartet.
The Belmond British Pullman
The Belmond British Pullman is named after George Mortimer Pullman, the father of luxury train travel. It has 11 original restored carriages from the 1920s and 1930s and can carry up to 252 passengers.
Take a look at this video by The Belmond British Pullman:
Venice-Simplon Orient Express
Take the 24-hour journey from London to Venice with the privately owned Venice-Simplon Orient Express either in a cabin suite or a double cabin. The Venice-Simplon Orient Express is known as one of the most romantic journeys in the world.
The restored carriages are from the 1920s and 30s, during the golden age of train travels. It has three restaurant cars with either the early or late sitting. All your meals are included with the Venice-Simplon Orient Express.
Are you ready to travel?
