6 Longest Train Journeys To Take Around The World

If you are not in a hurry to reach your destination and want to slow down the time, then the world’s longest train journeys are your cup of tea. These are the perfect way to learn about the culture as well as traditional diversity of any country and in some cases, topographical diversity also.

Traveling for days and at a slow pace will definitely test your patience, but, in the end, it will leave you with memories of a lifetime. You will live through many stories, which you might narrate throughout your life. The journey through the extreme coldest regions to the hottest ones are not for the faint-hearted. However, if you are up for any kind of adventure, then don’t hesitate to look at the list of the longest train trips in the world. Here you go with the countdown of these longest train trips.

# California Zephyr: Emeryville (San Francisco) to Chicago

One of the most beautiful and longest train rides in North America is next on our list that can take you through Reno and Sacramento. Then crosses the Denver and enters into the plains of Nebraska. California Zephyr offers enchanting views of the upper Colorado River Valley and the Western Slope of the Colorado canyon. Along the journey, you will cross the snow-capped Sierra Nevada and climb through the heart of the Rockies.

During the journey of the longest train ride in the USA, you will be able to spot the never-ending beauty of Bonneville Salt Flats, the northern edge of the Ruby Mountains, and the endorheic landform of the Goshute Valley. While savoring the toothsome meals or reading your favorite book, you will get to listen to the gushing Colorado River, Truckee River, and Yuba River. You can marvel at the vivid hues of the Utah Desert. California Zephyr is the best way to experience the true majesty of America.

# Vivek Express: Dibrugarh to Kanyakumari

The next on the list is the Vivek Express, which can take you from the northeastern region of India, Dibrugarh to the southernmost region of the country, Kanyakumari. With the 80-plus hours of the trip, Vivek Express is the longest train journey in India. Travels through 7 Indian states, Vivek Express comprises AC coaches, sleeper coaches, unreserved coaches, and catering facilities.

During the train journey, you travel through the sweeping villages, varied landscapes, and the coastal region of the country. The journey starts in Kanyakumari, which is also known as Cape – the southernmost tip of India where the Arabian Sea, Bay of Bengal, and the Indian Ocean meet. You can experience the hidden beauty of India in the daylight and get a glimpse of the cultural diversity of the county along the journey.

# Indian Pacific: Sydney to Perth

Indian Pacific makes it on the list of the world’s longest train journeys. Traveling from one coast to another and making an epic transcontinental crossing, the Indian Pacific train offers you a fabled journey. This eastbound voyage transforms the majestic views of your window from skyscrapers to the forested valleys, sandstone cliffs, and to spectacular landscapes. You will cross the stunning Blue Mountains, the arid region of South Wales, and a desert landscape of Broken Hill. Also, explore the Living Desert Sculptures and Pro Hart gallery during the one-hour tour in Broken Hill.

Savor the regionally inspired meals and enjoy the luxurious journey on board. Marvel at the remotest landscape of Rawlinna and Barossa Valley while enjoying the culinary delights of Hahndorf. Indian Pacific is a ‘bucket list’ experience, which one must take once in a lifetime.

# Shanghai to Lhasa

Renowned as Z164, Shanghai to Lhasa train is not only the longest train ride in China, however, it is one of the longest train trips in the world. Traveling across eight provinces of China, the Shanghai-Lhasa train travels amid the mountainous terrains and allows you to marvel at the scenic beauty of this vast country. Delight in the awe-inspiring landscapes while savoring the traditional Tibetan and Chinese cuisines is an experience on its own.

This is one of the most scenic train journeys in the world, which runs from the lower plains to higher plateaus. You can enjoy the breathtaking view of the Qinghai Lake, Tanggula Mountains, and Nagchu Grasslands during the voyage. The train is also equipped with an oxygen supply system as the high-altitude region like Lhasa has a lower oxygen level as compared to the plains.

# The Canadian: Toronto to Vancouver

One of the greatest train journeys across the globe, The Canadian is one of the longest train route in the world. This trans-continental train takes 4 nights to reach Vancouver from Toronto. Traveling on the historic route of Canada and passing through the endless fields of prairies, beautiful carves of Rockies, and serene West Coast.

Take a sip of your favorite wine or the world’s finest coffees and gaze at the enchanting view of the blue skies, bright yellow fields of canola, or placid coastlines of Vancouver. This train journey is the perfect way to get a glimpse of the true beauty of Canada.

# Trans-Siberian: Moscow to Vladivostok

Traveling more than 10,000 km in nearly a week and crossing time zone after time zone, Trans-Siberian is the longest passenger train journey in the world. This is an extraordinary journey and absolutely a great way to explore the vastness of the largest country in the world. Constantly changing landscapes of Russia, China, and Mongolia as well as the endless beauty of Siberia will leave you spellbound. This epic adventure will surely test your patience but if you are open to this incredible adventure, then it will be a ride of a lifetime for you.

While traveling across the Trans-Siberian route, the train crosses the 16 major rivers, 497 bridges, 87 major cities, 876 stations, 3 countries, and 2 continents. You will cross a whopping number of 8 time zones while traveling on this route. This train journey is a time machine, while traveling from east to west, you will be traveling backward in the time zone.