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The World Bucket List

Top 10 LONGEST train journeys in the WORLD

Katie Morris

These train journeys hold records as the top ten longest in the world. Read on to learn more about these mammoth treks across the land.

Top 10 longest train journeys in the world.

In this article, we invite you to join us on an extraordinary exploration of the planet’s top ten longest train journeys. These remarkable odysseys span continents, cross borders, and reveal the breathtaking beauty of diverse terrains.

From luxurious expeditions to rustic adventures, these train journeys offer a unique lens through which to view our world.

The World Bucket List’s top tips for booking the world’s longest train journeys:

  • These journeys often require a lot of planning. Secure your tickets early, as they can sell out quickly.
  • Research the best time to travel based on weather and scenery. Some routes are more picturesque during specific seasons.
  • Decide between standard and luxury class. Luxurious options offer more comfort but often come at a much higher cost.
  • Bring plenty of entertainment for the journey, like books, music, or movies, to pass the time during long stretches.
  • Consider travel insurance for unexpected events or delays.
  • Check visa requirements for countries you’re passing through or entering.

10. Blue Train: Pretoria to Cape Town (South Africa) –  a luxury train journey

Top 10 longest train journeys in the world.

The Blue Train is celebrated as one of the world’s most luxurious and extensive train journeys. It transports travellers on a two-night adventure across South Africa.

Passengers are pampered with plush accommodations, exquisite fine dining experiences, butler service, and even Cuban cigars.

The train’s golden-tinted picture windows offer passengers breathtaking views of the diverse African subcontinent, showcasing picturesque farmlands, lush forests, and verdant vineyards.

This journey traverses 1,600 km (994 miles), takes two days, three hours, 40 minutes, and costs 10,120 South African Rand ($548.38).

9. Eastern and Oriental Express: Bangkok to Singapore –  one of the world’s longest train routes

Eastern and Oriental Express goes from Bangkok to Singapore.

Embark on a three-night odyssey aboard the Belmond Eastern and Oriental Express, a journey renowned for its opulence. Travelling from Bangkok to  Singapore , this train offers an enchanting blend of ancient wonders and modern cosmopolitan cities.

Richly adorned accommodations beckon solo travellers and wanderers seeking adventure. Passengers can experience afternoon tea while basking in lush jungle landscapes and quaint villages.

This journey traverses a distance of 2,019 km (1,254 miles), takes two days, 16 hours, 40 minutes, and costs up to $3,121 (£1,560) per person.

8. The Ghan: Darwin to Adelaide (Australia) –  an unforgettable journey

Top 10 longest train journeys in the world.

The Ghan, a legendary train journey, provides a gateway to the best of  Australia ‘s tropical north and south while lavishing passengers with regional-inspired menus and fine wines.

The itinerary includes an exploration of historic legacies and unique environments, with key stops at Alice Springs and Katherine. These pristine wilderness destinations offer an opportunity to become enchanted by Australia’s remarkable beauty.

The journey covers a distance of 2,979 km (1851 miles), takes two days and six hours and costs $1,919.

7. Paris-Moscow Express: Paris to Moscow –  reasonable train tickets

The Paris-Moscow Express runs from Paris to Moscow.

The Paris-Moscow Express embarks on the longest trans-European train route, journeying from the heart of Paris through  Germany , Poland, and Belarus, concluding in Moscow.

A unique aspect of this journey is the train’s transition at Brest, where its wheelsets are changed to accommodate the shift from standard European track gauge to Russian gauge.

While sipping hot coffee or tea, passengers can gaze out at the enchanting beauty of the ever-changing Trans-European landscapes on one of the longest train journeys in Europe , featuring endless panoramas and awe-inspiring views.

The journey covers a distance of 3,483 km (2163 miles), takes one day, 14 hours, 47 minutes and costs between €313 and €1145.

RELATED READ : Top 3 best European interrailing routes: explore Europe by train .

6. California Zephyr: San Francisco to Chicago (USA) – experience the beauty of the Utah Desert

The California Zephyr runs from San Francisco to Chicago.

The California Zephyr is a captivating North American train journey, offering travellers the opportunity to traverse the scenic landscapes from San Francisco to Chicago.

The journey takes passengers through captivating locales like Reno and Sacramento, eventually leading to Denver and the vast plains of Nebraska.

Along the route, passengers can witness the snow-capped Sierra Nevada and traverse through the heart of the Rockies. The train journey also unveils the vivid hues of the Utah Desert, providing a splendid way to experience the true majesty of America .

It covers a distance of 3,924 km (2,438 miles), takes two days, three hours, 40 minutes, and costs between $134 and $235.

5. Vivek Express: Dibrugarh to Kanyakumari (India) –  covering a huge distance 

The Vivek Express runs from Dibrugarh to Kanyakumari.

The Vivek Express takes passengers on a mesmerizing journey spanning more than 4,200 km, making it  India ‘s longest train journey.

The route stretches across seven Indian states and offers an array of accommodations, including AC coaches, sleeper coaches, unreserved coaches, and catering facilities.

The journey begins in Dibrugarh in the northeastern region of India and concludes in Kanyakumari, the southernmost tip of the country, where the Arabian Sea, Bay of Bengal, and the Indian Ocean converge.

Along the way, passengers have the opportunity to experience the hidden beauty of India in daylight and observe the country’s rich cultural diversity.

This journey covers a distance of 4,219 km (2,621 miles), takes three days, 12 hours, and five minutes and costs between 2810 Indian Rupees and 730 Indian Rupees ($22.76 and $8.77).

4. Indian Pacific: Sydney to Perth (Australia) –  a remarkable voyage

The Indian Pacific runs from Sydney to Perth.

The Indian Pacific takes passengers on a mesmerizing transcontinental journey, traversing the vast expanse from Sydney to Perth.

The journey includes traversing the awe-inspiring Blue Mountains, the arid regions of New South Wales, and the unique desert landscape of Broken Hill. An hour-long tour in Broken Hill offers a chance to explore the Living Desert Sculptures and the Pro Hart gallery.

This journey covers a distance of 4,352 km (2,704 miles), takes five days and six hours, and costs $1,819.

3. Shanghai to Lhasa (China) –  the longest train journey in China

Top 10 longest train journeys in the world.

Also known as Z164, the Shanghai to Lhasa train journey ranks not only as the longest in China but also as one of the world’s most extended train trips.

Spanning across eight provinces, the Shanghai-Lhasa train passes through mountainous terrains, offering breathtaking scenic beauty. The train’s itinerary features one of the most scenic train journeys globally, starting from the lower plains and ascending to higher plateaus.

Passengers can enjoy captivating views of the Qinghai Lake, Tanggula Mountains, and Nagchu Grasslands during the voyage.

It covers a distance of 4,373 km (2,717 miles), takes three days and six hours, and costs between 1,310.5 Chinese Yuan and 402.5 Chinese Yuan ($178.70 and $55.22).

2. The Canadian: Toronto to Vancouver (Canada) –  magnificent views

Top 10 longest train journeys in the world.

The Canadian is a trans-continental train journey celebrated as one of the world’s most incredible travel experiences. This epic journey spans four nights, taking passengers from  Toronto  to  Vancouver .

The train journey unfolds the stunning beauty of  Canada , featuring diverse landscapes encompassing endless prairies, the magnificent Rockies, and the tranquil West Coast.

Whether sipping fine wines or savouring the world’s finest coffees, passengers can gaze out at enchanting views, from endless blue skies to golden fields of canola and serene coastlines along the Vancouver shoreline.

This journey covers a distance of 4,446 km (2,762 miles), takes three days and 12 hours, and costs between $4,655 PP and $444.

1. Trans-Siberian: Moscow to Vladivostok (Russia) –  the longest train journey in the world

Top 10 longest train journeys in the world.

The  Trans-Siberian  is celebrated as the longest passenger train journey globally. This extraordinary journey serves as an exceptional way to explore the vastness of the world’s largest country, Russia. 

Passengers are treated to an ever-changing tableau of landscapes that unfold across Russia, China, and Mongolia, revealing the endless beauty of Siberia.

The epic adventure includes crossing 16 major rivers, 497 bridges, 87 major cities, 876 stations, three countries, and two continents. Passengers cross an impressive eight time zones, effectively travelling backwards in time while progressing from east to west.

This mammoth journey covers a distance of 10,214 km (6,343 miles), takes seven days, 20 hours, and 25 minutes, and costs between $805 and $1,600.

Your questions answered about the longest train journeys in the world

The California Zephyr runs from San Francisco to Chicago.

Which is the longest train journey route in the world?    

The longest train journey route in the world is the Trans-Siberian Railway from Moscow to Vladivostok. 

What is the longest distance travelled by train?    

The longest distance travelled by train on a single journey is approximately 10,214 kilometres (6,343 miles) on the Trans-Siberian Railway. 

What is the longest train journey in the US?

The longest train journey in the United States is the California Zephyr, which runs from Emeryville (San Francisco) to Chicago.

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Katie Morris is the Editor of The World Bucket List. She has a degree in English and French which has given her the opportunity to teach English across the world. Having worked in Thailand for over two years, Katie has a keen interest in the unbelievable travel opportunities Asia has to offer. Katie currently lives in her hometown of Belfast and loves discovering all the new and exciting things to see and do all over Ireland. She has written and edited articles for a diverse range of sites, from travel around Ireland and the rest of the world to satire and news sites.

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The World's Longest Train Journeys

Train journeys.

Trains have always been an exciting way to travel, whether it involved Great Britain's elegant and speedy Mallard steam locomotive of late 1930s vintage or more modern state-of-the-art high-speed rail systems such as Japan's Shinkansen, France's TGV or Germany's ICE. As some parts of the world such as the UK and Israel finally experience some relief in their battles against Covid-19 through widespread vaccination, people are finally starting to dream about traveling again. For rail enthusiasts planning for some spectacular post-pandemic experiences, now is certainly a good time to plan ahead and chart a journey on some of the longest train routes on the planet.

An interesting feature published by The Telegraph took a look at the longest direct rail routes that do not involve changing train. The Trans–Siberian Railway which connects Moscow with the Russian far east is still the world's longest direct rail route, running for 9,259 kilometers or 5,753 miles. The journey passes through the Ural Mountains, Siberia's birch forests and Lake Baikal, taking six days according to The Telegraph. The second-longest route without changing can be found in Canada with the journey from Toronto to Vancouver covering 4,466 kilometers or 2,775 miles. Third place goes to China where the stretch between Shanghai and Lhasa covers 4,373 kilometers of 2,717 miles.

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This chart shows the longest direct rail journeys that do not involve changing train (by distance).

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  • The World's Longest Train Journeys

The Trans-Siberian Railways services are popular among tourists to Russia.

Rail transportation is one of the oldest forms of modern transport. Even today, it is used by hundreds of millions of people around the world. In many places, trains are often the cheapest option for long distance travel across land. Furthermore, it can also be comfortable and enjoyable as trains tend to be spacious and allow passengers to observe their surroundings. In addition to passenger transport, trains also allow large amounts of goods to be transported and serve an important role in the economy of imports and exports. The world's longest rail journey is the Trans-Siberian Railway. 

Longest Train Services

Trans-siberian railway.

The longest train service in the world is known as the Trans-Siberian Railway. It runs from Moscow, Russia to Vladivostok, Russia. This train service is used for both tourist transportation and transporting goods across the country, and is the most important train service in Russia. Approximately 30% of Russia’s exports travel through this train service. The total time it takes this train to get from start to finish is nearly six days and in this time it covers over 9,000 kilometers.

Chinese Train Services

After the Trans-Siberian Railway, the next three longest train services in the world are located in China with the longest being the service from Guangzhou to Lhasa. The Train that operates on this route is the T264, and it is operated by China Railways. The primary purpose of this train is to serve as a passenger mover, and a train departs on this route once a day. The time this train takes to reach its final destination is approximately 2 and a half days and in this time it covers almost 5000 kilometers.

Toronto to Vancouver, Canada

Another long train service is found in Canada between Toronto and Vancouver. The train that runs this route is called the Canadian, and it is operated by Via Rail Canada. This train is a passenger train, and it is known to be one of the most scenic train journeys in the world. The total time it takes for this train to reach its final destination is over three days and the distance it covers in this time is 4,446 kilometers. This journey is the longest train service in North America, and it is the fifth longest train service in the world. A train on this route leaves three times a week.

Tourism Aspect of Train Services

All of these train services attract many tourists, both domestic and international. The Trans-Siberian Railway is very popular for international visitors, but it also attracts a large number of Russians. Similar can be said about all these trains as they attract many domestic and international tourists. It is not always that the tourists use these services to get from one place to another, but often they avail these services to enjoy the experience. The main reason for this is the scenic settings of these train routes. With all this is mind, it can be safe to say that train services are a big part of the tourism industry.

Longest Train Services In The World

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8 of the World's Longest Train Rides

Image may contain Human Person Nature Outdoors Snow Transportation and Vehicle

The Trans-Siberian Express

Distance: 5,772 miles

Duration: More than six days

The longest rail journey in the world (and getting longer ) is the stuff of legend—a train ride that starts in Moscow and ends, more than six days later, in Vladivostok. Over the course of the journey, the train crosses time zone after time zone and the landscape changes constantly, from the Ural Mountains to Lake Baikal and all the steppes one could want in between. Trains depart every two days.

Image may contain Transportation Train Track Railway Rail Vehicle and Train

Eastern & Oriental Express

Distance: About 1,200 miles

Duration: Three to four days

This classic journey aboard the Belmond Eastern & Oriental Express winds through Southeast Asia from Singapore to Bangkok (and vice versa), with stops at River Kwai and the Malaysian district of Kuala Kangsar. You can choose from routes lasting either three or four days, usually stretching over the weekends. Accommodations are private and richly decorated but compact, making the trip a great option for solo travelers .

Image may contain Tree Plant Fir Abies Conifer Transportation Vehicle Train Train Track Rail Railway and Slope

The Canadian

Distance: 2,775 miles

Duration: Three days

There’s no Wi-Fi on VIA Rail's transcontinental jaunt, so be prepared for hours of watching the scenery. Luckily, what you'll see—snow-capped Rocky Mountains, the forest of the Canadian Shield, and the rest of Canada ’s strikingly empty landscape—is breathtaking. Beginning in Toronto and ending in Vancouver , the ride is made even better by comfortable sleeper cars and the chances of seeing moose, deer, and even bears from the windows.

Image may contain Human Person Furniture Chair Sitting Window Interior Design and Indoors

California Zephyr

Distance: 2,438 miles

Duration: 51 hours, 20 minutes

With each trip taking a little more than two days, this Chicago -to- San Francisco journey is the longest in the U.S. It covers 2,438 miles along the trail of the pioneers, taking in the Rockies, the canyons of Colorado’s Western Slope, and the Sierra Nevadas, but you can also jump off at Reno if you're ready to trade nature for neon.

Image may contain Vehicle Transportation Train Nature Outdoors Building Housing and Countryside

The Indian Pacific

Distance: 2,704 miles

Duration: Four days

Over the course of four days and three nights, the Indian Pacific traverses the width of Australia , from Perth to Sydney . It stops in Adelaide, the ghost town of Cook, and Broken Hill (an artist colony that was once a mining town). From the comfort of your seat, you'll see the Australian outback as well as the forests and waterfalls of the Blue Mountains; meanwhile, off-train excursions have been added for travelers headed east.

Image may contain Human Person Furniture Clothing Apparel Vehicle Transportation Bench and Train

Vivek Express

Distance: Around 2,650 miles

Duration: Approximately four days

This 80-plus-hour trip on the Vivek Express is the longest train journey in India and one of the world’s longest as well, clocking in at approximately 2,650 miles. It takes between three and four days aboard the train to arrive, traveling the length of the country at an average speed of 32 miles an hour. There are 57 stops in total, beginning in the far north at Dibrugarh and ending in Kanyakumari, at India’s southern tip (pictured).

Image may contain Transportation Vehicle Automobile Car Train and Road

Beijing-Guangzhou Bullet Train

Distance: 1,200 miles

Duration: Eight hours

At roughly 1,200 miles, this isn’t a competitor for the longest journey, but it takes the prize for the fastest long-distance train. This high-speed train service launched in 2012, and has cut the 21-hour trip down to eight, reaching speeds of 186 miles per hour. At this pace the scenery flies by, but there are 35 stops, most in major cities like Wuhan.

Image may contain Nature Mountain Outdoors Mountain Range Scenery Plant Tree Transportation Vehicle Train and Peak

The Blue Train

Distance: 994 miles

Duration: 27 hours

Spot wild game on the savannah from the windows of South Africa ’s famously decadent Blue Train, which crosses the country in just over a day. Traveling from Pretoria to Cape Town , the train is more like a fast-moving luxury hotel, with butler service, Cuban cigars, and gourmet dinners. But the main attraction is the view of the country’s spectacular farmlands, forests and vineyards.

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world longest journey train

World's Longest Train Journey - From Portugal to Singapore in 21 Days

The recent opening of a new 260 mile railway line between laos and china, allowing people to ride from mohan station in yunnan, china to singapore, has allowed for a gargantuan train-hopping experience that spans 21 days and stretches over 11650 miles. starting in lagos, portugal and ending in singapore, this record-breaking railway route has taken the title of the world’s longest train journey..

Coming out ahead of the previous title holder, a London to Singapore run via the trans-siberian railway and ran for 10500 miles, this new connection between the Laotian city Vientiane and the Laos/China border town Boten now allows ambitious train-goers to trek across the globe for the better part of a month!

world longest journey train

The specifics of this trip have been mapped out by reddit user u/htGoSEVe and further calculated out by Mark Smith of Seat61.com , former Charing Cross station manager and other various railway institutes. The 21 day figure comes after factoring in the bare minimum of overnight stops, visa checks, and short excursions through cities to reach train stops on the other side of town, such as the one aspiring travellers may have to undergo in Vientiane. Estimates of the cost of this odyssey vary, mainly due to both the time in advance they are booked as well various covid restrictions in place in some of the countries on the list, but mostly seem to land between the £1000-£1500 mark.

world longest journey train

Important precautions

Although as alluded to, covid restrictions may make this Journey technically impossible for the time being due to various closures en route, including the Paris-Moscow express , but as we move away from the pandemic and begin to recover, the route should be feasible with adequate planning!  While the planned out 21 days accounts for overnight stops and visa checks, it is important to note that research will be required on getting certain visas ahead of time and ensuring all tickets are booked when needed. The Porto, Portugal to Warsaw, Poland journey, for example, is a 40 hour marathon with only brief layovers. Make sure you know ahead of time when you can book on the go with data, as well as the roaming charges your mobile provider has in a given country, and when you need to be ready in advance. It’s also important to note that 21 days of almost exclusive train travel obviously runs the risk of being somewhat taxing on a person. Make sure you are both physically and mentally prepared for this excursion in order to enjoy it to its fullest.

world longest journey train

Starting at Campanha Station in Porto, Portugal with a modest 90 minute journey to Coimbra before truly beginning your country-hopping adventure with the first stop being Hendaye, France after a hefty 12 hours on the train filled with a litany of luscious Spanish cities to feast your eyes on along the way.

From there you’ll be headed to the Capital, Paris! After taking in the sights of the beautiful French countryside, you’ll have to shuttle yourself on a metro across the city to the Paris-Nord station in order to grab a high speed 3 ½ hour train to Cologne, Germany featuring a ride through Belgium accompanied by stops at Brussels and Liege to let you drink in the German architecture.

After a few hours of layover, prepare for your 10 hour Journey to Warsaw, Poland which will be immediately dwarfed by a potential 20 hour train to Moscow, Russia that goes through Belarus which will require a specific travel visa.

Once in Moscow it’ll be time to board the legendary trans-siberian railway , an epic seven day long train ride from Moscow to Beijing, China. The train only operates bi-weekly so it pays to prepare in advance , both for bookings and for entertainment as while this ride features a few noteworthy stops, the majority of the scenery will become somewhat repetitive even for the most dedicated of tree-spotters.

The lengthy train rides don’t stop there as you will find yourself immediately due for a 39 hour overnight journey from Beijing to Hanoi, Vietnam where you’ll trade out the silver birch scenery of the trans-siberian railway for more green as the climate becomes more tropical. You won’t be out of the woods after this one as Ho Chi Minh, Vietnam immediately follows as the next stop. This 32 to 35 Hour is filled with verdant Vietnamese to keep you company as you prepare for the last leg of the journey.

There is currently no train connecting HCMH and Phnom Penh, but a 6 ½  bus ride will cover this portion of the journey while we wait for more railways to become open to public transport and make the journey possible. For there, you’ll want to grab the 12-15 hour bus to Bangkok before choosing one of the 2 trains before your final destination, either the slower train that heads to Malaysia first, or the Eastern & Oriental express, which is direct but pricey. Either way will take you to Singapore and allow you to revel in the fact that you (almost) travelled entirely by train across the better part of the globe!

world longest journey train

Stay updated

As may be apparent, a full train-exclusive journey between Portugal and Singapore lasting 21 days may theoretically be possible, it’s actual practicality is somewhat questionable. Both due to the condition of the world with the pandemic and some confusing misinformation surrounding a few of the railway lines, the journey itself isn’t actually possible at the moment and it might not be for a while.

This mostly depends on how liberal you may want to take the definition of ‘The world’s longest train journey’. It may well be possible in the near future! If you are excited at the prospect as I am, here a few resources to help you keep up to date on information surrounding the topic and when the journey might be actually doable: u/htGoSEVe’s original post where he has updated it with new information on the route as well as some articles providing misinformation, Jon Worth’s incredibly extensive blog post covering much of the updated information, particularly pertaining to covid closures, and Tim Pile’s great article on things to do in the surrounding countries and layovers on the mapped out journey!

Starting from Skratch? Here’s a few tips to get you started:

‍ https://www.scmp.com/magazines/post-magazine/travel/article/3162342/best-places-visit-worlds-longest-train-journey-guide

‍ https://www.tripzilla.com/portugal-to-singapore-by-land-train-easy-guide/110412

https://rail.cc/train/lisbon-to-singapore https://www.skratch.world

world longest journey train

Portugal to Singapore - Facts before you go 

💸 Approximatley £1000-1500 

🛤 Approximatley 11650 miles

🚞 0.08 tonnes of C02 by train

✈️ 1.67 tonnes of C02 by plane

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This Record-Breaking Passenger Train Is Over a Mile Long

The Swiss locomotive clinched the world record last weekend

Molly Enking

Molly Enking

Daily Correspondent

Aerial photo of the world record attempt

As it traveled through the Swiss Alps last weekend, a 1.2-mile-long locomotive set the record for the world’s longest passenger train.

The Rhaetian Railway company clinched the record to honor the 175th anniversary of Switzerland’s first railway, and to highlight some of Switzerland’s most impressive engineering feats, railway director Renato Fasciati tells the  Associated Press .

The locomotive was made up of 25 electric trains connected to each other. Each of those had four carriages, which brings the train’s overall total to 100 carriages.

Crowds gathered to see the world's longest passenger train

It wound through tunnels, mountains and valleys along the Albula Line, which was designated a protected site by Unesco World Heritage in 2008. Over the course of an hour, it traveled just about 15 miles through some of the Swiss Alps’ most stunning passes.

“Combine this with a route with notoriously tight curves, steep gradients, 22 tunnels and 48 bridges over deep valleys and the challenges become obvious,” writes  CNN ’s Ben Jones.

Train lovers and members of the press perched atop hills or waited in scenic valleys to watch the train make its leisurely trip through the track’s undulating curves. At a festival organized by the railway company, 3,000 ticket holders gathered in the village of Bergün and followed the journey via a live video feed.

trainspotting

To prepare for the journey, Swiss engineers have been conducting trial runs for months, testing communication and safety features to ensure a successful trip. Technicians even rigged a custom intercom system to ensure that all seven train drivers could communicate about speed and incline while making their way through the Alps.

“After intensive preparation, we are overjoyed to have achieved this world record,” says Fasciati in a statement . “Not only did we have a wonderful railway festival here in Bergün, but we were able to present ourselves around the world as a fascinating and innovative mountain railway.”

record-breaking train

Andreas Kramer, lead train conductor, tells CNN that the team knows the route well—“every change of gradient, every incline”—and that they all went through the plan many times over.

“We need to be 100 percent synchronized, every second,” he adds. “Everyone has to keep their speed and other systems under control at all times.”

The Albula Line was completed in the early 20th century—and until then, travelers could only access the area via horse carriages and sleighs.

Before last weekend’s trip, the National Belgian Railway Company set the previous record in 1991.

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Molly Enking

Molly Enking | READ MORE

Molly Enking is a writer, editor and producer based in Brooklyn, New York. Her work can be found in Wired , Rolling Stone , PBS NewsHour, Grist , Gothamist and others. She covers health disparities, space, the environment, scientific discoveries and oddities, food and travel, as well as how art, pop culture and history impact the way we view the world. 

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This is The Longest Train Route in the World as of 2024

world longest journey train

When it comes to international travel, airplanes typically come to mind as it makes for a quicker and cheaper journey.

You may even prefer traveling via car as it offers more privacy. However, if you have time, money, and a sense of adventure into the unknown, then doing the longest train route in the world might be on your bucket list.

Traveling by train imparts something romantic and poetic, reminiscent of days long gone before planes even existed.

Why not enjoy the fantastic scenery of over a dozen countries on this epic 21-day, 18,755-kilometer train journey across Europe, Siberia, and Asia?

The longest train route in the world

The hypothetical (but totally possible) route is the brainchild of train lovers on the subreddit and with help from the train expert Mark Smith’s website seat61.com, a popular place for guides and tips on long train journeys around the world.

This longer route has only recently become possible with the opening of the new Chinese-built $6 billion Boten–Vientiane railway in Laos that connects China to Southeast Asia.

longest train journeys

The longest train route in the world starts in southern Portugal in Lagos, making its way through Spain on towards Paris.

The Lisbon-Hendaye route is currently suspended due to Covid-19 and doesn’t seem to be coming back anytime soon. There are alternate routes to get to Paris. e

After Paris, you’ll head through the rest of Western Europe until the journey reaches Eastern Europe and Russia with the famous “Trans-Siberian” railway line taking around 6 days from Moscow to Beijing and covering Mongolia on the way.

Next, you’ll go from Boten to Vientiane, Laos after a long journey through China. The new railroad just opened on Dec 3, 2021.

Before this, you would have had to take a train to Saigon, but no railroad connects Vietnam and Thailand. The old way to make this journey is from a bus through Cambodia and on to Thailand.

longest train route thailand

Now with the new railroad, the longest train route in the world is now possible. From Vientiane, you’ll reach Bangkok, and from there it’s the last leg of the journey into spectacular Malaysia, finally ending in Singapore.

21 estimated days and 18,755km later you’ll finally make the longest train route in the world.

The cost of this epic journey is an estimated €1,200 which is not much more than a plane ticket from Western Europe to Singapore, and you’ll get to see 13 countries on the way, we think the amazing journey is definitely worth it.

Here is a high res version of the map of the journey if you’re interested.

**Please note that this post may contain affiliate links. When booking through one of our links, we earn a small kickback at no extra cost to you and it’s a big help to keep the site up and running.

world longest journey train

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world longest journey train

The world's longest train journey spanning 5,772 miles through eight timezones

D escribed as something of "legend," the longest train journey in the world spans over 5,000 miles and travels through eight timezones. Starting off in Moscow and ending up in Vladivostok eight days later, the impressive Trans-Siberian Railway connects European Russia to the Russian far-east.

Otherwise known as the Great Siberian Route, the trains make the lengthy journey twice a week from Russia's capital. On the route, travellers will get a glimpse of the beautiful Ural Mountains and Lake Baikal.

Tickets for the impressive train vary. For travellers on a budget, the cheapest way to get from Moscow to Vladivostok will be about £200 each way, for a bed in a shared four-berth sleeper.

Passengers can sit back as the train embarks on its long journey as it crosses the depths of icy Siberia, before looping around Lake Baikal on its way to Vladivostok. The journey also passes through the Ural Mountains, which are the natural boundary of Europe and Asia.

On the eight-day journey, the train passes through almost 90 towns and cities in Russia, so travellers are unlikely to get bored of the spectacular views on offer. The railway line was temporarily closed during the pandemic, and upon re-opening the train service, an expansion project began which saw connections between Mongolia and China.

Passengers travelled from across the globe to make the journey on the infamous railway, which has been descibed as the "journey of a lifetime". The distance of the train is further than London and Los Angeles - however, it only makes 15 stops.

The railway is also known as the 'Great Siberian Route', and has a rich history, being built between 1891 and 1916. Attempting to compete with the British Empire, Russia needed a way of keeping up with increased demand as trade increased.

Prior to the railway being built, there were few options for travel across Russia's huge land mass. Most people would travel by horseback or sledge, which was extremely dangerous in cold winter months.

In the Second World War, the railway played an important role. The Trans-Siberian railway supplied powers to soldiers fighting in Europe, and a number of Jewish people used the train to escape persecution and travel to Asia. Nowadays, the train is often used by workers, who want to scale the large country.

The Trans-Siberian Railroad

What Is the Longest Train Ever Recorded?

During the last century, trains have become increasingly longer, as companies around the world have benefited from their expanded capacity to transport a larger number of passengers and commodities. This significant increase in efficiency was enabled by historical technology advancements, such as more durable tracks and the usage of more than one locomotive. During these last few decades, trains have started reaching unprecedented lengths. 

The longest train ever recorded in history is the BHP Iron Ore at 7.353 km (~4.57 miles). This freight train was powered by eight powerful hybrid diesel-electric locomotives, and it traveled for roughly 275 km (~171 miles). 

In this article, I will take you through everything you need to know about the longest train recorded in history, along with the longest journey. Furthermore, you’ll learn about the length limitations on longer trains while getting a better understanding of why passenger trains are always shorter than their freight counterparts.

longest train

The Longest Train Ever Recorded

The longest train ever recorded is the Australian BHP Iron Ore which currently holds the Guinness World Record . 

Before delving into the specifics of this vehicle, I should note that this Australian record came as no surprise, as the nation has a long history and well-deserved reputation when it comes to its impressive railway industry.

Australia, throughout the years, has built a rich history of impressively long trains. As their economic needs grew, they started developing these vehicles to facilitate massive bulk transport. 

But this wave of growth in the industry wasn’t limited to cargo, as passenger trains started becoming increasingly longer as well.

The nation has set and kept this record for years since 1929 when a famous train called The Ghan first became the longest train in the world with a length of 2.979 km (~1.851 miles). 

This iconic train continues to operate even today, at its longest, pulling up to 44 carriages. Its feat becomes even more impressive when considering that this vehicle transports passengers, not commodities.

Before the revolutionization of the railway industry facilitated by these trains, these modes of transportation were limited in power by the usage of a single locomotive and outdated configurations of rail networks. Only when manufacturers and managers started figuring out how to use two or more locomotives in a single vehicle did longer, and more powerful models begin to appear.

The additional booster locomotive was placed in the middle of a wagon, just as it would be if you’d combine two regular single-locomotive trains together. With the power of multiple hybrid diesel-electric locomotives, the industry started opening up its perspective to benefit from a huge untapped potential. 

Passenger trains are often much shorter due to several reasons that I’ll delve into in one of the following sections, but The Ghan became an exception. 

Today, the train carries around 16-26 carriages on a usual route.

BHP Iron Ore

On June 21, 2001, another record was set in Australia by the legendary BHP Iron one. This piece of machinery redefined the limits of the rail industry while showcasing an amazing technology heat that would be unthinkable a few decades ago.

This vehicle is still the proud holder of the longest train in the world, at an unbelievable 7.353 km (~4.57 miles). The 275 km journey started from the Newman and Yandi mines and ended in Port Hedland in Western Australia and lasted about 10 hours and 4 minutes. 

Its multiple, hybrid-powered locomotives provided the machine with impressive power and strength, without which, this achievement wouldn’t have been possible.

To put the extent of this train into perspective, think about the fact that within its length, you can fit almost 23 Eiffel Towers. As you may have guessed by now, a vehicle of this size can be extremely heavy as well, and you’d be right. 

The total weight came out at more than 99,730 metric tons (~219.8 million pounds), meaning that the BHP Iron One simultaneously beat its own record for the heaviest train.

As I mentioned, the vehicle was used to transport commodities, specifically iron ore. The massive piece of machinery was able to carry 82,000 metric tons (181 million pounds) of the material. The strength to bear this amount of material was produced by eight different locomotives spread out along the rails.

This kind of innovation tested the limits of technology that exceeded all expectations and beat the previous 1991 record set in South Africa. This feat opened manufacturers up to many more possibilities regarding length and weight able to move by a single unit. 

BHP Iron One affected the industry significantly, as longer trains started being used more and more commonly after its journey.

railroad longest train

What Is the Longest Train Journey?

The Guinness World Record for the longest uninterrupted train journey is held by the Trans-Siberian railway, which runs from Moscow (Russia) to Pyongyang (North Korea). This line goes through a distance of 10,124 km (~6346 miles), which takes more than a week to cover.

The length of the journey depends on several circumstantial factors, so the travel time can take anywhere between six to eight days with no stops. 

The train that operates on this railway transports goods and commodities. 

Although the Trans-Siberian railway has been maintaining its record for a long time, this direct route is getting even longer as time goes by. Its trip is awe-inspiring, to say the least, as, during its timeframe, the train passes several different timezones. 

long train

The freight train that covers this record-breaking distance embarks on its journey once a week. The distance is usually covered in around eight days ( 7 days and 20 hours, to be exact ). With that said, depending on circumstantial factors, this timeframe may look a little different in specific instances by a day or two.

Even though this rail line has been operating for more than a century, its groundbreaking record is still solidly set and hard to beat even with modern technologies, materials, and tools that we can so easily access today.

Not only does the Trans-Siberian keep expanding and improving, but, as you’ll see, the closest competitor is not even close to taking its record anytime soon. This position is held by Eastern and Oriental Express, which covers 1931 km (1200 miles). 

The distance that this journey passes is more than five times shorter than that of its main competitor.

Longest Passenger Train Journey

On the other hand, the longest passenger train route also happens on the Trans-Siberian railway, with a line that starts in Moscow and stops in Vladiskov (Russia). This vehicle covers a distance of 9289 km (~5772 miles). 

Those embarking on this journey need to consider that they’ll be traveling for almost six interrupted days with no available stops, so being sufficiently prepared is crucial in ensuring an enjoyable trip. 

For those wanting to enjoy the constantly changing landscape with a taste of culture from whichever nation you’re passing, the trains depart every two days, so your next reservation might be closer than you think.

Before reserving a ticket, keep in mind that buying a seat on the train that takes a week-long journey won’t be cheap. Prices vary from $800 to $1600 per person, depending on the quality of your accommodation.

Trans-Siberian Route

Even though taking the Trans-Siberian route is an incredible, once-in-a-lifetime journey, it can be challenging for many people to take on this long of a trip. 

Although the breathtaking landscapes can inspire even the most uncreative types, going through several time zones in a week with no significant stops can test one’s patience, to say the least. This is why it’s essential to know exactly what to expect before embarking on this journey.

longest train ride

With the Trans-Siberian rail line, you will cross 87 major cities, three countries, and two continents, which is more than what some can experience in a lifetime. Between all these locations, you’ll go through eight different timezones, skipping through some hours ahead in the process.

Here’s the general outline of the route you’ll take:

Moscow – St. Petersburg – Perm – Yekaterinburg – Novosibirsk – Krasnoyarsk – Irkutsk – Ulan De – Naushki – Suhe Bator – Ulan Bator – Dzamin Uud – Erlian – Zabaikalsk – Manzhouli – Harbin – Beijing – Khabarovsk – Vladivostok

The Legacy of the Trans-Siberian Railway

As you can see, the long-standing record that this railway has attained holds a level of significance so high that it has turned into one of the most iconic achievements in human history. 

Its value goes far beyond the practicality and ease of movement it offers, as this railway has inspired artists, travelers, and writers for more than a century. Its future looks even more promising and grand than its past, with further expansions being considered as we speak.

The Japanese government has been one of the most adamant entities when it comes to the possible expansion of the railway , proposing the broadening of its borders with new railroads built all the way to Hokkaido. This addition serves as a mode of transportation that could assist easy and quick travel between European countries and Japan. 

The completion of this project would not only expand the impact of the Trans-Siberian railway, but it would also significantly boost tourism in Japan, along with many neighboring countries. 

Furthermore, this addition provides unprecedented levels of growth to the continent’s economy as a whole, as importing and exporting services and commodities would be more accessible than ever.

long freight train

The Maximum Length of a Train

Given that trains are constantly increasing in length, many have started wondering whether there’s a limit to how big these vehicles can get. 

Although technically, there isn’t a hard-set rule or law that directly limits the maximum length of a train, there are several factors that can make certain sizes difficult or downright impossible to attain.

Governmental Limitations

Some governed regulations forbid the obstruction of grade crossing by railroads. 

These laws can indirectly limit the maximum possible length of a train when it comes to sizes that wouldn’t be able to pass a grade crossing without causing an obstruction. For example, if a train consists of more than five locomotives and their subsequent hundreds of cars, you can see how a crossing could be blocked for hours by a machine this size.

This could lead to many traffic problems, ultimately resulting in a traffic jam, which is why many governments have taken steps to prevent this situation from happening. 

Some even have set limits based on the time a train needs to fully cross a particular section.

If the law stated that a train shouldn’t take more than 10 minutes ( like in Illinois ) to completely pass an intersection, then theoretically, all trains big enough to require more time to cross wouldn’t be allowed to operate in that railroad, limiting the manufacturers’ options.

The only exception to this law would be if a circumstantial difficulty were causing the train not to be able to cross the intersection in time, as otherwise, circulation problems may quickly start arising.

On the other hand, some localities do have some laws and regulations that directly limit the maximum length of a train. While some do it in respective measurements, others can limit the number of cars that the locomotives are supposed to pull.

While these direct laws are not yet widespread, the significant increase of longer models over the last few years has created several problematic instances that have caused some officials to rethink train-length-related regulations.

This is apparently what happened in California when the unexpected passage of a 5.6 km (3.5 miles) train prompted an official to think about putting more laws in place limiting the size of vehicles, especially in such highly populated areas.

Furthermore, in March of 2021, the Transportation and Telecommunication Committee heard testimony on a similarly-constructed proposal , the approval of which would restrict certain lengths for trains in Nebraska.

railroad-coupler

Physical Limitations

Even in those locations where the authorities haven’t imposed any direct or indirect regulations on train length, a manufacturer would still be challenged by the laws of physics. At some point, the vehicle reaches a size that makes it impossible to control.

This natural limitation is imposed when there’s such immense pressure over the coupling and braking system that a conductor won’t be able to properly operate a train, especially in rougher terrains.

Railway Space Limitations

Another factor that a manager or manufacturer needs to consider before deciding on the most extensive length possible for a train is the number of tracks it will be operating on.

This is most notable in locations where most of the railways are single-tracked, where the maximum train size will be limited based on the length of the passing loop . For example, if the passing loop measures at 1 km (~0.62 miles), this will be the provided space for the train to pass through, which will inevitably limit its length under that same number.

Temperature Limitations

Temperature and weather conditions can also limit a manufacturer’s possibilities regarding train length. For example, in colder or lower than freezing temperatures assembling trains beyond specific measurements is not advised. 

Some claim that an average upper limit, in this case, would allow the operation of trains up to 2.74 km (~1.7 miles). Having said that, this limit is often subject to change based on professional judgment and environmental circumstances. 

The feat achieved through the creation of BHP Iron ore is even more impressive when you consider all these restrictions and functional limitations that the vehicle had to overcome in order to operate properly. 

With that said, even though achievements like this are monumental for the evolution of human transportation, longer and bulkier models are becoming an obstruction due to their excessive usage, especially in more populated areas. 

For this reason, governments are taking measures to impose stronger length regulations on trains to better maintain vehicle circulation within their already busy streets and cross-sections.

Why Are Passenger Trains Shorter Than Freight Trains?

When researching the different lengths of passenger and freight trains, you’ll notice that the former comes out at an average of 182 m (600’), while the latter hovers around 1,500 m (5,070’).

With such a stark contrast, many might wonder why trains transporting commodities are so much longer compared to those transporting passengers, as the same efficiency principle could be applied to both.

Passenger trains are shorter than freight trains because they require more agility to be able to make more frequent stops in a smaller amount of time. The limited size is chosen based on customer demand and higher speed requirements. 

Furthermore, passenger trains are required to be accommodated at several different-sized stations, which would make it impossible for an oversized train to stop at all its required terminals.

Speed is also of the essence when it comes to vehicles carrying passengers. While coal, iron, or other goods can be transported for weeks on end, people have strict timelines and physical limitations that make them require the fastest means of transport possible. 

This is why the length of a passenger train shouldn’t reach a point where it severely hinders its speed. Otherwise, there would be no sustainable demand to make the vehicle profitable.

The longest train recorded in history is the BHP Iron Ore at an incredible 7.353 km (~4.57 miles). Although this achievement is groundbreaking, increasingly longer trains are starting to become a traffic obstruction in highly populated areas, which is why governments are taking measures to create some direct regulations that limit these vehicles’ size.

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The Glacier Express in Switzerland, known as the world’s slowest express train, connects Zermatt and St. Moritz. It offers an 8-hour scenic journey through the Swiss Alps, featuring panoramic views of mountains, bridges, and tunne … Read more

The Glacier Express in Switzerland, known as the world’s slowest express train, connects Zermatt and St. Moritz. It offers an 8-hour scenic journey through the Swiss Alps, featuring panoramic views of mountains, bridges, and tunnels. Passengers enjoy luxurious comfort with options like first-class seating and gourmet meals. Read less

Switzerland’s Glacier Express: World’s slowest express train for a unique journey

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Switzerland’s Glacier Express: World’s slowest express train for a unique journey

The Glacier Express in Switzerland, known as the world’s slowest express train, connects Zermatt and St. Moritz. It offers an 8-hour scenic journey through the Swiss Alps, featuring panoramic views of...

world longest journey train

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  1. Top 10 LONGEST train journeys in the WORLD

    10. Blue Train: Pretoria to Cape Town (South Africa) - a luxury train journey. 9. Eastern and Oriental Express: Bangkok to Singapore - one of the world's longest train routes. 8. The Ghan: Darwin to Adelaide (Australia) - an unforgettable journey. 7. Paris-Moscow Express: Paris to Moscow - reasonable train tickets. 6.

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  3. These Are The Longest Train Journeys In The World: Epic Train ...

    Distance: Approximately 9,288 km. The Trans-Siberian Railway, the longest railroad network in the world, traces its origins back to the economic and military history of the Russian Empire and the Soviet Union. This seven-day journey covers an astounding eight time zones between Moscow and Vladivostok, offering breathtaking vistas throughout.

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    Yixin'ou, a Chinese freight train, completed the world's longest train journey. The 21-day train trip left China in November and spanned eight countries, completing its run in Spain. The journey ...

  6. World's longest train journey takes 21 days from Portugal to ...

    World's longest train journey takes 21 days from Portugal to Singapore. And it spans 18,755 kilometers. Most of us neglect to factor trains into our usual idea of traveling - what, with car ownership a norm in most developed and developing nations. And of course, flying is a very popular option among the more financially-comfortable.

  7. The World's Longest Train Journeys

    This train is a passenger train, and it is known to be one of the most scenic train journeys in the world. The total time it takes for this train to reach its final destination is over three days and the distance it covers in this time is 4,446 kilometers. This journey is the longest train service in North America, and it is the fifth longest ...

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  10. Longest train services

    Longest high-speed rail service. The China Railway G403/4, G405/6 and D939/40 Beijing-Kunming high-speed train (2,653 km, 10 hours 43 minutes to 14 hours 54 minutes), which began service on January 1, 2017, is the longest high-speed rail service in the world. The previous record-holder was the likewise Chinese Beijing-Guangzhou high-speed ...

  11. Switzerland sets record with world's longest passenger train

    A Swiss railway operator has set a new record for completing a journey with the world's longest passenger train. The 1.9km (1.2 mile) train, which is composed of 100 coaches, completed a ...

  12. World's Longest Train Journey

    Starting in Lagos, Portugal and ending in Singapore, this record-breaking railway route has taken the title of the world's longest train journey. Coming out ahead of the previous title holder, a London to Singapore run via the trans-siberian railway and ran for 10500 miles, this new connection between the Laotian city Vientiane and the Laos ...

  13. This Record-Breaking Passenger Train Is Over a Mile Long

    November 4, 2022. Aerial photo of the world record attempt Philipp Schmidli. As it traveled through the Swiss Alps last weekend, a 1.2-mile-long locomotive set the record for the world's longest ...

  14. The Longest Train Ride in the World

    The Trans-Siberian Railway is a single train line that crosses nearly the entire length of Russia, from Moscow to Vladivostok. It covers a total of 5,772 miles, stretching across a huge swath of ...

  15. This is The Longest Train Route in the World as of 2024

    Now with the new railroad, the longest train route in the world is now possible. From Vientiane, you'll reach Bangkok, and from there it's the last leg of the journey into spectacular Malaysia, finally ending in Singapore. 21 estimated days and 18,755km later you'll finally make the longest train route in the world.

  16. The world's longest train journey spanning 5,772 miles through ...

    D escribed as something of "legend," the longest train journey in the world spans over 5,000 miles and travels through eight timezones. Starting off in Moscow and ending up in Vladivostok eight ...

  17. World's longest train journeys

    6. Vivek Express: Dibrugarh to Kanyakumari (India) This 82-hour trip on the weekly Vivek Express is the longest train journey in India. It traverses the length of the country from the far north ...

  18. Switzerland claims record for world's longest passenger train

    The one-off world record journey was organised by Rhaetian Railway and took around an hour. Rail enthusiasts lined the valley to watch the train wind its way about 25km through the Alps.

  19. Swiss claim record for world's longest passenger train

    A Swiss railway company claimed the record for the world's longest passenger train Saturday with a trip on one of the most spectacular tracks through the Alps. The Rhaetian Railway company ran ...

  20. Longest trains

    A BNSF train of loaded well cars (or double-stack cars) at Caliente, California, United States. A Canadian National Railway double-stack container train.. 6,100 metres (20,000 ft) - United States - a June 2024 third-party study over 10 days in Arizona found that Union Pacific routinely runs intermodal trains of more than 5,500 m (18,000 ft) in length, of which the longest was a 6,100-metre ...

  21. What Is the Longest Train Ever Recorded?

    This vehicle is still the proud holder of the longest train in the world, at an unbelievable 7.353 km (~4.57 miles). ... The Guinness World Record for the longest uninterrupted train journey is held by the Trans-Siberian railway, which runs from Moscow (Russia) to Pyongyang (North Korea). This line goes through a distance of 10,124 km (~6346 ...

  22. Switzerland's Glacier Express: World's slowest express train for a

    The Glacier Express in Switzerland, known as the world's slowest express train, connects Zermatt and St. Moritz. It offers an 8-hour scenic journey through the Swiss Alps, featuring panoramic ...