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During my travels around the world, I have had the pleasure of experiencing some lovely train rides. In the US, I have ridden on the Rocky Mountaineer, The Great Smokey Mountain, the Napa Valley Wine Train, and The California Zephyr. In Europe, I tend to take trains everywhere. One of my most memorable train journeys was on the Euro Tunnel shortly after it opened, which my TV crew and I filmed. I also had the great fortune to ride on Tito’s personal train from Serbia to Montenegro. However, my most decadent adventure was on the Venice-Simplon Orient Express, which felt like something out of a Humphrey Bogart movie. The sound of the old wheels clicking and clacking along the rails was so relaxing, and my companion and I had the pleasure of sleeping in a private car, which was beyond dreamy.
Ah, the allure of long-distance train travel! It’s a subject that beckons with the romance of adventure, a stirring invitation to discover landscapes and cultures that can’t be experienced through the window of a fast-moving plane. The lull of the rails, the joy of unhurried exploration, and the connections with fellow travelers offer experiences that cannot be found elsewhere. Jump on board, and I will take you on a comparative journey to explore the most epic long-distance trains around the world.
The Trans-Siberian Express, Russia: 7 Days.
The granddaddy of them all! Stretches over 9,289 kilometers, this is more than a mere train ride; it’s a journey into the soul of Russia. Across eight time zones, you can witness firsthand the immense and varying landscapes. From the cultured streets of Moscow to the wilds of Siberia and the shores of Lake Baikal, this is a venture into the heart of a vast nation. For the poetic souls, the Trans-Siberian Express isn’t just a train; it’s a lyrical expression of wanderlust.
The Ghan, Australia: 54 Hours.
In contrast, the Ghan takes you through the heart of the Australian outback. The railway’s name is an abbreviation of its original moniker: “The Afghan Express,” a respectful nod to the Afghan camel drivers who once traversed this vast land. From the coastal city of Adelaide to tropical Darwin, this 2,979-kilometer journey presents a showcase of the Australian landscape’s incredible diversity. It’s a wild symphony of colors and culture played out on a grand scale.
The Indian Pacific, Australia: 65 Hours.
Another Australian gem, the Indian Pacific, offers a thrilling 4,352-kilometer journey between the Indian Ocean and the Pacific Ocean. Just imagine crossing the entire Australian continent, experiencing the dazzling Gold Coast, the barren Nullarbor Plain, and the picturesque Blue Mountains. This is not merely a trip; it’s a feast for the eyes, an education, and a contemplation of what it means to traverse such vast spaces.
The Canadian, Canada: 100 Hours.
Imagine gliding across 4,466 kilometers of Canada’s most breathtaking landscapes. From cosmopolitan Toronto to the artistic streets of Vancouver, the Canadian presents a chance to experience the majesty of the Rockies, endless prairies, and lush forests. It’s Canada’s soul, encapsulated in a journey, a story that unfolds with each turn of the wheel.
The Shongololo Express, South Africa: 15 Days.
Named after the Zulu word for a millipede, the Shongololo Express takes you on an extraordinary 3,000-kilometer journey across South Africa. This isn’t just a train ride; it’s a journey into the history, culture, and incredible diversity of a nation that’s as complex as it is beautiful. From lush vineyards to wild game parks, it’s a trip that’s every bit as multifaceted as the country it explores.
Final Thought:
Trains are more than mere modes of transport. They are the bearers of dreams, the connectors of cultures, and the stewards of landscapes rarely seen. Each of these journeys is an anthem to human exploration, curiosity, and the sheer joy of seeing the world from a different angle.
So, may you be inspired to embark on one of these epic journeys, where the destination is not merely a place on a map but a profound understanding of the world around us. Each track is a sentence in the book of the world, and every station is a chapter of enlightenment. Hop aboard; the world awaits!
All Aboard!
