Historically, trains have shaped the geography of our planet. Today, the variety of adventures to be had via train is truly inspiring. From gourmet food and craft beer on the two-day Adelaide-Darwin run, to cruising to the Himalayas on India’s Kalka-Shimla, here are some of the world’s most spectacular train journeys.
Editor’s note: These spots are all taken directly from travelstoke®, a new app from Matador that connects you with fellow travelers and locals, and helps you build trip itineraries with spots that integrate seamlessly into Google Maps and Uber. Download the app to add any of the spots below directly to your future trips.
1. The Jacobite
Fort William — Mallaig, Scotland
Glenfinnan ViaductHighland, United KingdomViaduct made famous by Harry Potter.
An impressive route by steam train through some of the Highland’s beautiful landscapes. Don’t miss the Glenfinnan viaduct, famous for being in the Harry Potter films.
2. The Trans-Siberian Railway
Moscow — Vladivostok, Russia, Mongonlia, China
The Trans Siberian Railway is the ultimate rail journey, the longest in the world (and possibly the coldest if you go at the wrong time of year), a journey of almost mythical proportions that spans two continents while staying in a single country.
There are three routes that travelers can take to explore the Siberian expanse: The Moscow-to-Vladivostok route at over 9,000 km (6,000 miles), and two routes from Moscow to Beijing: one through Mongolia, taking six days and almost 8000km (5000 miles), or one which takes almost a week to complete and travels via Manchuria.
Without leaving your seat, you pass through the end of Europe and cross almost the width of Asia, clattering your way across nearly a third of the globe.
3. Qinghai-Tibet Railway
Beijing — Lhasa, China
Photo: facechooyong
This is the highest train journey in the world. Build over four years by 100,000 engineers, the route takes you 5,068m above sea level through permafrost and very thin air — oxygen outlets are available to combat altitude issues.
4. Kalka Shimla Railway
Kalka — Shimla, India
Photo: sashankrao
Known as the Kalka Shimla Railway, this narrow gauge railway takes you to the foothills of the Himalayas by way of 102 tunnels and 889 bridges. It is also a UNESCO World Heritage site.
5. Cusco-Machu Picchu, Peru
Photo: manuelmachuca
Offering an alternative to hiking the Inca Trail, this route takes you to a station just 8km away fromt he ruins of Machu Picchu, passing the Andean foothills.
6. The Indian Pacific
Sydney — Perth, Australia
The ultimate coast-to-coast journey, and one of the world’s longest railways, the Indian Pacific takes in mountains, deserts and ghost towns across the breadth of Australia.
Sir James Mitchell ParkSouth Perth, AustraliaA beautiful view of Perth City Skyline
7. Train to the clouds
Salta — Polvorilla, Argentina
Photo: thomasheinze
This train takes you 4,200 meter above sea level by way of 29 bridges, 21 tunnels, 2 spirals and 2 zigzags, as well as offering a chance to see the magnificent La Polvoriila viaduct. Depending on the season, this route can be part-bus.
8. Eastern and Oriental Express
Bangkok — Singapore
Few names conjure up images of luxury and indulgence like the Orient Express. This route takes you past the Bridge on the River Kwai and Penang.
Photo: pitaow
9. Tokaido Shinkansen
Tokyo — Kyoto, Japan
Photo: yokai
Japan is famed for its high speed, reliable and comfortable bullet trains — or Shinkansen. One of the Tokaido routes from Tokyo to Kyoto allows specticular views of Mt. Fuji.
Don’t think, just travel!!
10. The Rocky Mountainer
Vancouver — Banff, Canada
Photo: loomahpix
This journey is so visually impressive the trains have glass-doomed roofs. This trip takes you through the Canadian Rockies and allows you to pass through the famous Spiral Tunnels.
11. Glacier Express
St. Moritz — Zermatt, Swiss Alps
Taking almost eight hours to complete its journey, the Glacier Express has a reputation for being the slowest ‘express’ in the world – but it’s also one of the most beautiful. Linking the two mountain resorts of St. Moritz and Zermatt in the Swiss Alps, the journey covers 291 bridges and 91 tunnels.
At its highest point, the Glacier Express reaches 2,033 meters (6,670 feet) in altitude at the Oberalp Pass as it travel through some of the most stunning mountain scenery Europe has to offer: alpine meadows, mountain streams, snow peaked mountains and glacial valleys.
12. The Flam Railway
Myrdal — Flam, Norway
Photo: andrewcawa
The Flam Railway runs 20km (12 miles) between Myrdal, at 865 meters (2838 feet) above sea level, down to the fjords of Flam. This is an incredible feat of engineering, one of the steepest non-cog railways in the world and Norway’s most spectacular tourist attraction.
FlåmsbryggaFlåm, NorwayA fjord tour is a must when in Norway.
#norwayinanutshell
With views over part of the world’s longest fjord – Sognefjord – as well as deep river valleys and airy peaks, this train seemingly clings to the side of the mountains in an unforgettable journey. 