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If I’m totally honest travelling by train is not my favourite method of getting to a destination, it’s the mode of transport that tends to cause me an issue with travel sickness. However, as I start to think about where and how I want to travel in the future I am steering myself towards slower ways of reaching destinations and this definitely includes train travel so I’ve spent some time looking at what I would consider to be dream train journeys to take around the world.
10 Dream Train Journeys to Take
Oslo to Bergen
This route follows Europe highest railway and takes about 7 hours offering one-of-a-kind views of Norway to accompany you during the trip: villages, fjords, rivers, and the countryside are just some of the incredible things you get to see as you travel. Trains are very well-equipped, safe, and comfortable, and are operated by NSB, the Norwegian National Railways. They depart from the centre of Oslo and arrive in the heart of Bergen so it’s very easy to reach both stations using public transport and start exploring almost immediately.
Vancouver to Jasper
Running from Mid-April to Mid-October The Rocky Mountaineer is a daylight only train designed so that passengers can experience the most spectacular views and optimal photo opportunities. There two different routes on offer so you can really tailor you journey to your individual preference. With impeccable service, gourmet meals and stunning views of the Canadian Rockies it could be a train journey that you never forget.
Budapest to Bucharest
Hop on this sleeper train but don’t scrimp as (from what I’ve read) the seats aren’t comfortable enough for sleeping, so make your 17 hour journey a bit more enjoyable. Being a sleeper train it won’t be full of stunning scenery but it is definitely one trip through Europe that appeals to me.
Moscow to Beijing
I think everyone in the world has probably heard of the Trans-Siberian railway, but did you know that this is actually a blanket term for three different railway routes between Russia and China? All three routes follow the same main line for the first 4 days from Moscow to Ulan Ude, continuing on to Chite (as does the Trans-Mongolian route) but it then it becomes the Trans-Manchurian route and diverts into north-eastern China reaching Beijing after a 7 day journey. This route may be less popular than the other two but there is no need for an additional Mongolian visa. The line is serviced by a Russian train departing from Moscow once a week.
Cape Town to Pretoria
It’s the most famous train in South Africa, and one of the most famous trains in the world. South Africa’s Blue Train links Cape Town with Pretoria once or twice a week, year round. It’s also thought to be one of the most expensive train journeys in the world, but if you’re happy to pay the premium price for this 31 hour journey then you’ll be treated to one of the most luxurious trips that will stay with you for a lifetime.
Porthmadog to Caernarfon
The Welsh Highland Railway takes a little over 2 hours and runs twenty-five miles from Porthmadog to Caernarfon on the north-west coast of Wales, making it the UK’s longest heritage railway. It’s also arguably the most scenic railway lines in Wales, taking in the Aberglaslyn Pass, Beddgelert, Llyn Cwellyn and the foot of Snowdon before arriving in the coastal town of Caernarfon. You can travel in comfortable third-class, open carriages, luxurious Pullman carriages and even in an observation car.
Wellington to Auckland
New Zealand rail travel is an exercise in relaxation – The main reason is the fabulous scenery you simply can’t see from the road. This remarkable 12 hour journey through the volcanic heart of the North Island highlights stunning landscape including Tongariro National Park and the famous Raurimu Spiral, a feat of railway engineering. Marvel at the panoramic views of the magnificent landscapes through the large windows of the train carriages. At the rear of the train, an observation carriage includes lounge-style seating surrounded by glass on three sides. There are also open-air observation areas and a buffet car for meals, drinks and snacks.
Chicago to San Francisco
Experienced travellers say the California Zephyr is one of the most beautiful train trips in all of North America. As you climb through the heart of the Rockies and head further west through the snow-capped Sierra Nevadas, you may find it hard to disagree. The Zephyr runs daily between Chicago and San Francisco, taking 51 hours to course through the plains of Nebraska to Denver, across the Rockies to Salt Lake City, and then through Reno and Sacramento to just outside of the city of San Francisco.
Los Angeles to Seattle
The Coast Starlight works its way along the west coast from Los Angeles to Seattle. On the route, pass Santa Barbara, the San Francisco Bay Area, Sacramento, and Portland. Catch scenery from verdant valleys and forests to the snow-topped mountains of the Cascade Range and Mount Shasta, and Pacific Ocean shoreline to boot. This striking route runs daily. Taking around 35 hours without delays, trains have business class seating, sleeping accommodation, a dining car and café (but no Wi-Fi).
Tokyo to Osaka
The fastest way to travel between Tokyo and Osaka is via the Nozomi trains on the Tokaido Shinkansen Line. In just 2 hours and 30 minutes, you can get from Tokyo Station to Shin-Osaka Station. Trains in Japan are clean, efficient and run strictly on time so you’re guaranteed to reach your destination quickly having had filmic views of Tokyo’s countryside all throughout your journey! You don’t even have to worry about getting hungry or thirsty because each cart has a wide variety of snacks, drinks, and boxed meals for you to choose from.
What have been your favourite train journeys to take around the world?
Let me know in the comments.
