“It is good to have an end to journey toward; but it is the journey that matters, in the end.”
Ursula K. Le Guin
If this is a sentiment that resonates with you, then you were made for journeying by train.
From the spectacular scenery to the luxurious carriages and the increasingly extraordinary claim to an epic journey… it is impossible to beat the perspective you gain from a train carriage.
In a world that is increasingly speeding towards the future, the delight of a slow rail journey approaches an alternative universe.
Luckily, from the Andes to the world’s largest waterfall in Zambia, custodians of these experiences can be found across the globe.
“Slow travel by train is almost the only restful experience left to us.”
– Herbert
Bernina Express
The route
From Chur and St Moritz in Switzerland to Tirano in northern Italy
Time out
Four Hours and 90 mi (145 km)
Highlights
Incredibly scenic with 55 tunnels and 196 bridges, waterfalls, glaciers and ravines.
Also runs over the Bernina pass at 7,000 ft (2.1 km).
Tren a las Nubes
The route
Following the old tracks from Salta in Argentina to the Chilean border
Time out
A Seven-hour journey
Highlights
A 13,800 ft (4.2 km) climb (they carry oxygen on board) through multicolored rock and giant cactus fields.
Jacobite Train
The route
Running from Ben Nevis to Loch Nevis.
Time out
Two hours and ten minutes one way. 84 miles (135 km) return.
Highlights
Take in Britain’s highest mountain, shortest river, and Europe’s deepest seawater loch. See the 21-arch Glenfinnan Viaduct featured in the Harry Potter films. This journey is the only timetabled service on the national network.
Bergensbanen
The route
From Oslo to Bergen
Time out
310 mi (499 km) over seven hours.
Highlights
This high northern European rail route passes through desolate mountain terrain and it runs at 4,000 ft (1219 m) and 196 ft (60 m) above the tree line. You can also stop at Myrdal to take the Flam Railway which is Europe’s steepest conventional track train dropping 2,831 ft (863 m) into the fjord below.
Venice Simplon-Orient-Express
The route
Between London and Venice
Time out
24 hours
Highlights
Twenties, art deco carriages and world-class service including the most exquisite cuisine and a piano bar. Think Agatha Christie novel…
The Rocky Mountaineer
The Route
Pick from one of four routes running through the Rockies over the old Canadian Pacific line to Vancouver
Time out
Between two and eight days traveling only during daylight
Highlights
Breathtaking scenery including wild waters of Fraser Canyon’s Hell’s Gate and steep tracks along the Thompson River. Spend the night in the lakeside city of Kamloops before the train crosses the stunning, snow-capped peaks of the Canadian Rockies. Traditional native storytelling along the way. Glacier-fed lakes, forest and lots of wildlife. If you book a ‘Gold Leaf’ ticket, you can ride and dine in traditional-style Dome Cars. (Might stop for bears.)
Eastern & Oriental Express
The Route
Between Bangkok’s Hua Lamphong station and Singapore through Malaysia.
Time Out
Two nights, three days
Highlights
Extensive modern en-suite facilities in a grand 19 coach sleeping car express. Drink a Singapore Sling on the verandah of the rear carriage.
The Palace on Wheels
The Route
Delhi return via Jaipur – Sawai Madhopur – Udaipur – Jaisalmer – Jodhpur – Bharatpur – Agra.
Time Out
7 nights
Highlights
14 Carriages with modern private showers and a personal ‘Khidmatgar’ or butler. See India in the style of the Maharajahs.
The Trans-Siberian
The Route
Moscow to Vladivostok
Time Out
Seven day
Highlights
Take the public Rossiya No 2 to mingle with the locals and channel your inner Theroux or the Golden Eagle for Tsar-style luxury travel as you cross eight time zones.
Rovos Rail
The Route
Various routes throughout Africa
Time Out
Three to fifteen days, depending on destination.
Highlights
An experience that is straight out of a bygone era with excellent service and food with special excursions throughout all of their African routes.
The Ghan
The Route
A marathon across 1851 mi (2978) of Australia
Time Out
54 hours (including a 4 hour stop in Alice Springs)
Highlights
The Darwin tropics, the red desert of Alice Springs to the Southern Ocean in Adelaide. Spy camels, kangaroos and descendants of the Afghan caravanners responsible for building the line almost a century ago.
California Zephyr
The Route
The last exceptional 2,438 mi (3923 km) train journey across the US from Chicago via Omaha – Denver – Salt Lake City to Oakland (San Francisco)
Time Out
A little more than two days.
Highlights
See more of America than most Americans from the plains of Nebraska, the majestic Rockies outside of Denver, the canyons of the Colorado River, the Utah desert and the snow-capped Sierra Nevada before arriving in the ‘City by the Bay’.
Glacier Express
The Route
From Zermatt, near the Matterhorn crossing the Rhone and into the Upper Rhone Valley to St Moritz
Time Out
One day (eight hours)
Highlights
Travel through 91 tunnels and 291 bridges past alpine meadows, mountain lakes, and hamlets. There is also the famous Landwasser Viaduct and the Oberalp Pass.
The Darjeeling Himalayan Railways or DHR
The Route
Fifty miles from Kolkata to Darjeeling
Time Out
2 hours over 8.6 mi (14 km)
Highlights
Climbing 6500 ft, it performs four zigzag loops to allow guests to acclimatize.
The Blue Train
The Route
Running between Pretoria and Cape Town since 1923
Time Out
27 hours
Highlights
South Africa’s scenery glides by as you are ensconced in wood-paneled berths. Fine wines and cigars are included in your fare and game drives are optional.
Reunification Express
The Route
From Hanoi to Saigon
Time Out
Two days
Highlights
Spy Vietnam from a modern air-conditioned sleeper (that you might share with a Vietnamese family).
Twilight Express
The Route
See Kyoto, Matsue, Izumo, and Miyajima
Time Out
Five routes vary from one night to three days.
Highlights
See the majestic Mount Daisen and enjoy views of the beautiful coastline along the Sea of Japan from outdoor viewing platforms.
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