10 Top Longest Train Routes In The World: Epic Rail Journeys Across Continents

 In Best Time to Visit, General, Holidays

Ever dreamed of watching the world right from a train window? Get ready to discover the most epic list of longest train routes in the world that will take your breath away! Embark on an incredible International Tour through the highest train ride in the world or enjoy the longest train Journey in the world from Moscow to Vladivostok; these legendary train routes promise views you can’t see any other way. These railway journeys aren’t just trips —- they’re lifetime adventures. 

Picture yourself crossing eight different time zones on a single train ride, or sleeping in luxury cabins that feel like five-star hotels on wheels. Whether you’re a seasoned traveller or planning your first big adventure, the highest train ride in the world and the longest routes offer something magical. 

1. Trans-Siberian Railway

trans-siberian-railway

Speaking of the top longest train routes in the world, the Trans-Siberian Railway stands out as one of the world longest train routes. Imagine getting on a train in Moscow and staying on it for more than a week! The train travels through forests, mountains, and beautiful lakes. It goes so far that you will pass through eight different time zones – that’s like changing your watch eight times during the trip. Finally, after eight days and seven nights, you reach a place called Vladivostok on Russia’s eastern coast. That’s the longest train journey in the world!

  • Duration: 7 Days
  • Distance: 5,772 miles

2. Beijing-Moscow Railway

beijing-moscow-railway

Stands second on the list of longest train routes in the world is the Beijing-Moscow Railway. It is an amazing train adventure that connects China and Russia. As one of the world longest train routes, it takes you through Mongolia and Kazakhstan before finally reaching Moscow, Russia. During your journey, you will see incredible sights like the sandy Gobi Desert, the famous Great Wall of China, and the beautiful Altai Mountains reaching up to the sky.

  • Duration: 6 Days 
  • Distance:  4,735 miles

3. Shanghai-Lhasa Railway 

shanghai-lhasa-railway

Did you know about the highest train ride in the world?  The Shanghai-Lhasa Railway takes you on an incredible journey through China and Tibet. This train climbs so high into the mountains that you’re actually riding at 5,072 metres above sea level! The whole trip takes about two and a half days. While riding in one of the top longest train routes in the world, you will see some amazing sights like the Yellow River which looks like a golden ribbon from above, and the beautiful Qinghai Lake sparkling in the sunlight. The train is specially built to help passengers deal with the thin air at such high altitudes. 

  • Duration: 2 Days
  • Distance: 2,666 miles

Suggested Read: 15 Most Beautiful Train Journeys In India. Travel Guide 2025

4. California Zephyr

california-zephyr

America’s longest train adventure happens to be one of the top longest train routes in the world! This amazing train journey starts in Chicago, Illinois, and ends in California, taking you through eight different states —- Illinois, Iowa, Nebraska, Colorado, Utah, Nevada, Arizona, and California making it one of the world longest train routes. Imagine spending three days and two nights watching America’s most beautiful landscapes from your window!

  • Duration: 3 Days
  • Distance: 2,438 miles

5. Toronto-Vancouver Train

toronto-vancouver-train

Among the top longest train routes in the world, Canada offers an incredible journey 

between Toronto and Vancouver. This train ride, one of the most remarkable longest train services in the world, stretches an impressive 2,740 miles across the heart of Canada. The journey starts in busy Toronto and takes you through four huge provinces Ontario, Manitoba, Saskatchewan, and British Columbia.  It’s like taking a four-day tour of Canada’s most beautiful places, all while relaxing in comfort on the rail!

  • Duration: 4 Days
  • Distance: 2,740 miles

6. Indian Pacific

indian-pacific-train

Another one on the list of top longest train routes in the world is Australia’s Indian Pacific train that stretches from coast to coast.  This incredible journey is one of the longest train services in the world, taking passengers on a four-day, three-night trip across the entire width of Australia!

This amazing ride starts at the Indian Ocean in Perth and ends at the Pacific Ocean in Sydney. Western Australia, South Australia, and New South Wales are the three big Australian states you will travel to during this ride. 

  • Duration: 4 Days
  • Distance: 2,704 miles

Suggested Read: 5 Luxury Train Journeys in India: 5-Star Travel on Rails

7. Eastern And Oriental Express

eastern-and-oriental-express-train

One of the world longest train routes, the Eastern and Oriental Express offers one of the most elegant train experiences you can imagine! This longest train Journey in the world takes you on an unforgettable three to four-day adventure between Thailand and Singapore. The train is decorated like a palace, with beautiful wood panels, silk curtains, and fancy dining cars where you eat meals that look like they’re from the world’s best restaurants. The journey starts from Bangkok, Thailand to Singapore. 

  • Duration: 3 Days 
  • Distance: 1,262 miles

8. The Ghan

the-ghan-train

The Ghan stands proudly among the list of longest train routes in the world! For three days and two nights, you will travel through three different states:

  • Starting in South Australia, in the city of Adelaide
  • Rolling through the vast Northern Territory
  • Crossing into parts of Western Australia

This longest train Journey in the world takes you on an incredible three-day adventure through the heart of Australia.

  • Duration: 3 Days
  • Distance: 1,851 miles

9. The Blue Train

the-blue-train

Experience the longest train services in the world, through South Africa’s Blue Train. It offers an amazing 27-hour adventure that feels like staying in a moving five-star hotel! This longest train journey in the world takes you on an unforgettable trip between two major cities: Pretoria and Cape Town. Picture yourself travelling 994 miles in complete luxury. The journey shows you some of South Africa’s most beautiful places like the Drakensberg Mountains, Karoo Desert, and small towns and villages along the way. 

  • Duration: 2 Days 
  • Distance: 994 miles

Suggested Read: 8 Unique Transportations Around The World For A Fun Ride

10. The Maharajas’ Express

the-maharajas-express-train

This longest train journey in the world takes you through India’s most magical places! The Maharajas’ Express is like a palace on wheels, rolling through the colourful state of Rajasthan for seven amazing days, covering over 3,285 km. Visit the famous Taj Mahal, a beautiful white marble building made for love, explore huge old forts that look like they’re from fairy tales, and see colourful cities where buildings are painted pink and blue. If you can’t spare a whole week, there’s also a shorter four-day trip that still lets you experience the royal treatment. 

  • Duration: 7 Days 
  • Distance: 1,692 miles

This could be the last route to discuss but there’s more —– Explore the best time to travel longest train routes in the world below!

Best Time To Travel Longest Train Routes In The World

best-time-to-travel-longest-train-routes-in-the-world

The best time to travel longest train routes in the world depends on the route we choose. However, here’s what you need to know to understand the best time to travel longest train routes in the world. 

For example, Northern routes like Russia, Canada, and Northern Europe must be visited from June to September with more daylight for sightseeing. And for Southern routes like South Africa, the best time could be between March to May or September to November with mild temperatures. 

Conclusion 

The longest train journey in the world offers more than just transportation—- It’s a gateway to unforgettable experiences. Whether you’re enjoying the peaks on the highest train ride in the world through Tibet or planning your next adventure, remember to check the best time to travel longest train routes in the world for the perfect journey.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the highest train ride in the world?

Shanghai-Lhasa train provides the highest train ride in the world.

How long is the world’s longest road train?

The longest train routes in the world include the Trans-Siberian Railway and the Beijing-Moscow Railway routes.

Which is the largest railway network in the world?

America has the biggest train network on Earth with a total length of 220,480 kilometres. 

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