Exploring the World’s Most Unique Train Journeys

Published in the Sunday Indian Express Magazine - Eye on 12 January 2025

A few months ago, I shared stories about some of the most incredible train journeys in India - experiences that showcase our country’s diversity, history, and breathtaking landscapes. Trains like ‘Palace on Wheels’ and ‘Deccan Odyssey’ transport us not just across places but through time, offering a deep connection to the true spirit of India.

Today, let’s broaden our horizons and step aboard some of the world’s most iconic trains. These trains are experiences in themselves, filled with stories of innovation, adventure, and unparalleled beauty. So, let’s embark on a virtual ride across continents, exploring the most extraordinary train journeys the world has to offer.

Longest Railway: Trans-Siberian Railway (Russia): Spanning an impressive 9,289 kilometres from Moscow to Vladivostok, the Trans-Siberian Railway holds the title of the longest railway line in the world. This epic journey across Russia is filled with vast landscapes and cultural depth, crossing 87 cities, 16 rivers, and 8 time zones.

The journey begins in the historical heart of Russia, Moscow, and stretches across the entire expanse of the country to reach Vladivostok on the Pacific coast. Travellers on the Trans-Siberian Railway witness a dramatic change in scenery as they move eastward. The train traces the edges of the majestic Ural Mountains, the natural boundary between Europe and Asia. Beyond this, the vast expanses of the Siberian Taiga unfold-a dense forest landscape that is both awe-inspiring and a reminder of the untamed wilderness that covers much of Russia.

The journey is punctuated with opportunities to explore deeper into Russia's heartland. Perhaps the most breathtaking of these detours is a visit to Lake Baikal. Known as the deepest lake in the world, Lake Baikal is a natural wonder that captivates with its crystal-clear waters and picturesque surroundings.

During the railway’s construction in the late 1800s, engineers faced immense challenges, including building across Siberia’s frozen swamps. They used vodka as a reward for workers, a tradition that still lives on for travellers who toast their journey with local spirits onboard.

Steepest Railway: Pilatus Railway (Switzerland): Nestled in the heart of Switzerland, the Pilatus Railway is a true marvel of engineering. Operating since 1889, this cogwheel railway climbs an astonishing gradient of 48%, earning it the title of the steepest cogwheel railway in the world in figures. It offers a journey that is as exhilarating as it is scenic, ascending to the summit of Mount Pilatus at 2,128 meters (6,982 feet) above sea level.

The journey begins in Alpnachstad, a charming Swiss village on the shores of Lake Lucerne, and winds its way up to the majestic peak of Mount Pilatus. As the train makes its ascent, passengers are treated to panoramic views of the surrounding alpine landscape, including verdant meadows, sparkling lakes, and rugged mountain peaks.

At the top, visitors are rewarded with breathtaking views that stretch across the Swiss Alps and beyond. Mount Pilatus itself is steeped in local legends, often referred to as the ‘Dragon Mountain’ due to medieval tales of dragons that were said to live in its caves. The summit features a variety of attractions, including hiking trails, observation decks, and cosy alpine restaurants serving Swiss delicacies.

Fastest Railway: Shanghai Maglev (China): In the bustling metropolis of Shanghai, the Shanghai Maglev is the fastest commercial train in the world. Reaching speeds of up to 431 km/h (268 mph), this magnetic levitation (maglev) train, covers a distance of 30 kilometres in an astonishing 7 minutes and 20 seconds.

The journey connects Shanghai Pudong International Airport to Longyang Road Station in the city, providing passengers with an incredibly smooth and efficient ride. Unlike traditional trains, the Shanghai Maglev operates without wheels. Instead, it uses powerful magnetic fields to levitate the train above the track, eliminating friction and allowing for extraordinary speeds. The result is a seamless glide that feels more like flying than riding a train.

The experience begins as the sleek, futuristic train departs from the station. Within seconds, passengers feel the acceleration as the Maglev reaches top speed. The countryside blurs into streaks of green and gray, and a digital speedometer inside the train showcases the breathtaking velocity.

The train’s ride is so smooth that passengers are often treated to a fascinating demonstration: a coin balanced upright on a table remains perfectly still, even as the train hurtles along at over 400 km/h. This stunt, frequently performed by staff or seasoned travellers, never fails to astonish first-time passengers. It’s a simple yet profound reminder of the precision and stability that magnetic levitation technology offers.

Most Unique Train Accommodation: Shalati Train on the Bridge (South Africa): Perched high above the Sabie River in South Africa’s iconic Kruger National Park, the Shalati Train on the Bridge redefines luxury travel by combining history, innovation, and the beauty of the African wilderness. This one-of-a-kind experience offers guests the chance to stay in a refurbished train permanently stationed on the historic Selati Bridge, where the train carriages have been transformed into opulent suites.

Stepping aboard feels like entering a bygone era, as the train is a tribute to the adventurers who first visited Kruger by rail in the 1920s. The elevated position of the train provides breathtaking vistas of the Sabie River, where guests often wake up to the sight of elephants, hippos, and crocodiles in their natural habitat. At night, the distant roars of lions or the gentle calls of frogs create a symphony of the wild, adding an unforgettable dimension to the experience. The entire experience blends the intimacy of a safari with the nostalgia of luxury train travel, creating a truly unparalleled stay.

Most Scenic Railway: Glacier Express (Switzerland): Nicknamed the ‘Slowest Express Train’, the Glacier Express is a breathtaking journey through the heart of the Swiss Alps, offering passengers some of the most spectacular views on Earth. Spanning 291 kilometres, this iconic train connects Zermatt to St. Moritz, two of Switzerland’s most famous mountain resorts, in a leisurely 8-hour journey that feels more like a curated alpine showcase than a commute.

Panoramic windows provide uninterrupted views of snow-dusted peaks, lush green valleys, and quaint Swiss villages tucked away in the mountains. Along the way, the train passes through 91 tunnels and over 291 bridges, including engineering marvels like the Landwasser Viaduct, which arches gracefully above a deep gorge, and the Oberalp Pass, the highest point on the route at 2,033 meters above sea level.

The Indian Pacific: Australia’s Coast-to-Coast Rail Experience: Stretching across the vast expanse of Australia, the Indian Pacific offers one of the world’s most remarkable rail journeys. Named after the two oceans it connects the Indian Ocean and the Pacific Ocean, this transcontinental adventure spans over 4,350 kilometres from Sydney to Perth. It’s a four-day voyage that captures the essence of Australia’s dramatic landscapes, cultural heritage, and pioneering spirit.

The journey begins in Sydney, with views of the city’s iconic harbour and coastline. As the train heads west, it passes through the dramatic Blue Mountains, known for their cliffs, waterfalls, and eucalyptus forests, and the fertile vineyards of South Australia, showcasing the country’s agricultural heritage.

The highlight of the trip is the Nullarbor Plain, a vast, treeless expanse featuring the world’s longest straight stretch of railway track, a 478-kilometre line cutting through the heart of the desert. Here, passengers can step off to experience some of the best stargazing in the world, with the Milky Way stretching brilliantly across the unpolluted night sky. The journey culminates in Perth, where the Indian Ocean awaits, marking the end of an unforgettable coast-to-coast adventure.

Most Luxurious Railway: Venice Simplon-Orient-Express (Europe): Stepping aboard the Venice Simplon- Orient-Express is like travelling back to the glamour of the 1920s, with its meticulously restored Art Deco carriages redefining luxury. The train’s most iconic route connects London to Venice, gliding through the English countryside, the French landscape, and the Swiss Alps, before arriving in the romantic canals of Venice. Other routes, including Paris, Prague, and Istanbul, showcase Europe’s cultural richness in unparalleled style.

Each carriage, restored to its 1920’s grandeur, offers opulence and breathtaking views. It’s the train winds through the Alps or hugs the Adriatic coastline, passengers are immersed in scenery as captivating as the train itself. Long associated with royalty and intrigue, the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express has hosted European kings, queens, and spies, becoming a legendary symbol of elegance and mystery.

Each train journey we have explored is more than just a passage between destinations. It’s a journey into the heart and soul of each place, offering unforgettable experiences and stories to cherish. So, where will your next train adventure take you? I would love to hear about it; write to me at neil@veenaworld.com. Until next time, keep celebrating life!