
Best Train Journeys Around the World in Amagasaki, Hyōgo, Japan
1. Trans-Siberian Railway
A 9,289 km long railway line connecting Moscow to Vladivostok, passing through Amur River and Lake Baikal.
- Scenic Beauty: Offers breathtaking landscapes of Siberian taiga forests, vast rivers, and deep valleys.
- Cultural Experience: Provides a unique insight into Russian culture, history, and the lives of its people.
- Duration: Spans over seven time zones and takes about a week to complete, making it one of the longest train journeys in the world.
2. Glacier Express
A scenic rail route from Zermatt to St. Moritz, showcasing the Swiss Alps' peaks and glaciers.
- Alpine Views: Offers panoramic views of the stunning Swiss Alps, including the Matterhorn.
- Engine Technology: Uses state-of-the-art locomotive technology to navigate steep gradients and tight curves.
- Luxury Experience: Provides a first-class travel experience with fine dining, onboard guides, and comfortable seating.
3. Japanese Shinkansen (Bullet Train)
High-speed train service connecting major cities in Japan, including Tokyo to Kyoto and Osaka.
- Speed: Travels at speeds up to 375 km/h (233 mph), making it one of the fastest trains in the world.
- Reliability: Known for its punctuality and safety, with a delay rate of less than 1 minute per 2,000 trips.
- Comfort: Offers spacious, comfortable seating and high-quality amenities for passengers.
4. Rocky Mountaineer
Two-day train journey from Vancouver to Banff through the Canadian Rockies.
- Scenic Views: Provides breathtaking views of snow-capped mountains, crystal-clear lakes, and deep forests.
- Daylight Journey: Designed to maximize daylight viewing with glass-domed coaches and open-air viewing platforms.
- Luxury Experience: Offers exceptional service, gourmet meals, and comfortable accommodations for passengers.
5. Trans-Mongolian Railway
A 6,802 km long railway line connecting Moscow to Beijing, passing through Mongolia.
- Cultural Exchange: Allows travelers to experience diverse cultures of Russia, Mongolia, and China.
- Scenic Highlights: Features stunning landscapes such as the Ural Mountains, Siberian taiga, and Mongolian steppe.
- Travel Time: Takes approximately 7-10 days to complete, offering a long adventure across three countries.
6. West Highland Line (Scotland)
A scenic rail route from Glasgow to Mallaig, showcasing the Scottish Highlands' rugged landscapes.
- Scenic Beauty: Offers stunning views of lochs, mountains, and glens along the way.
- Historical Interest: Passes through charming towns with rich histories and Harry Potter film locations.
- Engine Technology: Uses vintage steam locomotives for some trains, adding to the nostalgic charm of the journey.
7. The Ghan (Australia)
A three-day train journey from Darwin to Adelaide, crossing Australia's tropical north and outback.
- Scenic Diversity: Travels through lush tropical forests, vast deserts, and bustling cities.
- Cultural Experiences: Offers opportunities to learn about Aboriginal culture and the history of Australia's outback.
- Comfortable Travel: Provides comfortable accommodations, gourmet meals, and guided tours along the way.
8. Iranian Trans-Iran Railway
A railway line connecting Mashhad to Iran's southern ports, showcasing diverse landscapes and cultures.
- Cultural Exchange: Allows travelers to experience the rich history, architecture, and hospitality of Iran.
- Scenic Highlights: Features stunning landscapes such as the Elburz Mountains, desert plateaus, and ancient cities.
- Travel Time: Takes several days to complete, offering a long adventure across Iran.
9. Cape Town to Victoria Falls Railway
A three-day train journey from Cape Town to Victoria Falls, showcasing Southern Africa's diverse landscapes.
- Scenic Diversity: Travels through vineyards, savannahs, and tropical rainforests.
- Wildlife Opportunities: Provides chances to spot wildlife such as elephants, lions, and rhinos in their natural habitat.
- Cultural Experiences: Offers opportunities to learn about local cultures and visit historic sites along the way.
10. Bergen Line (Norway)
A scenic rail route from Oslo to Bergen, showcasing Norway's fjords and mountains.
- Scenic Beauty: Offers breathtaking views of deep fjords, snow-covered mountains, and glaciers.
- Historical Interest: Passes through charming towns with unique architecture and rich histories.
- Comfortable Travel: Provides comfortable seating, meals, and sightseeing opportunities along the way.
11. Indian Pacific (Australia)
A three-day train journey from Sydney to Perth, crossing Australia's vast outback.
- Scenic Diversity: Travels through deserts, coastal regions, and gold rush towns.
- Cultural Experiences: Offers opportunities to learn about Australia's history, Aboriginal culture, and gold rush era.
- Comfortable Travel: Provides comfortable accommodations, gourmet meals, and guided tours along the way.
12. The Reunification Express (Vietnam)
A railway line connecting Hanoi to Ho Chi Minh City, showcasing Vietnam's diverse landscapes and cultures.
- Cultural Exchange: Allows travelers to experience the rich history, architecture, and food of Vietnam.
- Scenic Highlights: Features stunning landscapes such as rice paddies, karst formations, and bustling cities.
- Travel Time: Takes approximately 36 hours to complete, offering a long adventure across Vietnam.
13. Torres del Paine to Puerto Natales (Chile)
A scenic train ride from Torres del Paine National Park to Puerto Natales, showcasing Patagonia's breathtaking landscapes.
- Scenic Beauty: Offers stunning views of glaciers, lakes, and towering mountains.
- Wildlife Opportunities: Provides chances to spot guanacos, condors, and other Patagonian wildlife.
- Cultural Experiences: Offers opportunities to learn about the history and culture of Chile's Patagonia region.
14. Irish Rail (Ireland)
A rail service connecting Dublin to Cork, showcasing Ireland's picturesque landscapes and historic sites.
- Scenic Beauty: Offers breathtaking views of coastal cliffs, lush green fields, and quaint villages.
- Historical Interest: Passes through historic sites such as Blarney Castle, Cahir Castle, and Cashel Palace.
- Comfortable Travel: Provides comfortable seating, meals, and sightseeing opportunities along the way.
15. Rovos Rail (Africa)
Luxury train travel across Africa, with routes including Cape Town to Dar es Salaam.
- Scenic Diversity: Travels through diverse landscapes such as deserts, savannahs, and coastal regions.
- Cultural Experiences: Offers opportunities to learn about Africa's rich history, wildlife, and cultures.
- Luxury Travel: Provides first-class accommodations, gourmet meals, and guided tours along the way.