Best Train Journeys Around the World in Hartford, United States
1. Trans-Siberian Railway
A historic journey from Moscow to Vladivostok, passing through Siberia and the Ural Mountains.
- Longest Train Journey: Covers an expansive 9,289 km (5,775 mi) stretch
- Cultural Exploration: Experience diverse cultures and landscapes across Russia
- Time Zone Transition: Travel through multiple time zones (9-12 hours)
2. Venice Simplon-Orient-Express
Luxurious train ride from London to Venice, passing through Europe's picturesque landscapes.
- Luxury Travel: Indulge in fine dining and opulent accommodations
- Scenic Routes: Travel through scenic locations like the Alps and Austrian countryside
- Historical Experience: Journey in a train that once carried royalty and celebrities
3. Rocky Mountaineer
A rail trip through the Canadian Rockies from Vancouver to Banff, showcasing stunning mountain landscapes.
- Natural Wonders: View glaciers, forests, and snow-capped mountains
- Daily Scenic Highlights: Experience daytime-only travel to maximize views
- Comfortable Journey: Spacious glass-domed cars for unobstructed views and comfort
4. Japanese Shinkansen (Bullet Train)
High-speed train travel from Tokyo to Kyoto, offering a glimpse into Japan's modernity and tradition.
- Speed: Travel at incredible speeds reaching up to 320 km/h (200 mph)
- Punctuality: Consistently arrives on time, making it one of the most punctual trains in the world
- Efficient Network: Extensive network covers major Japanese cities
5. Glacier Express (Switzerland)
Scenic journey through the Swiss Alps from Zermatt to Chur, featuring breathtaking mountain vistas.
- Alpine Scenery: Passes through 291 bridges and 91 tunnels
- Luxurious Experience: Panoramic windows, first-class service, and gourmet dining
- Slow Travel: Journey takes a leisurely 8 hours to complete
6. Bernina Express (Switzerland)
Train journey from Chur to Tirano, showcasing the beautiful Bernina Region of Switzerland.
- Alpine Landscapes: Offers stunning views of the Bernina Range and Brusio Spiral Viaduct
- Scenic Routes: Travel through 55 tunnels and over 196 bridges
- Glacier Views: Passes by glaciers, including the Morteratsch Glacier
7. Maharajas' Express (India)
Luxurious train ride through India, showcasing its rich heritage and diversity.
- Luxury Travel: Indulge in fine dining and opulent accommodations
- Cultural Exploration: Visit iconic destinations like the Taj Mahal, Jaipur, Ranthambore, and Udaipur
- Historical Experience: Journey in a train that once carried royalty and celebrities
8. Rovos Rail (South Africa)
Vintage train ride through southern Africa, offering an experience of colonial-era luxury.
- Luxury Travel: Indulge in fine dining and opulent accommodations
- Scenic Routes: Travel through diverse landscapes, including the Karoo Desert and Drakensberg Mountains
- Historical Experience: Journey in a train that showcases South Africa's colonial heritage
9. Irish Rail (Ireland)
Train ride through the lush green landscapes of Ireland, with stops at historic cities and villages.
- Scenic Routes: Travel along the Wild Atlantic Way, passing by cliffs, beaches, and castles
- Cultural Exploration: Visit cities like Dublin, Cork, and Galway and explore their rich heritage
- Efficient Network: Extensive network covers major Irish cities and popular tourist destinations
10. West Highland Line (Scotland)
Train journey through the Scottish Highlands, featuring dramatic landscapes and loch views.
- Natural Wonders: Passes by Glencoe Valley, Rannoch Moor, and Loch Lomond
- Scenic Routes: Travel through 214 bridges, including the famous Glenfinnan Viaduct
- Historical Experience: Journey through areas steeped in Scottish history and folklore
11. Flåmsbana (Norway)
Scenic train journey from Myrdal to Flåm, showcasing Norway's stunning fjord landscapes.
- Natural Wonders: Travel along the Aurlandsfjorden and Naeroyfjorden
- Steep Gradients: Includes a steep gradient of up to 5.5% on certain sections
- Scenic Routes: Travel through 20 tunnels and across 8 bridges
12. El Transcantábrico (Spain)
Luxurious train ride along the beautiful Cantabrian Coast of Spain.
- Scenic Routes: Travel through coastal towns, fishing villages, and green countryside
- Historical Experience: Journey through areas steeped in Spanish history and culture
- Luxury Travel: Indulge in fine dining and opulent accommodations
13. The Ghan (Australia)
Train ride from Adelaide to Darwin, showcasing Australia's diverse landscapes and cultures.
- Scenic Routes: Passes by the Outback, MacDonnell Ranges, and Katherine Gorge
- Cultural Exploration: Visit historic towns, Aboriginal communities, and iconic sites like Alice Springs
- Long Distance Travel: Covers a vast distance of 2,979 km (1,851 mi)
14. Golden Eagle (Russia and Mongolia)
Luxurious train ride from Moscow to Beijing, showcasing the vast landscapes of Russia and Mongolia.
- Scenic Routes: Travel through remote regions like Lake Baikal and the Mongolian Steppe
- Cultural Exploration: Visit iconic destinations like Ulaanbaatar, Irkutsk, and Yekaterinburg
- Luxury Travel: Indulge in fine dining and opulent accommodations
15. Orient-Express Singapore to Bangkok
Luxurious train ride from Singapore to Bangkok, showcasing Southeast Asia's rich cultures and landscapes.
- Scenic Routes: Travel through lush tropical landscapes, scenic rivers, and bustling cities
- Cultural Exploration: Visit iconic destinations like Kuala Lumpur and Penang
- Luxury Travel: Indulge in fine dining and opulent accommodations