13 Train Routes So Long They Cross Entire Continents
In a world dominated by air travel, there’s something romantically nostalgic about journeying across vast distances by rail. Train travel offers a unique perspective on landscapes that planes simply fly over and cars rush past.
These marathon rail routes connect disparate regions, cultures, and ecosystems, providing passengers with an intimate ground-level view of how continents transform mile by mile. Here is a list of 13 extraordinary train routes that span entire continents, crossing mountains, deserts, forests, and plains while connecting distant corners of our world through ribbons of steel.
Trans-Siberian Railway, Russia
Stretching 5,772 miles from Moscow to Vladivostok, this legendary railway is the longest continuous rail line on Earth. The journey crosses eight time zones and takes six days, passing the Ural Mountains, Siberian forests, and Lake Baikal—the world’s deepest lake.
The Canadian, Canada
Running 2,775 miles between Toronto and Vancouver, this journey showcases Canada’s vast geographical diversity. It travels through the Great Lakes, prairies, and Rocky Mountains before reaching the Pacific coast.
Like Go2Tutors’s content? Follow us on MSN.
The Indian Pacific, Australia
Spanning 2,704 miles from Sydney to Perth, this route links Australia’s east and west coasts. The journey includes the Nullarbor Plain, which has the world’s longest straight stretch of railway track at 297 miles.
California Zephyr, United States
This 2,438-mile journey connects Chicago to San Francisco, showcasing the American heartland and western mountain ranges. It crosses the plains, climbs the Rockies, and traverses Nevada’s deserts and the Sierra Nevada.
The Ghan, Australia
Covering 1,851 miles from Adelaide to Darwin, this train crosses the Australian outback north to south. It honors Afghan camel drivers and follows the path of explorer John Stuart through deserts, ranges, and tropical regions.
Like Go2Tutors’s content? Follow us on MSN.
TranzAlpine, New Zealand
Though only 139 miles long, this route travels from Christchurch to Greymouth across New Zealand’s South Island. The five-hour journey includes alpine scenery, Arthur’s Pass, tunnels, viaducts, and lush native forests.
Beijing to Lhasa Express, China/Tibet
At 2,330 miles, this is the highest railway in the world, connecting China’s capital to Tibet. The 40-hour trip crosses permafrost, peaks over 16,000 feet, and offers supplemental oxygen for high-altitude travel.
The Orient Express, Europe
The original route spanned about 1,900 miles from Paris to Istanbul, crossing multiple European nations. Though discontinued in 2009, heritage journeys continue under the legendary Orient Express name.
Like Go2Tutors’s content? Follow us on MSN.
The Northern Explorer, New Zealand
This 423-mile journey between Auckland and Wellington crosses the North Island’s central plateau. It passes active volcanoes, farmland, forests, and the famous Raurimu Spiral over 11 hours.
The Tazara Railway, Tanzania/Zambia
Built with Chinese assistance, this 1,160-mile railway links Dar es Salaam to Kapiri Mposhi in Zambia. It climbs from the coast, through wildlife reserves and highlands, into Zambia’s copper region.
The Empire Builder, United States
Running 2,200 miles between Chicago and Seattle/Portland, this route follows parts of the Lewis and Clark trail. It spans dairy lands, plains, Glacier National Park, and the Cascade Mountains.
Like Go2Tutors’s content? Follow us on MSN.
The Blue Train, South Africa
Spanning about 990 miles from Pretoria to Cape Town, this luxury train crosses South Africa’s diverse landscapes. From highveld and deserts to mountain ranges and coastal regions, it offers a deluxe colonial-era experience.
The Eastern & Oriental Express, Southeast Asia
Running 1,262 miles from Singapore to Bangkok, this luxury train crosses three countries. It journeys through jungles, rice paddies, and historic sites like the River Kwai, offering a rich view of Southeast Asia.
Rails That Bind Nations Together
These rail journeys are more than just transport—they offer deep immersion into geography and culture. As they wind across continents, they remind us of the beauty in slow travel and the subtle transitions of the Earth’s landscapes.
Like Go2Tutors’s content? Follow us on MSN.
More from Go2Tutors!
- 18 Unexpectedly Valuable Collectibles You Might Have Lying Around
- 15 Things Every Teenager in the ’70s Did That Teens Today Wouldn’t Understand
- 15 Strange Things People Have Tried to Ban (And Failed)
- 15 Inventions That Were Immediately Banned After Being Created
- 20 Actors Who Were Almost Cast in Iconic Roles
Like Go2Tutors’s content? Follow us on MSN.
