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Looking for Activities Along the Way?
Train Travel: A Sustainable Way to Explore With Epic Views
Whether you're looking for a more sustainable way to travel, or to avoid the long lines of airport security with flights, it's worth considering travel via rail.
Though the US is not particularly known for having efficient train travel options, we still feel it's worth mentioning some routes you can take across the country for an unforgettable experience with incredible scenery.
Below, you'll find incredible train journey options to consider for your next trip, such as the iconic Santa Claus Express which offers a cheaper alternative for getting to Lapland, Finland from the US.
Train Travel in Europe
Whether you're looking to travel via the Hogwarts Express up in the Scottish Highlands. Or you're looking for a more cost-effective way to reach a destination, such as flying to Helsinki and grabbing the Santa Claus Express to Lapland, below you'll find bucket-list train journeys to consider taking when visiting Europe.
Train Travel in North America
Though train travel is not as popular in North America as it is in Europe, there are still options to explore when traveling through the US, Canada, or Mexico. Grab an all-you-can-drink tequila train in Jalisco to top up your tequila experience (book a tequila barrel for a hotel stay). Or explore outside major cities, such as a train to Sleep Hollow out of New York City, or Salem out of Boston.
10 Most Beautiful Train Journeys in the World
Discover the world on rails: Some of the most iconic journeys in the world, like the Trans-Siberian Railway between Moscow and Beijing, the TranzAlpine in New Zealand, or the Copper Canyon Railway in Mexico - here the journey can take a little longer. Whether luxurious or very simple - we present ten of the most fascinating and beautiful train routes in the world, where the focus is not on arriving quickly, but on the route itself.
1. The Trans-Siberian Railway (Moscow – Beijing)
The Trans-Siberian Railway is something of a legend– and has been since 1891. With more than 5,771 miles between Moscow and Vladivostok, the "Transsib" is the longest continuous railway connection in the world. If travelers were to travel the route without a break, they would be on the road for a whole seven days. Two continents, seven time zones and over 200 cities await them on the tour. The possibilities for routes and destinations are virtually inexhaustible. Many travel companies put together ready-made routes according to your wishes. The real, original route of the Trans-Siberian Railway runs from Moscow to Vladivostok on the Pacific coast. But there are now also numerous other routes that are often mentioned in the same train as the original route. The route through Mongolia to Beijing is appropriately called the Trans-Mongolian Express and runs along the original route to Ulan-Ude before turning towards Mongolia. The Trans-Manchurian route even runs a little longer along the original line, turning in the town of Chita towards northern China and then goes via Harbin and Shenyang to Beijing.
2. Eastern & Oriental Express (Singapore - Bangkok)
Anyone who boards the train in Singapore is first poured tea by a butler dressed in white, while air conditioning keeps the compartment perfectly cool. The Eastern & Oriental Express is a relic of times long gone and allows its guests to immerse themselves in the colonial era . The journey to Bangkok takes three days , with several stops. Old Penang and the River Kwai are particularly worth seeing - but the train itself remains the real highlight. Anyone who longs for a little more freedom can go to the observation compartment, stretch their legs and admire the beauty of the landscape. The food is also special: Asian haute cuisine dishes are served by star chefs. In the evenings, travelers wear only the finest clothes. The evenings are accompanied by piano music and Thai dances. Once they arrive at Bangkok's Hualampong station, however, reality quickly catches up with the guests. This experience costs at least $2,500 per person.
3. Glacier Express (Switzerland)
The Glacier Express starts in beautiful St. Moritz in Switzerland . From every seat, guests have a fantastic view of the mountains and forests and feel like travelers experiencing a great adventure. The Swiss Alps, the Inn, the Danube - the diversity of this region is hard to beat. The idyllic villages, the large forest areas and the view of the Rhine are also impressive. A feast can be enjoyed particularly well at an altitude of 2,000 meters and on arrival in Zermatt many travelers are sure to reach for a Toblerone.
4. TranzAlpine (New Zealand)
The South Island of New Zealand is characterized by mountains up to 3,000 meters high that are covered in snow. The journey with the TranzAlpine takes you 225 kilometers from the largest city, Christchurch , to the smallest city, Greymouth, on the west coast. The region through which the train travels leisurely is one of the most beautiful landscapes in the world. However, luxury is not the focus here. But that doesn't matter, as the view excuses the normal standard. The area is uniquely beautiful, especially in winter. Important stops on the route are Canterbury Plains and the Torlesse Range. This is followed by the transit zone, where the vegetation is spectacular. The view of the rainforests is particularly breathtaking . This adventure only lasts just under five hours and travelers still have the feeling of having traveled to several countries. The trip costs around 200€.
5. Semmering Railway (Austria)
The route on the Semmering Railway between the towns of Gloggnitz and Murzzuschlag in Austria is just 42 kilometers long . The route, which is a World Heritage Site , leads through the eastern Austrian Alps. The mountains alone are impressive, but the route itself is also impressive. It was built between 1848 and 1854 and overcomes a total of around 460 meters in altitude . The architect was Carlo di Ghega, who set new standards at the time. 20,000 workers made the pioneer's dream come true. The Semmering Route combines nature with technical progress. Back then, it was precisely this harmony that made the route one of the first attractions of emerging tourism. Travelers reach their destination after just 90 minutes and one or two of them will certainly wish the journey continued for a little longer. This route costs a maximum of 20€ , making it a bargain in comparison.
6. Copper Canyon Railway (Mexico)
Anyone who travels through Mexico on the Chihuahua Pacific Express, also known simply as "El Chepe " , will be impressed. The train winds its way through remote areas, past the Copper Canyon. The area is four times larger than the Grand Canyon in the USA. Hardly anyone lives here - only the Rarámuri, an indigenous people, have made themselves comfortable in the area. The train starts on the Mexican Pacific coast in Los Mochis, then continues past numerous cacti to El Fuerte and into the canyons. Bridges, tunnels and barren landscapes are passed, which are unique in their beauty. Colossal stone slopes, serpentines and rivers characterise the valley. 300 kilometres from Los Mochis and almost 2,000 metres above sea level, an unforgettable panorama is revealed . The best thing: the train stops here so that the travellers have time to admire the area. After 655 kilometres, the train reaches its destination and the passengers are at some experiences and impressions richer. A trip in the economy category costs around €700 , and €1,400 must be paid for the best category.
7. Shinkansen (Japan)
The express trains arrive in Japan on the dot. The doors open right in front of the waiting queue. People wearing white gloves and hats show the passengers how to get on. There is no better way to start a journey like this. The high-speed train is not exactly cheap, but the journey is an experience. The train glides over the tracks even at speeds of up to 186 mph. On the route from Tokyo to Kyoto, rice fields, forests, temples and many other metropolises pass by. With a bit of luck, you might even catch a glimpse of Mount Fuji. There is just one thing to remember: you are not allowed to use your cell phone during the luxurious journey.
8. A Train (USA)
Hardly any other transport line embodies the history of the USA as much as "A Train", which runs from Brooklyn through Manhattan to Harlem. The route is associated with jazz and, above all, with Duke Ellington. The iconic carriages trudge through the many worlds of the mega city of New York . It is advisable to get off at the Jay Street station, explore Brooklyn and then later get back on at the Park Place station. The next stop is in Manhattan on West 41st Street, from where you can get to Central Park. From the Upper West Side, the journey continues to the final stop, 145th Street in Harlem's Sugar Hill.
10. Flamsbana (Norway)
A trip on the Flamsbana in Norway is almost like a trip on a rollercoaster - it zigzags through mountains and valleys . The train shines in lush green and travels from bitterly cold Myrdal into the Aurlandsfjord to Flam . The entire interior is made of wood and has not changed much since the 1920s. It took four long years before the connection was completed. Extra-large windows guarantee the best view. The train runs all year round and is used primarily by the inhabitants of the fjords. The Flamsbana is historic and at the same time more modern than you might think. The interplay between high-tech and nostalgia in particular makes this trip an unforgettable experience.
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