All aboard! Classic rail journeys around the world
Sure it’s quicker to fly, but nothing has the glamour of old school train travel. Cross countries and continents in style with these classic rail journeys.
Trans-Siberian Railway, Russia
The most iconic rail journey in the world covers over 10,000 kilometres across eight time zones, traversing Russia from Moscow to Vladivostok (and vice versa). The full journey takes 13 days, crossing over the Ural Mountains, through the bleak Russian steppes and past the world’s largest freshwater lake, Lake Baikal. There are a number of trains operating on the route ranging from very (very) basic seating to carriages with sleeping berths and shared bathrooms, and all the way up to ultra luxurious private cabins with butler service. It’s a long journey, so it will probably be worth spending a little more for some creature comforts.
Venice Simplon-Orient-Express, Europe
The very name conjures up a feeling of glamour, romance and intrigue. The Orient-Express journey was made famous by Agatha Christie in her 1934 novel Murder on the Orient-Express. The original route ran from Paris to Istanbul, though this ceased operating in 1977, and the main route now stops at Venice. The luxury train that runs on the route is made up of meticulously restored 1920s carriages and liveried butlers will cater to your every whim. If you want the full experience, once a year the train runs the full journey to Istanbul. The passengers really get into the spirit with many of them dressing up in full 1920s regalia and there are plenty of celebrations onboard.
The Ghan & Indian Pacific, Australia
Australia is bisected along both axes by two of the greatest train journeys in the world; The Ghan and the Indian Pacific. The Ghan, named after the Afghan cameleers who blazed the original trail, runs from Adelaide to Darwin with a stop in Alice Springs. The Indian Pacific travels more than 4,300 kilometres between Sydney and Perth, an epic transcontinental journey that passes through the desolate Nullarbor Plain. The trains that operate on both routes are very plush with ultra luxe private cabins available, though there are more economical options that still make for a comfortable journey.
Rocky Mountaineer, Canada
This is easily the best way to see Canada’s spectacular Rocky Mountains. There are more than 40 journeys that wind through the mountains in British Columbia and Alberta. Starting in Vancouver, the train passes through the ski fields of Whistler and the lush wilds of Jasper, past the icy blue water of Lake Louise, scales the heights of the highest mountain in the Canadian Rockies, Mount Robson, and into the beautiful mountain community of Banff. The train has huge windows in all classes but if you want the best views, splash out for GoldLeaf class for the unique glass domed coach.
Maharajas’ Express, India
India has a great history of train travel and it is still the most popular way to get around the country for just about everyone – though the Maharajahs’ Express is certainly the most comfortable way to do it. Five journeys run around the north of India, departing either Delhi or Mumbai, passing through the ancient city of Agra (and the Taj Mahal), Varanassi, Jaipur, Udaipur and Ranthambore, home to India’s endangered tigers. There are just 88 guests onboard the train at a time and each cabin has a private washroom and butler service. If you’ve got money to burn, take out the two-bedroom Presidential Suite that covers an entire carriage.