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Since the
first steam-powered locomotive was displayed in 1804, trains have shaped the
lives of humanity. By allowing people and freight to be carried along known
routes in high speeds, trains made the world smaller, trade goods more
available and travel more comfortable and swifter. Thanks to the
transcontinental railroad that connected America’s east west, the United
States became an economic superpower.
Besides
their cultural and historical significance, trains also allow you to travel
in comfort, while experiencing incredible vistas. These 12 train-rides are
some of the world’s most scenic and luxuriant rides in the world, and should
be experienced by everyone.
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1. Hiram Bingham
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If you want to travel
the jungles of Peru in style, then the Hiram Bingham is for you! This deluxe
train travels to Machu Pichu, while providing its passengers with high-end
accommodation and dining.
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2. The Ghan
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Australia's Great
Southern Rail from Adelaide to Darwin is a 54-hour, 2,979km (1,851mi) train
ride that crosses Australia from north to south. The name "Ghan" is
actually an abbreviation of its original name - "The Afghan
Express".
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3. Darjeeling
Himalayan Railway
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Also known as “The Toy
Train”, this train uses t vintage British B Class steam locomotive for its
daily tourist trips. The train climbs the Himalayas up to heights of over
2,200m (7,200ft), on a route that is 78km (48mi) long. Considering it’s using
such old locomotives, it’s astounding that it is still functioning so
efficiently!
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4. The Adirondack
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This train runs
between New York and Montreal, through the magnificent Hudson valley and the
Adirondack mountains which gives it its name. While the train often suffers
from delays, the 11-hour trip is so beautiful, most people agree that it's
worth it.
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5. The West
Highland Line
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Voted as the most
scenic train ride in the world, for several consecutive years, the West
Highland Line travels between Mallaig and Glasgow in Scotland. The locals
refer to it as 'Rathad Iarainn nan Eilean' ("Iron Road to the
Isles").
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6. Brocken railway
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The highest mountain
in Germany is called Brocken, and lends its name to this train. The Brocken
train provides the most comfortable way to get to Brocken mountain's nature
reserve.
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7. First Passage to
the West
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This track is famous
in Canada for uniting the east and west of the country over a hundred years
ago. Nowadays, this historic track offers a luxury 2-day ride along some of
Canada's most gorgeous views.
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8. Golden Eagle
Trans-Siberian Express
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The world's longest
train ride, the Trans-Siberian Express is a 9,288km (5,771mi) long ride,
crossing Russia from Vladivostok in the east to Moscow in the west. The
Golden Eagle is the most luxurious ride along this line. Offering spacious
sleeping cars, gourmet dining and the most scenic views in Asia.
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9. The Maharaja
Express
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The most expensive
luxury train in the world, the Maharaja Express enjoys a reputation of having
the best services in the world. Mind you, the cheapest fare for an adult is
nearly $7,000...
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10. El Tren Crucero
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Travel along Ecuador's
Andes in luxury. This train chugs along the avenue of volcanos, passing by
dormant and even active volcanos along its route. You can also experience the
locals way of life along the route at various stops.
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11. The Eastern
Orient Express
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The Eastern Oriental
Express has been awarded a place on the "World's Top 25 Trains"
list by The Society of International Railway Travelers for its beauty,
service, dining, and off-train experiences. It runs between Singapore's
Woodlands Train Checkpoint and Hua Lamphong, Bangkok, stopping at Kuala
Lumpur, Butterworth and Kanchanaburi.
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12. Bergen Railway
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Travelling Norway from
Bergen to Oslo, this train crosses Europe’s highest plateau on its 495km
(308mi) long trip. It is considered to be one of the most beautiful rides in
the world and won high praise in the Lonely Planet travel guide.
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