Friday, November 22, 2024

The world’s longest train journey through 13 countries

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Train travel enthusiasts have long eyed this epic journey as one of the pinnacles of overland travel.

The journey is the world’s longest possible rail journey, taking passengers from Portugal all the way to Singapore.

The flexible itinerary estimates that the journey takes approximately 21 days, but considering any timetables and potential disruptions, along with stop-offs in cities and towns along the way, the journey would likely actually take months.

The 18,755-kilometre journey crosses through Europe, Siberia, and Asia.

With the onset of war in Ukraine, the journey is now unfortunately at a standstill as all train journeys from inside the EU to Russia have been suspended.

However, rail enthusiasts are surely holding their breath for the route to reopen someday in the future.

The route was only made possible by the opening of the Chinese-built £4.7 billion Boten-Vientiane railway in Laos, which connects China to Southeast Asia.

The incredible journey begins in the port town of Lagos, Portugal, and travels north through Spain and then to Paris.

Following Paris, a connection takes passengers west through Europe until it reaches Moscow.

There, travellers take a six-night journey on the Trans-Siberian railway line to Beijing, leading them even closer to the final stop.

A long journey through China will lead to the Boten to Vientiane line. From Vientiane, travellers will reach Bangkok, where they’ll start a journey through Malaysia and eventually Singapore, the journey’s final destination.

Train travel experts estimate that the base cost of the trip would be around $1,200 (£926.87), which is around the same price as flying directly to Singapore from the UK.

The train rides are full of beautiful landscapes, sites of cultural and historical significance, and many UNESCO World Heritage Sites.

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