The Longest Train Journey in the World You Can Take

For travelers seeking a truly epic adventure, the longest train journey in the world offers a unique opportunity to experience multiple countries, cultures, and landscapes from the comfort of a train. This journey spans across Russia, China, and several parts of Europe and Asia on the famed Trans-Siberian Railway, a route that extends across 9,288 kilometers (5,772 miles). This iconic rail line connects Moscow to Vladivostok, crossing the entire breadth of Russia and covering eight time zones.

However, the longest continuous train journey that can be taken includes additional routes that extend beyond the Trans-Siberian, taking passengers all the way from Portugal to Singapore, or even further if combined with ferry crossings and rail extensions into Vietnam. Let’s break down this ultimate train journey:

1. Trans-Siberian Railway: Moscow to Vladivostok

trans siberian railway moscow vladivostok

The Trans-Siberian Railway is the core of the world’s longest train journey. Starting from Moscow, the route runs all the way to Vladivostok in the Russian Far East. This leg of the journey covers over 9,000 kilometers and can take about 7 days without breaks. Travelers will experience the vastness of Siberia, crossing the Ural Mountains, passing by the picturesque Lake Baikal, and traveling through steppes and forests.

Highlights:

Lake Baikal, the world’s deepest freshwater lake, is a breathtaking stop.
The varied landscapes, including forests, mountains, and plains, showcase the vastness of Russia.

2. Connecting Europe and Asia: Lisbon to Moscow

To truly make this the longest journey, travelers can start in Lisbon, Portugal, extending the journey across Europe. The route goes through cities like Madrid, Paris, Berlin, and Warsaw, eventually reaching Moscow to connect with the Trans-Siberian Railway. This adds a remarkable 4,800 kilometers (2,983 miles) to the total distance, taking travelers through some of Europe’s most famous cities.

Highlights:

Major European capitals like Paris and Berlin offer incredible sightseeing opportunities.
A comfortable, scenic journey across multiple European countries.

3. Beyond Vladivostok: Into Asia

Once in Vladivostok, it’s possible to extend the journey further into Asia. Ferries from Vladivostok can connect you to Japan or South Korea, and from there, you can continue southward to China and Vietnam. Train routes from China offer connections to Beijing, and further down into Southeast Asia, such as the famous train routes to Hanoi, Vietnam.

The Moscow to Singapore journey, which combines the Trans-Siberian Railway with train and ferry connections to Southeast Asia, is considered the longest continuous train journey possible. It covers around 18,755 kilometers (11,650 miles) and passes through an astonishing variety of landscapes, from the snowy plains of Russia to tropical rainforests in Asia.

Highlights:

Scenic views of Southeast Asia‘s lush landscapes, including rice paddies and mountains.
Cultural immersion as you pass through China, Vietnam, and potentially other Southeast Asian countries.

Why Take This Epic Journey?

This incredible trip is not just about the distance; it’s about experiencing the world in a unique way. From the grandeur of European capitals to the desolate beauty of Siberia and the vibrant cultures of Southeast Asia, this journey allows travelers to witness an unparalleled diversity of cultures and landscapes. It also offers the comfort of train travel, where you can relax and watch the world pass by from your window.

The longest train journey in the world — stretching from Lisbon in Europe to Singapore in Asia — offers an epic adventure that spans over 18,000 kilometers. Along the way, travelers pass through diverse regions, climates, and cultures, making this more than just a journey but a life-changing experience. Whether you embark on the full Lisbon-to-Singapore route or stick to the legendary Trans-Siberian Railway, this is a train ride that belongs on every traveler’s bucket list.

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