8 Must-Do Train Journeys For Every Traveller

Venice Simplon-Orient Express (England, France, Switzerland & Italy)

Start: London | End: Venice | Distance: 2,090km | Duration: 24 hours

In a world obsessed with breakneck speed, train travel offers a delightful rebellion. It's a chance to surrender to the rhythm of the rails, a slower pace that allows romance and wonder to seep into exploration. Furthermore, rail stands out as the most promising form of mass transportation in the fight against global warming. A 2022 report by the International Energy Agency highlights that while carrying 9 per cent of global passengers and 7 per cent of freight, train travel only accounts for 3 per cent of transport energy use.

The true magic, however, lies in the unique perspective a train grants the voyager. Unlike a fleeting car ride, a train unfolds the landscape like a storybook. Imagine gazing out the window as the train snakes through the Swiss Alps, revealing snow-capped peaks and charming chalets. Quaint villages, hidden valleys, and the very soul of a destination come into view, one frame at a time. Train journeys aren't just about reaching a point; they're about the in-between, the ever-changing scenery that becomes an experience in itself. The gentle rocking of the train lulls you into a state of tranquillity, where fellow passengers become companions, and the rhythmic clatter of wheels are a comforting lullaby. The slower pace allows you to truly disconnect and unwind, a luxury often forgotten in our fast-paced world. Train travel isn't merely transportation; it's a gateway to a slower, more immersive way of seeing the world.

Rocky Mountaineer (Canada)

Start: Vancouver | End: Banff | Distance: 957km | Duration: 37 hours

Hokkaidō Shinkansen (Japan)

Start: Tokyo | End: Hakodate | Distance: 824km |Duration: 4 hours

Ella Odyssey Train (Sri Lanka)

Start: Colombo Fort | End: Badulla | Distance: 293km | Duration: 10 hours 15 minutes

Qinghai-Tibet Railway (China)

Start: Beijing | End: Lhasa | Distance: 3,750km | Duration: 40 hours

The Bergensbanen (Norway)

Start: Oslo | End: Bergen | Distance: 496km | Duration: 6 hours 30 minutes

Glacier Express (Switzerland)

Start: St Moritz | End: Zermatt | Distance: 290km | Duration: 8 hours

Jacobite Steam Train (Scotland)

Start: Fort William | End: Mallaig | Distance: 70km | Duration: 2 hours