You’re at work and your boss offers you a gift (shocker I know). A once in a life time opportunity to experience a train journey, a VERY long train journey that covers approximately 18,755 km. You will visit 13 countries along the way. The only catch, it will take 3 weeks to complete. What is your response? Itinerary Overview Starting Point: The journey begins in Lagos, located in the Algarve region of southern Portugal. Route Through Europe: From Lagos, travelers would head to Lisbon, Portugal’s capital, then continue to Hendaye in the Basque Country of Spain. After enjoying some time in Hendaye, the next stop is Paris, France. Crossing into Russia: Following a brief stay in Paris, the traveler embarks on a lengthy 40-hour train ride to Moscow, Russia. Journey Across Asia: The next leg involves an intense 60-hour train ride from Moscow to Beijing, China. Traveling Southeast Asia: From Beijing, the route continues into Laos via Kunming. This segment is particularly significant as it utilizes Laos’s first major railway line. Final Stops: After reaching Vientiane in Laos, travelers board a train to Bangkok, Thailand. Next is a change for Padang Besar in northern Malaysia before finally arriving at the destination: Singapore. Environmental Impact and Cost This extensive train journey is significantly more environmentally friendly compared to flying the same distance; it produces only 0.08 tonnes of CO2 emissions compared to 1.67 tonnes from air travel over the same route. Additionally, the cost of train tickets for this journey would be around $1,350 (approximately €1,255), not including accommodation and meals along the way. In summary, this remarkable train journey not only covers an incredible distance but also offers a unique experience of diverse cultures and landscapes across multiple countries.
In a hypothetical world, where I was allowed to enter 3 particular countries on this route without being in immediate danger. Yes, yes I would take this trip. It's such a great opportunity to see the world a bit more closer up.
Isn’t travel to or through Russia still banned by most countries due to the ongoing, though largely out of the news these days, conflict with Ukraine?
-_-LivvuAurora-_- & OldVern Haha, quite right. I don’t know how accurate this journey is in 2024 or if it’s still allowed, and the information I read seemed rather sketchy. I don’t know if the train would survive the journey passing through Russian and Ukrainian territory.
Wonderful idea!! I would probably detour through Scandinavia. But yes, unfortunately a dangerous trip these days after you get through Europe. In a larger sense, has anyone ever circumnavigated the globe by train, like they have by sea, air and hot air balloon? Did Michael Palin do it? Can't recall.
I remember this being on TV, and yes he travelled the globe “point to point”. My memory is a little fuzzy though, I’m assuming he started the journey in his home country and finished there. I know it took him 80 days and he used a variety of different transport to achieve this.
Friends who've done the Trans-Siberian have told me it's a week of watching birch trees go past 3 metres beyond the window. TBF I've done US coast-to-coast, and while there are glorious sections, there are also some quite boring parts that go on for hours (hello Nebraska!)
Back in 2008 I did London to Beijing with stops in Moscow, Irkutsk & Ullan Battor the course of 4weeks. If politically it was possible I’d do it again or similar in a heart beat
Not to be that Guy but the route could surely be longer with a few twists and turns Or are we talking about longest "direct" Route Also yeah as mentioned wouldnt do this in particular dur to the contries it goes through. But i still have enough to explore in europe alone with Interrail
