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For many, train journeys have an emotional pull. Whether it’s the romance of train travel, the historical intrigues and narratives behind the many miles of track, or simply the chance to settle back, relax and enjoy the views as you’re whisked away, there’s no doubt it’s an appealing way to travel.
Journey by Train
From the steady rhythm of narrow gauges to the sprinting high-speed trains rocketing between cities, scenic railway journeys are enchanting. Packed into these journeys is the relentless innovation of world-class engineers, the undeniably dangerous toil of many workers, and the steady stream of stories of the billions of passengers who’ve travelled in these carriages ever since.
The stations are places to mingle, to brush against local life at it’s most authentic. So why not let the train take the strain on your next adventure?
TOY TRAIN – INDIA
For the real spotter, the Kalka to Shimla Toy Train is a narrow-gauge railway for over 90km and undoubtedly one of India’s most memorable rail trips. Starting off in Kalka, the train meanders across the plains before starting its slow ascent through the foothills of the Himalaya to Shimla, a former summer holiday hang out for the British Raj.
En route to the charming and cool (as in temperature) town of Shimla, the train passes through around 100 tunnels and across an incredible 800 odd bridges resembling Roman aqueducts mostly made of stone. Troupes of mischievous monkeys prance around the edge of the tracks and at speeds averaging around 12mph there is ample time to take in some magnificent views of the surrounding hills and villages.
Whilst the Shimla Toy Train is undoubtedly one for the tourist such is the sheer scale of Indian railways network it is easy to immerse yourself into the vast swathe of humanity that uses the train on a daily basis.
A journey on board one of their ‘express’ services is a heady cocktail of incessant chat, endless supplies of sweet chai and the opportunity to appreciate this vast, densely populated magical country. There is no better way to meet locals of all ages and backgrounds.
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BULLET TRAIN – JAPAN
Shinkansen If you’re keen for some super-slick, space-age speed look no further than the ultra-modern Shinkansen, or bullet train. These elegant and efficient streaks of white will transport you at speeds of up to 300kmph, looking so sleek and almost futuristic in the process that you’ll be the height of cool.
These hassle-free trains transport from A to B faster than any internal flight, without a whisper of waiting rooms, passport checks or mention of fluids under 100ml. Take a high-speed hit passing from Tokyo to Kyoto, and be awe-struck by the sight of Mount Fujithrough the window, the highest peak in Japan at an impressive 3776m.
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REUNIFICATION EXPRESS – VIETNAM
Just like the Indian Railways, taking the Reunification Express through the heart of Vietnam is quite an adventure. The North-South Railway (commonly referred to as the Reunification Express) is an overnight train that is normally packed with humans, livestock and fresh farm produce.
The ageing trains rattle like a can of nuts and bolts, but they are certainly the best way to travel across Vietnam. If you are lucky enough to get a pre-booked sleeping birth, be prepared to fight for your bed for the night with some local occupying it. (Having a tour guide with you really helps here!)
A single journey from Hanoi to Saigon can take up to two days but it is certainly time well spent as you soak up Vietnamese life. This train journey offers great opportunities for people watching as while you roll past the lush paddy fields and sleepy villages stretching from Hanoi all the way to Saigon.
Most of the journey is through the night so you cannot see much but as soon as dawn breaks the scenery all along the way is simply stunning. Don’t forget to try out local delicacies on board; the likes of tarantulas, marinated fried crickets, fresh durian fruit that smells like rotting flesh and of course Vietnamese coffee, served with condensed milk and spoons full of sugar.
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HIRAM BINGHAM TRAIN – PERU
Hiram Bingham train No four-day trek required to make it to Machu Picchu; taking the train from Poroy, 10 miles west of Cuzco, brings you face to face with this mysterious and captivating Inca ruin without any need for walking poles.
After snaking its way through the Inca heartland of the Sacred Valley, the royal blue train steams alongside the Urubamba River where white water rafters negotiate surging rapids and alpacas graze in their riverside pastures. This old train has character; there is no denying it – the Hiram Bingham train, named after the discoverer of this ancient Inca Fortress, takes its precious human cargo through the phenomenal Andes accompanied by the comforting clickety-clack of the tracks beneath you.
This is a million worlds away from your dull, morning commute to work. You may not be arriving as the Incas would have, but nonetheless you’ll be getting there in style.
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FLØIBANEN FUNICULAR – NORWAY
No day out in the beautiful merchant port of Bergen is complete without a trip on the funicular railway. The ‘Gateway to the Fjords’ was built on trade, and the UNESCO protected Bryggen Wharf was financed by riches inherited from heavy taxes upon the vessels that docked here.
Easily the best view of the city is from the top of the Fløibanen, or funicular railway, 150 metres from the historic site. Panoramic views stretch out across the harbour below and out over the sea, where outlying islands that make up Norway’s shattered coastline punctuate the skies.
But the funicular is interesting in its own right. One of the steepest railways in the world, this short journey (less than ten minutes) steadily summits Mount Floyen at a hair-raising angle – so much so that stair-like platforms have been built inside the carriages to prevent falling over. The all-glass panels make for easy gawping at the lush green mountains and sea views as you ascend, as long as you have a head for heights.
Not to mention that the journey begins inside a cavernous hole carved into the rock of the mountain itself – almost as though emerging from an ancient mine shaft. Even when the train comes to a halt, it remains at the 45-degree angle, and travellers must exit directly onto a flight of steps. Quite the industrial accomplishment!
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If you’d like to take one of these incredible train journeys, see our trips below.
