The article celebrates train travel as a poetic and immersive way to explore the world, where the journey itself is as important as the destination. Inspired by a quote from Agatha Christie, it suggests that travelling by train allows you to see “life” unfolding — villages, fields, rivers, mountains and people passing slowly by the window.
It brings together some of the world’s most spectacular rail journeys, showing how a train can be a moving hotel, a panoramic viewpoint and a social space at the same time:
- Australia – The Ghan:
A 54-hour journey between Darwin and Adelaide, crossing the red heart of Australia via Alice Springs and near Uluru, blending modern luxury with Outback history. - India – The Shimla “toy train”:
A twisting mountain route with 107 tunnels, full of green landscapes and colonial charm. - Russia – The Trans-Siberian Railway:
The epic crossing from Moscow to Vladivostok, revealing the sheer size and diversity of Russia. - Switzerland – The Glacier Express:
Panoramic carriages crossing bridges, gorges and snowy Alpine scenery. - Japan – The Shinkansen:
Ultra-fast, ultra-punctual trains racing past coastlines, cities and Mount Fuji, blending tradition and technology. - France – The Pyrenees (Little Yellow / Little Red Train):
Narrow-gauge trains climbing slowly through mountains, vineyards and small villages, some with open-sided carriages. - United Kingdom – The Northern Belle:
Classic luxury with champagne and fine dining through green landscapes and historic viaducts like Ribblehead. - Peru – The Belmond Andean Explorer:
A five-star train linking Cusco, Lake Titicaca and Arequipa, showcasing the drama of the Andes and Inca heritage. - Africa – Katanga–Benguela / African Kingdoms:
A long odyssey through Angola, Congo, Zambia and Tanzania across plains, valleys and great rivers, with possible safari stops. - USA – Rocky Mountaineer:
A slow journey between Denver and Moab following the Colorado River through canyons and desert landscapes.
The core message is that these trains represent the spirit of slow travel — travelling without rush, enjoying scenery, comfort and atmosphere. The train is not just transport, but a complete travel experience combining luxury, culture, nature and emotion.
Review by Lassi Pensikkala, travel expert
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International Travel, Business, and Marketing Expert Lassi Pensikkala
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