In today’s fast-paced world, we often prioritize convenience and speed, opting for cars or planes over the slower pace of trains. Yet, there’s a unique romance and poetry in train travel that allows us to appreciate the journey as much as the destination. Imagine experiencing the beauty and diversity of dozens of countries over 18,755 kilometers in 21 days—a route that is considered the longest continuous train journey in the world, spanning from Portugal to Singapore.
This hypothetical journey was pieced together by train enthusiasts on Reddit, with guidance from Mark Smith, a railroad expert and founder of Seat61.com, a website dedicated to long train trips. Until recently, the longest possible continuous train route ended in Vietnam, covering 16,898 kilometers. To reach Singapore, passengers had to take a bus from Ho Chi Minh City through Cambodia to Bangkok. However, the opening of a high-speed rail line between Kunming, China, and Vientiane, Laos, has transformed this journey. It’s now possible to travel by train from Beijing to Bangkok and onward to Singapore, creating this epic new route.
The journey would take passengers through 13 countries, including Spain, Poland, Belarus, Mongolia, Thailand, and Malaysia. While you can’t travel this distance without stops, the 21-day adventure would include overnight stays and transfers between train stations. These stops offer an opportunity to explore vibrant cities, sample local cuisines, and immerse yourself in the cultures along the way.
The estimated cost for this round trip is around €1,200, a reasonable price for an experience that combines the thrill of exploration with the serenity of train travel. Unlike airplanes, which rush you to your destination, or cars, which can isolate you from the world outside, trains provide a unique vantage point to witness changing landscapes, from European countryside to the dynamic heart of Asia.
While challenging, with logistical hurdles like station changes and varied schedules, this journey is a testament to the joy of slow travel. It’s not just about reaching Singapore but about embracing the adventure, meeting people, and creating unforgettable memories along the way.
For those who dream of an extraordinary adventure, this train journey is a chance to rediscover the romance of travel and the magic of the journey itself.
