Longest Train Route in the World, List of Top-10

Traversing vast landscapes, crossing continents, and connecting distant cities, train journeys offer an unparalleled adventure and a unique perspective on the world. Among the plethora of train routes that crisscross the globe, one stands out for its sheer length and the breathtaking scenery it traverses: the Trans-Siberian Railway. Spanning across Russia, Mongolia, and China, the Trans-Siberian Railway holds the title of the longest train route in the world, offering an unforgettable voyage through diverse landscapes and cultures.

World’s Largest Train Route

The Trans-Siberian Railway, the world’s lengthiest train route, spans from Moscow to Vladivostok, covering a distance of 9,289 kilometers. Over eight days and seven nights, passengers traverse eight time zones, witnessing a panorama of Siberian forests, vast steppes, the majestic Ural Mountains, and the awe-inspiring beauty of Lake Baikal. It’s an extraordinary journey that encapsulates the grandeur and diversity of Russia’s landscapes, cultures, and history.

Top-10 Longest Train Route of the World By 2024

Trans-Siberian Railway of Russia covering a distance of 9,289 kilometers is the longest train route in the world, followed by Beijing-Moscow Railway, Shanghai-Lhasa Railway and California Zephyr.

Here is the list of top-10 longest routes in the world by 2024:

Longest Train Routes in the World 2024
Rank	Train Route	Country	Duration
1.	Trans-Siberian Railway	Russia	8 days 7 nights
2.	Beijing-Moscow Railway	China, Russia, Mongolia, Kazakhstan	6 days 5 nights
3.	Shanghai Lhasa Railway	China	2 days 3o hours
4.	California Zephyr	United States	3 days 2 nights
5.	Toronto-Vancouver	Canada	3 days 2 nights
6.	Eastern and Oriental Express	Thailand, Singapore	4 days 3 nights
7.	The Ghan	Australia	3 days 2 nights
8.	Indian Pacific	Australia	4 days 3 nights
9.	The Blue Train	South Africa	2 day 3 nights
10.	The Maharajas’ Express	India	8 days

World’s Longest Train Route – Train-Siberian Railway

Country: Russia

Duration: 8 days 7 nights

Distance: 9,289 km

The world’s longest train route, the Trans-Siberian Railway, spans from Moscow to Vladivostok. This epic journey lasts eight days and covers eight time zones, offering vistas of Siberian forests, vast steppes, the Ural Mountains, and the stunning Lake Baikal. It’s a mesmerizing odyssey through diverse landscapes and cultures, showcasing the vastness and beauty of Russia’s heartland.

Second Longest Train Route in the World – Beijing Moscow Railway

Country: Russia, China, Mongolia and Kazakhstan

Duration: 6 days 5 nights

The Beijing-Moscow Railway is the second longest railway line in the world, and it’s also one of the most scenic. The journey takes six days and five nights, and it covers four countries: China, Russia, Mongolia, and Kazakhstan. Along the way, you’ll see the Gobi Desert, the Great Wall of China, and the Altai Mountains.  The Trans-Siberian Express website mentions: “Such a journey covers three countries, Russia, Mongolia, and China, and provides a chance for the in-depth exploration of three great nations. Such rail trip usually take more than 3 weeks, around 20-23 days.”

World’s Third Longest Train Route – Shanghai-Lhasa Railway

Country: China

Duration: 2 days 30 hours

Ranked as the world’s third longest train route, the Shanghai-Lhasa Railway boasts remarkable heights, reaching 5,072 meters (16,640 feet) at Tanggula Pass. The journey spans two days and 30 hours, traversing awe-inspiring landscapes in Tibet. Passengers are treated to panoramic views of the majestic Himalayas, the winding Yellow River, and the serene Qinghai Lake, making it an unforgettable rail experience.