Top-5 Longest Train Routes in the World by 2025, Check the List

Trains have always been one of the most fascinating ways to travel long distances. Around the world, some train routes cover thousands of kilometers, crossing mountains, deserts, forests, and even time zones. These journeys are not just about reaching a destination, but also about enjoying beautiful landscapes and unique experiences. Let’s explore the top five longest train routes in the world.

Top-5 Longest Train Routes in the World by 2025

Trains are one of the best ways to enjoy long journeys. They give travelers a chance to see changing landscapes, meet people, and experience culture in a way flights cannot offer. Around the world, some train routes are so long that they cover thousands of miles and take several days to complete. In 2025, the following five routes remain the longest train journeys in the world.

Here are the names of top-5 longest train routes in the world in 2025:

• Trans-Siberian Railway
• Beijing-Moscow Railway
• Shanghai-Lhasa Railway
• California Zephyr
• Toronto-Vancouver Train

Trans-Siberian Railway

• Distance: 5,772 miles (9,289 km)
• Time-taken: About 7 days
• Route: Moscow → Vladivostok

The Trans-Siberian Railway is the longest train route in the world. It crosses 8 time zones, making it a true journey across Russia. The train runs from Moscow in the west to Vladivostok in the east, covering forests, mountains, and even the shores of Lake Baikal, the world’s deepest freshwater lake.

This journey takes more than a week, and passengers see the real beauty of Siberia, from the Ural Mountains to endless steppes.

Beijing-Moscow Railway

• Distance: 4,735 miles (7,621 km)
• Time-taken: 6 days
• Route: Beijing → Moscow

The Beijing–Moscow Railway is the second longest train route in the world. It connects China with Russia, passing through Mongolia and sometimes Kazakhstan (depending on the route).

Travelers see the Gobi Desert, the Altai Mountains, and the Great Wall of China. This route is popular among adventurers because it connects Asia with Europe and offers a mix of cultures and landscapes.

Shanghai-Lhasa Railway

• Distance: 2,666 miles (4,293 km)
• Time-taken: About 2 days
• Route: Shanghai → Lhasa

The Shanghai–Lhasa Railway, also known as part of the Qinghai–Tibet Railway, is one of the highest railway routes in the world. The train reaches an altitude of 5,072 meters (16,640 ft) at the Tanggula Pass.

The journey takes about two days and shows travelers the Himalayas, the Yellow River, and Qinghai Lake. It is a modern engineering wonder, built in some of the toughest weather conditions in the world.

California Zephyr

• Distance: 2,438 miles (3,924 km)
• Time-taken: 3 days
• Route: Chicago → San Francisco

The California Zephyr is the longest train journey in the United States. It starts in Chicago and ends in San Francisco, crossing 8 U.S. states including Illinois, Colorado, Utah, and Nevada.

The route is famous for its scenic beauty—from the Rocky Mountains to the Sierra Nevada and desert landscapes. Many travelers call it the most beautiful train ride in North America.

Toronto-Vancouver Train

• Distance: 2,740 miles (4,400 km)
• Time-taken: 4 days
• Route: Toronto → Vancouver

The Toronto–Vancouver train, also called “The Canadian”, is the longest train route in Canada. It connects the eastern city of Toronto with Vancouver on the Pacific coast.

The train passes through Ontario’s lakes, the Prairies, and the Rocky Mountains, giving passengers stunning views. It is also one of the most popular tourist train routes in the world.