5 train journeys for your bucket list
Travel writer Paul Theroux once wrote about train journeys, “Anything is possible on a train: a great meal, a binge, a visit from card players, an intrigue, a good night’s sleep and strangers’ monologues framed like Russian short stories.”
Sounds like train journeys offer an intriguing, exciting travel experience. So, we’ve picked five of our favourites that offer exciting on-board experiences and plenty to see on the way.
1. The Rocky Mountaineer
Vancouver–Banff
Clatter your way through the Rocky Mountains to Banff aboard the Rocky Mountaineer.
This pioneering 19th century railroad traverses picturesque alpine terrain, combining stunning snow-capped mountain peaks with deep valleys and raging rivers.
Passengers can enjoy the postcard-worthy views from comfortable a glass-domed carriage while enjoying exquisite food.
Off the train, visit Lake Louise, take in the spectacular Columbia Icefields or spend some time exploring Banff National park.
2. The Ghan
Adelaide–Darwin
Cut straight up the middle of Australia through the Red Centre to tropical Darwin on The Ghan. This is one of the world’s greatest rail journeys.
The Ghan travels almost 3000km in just three days, with stops in Marla, Alice Springs and Katherine.
In Marla, about 1000km from Adelaide, the train makes a 45-minute stop so passengers can watch as the sun rises over the horizon, bathing the deep red outback landscape.
3. The Lake Titicaca train
Puno–Cusco
Most avid travellers have heard of the train that takes tourists from Cusco to Agua Calientes near the ancient city of Machu Picchu. But, this 10-hour train journey will give you a very different view of the South American country.
From the shores of Lake Titicaca, passengers are provided with spectacular views of the Andes’ snow-capped mountain peaks and the many valleys. Then the railway crosses the Peruvian plains, stopping at small villages and passing the many llama farmers who call the region home.
4. The Hokkaidō Shinkansen
Tokyo–Hakodate
Travellers must experience the Japanese shinkansen (bullet train) at least once in their lifetime. What better way to enjoy the occasion than travelling between the bustling metropolis of Tokyo to Hakodate on the island of Hokkaido.
Whizz by the Japanese countryside on this four-hour train ride that covers 824km. Near Honshu, the train will enter the Seikan Tunnel world’s longest underwater tunnel. At 54km, the tunnel took 17 years to complete.
5. Glacier Express
St Moritz–Zermatt
The Glacier Express is an eight-hour train journey through the Swiss Alps between St Moritz and Zermatt. Out the window, passengers can take in panoramic views of the Oberalp Pass which sits at 2033m above sea level.
As the train passes through the Rhine Gorge, visitors will see incredible rock formations dotted across the landscape.
Feeling peckish? The train has an on-board kitchen offering passengers tasty dishes along with regional specialties.
Ride the rails
Speak to an RAA travel agent about booking a rail adventure.
Or call 8202 4589