Despite the increase in cheap charter flights and constantly growing numbers of cars per person, travelling by train still ranks among the most popular ways of transportation, and there are several good reasons for that. First, trains are still one of the safest ways to travel compared to other options such as driving and riding a bus. Of course, flying is still the safest way of travel, but if you look at these 25 Nightmarish Airports, you may question the validity of this statement. Second, trains are comfortable, allowing you to just sit back, relax, and enjoy the journey. Definitely more comfortable the flying, with seats comparable in size to business class or even first class in some airlines. Third, trains are usually cheaper than flying, much cheaper in some cases with prices starting at about $60 dollars per ride. Fourth, trains are relatively environmental-friendly. And fifth, they often drive through some of the most beautiful and scenic places. For today´s post, we have compiled a list featuring some of the most amazing railways in the world. From astonishing mountain railways in Switzerland and Norway to the iconic Grand Canyon Railway in Arizona and the luxury Maharaja Express in India, taking a train ride on any of these 25 breathtaking railways is an unforgettable experience that might even outshine the vacation itself. So be sure to take note of these 25 Spectacular Railways you should ride before you die.
Tunnel of Love, Ukraine
Source and image: www.dailymail.co.uk
A popular spot for in-love couples (for obvious reasons), the Tunnel of Love is a 3 km (1.9 mi) long, green-arches surrounded railway near Klevan, Ukraine.
Hiram Bingham Orient Express, Peru
Source and image: www.inkas.com
Hiram Bingham Orient Express is a luxury train that will take you through the stunning Urubamba River Valley near the legendary mountain Machu Picchu.
Landwasser Viaduct, Switzerland
Source and image: en.wikipedia.org
Spanning the Landwasser River between Schmitten and Filisur, the Landwasser Viaduct is a 65 m (213 ft) high and 136 m (446 ft) long viaduct in Eastern Switzerland.
Maeklong Market Railway, Thailand
Source and image: landscapeandurbanism.com
As incredible as it sounds, this railway crosses a market. Every time the train passes through, the vendors quickly pack all their stuff and take it away from the tracks. Once the train is gone, they put everything back and continue with their work.
Rocky Mountaineer, Canada
Source and image: www.canadianrockies.net
Connecting Banff and Vancouver, the Rocky Mountaineer train takes you on a two-day journey through the spectacular Canadian Rockies.
Napier-Gisborne Railway, New Zealand
Source and image: pinterest.com
Yes, you see it right. This railway in New Zealand crosses a local airport´s runway. To pass it, the trains need to seek a clearance from the air traffic control.
Trans-Siberian Railway, Russia
Source: en.wikipedia.org, image: www.zerohedge.com
The longest railway line in the world (9,289 km or 5,772 mi), the Trans-Siberian Railway will get you to some of the most amazing places in Russia.
Gyeonghwa Station, South Korea
Source and image: www.thegoldenscope.com
Located in Jinhae, South Korea, this railway station is surrounded by thousands of cheery trees. If you travel to this station when the trees are in blossom, you will see a truly breathtaking spectacle.
Brocken Railway, Germany
Source: en.wikipedia.org, image: boston.com
One of the most scenic railways in Germany, the Brocken Railway runs from the station of Drei Annen Hohne to the summit of the Brocken, the highest peak of the Harz, a mountain range in north of the country.
Bernina Express, Switzerland
Source and image: www.swisstravelsystem.com
Connecting cold north and sunny south of Switzerland, the Bernina Express operates between Chur and Tirano. Surrounded by the monumental Swiss Alps, this railway is considered one the most beautiful in the world.
Douro Valley Railway, Portugal
Source and image: dourovalley.eu
Going from Porto to Pocinho, the Douro line crosses 30 bridges and passes through 26 tunnels. Taking a train ride on this railway is a great and easy way to enjoy the panoramic views of the picturesque Douro Valley.
Adelaide-Darwin Railway, Australia
Source: en.wikipedia.org, image: www.diariodecultura.com.ar
With a length of almost 3,000 km (1,850 mi), the Adelaide-Darwin Railway is famous for its stunning views of the Outback. It takes 54 hours to complete the journey.
Flamsbana, Norway
Source and image: www.visitflam.com
One of the steepest trainlines in the world with almost 80% of the journey having a gradient of 5.5%, Flamsbana runs through majestic mountains, breathtaking waterfalls, beautiful lakes and other landmarks so typical of the diverse Norwegian nature.
Darjeeling Himalayan Railway, India
Source and image: esikkimtourism.in
Established by the British Government in 1891, the Darjeeling Himalayan Railway is one of the most popular railways in India.
Coastal Classic, Alaska
Source and image: www.bootsnall.com
Running between Anchorage and Fairbanks, this Alaskan railway offers perfect conditions for watching local marvelous nature. From Beluga whales along the coast to dog sledding, taking a ride on this railway will show you all the Alaskan beauties.
Tatran Railway, Slovakia
Source and image: www.zelpage.cz
Connecting several tourist resorts in the Tatra Mountains, the Tatran Railway is one of the most beautiful railways in Slovakia.
Isumi Line, Japan
Source: en.wikipedia.org, image: pinterest.com
Located in the Chiba Prefecture, the Isumi line extends through the central eastern section of the Bōsō Peninsula, linking Ōhara Station in the city of Isumi to Kazusa-Nakano Station in the town of Ōtaki.
Rovos Railway, South Africa
Source and image: edition.cnn.com
Trains running on this iconic South African railway are considered the most luxurious in the world. During the 3-day journey from Pretoria to Cape Town sometimes referred to as “train safari”, you will see much of local astonishing fauna and flora.
Settle to Carisle Railway, England
Source and image: www.dailymail.co.uk
One of the most spectacular sights of British railways is the Ribblehead Viaduct on the Settle to Carlisle Railway. During the 2-hour journey, you can enjoy spectacular views of the Northern England´s countryside.
Grand Canyon Railway, Arizona
Source: en.wikipedia.org, image: offclouds.com
Arguably the most fascinating railway in the US, the Grand Canyon Railway operates between the city of Williams and the famous Grand Canyon National Park. Trains going on this railway are vintage and their engines run on steam.
Talyllyn Railway, Wales
Source and image: dioni.co.uk
Another picturesque railway featuring vintage steam trains, the Talyllyan Railway curves its way through the beautiful Fathew Valley in Northwestern Wales.
Oslo to Bergen Railway, Norway
Source and image: www.raileurope.com
Connecting two largest and most popular Norwegian cities Oslo and Bergen, this railroad will take you on a magnificent 7-hour trip around stunning Norwegian nature. Trains along this route rank among the most comfortable and well-maintained in the world.
Semmering Railway, Austria
Source: en.wikipedia.org, image: www.austriawanderer.com
The first mountain railway in Europe built with a standard gauge track, the Semmering Railway leads through the Semmering Pass, a large mountain pass known for its panoramic views.
Shanghai to Lhasa Railway, China/Tibet
Source and image: www.tibettour.org
Featuring the Sky Train, the highest train ride in the world, the Shanghai to Lhasa Railway passes amidst the grand vistas of surreal mountain range and uniquely shaped Tibetan landscape. It takes 9 days to complete this fascinating ride.
Maharaja Express, India
Source: en.wikipedia.org, image: lerablog.org
One of the most luxurious trains in the world, the Maharaja Express operates between the largest Indian cities Mumbai and Delhi. The train runs on 5 circuits covering more than 12 destinations across North-West and Central India including the iconic Taj Mahal.
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