In the world of travel, train enthusiasts get to enjoy extraordinary journeys. There are many trips that allow travellers to see multiple countries and time zones and navigate shifting landscapes and cultures.
However, there is one mammoth train ride that might just surpass all journeys. This train ride, which is believed to be the world’s longest, takes travellers from Portugal all the way to Singapore, journeying a total of 18,755 kilometres.
The journey kicks off in a Portugal’s seaside town, Lagos, from there it makes its way north through Spain and then to Paris.
After reaching France’s capital, a connection takes passengers west through Europe until it reaches Moscow, where they get to board the Trans-Siberian railway line.
The incredible journey takes six nights to reach Beijing, and a long trip through China will lead passengers to a ride from Vientiane to Bangkok via the Boten-Vientiane railway.
The last stretch of the journey is one through Malaysia to eventually arrive into Singapore, the final destination.
The itinerary estimates that it takes around 21 days to complete the adventure, but when you consider changing timetables and potential distruptions, and then factor in stop-offs in cities and towns along the way, completing the journey could actually take months.
Unfortunately with the ongoing Russian aggression on Ukraine, all train journeys from inside the EU to Russia have been suspended, and therefore passengers are currently unable to experience the once-in-a-lifetime trip.
The Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) also advises against all travel to Russia.
It states: “FCDO advises against all travel to Russia due to the risk and threats from its continuing invasion of Ukraine, including, secruity incidents, such as drone attacks, and Russian air defence activity, lack of flights to return to the UK and limited ability for the UK government to provide support.
“There is also a high likelihood terrorists will try to carry out attacks, including in major cities.”