Travelling by train has its own unique charm, especially when it involves an extended journey across continents.
A proposed route has gained attention for being the longest train journey possible, spanning 18,755 kilometres (11,654 miles), passing through 13 countries, and taking about three weeks to complete.
This theoretical journey, which requires at least seven different visas, starts in southern Portugal and ends in Singapore.
The trip begins in Lagos, Portugal, and moves on to Lisbon before heading to Hendaye in the Basque country.
From there, you would take a train to Paris, the French capital, and then to Moscow, a 40-hour ride.
This leg of the journey would be difficult at present due to geopolitical issues.
Continuing from Moscow, the journey involves a lengthy 60-hour ride to Beijing, China’s capital. From Beijing, the train continues through Kunming and into Laos, thanks to a newly constructed railway.
The next segment takes you from Vientiane, Laos, to Bangkok, Thailand. Afterward, the journey heads to Padang Besar in northern Malaysia, culminating in Singapore.
This journey has gained interest partly due to its environmental implications.
According to the American website Mashable, flying between Lisbon and Singapore would produce 1.67 tonnes of CO2, while the train journey emits just 0.08 tonnes.
The cost of this extensive train trip, according to the railway blog “Man in Seat 61,” is estimated at $1,350, or €1,255, though you would need to factor in hotel stays and meals along the way.
Despite the intriguing aspects, the journey is more of a thought experiment for now. It requires significant planning, multiple visas, and a lot of time.
