Incredible train journeys you have to see to believe

There are two types of train rides in this world: those that merely get you from one place to another, and those that stay with you long after you’ve disembarked. All around the world, there are incredible one-of-a-kind train journeys, and here are some of them to get you excited about your next big adventure.

1. The Ghan, Australia

If any journey will show you how vast Australia is, it’s this one. The Ghan is a transcontinental adventure that travels an amazing 2,979 kilometres north from Adelaide through the barren outback, to the continent’s north.

The train is named after Afghan cameleers who managed what they called the “ships of the desert” in the outback’s cattle stations and settlements. The journey stands alone and it’s a railway marathon that takes a massive 46 hours to travel between Darwin and Adelaide via Katherine and Alice Springs and it is possible to take short visits in to the towns you travel through.

This train includes five-star cabins and plush club lounges where you can get to know your fellow travellers. You don’t have to take the luxury option, you can just get a seat and rub shoulders with the backpackers.

2. Rovos Rail, Africa

The lovingly restored Pride of Africa train recaptures the romance and atmosphere of the bygone Edwardian era. Gourmet chefs and fine local South African wines have earned Rovos its reputation as a world-class rail journey.

Enjoy panoramas across South Africa’s stunning coastal Garden Route, Winelands of the Western Cape, and game reserves of the Zulu heartlands. The three-day journey crosses between Cape Town and Pretoria, with longer options including Victoria Falls in Zimbabwe, Swakopmund in Namibia, and even an epic Cape Town-to-Cairo voyage. If you feel like splurging, the Royal Suite features a private lounge, bathroom, and Victorian bathtub.

Carrying just 72 passengers, the luxury train provides 24-hour service and top luxury on rebuilt 1920s carriages. Suites feature private wood-panelled lounges and Victorian-style bathrooms.

3. The Trans-Siberian, Russia

This train is the world’s longest railway train, and this year, it turned a 100 years old while remaining one of the busiest lines across the globe.

The longest, most famous train journey of all travels 10,555 kilometres across Russia from Moscow to the Pacific port of Vladivostok. Russian Railways has spent more than $1 billion upgrading this crucial transportation route.

The Rossiya train makes the journey in one go at various price points: private compartments for some, 40-bed carriages for others and steaming samovars of endless tea for everyone across tundra and forest.

4. Indian Pacific, Australia

If you are up for 65-hours – that’s three full days and three nights on a train, then this is a trip for you. The Indian Pacific is the only direct transcontinental train journey in the world and the 4,352-kilometre route runs between Perth and Sydney.

The train is  a real Australian icon, passing through some of the country’s most remote towns and regions such as the Blue Mountains, Broken Hill, the Nullarbor Plain, Kalgoorlie and the 4 resident town of Cook. It’s the longest stretch of straight railway track in the world. If you choose to revel in the up-market Platinum cabins, you’ll be able to enjoy full-size showers and a double bed.

Read more: Great train journeys within Australia

5. Venice Simplon-Orient Express, Europe

In its early 20th-century heyday, royalty, diplomats and the odd spy mingled on this legendary train, immortalised in movies and murder mysteries.

Sophistication, splendour, old-world charm and comfort come together beautifully in the elegantly appointed carriages of this iconic Orient Express route, decked out by celebrated interior designers from the 1920s and 30s. Onboard, you’ll travel from Paris to Venice over two days seeing the beauty of Vienna and Budapest too on the way, feeling glamorous in a world of great cuisine and matchless service. Black-tie evenings keep things refined as you sip champagne from sparkling crystal and enjoy meals on polished silver.

6. The Canadian, Canada

A four-day, cross-continent journey of 4466 kilometres takes travellers between Toronto and Vancouver past lakes, forests and cloud-topped prairies.

At Jasper, you’re right among the waterfalls and glaciers of the Rocky Mountains, and might even spot elk and bears by the tracks. A $22 million modernisation completed in 2012 includes renovated Sleeper Plus carriages and a new wheelchair-accessible cabin.

7. Glacier Express, Switzerland

Mountain railways are wondrous for both scenery and engineering.

Switzerland’s Glacier Express clanks at a snail’s pace on a seven-hour journey between the two chic alpine resorts of St Moritz and Zermatt through more than 90 tunnels and across 291 bridges.

Plunging valleys, deep gorges and soaring peaks pass by. It’s hard to choose between the views of flower-filled summer meadows or icicle-draped winter forests. It’s worth doing twice.

Have you been on any of these great trips? Which ones would you like to go on? Share your stories and comments below.