World’s Longest Train Journey Links Portugal to Singapore

The recent opening of a train service from Laos to China has enabled the creation of the world’s longest train journey. The addition of the new connection now makes it possible to get on a train in Portugal and get off all the way in Singapore. The new line passes through 13 countries and covers more than 11,600 miles.

The world’s longest train journey – a collaborative effort between multiple railway companies – allows passengers to cross borders and make several incredible stops along the way. Travelling the world by train provides a unique opportunity to traverse different nations and experience the countryside between their major destinations.

Starting in Lagos, Portugal, and ending in Singapore, the journey is also a unique opportunity to cross from the western to the eastern hemisphere via train.

The world’s longest train journey

To go on the world’s longest train journey, passengers will start their journey in Lagos, Portugal from where they will travel to the Portuguese capital, Lisbon. After Lisbon, the train will make its next stop in the Basque region of Spain before journeying through countries including France, Russia, China, Vietnam, and Thailand before finally arriving in Singapore.

On the way to Singapore, the train makes stops at some incredible cities including Paris, Moscow, Beijing, and Bangkok. The longest part of the train ride will be a 40-hour trek from Paris to Moscow.

However, passengers will have ample time to rest or to stretch their legs, as the train makes 11 stops along the way. It also allows passengers to enjoy overnight stops in destinations along the way, enabling them to explore before boarding the train once again. To legally traverse the route, passengers need to have secured seven different visas.

The train fare costs around US$1,350 in total, which is comparable to the cost of an airplane flight from Portugal to Singapore. However, the train ride requires significantly more planning than a flight, as passengers need to have secured all the necessary visas prior to starting the journey, and to have worked out their various connections and seat selections. In addition, in some sections of the journey – for instance, from Vietnam to Cambodia, and from Malaysia to Singapore – passengers may need to connect by bus.

Opening of new line pushes boundaries in train travel

The recent opening of the train line from Laos to China was crucial in making the longest train journey possible. The introduction of this new service is expected to boost Laos’ economy by allowing it to transport people to China and, of course, Singapore.

The idea of being able to travel across continents by train, from Europe all the way to Asia, has long been the dream of many train enthusiasts. Indeed, it was their efforts, along with the collaboration of several railway companies and the opening of the train line from Laos to China, that made this new journey possible.

Previously, the longest train journey connected London with Singapore. This new record-breaking itinerary – currently the longest train journey in the world – is pushing the boundaries of train travel.

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