Backpackers and travelers alike have long known about traveling through Europe by train, purchasing a Eurail pass to glide easily from country to country, some even choosing to save money on accommodations by sleeping on the train at night.
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And of course, there are so many other ways to see the world by train that are well worth exploring too.
Train Travel, Canadian Rockies © jurvetson
Why Travel By Train?
It’s faster, cleaner, and safer than the bus. You can choose the degree of luxury you wish to partake in (and by extension the price you wish you pay), and you often get to see landscapes that you couldn’t see any other way.
The Rocky Mountaineer in Canada for example, travels alongside rivers, through mountains (yes, actually through them), and introduces you to miles and miles of Canadian landscape that are largely untouched.
Although slower than flying, there is also an environmentally friendly component to traveling by train that can sway some travelers’ itineraries.
It is also argued that you get a way more authentic cultural experience in traveling by train than you would get by flying.
How Much Does it Cost?
Train travel runs the gambit from cheaper than cheap to horribly expensive. It depends on the country of travel, the availability of trains, and the type of trip. Don’t expect to get a slamming deal with the Blue Train in South Africa for example, but expect to be wined and dined on a moving five-star hotel that has served many a king in the past.
By contrast, in Thailand you can take an overnight first class sleeper express train from Bangkok to Chang Mai for $34. Second class is $21 with “only” a berth and not an entire room on the train to yourself. And you still get to watch the sun rise from the train while saving yourself a hotel bill.
Where to Travel by Train
Following are a few more train trips that you may want to consider adding to your itinerary on your next trip:
Canada
The Canrail Pass allows people interested in seeing Canada’s vast landscapes to hop on and off the train as desired over the course of a month. It includes 12 days of unlimited travel, and you can upgrade to sleepers on the train or in advance for an additional fee. Travel during the off-peak season (October through May) for lower prices, and specifically in October and May you can enjoy spring weather and a great discount.
United States
Amtrak offers a similar package as above with the USA Rail Passes.
North America
If you want to see the best of both Canada and the States, you can go with the North America Rail Pass, which combines the efforts of both Amtrak and Via Rail to give you a grand tour.
View from The Ghan: Sunset Over Australia’s Outback © absolutwade
Australia
The Ghan train travels straight through this vast country between Adelaide and Darwin every week, with stops along the way which will hit up the sights you’ll surely want to see. You’ll be in the lap of luxury, and will save yourself lots of driving hours and outback dust in your eyes.
If this isn’t your Aussie route of choice, don’t rule out the Indian Pacific or the Overland, which cover a lot of territory. You can get more information on these routes here.
Other Rail Passes
The Man in Seat 61 is a great resource for train (and boat) travel throughout the world, with tons of tips for getting the best deals and advice on what to expect.
There are pages and pages of information on European rail passes here, as well as Asia, Africa, America, and Australasia here. Once you start to poke around this site, you’ll open up a Pandora’s Box of possibilities.
Take the Glacier Express through Switzerland, or the Bridge over the River Kwai on the infamous “death railway” (for $2 I might add). Or maybe you’d like to see New Zealand’s TranzAlpine, or experience a piece of history on the Orient Express.
Traveling by train is a very special way to see the world, and if you start to explore your options, you will surely be booking some train tickets on your next trip. I know I will.