An epic 21-day rail journey takes travelers across continents, covering nearly 19,000 kilometers with seven visas and unforgettable views.
Travel the World by Train: 13 Countries, 18,755 KM, 21 Days
For adventurous travelers and rail enthusiasts alike, the ultimate railway experience has arrived. A once-in-a-lifetime journey now offers the world’s longest continuous train ride—an astonishing 18,755 kilometers across 13 countries over 21 days.
The journey begins in Portugal and winds its way through Spain, France, Germany, Poland, Belarus, Russia, Kazakhstan, Mongolia, and finally into China, with some routes also extending via Southeast Asia, depending on visa access and itinerary.
This extraordinary voyage requires seven visas, careful planning, and a passion for immersive travel. It passes through diverse landscapes, from the European countryside to the vast Siberian steppes and the Mongolian desert, offering a front-row seat to the world’s most breathtaking and lesser-seen terrain.
A New Era of Slow Travel
In an age of instant flights, this rail route champions the philosophy of slow travel—a way to connect deeply with cultures, languages, and landscapes. Whether it’s the charm of a quiet Eastern European village or the bustle of Beijing’s central station, passengers experience the rhythm of the planet one track at a time.
“This journey isn’t just about distance—it’s about rediscovery, connection, and endurance,” said a recent traveler who completed the entire route. “Every country has a story. And you live it, frame by frame, through your window.”
What You Need to Know
- 🗓️ Duration: 21 days
- 🌍 Countries Covered: 13
- 📏 Distance: 18,755 kilometers
- 📄 Visas Required: 7 (country-specific; check updated travel advisories)
- 🚆 Start to End: Lisbon to Shanghai (or reverse route depending on operators)
Trending Among Train Lovers and Adventure Seekers
Social media platforms have seen a surge in #LongestTrainJourney posts, with travel influencers and rail enthusiasts documenting their experiences under hashtags like #TravelByTrain, #EpicRailAdventure, and #AroundTheWorldTrain.
Tour operators are now beginning to offer curated packages for this route, including visa assistance, onboard services, and cultural excursions during extended layovers.
Final Thoughts
As global tourism evolves, the longest train journey in the world stands as a testament to human engineering, curiosity, and resilience. It’s more than just transit—it’s an adventure of discovery across time zones, cultures, and continents.
So if you’re ready for a trip that challenges the conventional and rewards the patient, this epic rail journey may be your next unforgettable chapter.
