10 great, epic train journeys
For most of us, a train journey means a sleepy-eyed commute to work. For trainiacs, they're another notch in the little black book.
But for a lucky few, a rail journey is an expedition through cultures and across lands, providing an experience that's equaled by no other means of transport.
Here are 10 of the best.
1. Eastern and Oriental Express
Thailand, Malaysia and Singapore
Sure, you could fly between Bangkok and Singapore in a couple of hours, but you’d miss this Agatha Christie-like journey with an Oriental twist through the heart of the Malay Peninsular.
Sister train to Europe’s Venice Simplon Orient Express, an open-air observation car allows heady aromas of the Orient to waft onboard. Accompanied by the tinkle of ivory, the Piano Bar is the social hub where tall Singapore Slings garnished with fresh fruit are de rigeur.
Upper and lower berths and en suite bathrooms complete the picture in three cabin configurations: Pullman, State and Presidential cabins.
Boarding: Singapore or Bangkok.
Cost: Pullman Cabin US$3,070; Presidential Suite US$6,130.
Also on CNNGo: Thailand by rail on the Orient Express
2. Hiram Bingham
Peru
Hiram Bingham was an American historian credited with bringing the ancient Inca site of Machu Pichu to world attention.
Ascending almost 2,500 meters above sea level to the ancient Peruvian ruins, the train that bears his name is one of the shortest luxury trains in the world. Heavily geared towards gastronomy during the four hours it takes to climb heavenwards through the spectacular Andes mountains, this is the easy way to tackle the Inca Trail.
Don’t forget to take your party frock for the cocktail party on the return evening journey.
Boarding: Poroy or Machu Pichu.
Cost: US$588 round-trip.
Also on CNNGo: 10 trips for every type of traveler
3. Southern Spirit
Australia
With just a handful of journeys scheduled each summer, The Southern Spirit traverses four states through southeastern Australia’s outback.
More a rail cruise than a point-to-point journey, daily whistle-stop tours set the schedule, allowing passengers to explore regional Australia. Highlights include Byron Bay, the Hunter Valley vineyards along with free-range Taronga Western Plains Zoo at Dubbo.
Luxuriously styled, guests need only decide the level of elegance required, in either Gold or Platinum Class cabins. Private carriages also available for charter.
Boarding: Adelaide or Brisbane.
Cost: Depends on route, but an example: US$4,455 for Gold Class Adelaide-Brisbane.
Also on CNNGo: Shanghai-Beijing train breaks world speed record
4. Venice Simplon Orient-Express
Europe
Wood burning stoves and etched glass panels onboard evoke a time of Parisian art deco sophistication from the Roaring 1920s.
No shrinking violet, once author Agatha Christie’s detective Hercule Poirot stepped aboard through her pages, the Orient Express’ fame was assured. Shared bathroom facilities take the gloss off an otherwise glamorous train whose inaugural journey deposited travelers in what was once Europe’s wealthiest city, known then as Constantinople.
Today, Istanbul is one of many destinations on varied elegant itineraries throughout Europe.
Boarding: Various cities throughout Europe.
Cost: Varies. Between US$1,230 (one night, Paris-London) and US$12,070 (five nights, Paris–Istanbul).
Also on CNNGo: Tokyo finally gets a high-speed airport train
5. Indian Pacific
Australia
From coast to coast across some of Australia’s most remote and uninhabited countryside, the Indian Pacific is named after the two oceans bookending the journey.
One of the few great train journeys catering to all budgets, comfort level varies according to the depth of your pockets, from airline-type seats (though with significantly more leg and shoulder room) through to sumptuous Gold cabins. Kangaroo-spotting trackside at dawn and dusk followed by blazing burnt orange sunsets keep passengers entertained over almost 4,500 kilometers of virtually non-stop travel.
Boarding: Sydney or Perth.
Cost: Daynighter Seat US$810; Gold Service Cabin US$2,240 (YHA discounts available).
Also on CNNGo: 8 spectacular driving adventures
