types of tourist trains

15 Types of Rail Transport To Take You Away

There are so many types of rail transport used in the tourism industry. From high speed trains to funiculars, there are many different types of rail transport used around the world.

In this article I will introduce you to these types of rail transport and give you some examples of where you can find them around the globe.

What is rail transport?

Urban rail transport, rapid transit, high-speed railways, commuter rail, elevated railways, trams and streetcars, the fell mountain railway system, mountain railway, heritage railways, rack railways, types of rail transport: to conclude.

Rail transport has been around since ancient Greek times, in the 6th Century BC. Rail transport is ever-evolving, and accounts for a large percentage of ground transportation.

Rail transport refers to any means of transferring passengers and cargo on or in wheeled vehicles running on rails, which are located on tracks. Rail vehicles are guided by the tracks on which they run.

Types of rail transport

They are various types of tail transport, as outlined below.

Urban rail transport is one of the overarching types of rail transport – e.g, it can be separated into other various types of rail transport, which are all laid out below in terms of specifics.

Urban rail transport is the term used for different types of local rail systems which provide a passenger service in and around urban or suburban areas. 

Urban rail transport includes trams, rapid transport trains, monorails, light rail, cable cars, funiculars and commuter rail.

Rapid transit trains are high-capacity public transport trains.

Generally known as the metro, the subway, the underground, the tube or similar, they are electric railways which run in and through areas which cannot be accessed by pedestrians.

The first rapid transit system in the world was London’s Metropolitan Railway which opened in 1863 as a conventional railway. Currently, China has the most rapid transit systems in the world (31).

Rapid transit systems are mostly utilised by commuters and those travelling in (and in between) cities for leisure, education and shopping purposes. They are also used by tourists .

HSRs (high-speed railways) run at a significantly faster speed than other types of rail transport.

HSRs use an integrated system of rolling stock and designated tracks; there is no single speed standard that exists worldwide but if a train can travel faster than 160mph it is considered to be an HSR.

Japan’s ‘bullet train’, the Tōkaidō Shinkansen, is one of the most well known. It began operations in 1964.

Various countries now have high-speed rail infrastructures: Russia, Denmark, the UK, Italy , Germany, the US and South Korea to name a few.

Commuter rail is a similar system to rapid transit rail.

Commuter rail encompasses rail transport services within metropolitan areas, connecting commuters from towns and suburbs to cities for work purposes, first and foremost.

They are considered heavy rail, and use electric or diesel trains. British commuter rail services share tracks with other passenger trains and freight trains too.

A monorail is a type of railway where the track has a singular beam or rail.

While the name does refer to the type of track, colloquially ‘monorail’ is used to refer to elevated rail vehicles.

Monorails can be found in zoos and theme parks, such as Granby Zoo in Canada and Flamingo Land in the UK. This allows for ease of transport within the zoo or park, without the need to take up addition ground space.

The first monorail prototype was made in the 1820s, but they didn’t come into proper use until the 1900s.

Similarly to a monorail, elevated railways are a type of rail transport that run above ground level rather than at or below ground level.

Elevated railways are used predominantly in urban areas to avoid congestion and the need for level crossings.

The London and Greenwich Railway was the first elevated railway: built between 1836 and 1838, it was on a brick viaduct of 878 arches.

Types of rail transport- useful reading Here are some useful sources if you want to learn more about the types of rail transport! – Britain’s 100 Best Railway Stations – The Times Golden Years of Rail Travel – The Railways: Nation, Network and People – Losing Track: An Insider’s Story of Britain’s Railway Transformation from British Rail to the Present Day – Britain’s Railways Then And Now: LNER

A tram is a rail vehicle that runs on tramway tracks along public urban streets.

Trams have been referred to as ‘electric street railways’ in the past, which sums it up well.

They are short and light in comparison to main line or rapid transit trains; trams mostly use electric power from overhead lines, which means they are not as bad for the environment as cars or buses which are often in the same road areas. Trams are also what we might call ‘light rail’.

In many European cities, such as Prague and Vienna, trams are a vital way of travelling around the main areas. In places like San Francisco, the cable car system (the oldest in the world) is a tram network that is popular with tourists. You’ll be able to see many Instagram shots of people standing on the ends of San Fran trams!

A funicular is one of the most interesting types of rail transport.

Funiculars are powered by cable traction, and designed specifically for steep inclines. There are two counterbalanced passenger cars which move in concert – as one goes up, the other comes back down.

Funiculars are mostly tourist attractions now, offering a fun way to see new scenery when visiting a particular area, though some are used for commuting and general transport.

The Flying Dutchman funicular at Cape Point in South Africa is one of the best in the world. Alongside this, there are great funiculars to visit in Switzerland , Scotland and Italy.

The Fell mountain railway system was the first third-rail system to be introduced.

It was for railways that were too steep to use just two running rails – a third, raised centre rail in between the two running rails provides extra traction and ease of braking.

Trains are fitted with extra brake shoes, meaning it is only specific trains which can be used on the Fell system.

This system was designed and developed in the 1860s by British engineer John Barraclough Fell.

The first use was at the Cromford and High Peak Railway in Whaley Bridge, Derbyshire; to do this day, the Snaefell Mountain Railway on the Isle of Man still uses this system for emergency braking.

As the name suggests, a mountain railway is a railway operating in a mountainous area.

Whether to provide transport to and from the summit or for sightseeing, mountain railways tend to use narrow gauge tracks due to tight curves caused by the contours of the mountain.

They often use steep grade railway technology, and provide a great opportunity to see mountain scenery without hiking.

The following countries are home to the most mountain railways, which are one of the most iconic types of rail transport:

• Switzerland

Heritage railways are one of the loveliest types of rail transport; they are pieces of living history.

Re-creating or preserving railway scenes from the past, they teach visitors about rail history. They are defined as ‘lines of local interest’, museum railways or tourist railways that have retained or assumed the character and appearance and operating practices of railways of former times. Several lines that operate in isolation provide genuine transport facilities, providing community links. Most lines constitute tourist or educational attractions in their own right. Much of the rolling stock and other equipment used on these systems is original and is of historic value in its own right. Many systems aim to replicate both the look and operating practices of historic former railways companies .

Heritage railways are often also known as ‘tourist railroads’ and can be found across the world.

The UK is home to many beautiful heritage railways . Some of these include the West Somerset Railway, Severn Valley Railway and the North Yorkshire Moors Railway.

India , Argentina, the US, Canada and Slovakia also have many fantastic heritage railways and tourist railroads.

A plateway is one of the early types of rail transport in the UK.

The rails were made from cast iron, and they were used for around 50 years between 1780 and 1830. Generally, plateways were horse-drawn and had L-shaped rails.

Plateways were popular in South Wales and Gloucestershire as well as Surrey, Derby and Cornwall at the time.

Plateways were first introduced by John Curr.

A rack railway, also known as a cog railway, is a type of steep grade railway.

A rack railway has a toothed tack rail, and the trains that run along these railways are fitted with a cog that meshes with this rack rail.

Mountain railways are often rack railways, as are some transit railways and tramways in steep urban areas.

The first rack railway was Middleton Railway in West Yorkshire, England. It was designed and patented by John Blenkinsop in 1811.

The first mountain rack railway was the Mount Washington Cog Railway in the US, which started running in 1868 and is still running today.

Wagonways are the earliest of all the types of rail transport.

Wagonway is the collective term for the horses, tracks and equipment used for hauling wagons before railways were introduced.

Evidence suggests that the first track system was at The Isthmus of Corinth, a narrow land bridge. In ancient Greek times this was known for separating the Peloponnese from mainland Greece. Historians say there was a trackway here, around 6 to 8.5 km long, which was used to transport boats across the Isthmus. The tracks were created by wheeled vehicles running grooves into limestone. This prevented wagons going off track as they followed the same route.

Evidence of wooden rail tracks can be found as far back as 1556, in Germany. Rail transport is ever-evolving, and history proves that.

As you can see, there are many different types of rail transport. Whether you are commuting to work, heading off on your holidays or taking a train for tourism purposes, there are many different options to choose from!

22 Different Types of Trains

There’s been quite some debate over the years regarding whether or not trains are better than trucks and busses. However, there’s no denying modern trains are more efficient than the competition, both in fuel and capacity. These large haulers have captured the imaginations of people around the world, regardless of age or location.

Nowadays, there are dozens of different types of trains which all have their own roles. Some haul people, some freight, and some other trains. They can be broken down into two types of categories: by rail gauge and by power source. From there, they can be further broken down by role.

Here’s a wide sampling of  22 different types of trains.

See Also: 19 Types of Tractors

Types of Trains

Table of Contents

1. Automated People Mover (APM)

These are smaller-scale trains designed for moving up to 40 people at a time around small areas. They can be found in airports, downtown areas, or theme parks and may utilize a number of different rail types.

2. Circus Train

Used exclusively for the transporting of circus equipment, people, and animals, circus trains are a rare sight. P.T. Barnum was the first to use a circus train, loading his circus wagons onto flat cars for easier transport. At the time, this sometimes meant people could see the animals in their cages as the train passed.

In more recent times, circus trains looked very similar to passenger trains, with enclosed freight cars for animals, passenger cars for the performers and crew, and flat cars for the wagons and other equipment. Only a few circuses still use trains, most notably Circus Krone in Germany.

3. Commuter Train

As the name implies, these passenger trains run between urban and suburban areas. As they’re mainly used to transport people to and from work, they usually only run during rush times, although some types of commuter train run all day.

In some of the more congested cities, these trains may have two levels to help accommodate the sheer number of passengers.

See Also: 11 Types of Limousines

4. Diesel Train

These are the heavy haulers in the train world and have been a staple since WWII. While electric trains are now gaining popularity, it’s the diesel that continues to rule the rails.

Read Also: 7 Types of Tow Trucks

5. Electric Train

While not as robust as diesel trains, electric trains are fast and reliable. They’re found in a wide range of functions, usually dealing with passengers or light freight.

6. Freight Train

These are trains that carry only goods. These include everything from new cars to livestock and even trailers to be transferred to trucks for local delivery.

7. High-Speed Train

Using dedicated tracks and moving at speeds over 124 miles per hour, these trains originated with Japan’s famous Shinkansen line in 1964.

While not common in the US, they’re common in the Orient where commuters may now travel hundreds of miles to work and back every day.

8. Inter-City Train

These passenger trains travel between cities, although they’re also used to connect cities throughout Europe due to the more open borders.

9. Long-Distance Train

These are passenger trains designed to take people between states, territories, or even countries. Unlike Inter-City trains, they tend to travel longer distances between stops through various terrain . Amtrak is a famous long-distance train company.

The fastest trains in existence use maglev or magnetic levitation. These frictionless lines use two magnets to propel the train, which has no moving parts.

Maglev trains are only found in the Orient, as the high cost of maintaining these trains generally makes them cost-inefficient.

11. Military Train

Military trains are more heavily armored than domestic trains and are used solely for transporting military personnel and equipment. These trains also carried special artillery on occasion, although this proved impractical.

The most famous piece of train artillery was the German Heavy Gustav , a massive cannon over 120 feet long.

12. Mine Train

These narrow-gauge trains are used in mining operations where they transport rock and ore out of the mines.

13. Model Train

Trains are a staple around Christmas trees and often occupy permanent dioramas in the homes of enthusiasts. These are usually electric, although the original Lionel trains used a wind-up key and were spring-loaded.

There are quite a few different scales to appeal to a wide range of personal tastes or available spaces. These scales are:

• G Scale – The largest scale is anything larger than O scale (ie: 1:29, 1:24, 1:22.5, 1:19, and 1:12) and can include ridable trains.
• HO Scale (1:87) – The most popular scale in the US, stands for “Half O”
• L Gauge (1:40) – The scale of LEGO trains
• N Scale (1:160) – The second most popular scale in the US
• O Scale (1:48) – The classic Lionel scale
• OO Scale (1:74-76) – More popular in Britain than the US
• S Scale (1:64) – Perhaps the rarest of all scales
• TT Scale (1:120) – The most popular scale in much of Europe
• Z Scale (1:220) – The smallest scale, which can be set up in a suitcase.

14. Monorail

These trains are efficient but expensive to build, preventing them from becoming popular. They’re designed to run on a single rail, usually suspended high above ground level.

15. Passenger Train

Just as freight trains exclusively haul freight, passenger trains exclusively transport people. Some are self-powered, some use engines, and some run on electric cables.

The three major categories of passenger train are short distance, long-distance, and inter-city

16. Personal Train

Trains have been a popular mode of transportation for well over a century, so it shouldn’t come as a surprise that many world leaders have their own personal trains. These secure passenger trains are designed to house a small number of passengers and are often armored.

Dictators including Hitler and Kim Jong-un famously had their own trains, and the US president also has access to one, although Airforce One tends to be the go-to these days.

In some cases, a personal train may simply be a privately owned carriage attached to the end of a passenger train. Amtrak offers this type of service, as do many other major passenger train companies.

17. Piggyback Train

This type of freight train doesn’t simply haul freight, it can haul entire trailers on special carriages. This greatly reduces the amount of fuel consumption and road congestion.

A company simply drives their trucks onto the train, unhooks the trailer, and drives away. When the train reaches its destination, a new truck picks up the trailer and takes it to its destination.

There are two types of piggybacking used:

• The first is the standard piggyback (Trailer on Flat Car, or TOFC), which has the entire trailer parked on a flatbed.
• The second is the doublestack (Container on Flat Car, or COFC), which holds two stacked cargo containers in a slight depression between the bogies.

It should be noted that sometimes the flatbed cars themselves will piggyback on the one in front and have only one bogie. This aids in bends and distributing weight.

Read Also: 11 Types of Dump Trucks

18. Railcar

These small trains usually have a single self-propelled car with a driver’s cabin at both ends. They’re common in smaller subway and tram systems where the rail ends at a buffer, preventing the train from turning around.

While often run on their own, railcars have the ability to pull additional railcars or carriages behind them.

19. Rapid Transit

Also called mass rapid transit, this is a type of high capacity public transport most commonly found in highly populated urban areas. The New York City subway with its 472 individual stations is the world’s largest rapid transit system. With over 40 rapid transit systems, China is considered the king of rapid transit.

20. Regional Train

If long-distance trains go the furthest, and inter-city trains go moderately far, regional trains go the shortest distance outside of a city. They go a little further than commuter trains, often into more rural areas.

21. Steam Train

The original train type, steam engines remained at the forefront until the end of WWII when diesel took over. Today, they’re rarely seen outside of tourist attractions and museums.

See Also: 12 Different Types of Fire Trucks

These electric trains move at a much slower pace and are almost always found in congested urban areas such as the downtown zones of major cities. They are usually narrow-gauge and the rails may be underground (subway) or even embedded in streets.

Streetcars and trolleys are two common examples of a tram.

2 thoughts on “22 Different Types of Trains”

These are useful information as I doing research to know which type to use in different environmental setting I am from Papua New Guinea and only just thinking of using this mode of transport in a country with growing population at 3% per annum

You forgot the “Daisy Train!”

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Tourist trains

• 1 Understand
• 2 Historic and museum trains
• 3 Historic and scenic routes
• 4 Sightseeing and luxury trains
• 5 Dinner trains
• 6.1 England
• 6.3 United States
• 6.4 "Pioneer" railways in Eastern Europe
• 7 Excursion trains
• 8 Decommissioned rolling stock

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A tourist train is a rail operation intended not as practical transportation (a way to "get in" or "get around") but as a museum-style attraction to see, a tour as an activity to do, or a means to employ historic dining or sleeper train cars as somewhere to eat or sleep for novelty, nostalgia or entertainment purposes.

Tourist trains are distinguished from regular trains by various factors:

• Deployment of historic or non-standard rolling stock, such as restored steam engines or 1920s Orient Express dining and sleeper cars
• Luxurious and expensive journeys; travel as kings and prime ministers did a century ago, but pay thousands of dollars or euros for a journey which would cost hundreds by air
• Slower journeys for sightseeing or to provide time to serve an elaborate meal on a relatively short-haul itinerary
• On-board novelty entertainment, such as a murder mystery aboard the train
• Circle tours or lines which travel to one tiny, distant town, wait a few hours at most, then bring the same travellers directly back to the point of departure
• Package deals in which a sightseeing train makes a two-day (or longer) journey entirely during daylight hours, with a stay in a tourist hotel for the night bundled in the price
• Package deals in which the train stops in one city for a day or more in the middle of the journey, bundled with a guided walking or bus tour of that intermediate city
• Package deals in which the bundled food, lodging or entertainment are worth more than the transportation component, such as a gourmet dinner on a sightseeing return trip to an adjacent village
• Infrequent or seasonal operation. A train that runs once a year to commemorate a historic event or to view the fall colours is not a serious competitor to a regional commuter train operator.

Historic and museum trains

Often, historic rolling stock from another era has been painstakingly restored and put back on the rails as a form of living museum exhibit. Steam trains, rolling stock from a bygone era or narrow gauge equipment which cannot run on most of the modern mainline system will often turn up on otherwise little-used track as a means for railroaders to preserve a nostalgic past.

Steam trains in operation include:

• Chehalis-Centralia Railroad , Washington state, USA
• Ffestiniog & Welsh Highland Railways , Gwynedd , Wales
• Gloucestershire Warwickshire Steam Railway , Cheltenham , England
• Jokioinen–Humppila narrow gauge museum railroad , Jokioinen , Finland
• Little River Railroad , Coldwater , Michigan, USA
• Ravenglass and Eskdale Railway , Ravenglass, Cumbria , England
• South Devon Railway follows the River Dart between Buckfastleigh and Totnes, Devon UK
• South Simcoe Railway , Beeton Creek Valley, Ontario, Canada
• The Texas State Railroad [ dead link ] , a historic (1881-1921) 25-mile railroad between Rusk and Palestine (Texas) USA with a mix of steam and diesel trains.
• The Puffing Billy , Dandenong Ranges near Melbourne, Australia
• Roaring Camp & Big Trees , Felton , California, USA. Industrial, narrow gauge, geared steam locomotives representing an early 20th century logging railroad.
• Ambarawa Railway Museum [ dead link ] , Ambarawa , Indonesia

Historic and scenic routes

• "The Jacobite" from Fort William via Glenfinnan to Mallaig.

Sightseeing and luxury trains

A few trains operate primarily for sightseeing or as nostalgia for an era before mass air travel in which the well-to-do rode the rails in style. Often, these trains are too costly, too slow or serve regions too isolated for these operations to qualify as practical transportation or obtain the subsidies provided to the main national transport network. Aimed at tourists, they usually also offer food, tours and activities.

• In India, several companies operate tours around the country's major sights on board luxury trains. The most famous ones are the Palace on Wheels and Maharajas' Express . In addition there are three world heritage listed mountain train routes dating from the colonial era and still running.
• Golden Eagle Luxury Trains operates luxury trains along the Trans-Siberian Railway and other routes in the former Soviet Union and beyond.
• The only motorized way for getting between Ollantaytambo and Aguas Calientes , next to Machu Picchu is the train operated by PeruRail and Inca Rail . The third-highest railway in the world is mostly used by tourists and offers amazing views of the Andes. The company also has other routes in Peru.
• In Mexico , the Ferrocarril Chihuahua al Pacífico (the Copper Canyon train, El Chepe ) was built for transportation across 673 km (418 mi), traversing the Copper Canyon in Chihuahua (state) .
• While even a regular intercity rail trip in Switzerland often offers scenic views, there is an abundance of special rail experiences from steam-powered trains to the Jungfrau Railway to Europe's highest station and the world heritage listed Rhaetian railway network in the southeast of the country.
• Other than along the east coast and around Perth, train routes across Australia are nowadays luxury services geared towards tourists and are operated by Journey Beyond . Routes include The Ghan from Darwin to Adelaide through the Red Centre , the Indian Pacific connecting Perth and Sydney , the Great Southern from Adelaide to Brisbane and to a lesser extent The Overland from Melbourne to Adelaide . Queensland Rail also operates the Spirit of Queensland between Brisbane and Cairns
• Korail offers four special tourist trains [ dead link ] , the most luxurious among them being the Haerang rail cruise.
• In South Africa there are several luxury trains, the most famous ones being the Blue Train and Rovos Rail between Pretoria and Cape Town
• The luxurious Eastern and Oriental Express runs from Singapore to Bangkok , passing through Kuala Lumpur , as well as various other smaller cities in Malaysia and Thailand along the way.
• Rocky Mountaineer , British Columbia , Canada. Sightseeing train that runs from Vancouver to Banff , and from Vancouver to Jasper . The train to Jasper travels on the same tracks as VIA Rail's The Canadian , which continues onward to Toronto, but covers the entire stretch during daylight hours to allow you to see the scenery. Does not have sleeper cars, so passengers are put up at a hotel en route for the night.
• Royal Canadian Pacific , Calgary and Rocky Mountains (Canada) . Luxury train marketed as nostalgia .
• White Pass and Yukon Route , Carcross, Yukon , Canada to Skagway , Alaska USA. Narrow-gauge (3-ft) sightseeing train with some historic rolling stock.
• In New Zealand , state operator KiwiRail runs three long-distance sightseeing trains under the brand Great Journeys New Zealand ; the Northern Exporer from Auckland to Wellington , the Coastal Pacific from Picton to Christchurch , and the TranzApline form Christchurch to Greymouth . The departure of the Coast Pacific from Picton is timed to connect with the arrival of the Interislander ferry form Wellington, and likewise, in the reverse direction, its arrival in Picton is timed to connect with the Wellington-bound Interislander ferry.
• Belmond have excursions in Pullman coaches, various itineraries.
• North Yorkshire Moors Railway between Pickering and Whitby .
• Strathspey Railway from Aviemore .
• The sleepers from London to the Highlands and to the West Country command great views but are practical working trains that couldn't be described as luxurious.
• The California Zephyr is one of Amtrak's flagship routes, and runs from Chicago to Emeryville in the San Francisco Bay Area . It is regarded as one of the most scenic train routes in North America
• The Lake Shore Limited runs from Chicago to Boston and New York City , with the train splitting into two separate routes at Albany .
• In Zimbabwe a one-car, 22-seat tram operates as the "Elephant Express" for a two-hour, 70-km journey on the Bulawayo-Victoria Falls rail mainline along the northern boundary of Hwange National Park . The schedules tend to be arbitrarily flexible and very much at the mercy of other through traffic which has priority.

Occasionally, a train deployed primarily as practical transportation will attract sightseers if it passes through particularly scenic locations. While these are not tourist trains per se , most of these are listed in the main rail travel articles for the country or destination. There are also a few passenger trains which serve remote points (such as Churchill , Manitoba or Schefferville , Québec in Canada) which have no intercity road access; these are subsidized as part of the main, national system.

Dinner trains

These runs occupy a similar role to that of a dinner cruise on a tour boat line; they are typically short (an hour to a few hours at most) and operate at relatively slow speeds on otherwise little-used lines. An elaborate dinner served in dining cars or panorama cars often takes up most or all of the time devoted to the trip.

• The Sierra Railroad in Oakdale , California USA operates dinner trains, beer and champagne runs and murder mystery trips using heritage equipment. A few special/excursion trains (such as a "zombie train" for Halloween) operate seasonally.
• The Orford Express between Magog and Sherbrooke , Québec, Canada (a sightseeing train) offers dinner aboard a panorama car on a short-haul trip.
• There is a weekly Tequila Express from Ferrocarril Mexicano station in Guadalajara to the village of Amatitán in Jalisco , where (at the Herradura distillery) the entire tequila production process takes place. The train ride includes mariachi music, along with sample servings of tequila and Corona beer, fruits and cucumber and watermelon sprinkled with paprika.

Attraction and park railways

(see also Grand scale railroads )

Attraction and park railways, are "small" railways, where the railway itself is the destination for a traveller. A large park for example, may have a train which makes a circle tour of a large area of the park, without going beyond the park boundary; in some instances the railway encircles the park (an example being the Disneyland railroad.). A heritage steam train making a circle tour of a pioneer village museum park which could be toured easily on foot is a tourist train.

These are typically, two kinds of attraction railway, miniature railways (also termed 'Grand scale' railroads in the US) and minimum to narrow gauge operations. Scaled versions of full size 'standard' or narrow gauge locos frequently feature. However, both the nominal scale, gauge and extent can vary considerably, from small scale operations in a park or single location up to what are effectively 'miniature mainlines' or minimum gauge 'short' lines. The distinction between a 'Grand scale' model, a 'miniature', and a minimum gauge attraction railway is somewhat blurred, (an example miniature railway, the North Bay Railway in Scarborough, England, having a track gauge wider than some nominally minimum gauge operations!)

Whilst many of these attraction railways are primarily for tourist interest, some of the longer miniature lines also provide practical (although) unusual transport between destinations. In rare instances the modern-day line has been built on the trackbed of much older line (of a larger track gauge), and some of the infrastructure from the earlier era may be extant.

Sometimes longer miniature railways and park railways will employ novelty or panorama-view cars designed for sightseeing.

• On Romney Marsh , the Romney, Hythe and Dymchurch Railway, runs from Hythe to Dungeness.
• Ravenglass and Eskdale Railway, one of the earliest miniature lines having been constructed on the track bed of an earlier 19th-century 3-ft gauge line. This charming line runs up to Eskdale Green from the coast through the countryside of the English Lake District .
• North Bay Railway, Scarborough . This larger (20-in) gauge miniature railway is a worthwhile excursion even if you don't plan on visiting Scarborough's other attractions.
• Wells and Walsingham Light Railway, Wells-next-the-Sea
• Bressingham Steam Experience, Bressingham , Norfolk , This attraction constructed aside the grounds of a now closed plant nursery, boasts 2 miniature lines, and a narrow gauge line. (There's also a short length of standard gauge track used for demonstration purposes.)
• Launceston Steam Railway , Launceston ( Cornwall ) UK
• Ruislip Lido Railway, Ruislip Lido, London. A minimum-gauge (as opposed to miniature) railway around a created senic lake in NW London.
• Fairbourne and Barmouth Steam Railway, Fairboune , Gwynedd
• Rhyl Miniature Railway, Marine Parade, Rhyl .

United States

• Train Mountain Railroad, Chiloquin , Oregon
• Redwood Valley Railway, Tilden Regional Park near Berkeley , California .
• Michigan AuSable Valley Railroad, Fairview , Michigan .
• Waterman and Western Railroad, Waterman , Illinois .
• Texas State Railroad, Rusk and Palestine , Texas

"Pioneer" railways in Eastern Europe

In the former Eastern bloc, including Poland and East Germany , there are various narrow and very narrow gauge railways that run mostly through a public park and are often historically associated with or still operated by young people or members of the (state-sponsored during Leninist times) "pioneer organization" (e.g. the FDJ or "Jungpioniere" in the GDR). While they do provide some limited transportation value (getting you from one end of a rather large park to the other) they are usually kept for their novelty value and often employ uncommon ways of traction like battery based steam engines. Cities that have them include but are not limited to:

• Berlin/Treptow-Köpenick – Parkeisenbahn Wuhlheide , the longest pioneer railway of former East Germany (7.5 km)
• Dresden – Dresdner Parkeisenbahn within the Großer Garten Baroque gardens
• Cottbus – Parkeisenbahn Cottbus at Branitz Park
• Halle – Parkeisenbahn Peißnitzexpress
• Görlitz – Görlitzer Oldtimer Parkeisenbahn
• Leipzig – Parkeisenbahn Auensee
• Poznan – Maltanka
• Budapest – Gyermekvasút [ dead link ] (children's railway)

• Stuttgart – Killesbergbahn , Germany's oldest minimum-gauge railway (since 1939)
• Liliputbahn [ dead link ] at Vienna's Prater
• Park railways of former horticultural show grounds in Germany, e. g. Cologne (Rheinpark), Dortmund (Westfalenpark), Essen (Grugapark), Karlsruhe (Schlossgarten), Saarbrücken (Franco-German Garden)

Excursion trains

These occupy a similar role to a chartered bus, aircraft or ship. Some are extra trains, outside the primary schedule, which a mainstream rail operator has added to provide transport for a major sporting event or popular tour destination. Others are operated by private, non-railway entities which have paid to use the rails or chartered the train. These were once common in national election campaigns as a means to transport candidates to "whistle stop" appearances in every town on the line, a task now fulfilled most often by a partisan election campaign bus. Some of these trains have been preserved and are either still run for excursions (which may require deep pockets) or are on display in various museums and private collections. While the former use for political campaigning has died a slow death in North America, a 1950s campaign train was brought back in 2009 for a political campaign in Germany to demonstrate an unbroken line of tradition between the party then and now.

A "special" or "extra" train may be added as an excursion run by either a mainline rail operator, a tourist train line or a heritage railway ; some operators add an extra train seasonally for fall sightseeing.

Some people also own rail cars that are then coupled to a regular passenger or freight train for an excursion.

Decommissioned rolling stock

Long after an engine or car's travelling life on the rails is over, it may still see use as part of a static exhibit in a museum, park or public venue; a town which uses a former historic rail station as a landmark or travel information office may complement this by restoring a historic engine of the same era for public display beside the old station house. Rail and transportation museums often hold extensive collections of rolling stock. As novelty architecture , a dining car may be installed in a fixed location to house a restaurant; a motel may be constructed using decommissioned sleeper train cars or the distinctive red cabooses which once provided crew quarters at the end of North American freight and goods trains.

Rail and transport museums holding historic equipment or decommissioned rolling stock include:

• Memory Junction [ dead link ] , Brighton , Ontario, Canada
• Museum of Transportation , St. Louis , Missouri, USA
• Old Railway Station Museum (Estación del Ferrocarril) in the city of Aguascalientes , México
• Museo Nacional de los Ferrocarriles Mexicanos (National Museum of Mexican Railroads), Puebla
• Rail Museum of Eastern Ontario , Smiths Falls , Ontario, Canada

See Travel for rail enthusiasts#Museums for additional museum listings.

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The Most Luxurious Train Rides in the World

Take a hint from the glamour of yore and indulge in slow-moving, on-the-ground transport with luxury train travel.

In the 1970s, American travel writer Paul Theroux set himself an impressive goal: to travel from England to Asia entirely by rail. He cataloged his experience in the book "The Great Railway Bazaar," which is still regarded as one of the most romantic pieces of writing about train travel.

"If a train is large and comfortable you don't even need a destination," Theroux wrote. "A corner seat is enough, and you can be one of those travelers who stay in motion, straddling the tracks, and never arrive or feel they ought to."

Whether you're exploring the Andes or dashing around a Japanese island, luxury train travel proves that fly-by country is much more interesting when seen on the ground.

Take it slow on these rail journeys through some of the world's most glamorous destinations. Here are the most luxurious train rides in the world.

British Pullman, England

Fans of director Wes Anderson can embark on a vintage train adventure inspired by his distinct style and eye for detail. One of his most famous films, "The Darjeeling Limited," speaks to the director's love for luxurious train travel. On the British Pullman, A Belmond Train , guests can ride in the "Cygnus" carriage built in the 1950s and redesigned by Wes Anderson in 2021. With themed rides across England, including a murder mystery luncheon, or star guest-chef dinners, this ticket is sure to transport passengers back into the glamorous past.

Seven Stars in Kyushu, Japan

Often referred to as the world's most luxurious train, Japan's Seven Stars train brings old-school luxury to a technologically advanced railway. It lays claim to being the country's first luxury sleeper train, with its first run in 2013 and a refurbishment in 2022.

With multiday tours around the island of Kyushu, riders onboard the Seven Stars can get up close to both mountains and the seaside. But fair warning — the train can only carry up to 20 passengers at a time. Demand is so high that prospective riders must apply to ride . Winners are then invited to purchase their seats on an upcoming itinerary.

Venice Simplon-Orient-Express, Europe

The Venice Simplon-Orient-Express is mythical for a reason. The train's classic route runs from London to Venice, stopping in Paris and Verona on the way. Cars are adorned in Art Deco finery, creating an atmosphere of old-school glamour. Food is sourced along the route, meaning that when you sit down to dinner, there's likely to be lobsters from Brittany, or juicy tomatoes from Provence on your plate. After dinner, stop by the Champagne bar for a celebration that will transport you back to the golden age of luxury travel.

Rovos Rail, South Africa

Get a taste of the diverse landscapes in South Africa on the Rovos Rail journey from Pretoria to Cape Town . The three-day excursion takes passengers on a wide-ranging tour of landscapes, from the grasslands of Highveld to the desert of Great Karoo. The view is particularly exceptional from the train's open-air balconies on the observation car. The train stops in the Cape Winelands for a parting drink before leaving passengers at the station in Cape Town.

Royal Scotsman, Scotland

Explore Scotland's lochs, castles, and countryside on a slow-moving train. As the Belmond Royal Scotsman chugs through the Highlands, nestle underneath tartan wool blankets in your suite or nurse a scotch in the mahogany dining car. But what makes the Royal Scotsman unique among luxury trains is the onboard Dior Spa . Book a facial, massage, or manicure in the spa car for relaxation with a side of picturesque scenery.

Andean Explorer, Peru

In the 15th century, the Andean Road System was a feat of engineering, where locals used to trek the 18,000 miles of road by foot or by llama. Today, guests can travel in luxury on the Belmond Andean Explorer . The train starts at the ancient capital of Cusco and proceeds through the Andean Plains, up to Lake Titicaca. Because of the high elevation in Peru, this is one of the highest train routes in the world. Inside, the cars are filled with local flair, from Peruvian tapestries (made from alpaca wool) on the bed to pisco sours served in the rear observation bar car.

Maharajas' Express, India

There are a few reasons why Maharajas' Express consistently ranks among the most luxurious train rides in the world. Every car has a private butler, and there's a two-bedroom presidential suite for those willing to splurge. The seven-day Heritage of India tour is among the rail line's most popular offerings, with stops in Mumbai, Udaipur, Jodhpur, Jaipur, Agra, and Delhi.

The Presidential Train, Portugal

Portugal's Douro Valley is internationally recognized for its food and wine, so it's no surprise the region's Presidential Train offers a journey centered on culinary delights. Departing from Porto, the train chugs past vineyards as guests enjoy live music and extravagant dishes prepared by local chefs. Originally built in 1890 for the Portuguese royal family, the train has hosted its fair share of dignitaries, including Queen Elizabeth II, and its interiors still exude regal elegance. Portuguese wine flows throughout the 10-hour trip and a stop at the Quinta de Vargellas estate treats guests to a Port tasting before the train returns to Porto.

The Ghan, Australia

Not every journey through the Australian Outback needs to be a dusty adventure. The Ghan is one of Australia's most luxurious train rides, taking passengers on a four-day expedition from Darwin to Adelaide. The train has been in operation since 1929 but has been updated with modern amenities. Onboard meals include local fare like saltwater barramundi and grilled kangaroo fillet.

This New Luxury Train Concept Is a 'Palace on Wheels'

The canadian, canada.

Journey across the Great White North all while staying warm in your train cabin. Canada's national passenger rail service, Via Rail, offers a cross-country route from Toronto to Vancouver. Along the way, passengers will spot waterfalls, charming small towns, and the grand Rocky Mountains. It takes about four days to complete the trip in one straight shot but we recommend disembarking in Jasper, Alberta, or Kamloops, British Columbia, for hiking, biking, or skiing. Take the train in winter for the best views of snow-capped peaks and endless fields of white powder.

The Transcantábrico Gran Lujo, Spain

If you like your luxury with a dose of history, book a trip on the Transcantabrico Gran Lujo , where four of the cars are original 1923 Pullman cars. The trains are decorated to evoke the feeling of stepping back to that era. Passengers can experience some of Spain's best vistas from the panoramic viewing car. Service goes across the northern coast of the country from San Sebastian to Santiago de Compostela.

Rockies to the Red Rocks, Colorado and Utah

Voted the best train operator by Travel + Leisure readers , the Rocky Mountaineer traverses some of North America’s most impressive landscapes. While the company previously only serviced Canada, its two-day Rockies to the Red Rocks route between Denver, Colorado, and Moab, Utah, is one of the latest and greatest ways to experience the natural beauty of the American Southwest. The journey is enhanced with onboard storytelling, gourmet dining, a one-night stay at a hotel in Glenwood Springs, Colorado, and glass-domed windows for unobstructed views of the epic surroundings.

Eastern & Oriental Express, Asia

Since 1993, this elegantly decorated train has been making stops in three of Asia's most glittering destinations — Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia; Bangkok; and Singapore. The interiors of the Eastern & Oriental Express were inspired by the 1932 Marlene Dietrich film "Shanghai Express," and come with high-end details such as Thai silk, Malaysian embroidery, and cherrywood paneling. The rich design is enhanced by the views when the train passes through lush rain forests or ancient temples. Be sure to pack apparel worthy of the scene — evening wear is required for dinner.

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The 11 most luxurious train rides in the world

You’re in for iconic design, high-end service and absolute opulence on these dazzling journeys

Travelling by rail can be one of the most luxurious ways of getting around. And no, we aren’t just talking about the Orient Express (though that is, indeed, very fancy). The world is full of opulent, luxe rail routes – and they come in all shapes and sizes. Some are veritable palaces on wheels, whilst others offer dazzling views or fine dining, and they offer you the chance to see the world at a much more leisurely pace – no zooming past mountains here. 

But it’s not just the journey worth boarding for. So many routes are built around packages for travellers which often include plenty of day trips and stop-offs around every corner – kind of like a cruise. It isn’t just the train that’s fancy, it’s the entire trip, so get ready to be amazed, as here is our pick of the very best luxury train routes from across the world.

RECOMMENDED:  🏫The most   beautiful train stations in the world 🚅The best   train journeys in the world 🗺️The best train journeys in Europe ☀️The best train journeys in Asia 🎭The best   things to do in the world

Been there, done that? Think again, my friend.

Best luxury train rides in the world

1.  rocky mountaineer.

Faultless service, delicious food and comfortable seats are all an integral part of the luxury train experience, but you can’t beat the overwhelming majesty of nature. Canada ’s Rocky Mountaineer train understands this, hence the panoramic views, opening up the wonder of the route between Vancouver and Banff for all to enjoy. Sure, economy seats are available, but they don’t come with the views, so go all out and allow yourself this top-notch two-night experience. 

2.  The Deccan Odyssey

India knows exactly how to put together a luxury tourist train. A spin-off of the famed Palace on Wheels, the Deccan Odyssey offers six different routes, from the hidden splendour of Gujarat to the natural magic of Maharashtra, but you can’t really go wrong with any of them. It is mind-bendingly expensive (tickets start at $8,330 or £6,500), but who expects low prices to follow the word ‘luxury’? Fools, that’s who. You are basically travelling in a limousine on wheels across one of the world’s biggest countries, after all. 

3.  The Ghan

Australia is a land of iconic travel experiences, and a trip on The Ghan is right up there, a trundling train treat that coasts from Darwin to Adelaide . Keen geographers will realise that the train runs from the very northern tip of Australia to the bottom, making The Ghan a unique way to see the heart of this fantastic nation. There isn’t a whole lot in the centre of Australia (a lot of camels, by the way), but the overwhelming immensity of it all is incredible. The name is a shortened take on the route’s original moniker, The Afghan Express. 

4.  Venice Simplon-Orient-Express

When one thinks of luxurious trains, the Orient Express immediately forces its way into the discussion. How could it not? This iconic train has been immortalised in literature, cinema and everything else since it first set off in 1883, covering the distance between Paris and Istanbul (then Constantinople) in less than 76 hours. It was known as the world’s most luxurious train for a reason, all glass panels, refined leather seats and beds that offered the sort of sleep that, yes, travellers can only dream of. Seven historic cars have been renovated for the modern day, bringing the 1800s glamour into the twenty-first century.  

5.  Seven Stars in Kyushu

Japan ’s finest luxury train experience is undoubtedly the Seven Stars in Kyushu, a circular tour from Hakata that runs through Nagasaki and Yufuin over two days. A four-day option is also available, perfect for those who have money to spare and are looking for a seven-star (yes,  seven ) railway experience. Trains in Japan are a thing of wonder, but there is something about the Seven Stars that makes it stand out. It is a gorgeous celebration of Japanese art, from the walls to the cabins to washbasins. 

6.  The Eastern & Oriental Express

The world-famous Orient Express is somewhat incorrectly titled, seeing as it travels around Europe and Europe alone. But this route from Bangkok to Singapore ticks more boxes on the moniker front. It also runs through a stretch of scenery that will take your breath away, if that breath hasn’t already been snatched by the onboard decor and tremendous service. Ancient wonders and cosmopolitan cities collide (not literally) in a blur of exquisite glamour aboard this stunner. Tickets can stretch upwards of $3,200 (£2,700), but you very much pay for what you get. 

7.  Rovos Rail

Africa ’s premium train journey experience is undoubtedly the Rovos Rail, with a variety of trips available covering everything from 48-hour runs to 15-day explorative itineraries. These bespoke trains are a sight to behold, with gorgeous armchairs and all the wine one can handle waiting within. Throw in a stunning dining car, observation decks and a total absence of TV and radio, and you’ve got a nostalgic experience to remember.

8.  The Heritage Palace on Wheels

The Heritage Palace on Wheels (FKA The Palace on Wheels) has 14 luxurious cabins with all the mod cons, but it is the dining section on this beauty that really take the breath away. The food is spectacular in and of itself, but the decor and design make dining on the Heritage Palace on Wheels one of India ’s great romantic experiences. The famous name has since incorporated the Royal Rajasthan on Wheels into its stable, although the insecurity of the past few years has rendered the train’s future somewhat uncertain. Climb aboard while you still can.

9.  The Blue Train

Traversing the 1,600km or so between Pretoria and Cape Town by train is one of South Africa ’s most amazing travel experiences, so why not go all out and embrace the luxury of it all? One of the fanciest trains on the planet, The Blue Train styles itself as a window into the soul of Africa and we’re inclined to agree.  

10.  The Royal Scotsman

The UK ’s most famous train now exists as an opulent reminder of a very different time. The name remains in use as modern trains hurtle between Edinburgh and London , but those looking to climb aboard the iconic locomotive of yesteryear must dig deep into their pockets and dress to the nines as they do. Still, it is worth it, right? The Flying Scotsman is an exercise in British luxury, a time machine to the nineteenth century through the eyes of a very wealthy traveller indeed.  

11.  Belmond Andean Explorer

South America ’s first luxury sleeper train first set off in May 2017, bringing the romance of the rails to this most romantic of continents. The train runs from Cusco (the capital of the Incan Empire, no less) to the white city of Arequipa, showcasing the best of the Peruvian Andes along the way. 

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8 great rail journeys to take across the USA

Jan 29, 2024 • 6 min read

Considerably more relaxing than driving or flying, the best train rides in the US offer a leisurely sightseeing experience.© Alex Potemkin/Getty Images

There’s no getting around the sheer size and scale of the USA – it’s an absolute, supersized whopper – and the best way to see it all is via train.

The US has close to 3.8 million sq miles (10 million sq km) of sublime mountain ranges, parched desert, entire states engulfed in deep snow, you-gotta-go-see-it-to-believe-it cities, endless prairie land, six whole time zones and lakes so large you could lose whole countries down there. So while traveling around by plane might make sense from a convenience point of view – it’s not quite six hours to dart directly from New York to LA – there really is no better way to experience the sheer grandeur of the country than by taking one of these train vacations.

Considerably more relaxing than driving or flying, the best train rides in the US offer a leisurely, nostalgic sightseeing experience, often passing through pristine landscapes inaccessible by other means. The US is rich with amazing train journeys, but the routes listed below are the cream of the crop. From California to New England ,  here are eight epic US train trips our editors have selected, taken from Lonely Planet's  Amazing Train Journeys .

1. The Sunset Limited

Route: New Orleans – San Antonio – Tucson – Phoenix – Los Angeles Distance and duration: 1995 miles (3211 km); 2 days

Amtrak's Sunset Limited is the ultimate American railroad ride and one of its most famous train journeys: east to west, coast to coast, clean through from the bars of New Orleans to the breakers of the Pacific Ocean. If you’ve always dreamed of taking a journey across the USA, but don’t much relish the prospect of two weeks spent cooped up in an automobile, then a ride on the Sunset Limited is the answer.

Sit back and let America’s landscapes buzz by: from Louisiana ’s bayous, past the high-rises of Houston , across the deserts of Texas and Arizona , over the Californian hills all the way to LA’s golden beaches. Saddle up, pardner: it’s gonna be quite a ride.

2. The Coast Starlight

Route: Seattle – Portland – Sacramento – Los Angeles Distance and duration: 1377 miles (2216 km); 35 hours

Trace America’s “left coast” in all its varied splendor. The 35-hour (OK, it’s Amtrak, so maybe more) trip between Seattle and Los Angeles curves alongside crashing Pacific waves, cuts through America’s lushest agricultural land and passes below snowcapped mountains and towering redwoods. Of all the Amtrak routes, the Coast Starlight offers the most scenic variety in the fewest hours.

It’s also the only Amtrak service with a dedicated parlor car, open only to passengers who book sleepers. The parlor conjures old-time rail romance, with wood paneling and soft lighting, plus a special menu and wine-and-cheese tastings. Highlights of this train ride include dramatic sunrise perspectives on 14,179ft (4322m)  Mt Shasta , and a gorgeous midday traverse of Oregon's Cascade Range.

3. Metro-North Hudson Line

Route: New York City – Poughkeepsie Distance and duration: 69 miles (111 km); 1½ hours

Depart from New York City ’s iconic beaux arts Grand Central Terminal , stopping to admire the ornate astronomical ceiling painting in the vaulted main concourse and to slurp up oysters and a martini at the famous Oyster Bar.

Then roll through Manhattan and the Bronx and into the glorious green Hudson River Valley. Hugging the eastern banks of the river, New York’s Metro-North's Hudson line travels deep into American history. The names of the stops along the way speak to the area’s origins: Native American (Ossining, Poughkeepsie); Dutch (Spuyten Duyvil, Yonkers, Cortlandt, Peekskill); English (Hastings-on-Hudson, Scarborough). It’s a land so famously beautiful an entire art movement – the Hudson River School – was once dedicated to capturing its glory. For the cost of a burger and a beer, this view can be yours for almost two hours.

4. The California Zephyr

Route: Chicago – Omaha – Denver – Salt Lake City – San Francisco Distance and duration: 2438 miles (3924km), 51 hours 20 minutes

For soaking up the scenic grandeur of the North American continent, nothing compares with Amtrak’s California Zephyr train. This classic three-day journey travels nearly 2500 miles (4000km) across prairies, deserts, the Rocky Mountains and the Sierra Nevada on its way from Chicago to San Francisco. The scenery is magnificent throughout – especially when seen through the floor-to-ceiling windows of the lounge car – but if you can only do one section, opt for the riveting 185-mile (298km) stretch between Denver and Glenwood Springs, where the train travels through an often roadless wilderness of deep, narrow gorges near the Colorado River’s headwaters.

Near sunset, the train emerges into the majestic red rock desert of eastern Utah , then crosses overnight into the forbidding vastness of Nevada's sagebrush country, with salt flats and stark, arid mountains as far as the eye can see. Sunrise on day three reveals an entirely different desert: the blinding-white alkali flats and ghostly grey mountains near Winnemucca, Nevada. Just beyond the gambling-happy little city of Reno, the Zephyr climbs into the foothills of the Sierra Nevada, then enters California’s imposing granite high country beyond the photogenic frontier town of Truckee.

5. Amtrak Downeaster

Route: Boston – Portland – Brunswick Distance and duration: 145 miles (233 km); 3 hours 25 minutes

As car-free city breaks go, this train escape is hard to beat, chugging from the downtown main streets of urban Boston to Maine ’s rural greens in under four hours. That’s from the seventh most densely populated city in the US to the state with the highest percentage of forest coverage, all in less time than it takes to cook an old-style Yankee plum pudding.

Even better, every stop on the Amtrak Downeaster features historic New England cities and towns, parks and seascapes, cottage arts and crafts, world-class shopping and stellar foods fashioned from farm-and-sea-fresh ingredients.

6. The New Mexico Rail Runner

Route: Albuquerque – Santa Fe Distance and duration: 97 miles (156 km); 90 minutes

One of America’s great unsung commuter railways, the New Mexico Rail Runner Express is a regional train that runs down the Rio Grande Valley , connecting the state’s largest city, Albuquerque, with its cultural and political capital, Santa Fe.

On the way it crosses the wide, high desert, giving views of arid mountains in all directions, and even passes through several of the state’s Native American tribal lands. A no-nonsense, clean and quick journey, its highlights are the sweeping views from the upper seats of the double-decker carriages. Taken as a day trip or a scenic but practical form of intra-state transport, the Rail Runner is a wonderful introduction to New Mexico ’s epic landscapes.

7. The Empire Builder

Route: Chicago – St Paul or Minneapolis – Spokane – Portland or Seattle Distance and duration: 2764 miles (4448 km); 46 hours

The Amtrak Empire Builder from Chicago to Seattle glides through Wisconsin 's woodlands, Minnesota's lake country and the North Dakota prairies en route to a western horizon swarming with snow-capped Rocky Mountain peaks.

From Browning , Montana, an unforgettable 60-mile run along the southern edge of Glacier National Park leads to the park entrance at West Glacier, where nature lovers will want to break their journey before continuing to Seattle.

8. The Vermonter

Route: Washington, DC – New York City– Springfield – Essex Junction ( Burlington ) – St Albans Distance and duration: 611 miles (983 km); 13 hours 45 minutes

The Amtrak Vermonter runs once daily from Washington, DC to St Albans, VT. This is the most scenic route east of the Mississippi, especially in its northern reaches, where it snakes for four hours through the bucolic green hills and photogenic villages of rural Vermont.

Starting from the nation's capital, Washington, DC, the train runs north through one of the USA's greatest metropolises, New York City, before bowling out through Connecticut , Massachusetts and New Hampshire en route to the bucolic Vermont countryside and St Albans.

This article was first published Dec 4, 2020 and updated Jan 29, 2024.

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The Best Train Trips in the World: 2023 Readers’ Choice Awards

Ah, the allure of train trips . Adventurers and the eco-conscious are drawn to this glamorous, old-world mode of exploration for the impeccable slow-travel vibes, but there’s also something to be said about the perspective found onboard a train; you’re experiencing the landscape and scenery in a way that you can’t experience in any other mode of travel. A train trip often brings you where everyday roads cannot, whether it’s through untouched Malaysian jungles on the revamped Belmond Eastern & Oriental itineraries relaunching in 2024, or high into the Canadian Rockies with Rocky Mountaineer. For our 36th annual Readers’ Choice Awards —which capture the travel experiences our readers love best, from hotels and airlines to cruises , islands , and luggage —we called on all of you to rank the best of the best rail journeys out there. Here, dear readers, is how the dice fell.

This gallery has been updated with new information since its original publish date.

20. Inca Rail, South America

If you’re interested in taking a train to Machu Picchu (and unless you’re a mountain goat, we suggest you do), Inca Rail offers a level of convenience that is difficult to match—and it’s also worth mentioning that the First Class service is priced more accessibly than other luxury operators servicing the same route. While on board, you can expect a tasty menu prepared with organic ingredients grown right in the Sacred Valley, live Peruvian music, ample windows through which you can admire the staggering Andean scenery, and a spacious Observatory Lounge complete with open-air balcony. For fresh and frothy Pisco sours this good, this is one train that’s well worth the price of admission.

19. Transcantabrico Gran Lujo, Spain

Take in all the sights and flavors of Spain ’s iconic northern coastline on this luxurious sleeper train, which over the course of a week makes its way between San Sebastián and Santiago de Compostela. You’ll enjoy on-board cuisine that celebrates each of the distinct regions through which this train passes, from Galicia to Basque Country. A unique aspect of this train is that it remains stationary overnight, allowing for late-night excursions and explorations that are uncommon on other sleeper train experiences.

18. Glacier Express, Switzerland

It’s been said that the Glacier Express is the slowest express in the world–it takes eight hours to traverse the 180-mile journey–but boy, do the views here invite a slow journey. Connecting the resort towns of Zermatt and Saint Moritz, the train provides an up-close perspective of some of this mountainous country’s most iconic natural features, including the Matterhorn, Piz Bernina, and the Rhine Gorge (dubbed Switzerland’s Grand Canyon). Book in Excellence Class and you’ll be served Champagne at your seat, followed by a six-course meal complete with wine pairings.

17. The Canadian, Canada

Take in every mile of the vast Canadian landscape from The Canadian , a special sleeper service offered by VIA Rail, the country’s national rail carrier. Keep in mind that this train is more about sightseeing from the cars than actually getting off and doing anything. But if you’re traveling in the comfort of Prestige Class—with your own private cabin, private washroom and built-in TV screen monitor with video selection—you’ll be perfectly content to take in the journey from the privacy of your very own picture window.

16. The Ghan, Australia

Completed in 1929, The Ghan runs through the heart of the Australian continent , from Adelaide in the south to Darwin in the north. It may have only started running its current route in 2004, but its history dates to the 19th century, its name harkening to the Afghan camel trainers and riders who first helped chart a course through the country’s interior. The three-day all-inclusive journey sees the train lilting its way through Australia’s Red Centre with diverse landscapes passing by. Travel through the expansive ridges of the MacDonnell Ranges, witness the awe-inspiring beauty of Simpsons Gap, and visit the opal town of Coober Pedy.

15. JR Kyushu 36+3, Japan

This train’s unusual name derives from Kyushu being the 36th-largest island in the world, and there being three key stakeholders on this journey: the passengers, the local community, and the rail company, JR Kyushu. It isn’t a sleeper train, instead offering a series of weeklong roster of one-day itineraries around the perimeter of Kyushu–a do one, do them all, or do as many as you like situation–but the journey is no less enriching for it. The inside feels like a ryokan, featuring immaculate woodwork made from local techniques, comfortable furniture, and a mix of private and communal spaces. It’s a gorgeous way to get off the beaten track on this gorgeous Japanese island, packing in a number of stops and towns into a single day of productive–yet comfortable–sightseeing.

14. Eastern & Oriental Express, A Belmond Train, Southeast Asia

The E&O is the stuff of train enthusiasts’ legends, and in February 2024, this storied train will at long last resume service after its pandemic-era pause–sort of. The train’s journey originally connected Singapore and Bangkok, but as of the new year will offer journeys through the jungles and coastlines of Malaysia, but all originating in and returning to Singapore. It isn’t the classic E&O route, but these new itineraries will offer deeper explorations of Malaysia than ever before, including guided snorkeling on Langkawi and excursions to Taman Negara National Park. Despite the new itineraries, the train still has all the old world touches that people love: Order a Singapore Sling in the Bar Car, take it to the outdoor viewing platform as the Malaysian jungle rolls on by, and you just might forget what year we’re living in.

13. Northern Belle, Europe

It’s all about the food—and the scenery, too, but mostly about the food—onboard this lovingly restored 1930s train , which zig-zags its way across the English, Scottish and Welsh countrysides. Each of the journeys on offer are day trips, so they require less of a time (and money) commitment than other luxury trains. But what the Northern Belle lacks in length she more than makes up for in quality: The meal services are exquisite, offering fine dining crafted mostly from U.K. suppliers, so you can enjoy classic British fare as the heaths, meadows, and dales roll on by.

12. The Maharajas' Express, India

There are luxury sleeper trains, and then there are luxury sleeper trains like the Maharaja’s Express , where a greeting of marigold garlands and rose petals showered at your feet kicks off the journey before your personal butler escorts you to your room. The Junior Suite rooms are surprisingly spacious, especially by train travel standards, and come with full-sized closets, comfortable beds, private bathrooms, and satellite TVs. Both of the on board watering holes–the Safari Bar and the Raja Club–have plenty of chairs, comfy sofas, books and board games. Each day of the itinerary includes special opportunities to experience India through the train’s luxurious and singular perspective: like an early-morning champagne breakfast on a private hillside overlooking the Taj Mahal.

11. Royal Scotsman, A Belmond Train, Scotland

It’s about the journey, not the destination, right? Nowhere is train travel more indulgent—or convenient!—than on Belmond’s Royal Scotsman , which departs from and arrives at Edinburgh’s Waverley Station. With only 40 guests onboard, the train circumnavigates the heart of the Scottish Highlands, passing such landmarks as the Kyle of Lochalsh and Cairngorms National Park. There’s even a dedicated spa carriage, where the specialists are trained to synchronize their motions with the natural lilts and tilts of the train. If that’s not luxury, we’re not sure what is.

10. Belmond Hiram Bingham, A Belmond Train, South America

Named after the U.S. explorer who supposedly “discovered” Machu Picchu in 1911, the Belmond Hiram Bingham train line is as grand as the man’s claims. The round-trip journey connects the city of Poroy (just west of Cuzco) to the Lost City and Sacred Valley of Machu Picchu. The Belmond Hiram Bingham turns on the turn-of-the-20th-century charm, from gleaming polished wood and brass surfaces to lavish meals and accommodations, which offer plenty of space to stretch out: the perfect setting for viewing the mountains and rivers zooming past the window.

9. Golden Chariot, India

Experience a mix of Southern India’s greatest hits and lesser-explored destinations on board the iconic purple and gold Golden Chariot , which connects the Indian states of Karnataka, Goa, Kerala, Tamil Nadu and Pondicherry. All itineraries depart from Bengaluru, with options for both three-night and six-night journeys. This train’s strength is its access to off-beat attractions than what you’ll find on the well-worn Golden Triangle, such as the ruins of Hampi. With sparse crowds, and a comfortable train to retreat to at the end of each day, it’s an approach to India that captures all the magic this country has to offer.

8. Golden Eagle Danube Express, Europe

A pioneer in luxury trains for three decades, Golden Eagle is perhaps best known for its Silk Road and Trans-Siberian routes, but the Danube Express unlocks an approach to Southern and Eastern Europe which is no less breathtaking and engaging. The “Castles of Transylvania” route from Istanbul to Budapest is particularly unique–spend all day learning about Vlad the Impaler’s history through guided tours, then spend all night luxuriating in the comfort of the bar car or in the privacy of your room. It’s a combination of Europe’s best cities and most dramatic natural landscapes that is hard to experience in one go any other way.

7. Rocky Mountaineer, North America

Traveling in a coach outfitted with picture windows and glass-dome ceilings means that a Rocky Mountaineer journey leaves no sight unseen as you traverse the dramatic scenery between Vancouver , British Columbia and Banff or Jasper, Alberta. Sample local Canadian beer, wine and snacks as you kick back and enjoy the ride. The staff’s friendly service and animated storytelling help bring the landscape to life. It’s personal touches like those which keep travelers coming away from this trip amply satisfied time and time again. Since it was founded in 1990, Rocky Mountaineer has transported more than two million guests, making it the largest privately-owned premium tourist train in the world.

6. Rovos Rail, Africa

This extravagant railway has been traveling throughout Africa for over thirty years. The experiences start before you even board—when departing from Pretoria, Rovos Rail travelers are granted exclusive access to a private lounge, where Champagne and canapés greet them—and a strict “no cellphone” rule is maintained for your own good. Enjoy the moment(s) provided by this line, which range from cozy digs to formal-attired evenings, as well as full-sized, freestanding clawfoot tubs in the most grand compartments. All Rovos Rail journeys include off-train cultural, historical and safari excursions so guests can experience all the wonders that Southern Africa has to offer. The three-night Cape Town journey is a classic, but if you’re feeling extra adventurous and have a few more nights to spare, opt for the newer fifteen-day “Trail of Two Oceans” itinerary, originating in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania, crossing Zambia, traversing a sliver of the Democratic Republic of Congo, and concluding in Lobito, Angola.

5. Belmond Andean Explorer, A Belmond Train, South America

Weaving through the Peruvian Andes at 14,000 feet, the Belmond Andean Explorer transports passengers between Arequipa and Cusco on one- and two-night journeys. There are just thirty-five cabins on board, each outfitted with alpaca wool blankets and handwoven fabrics for an authentic yet luxe feel. Two dining cars and two bar cars serve the whims of every guest with bites like alpaca tortellini and (of course) champagne. The train also makes excursions to Lake Titicaca , where guests can learn about local customs, visit Incan ruins, and take in breath-taking views.

4. British Pullman, A Belmond Train, England

The British Pullman ’s experience is magical no matter where you’re seated. Once you depart London , you’ll embark on a journey through the bucolic British countryside, touring cities and towns like Cambridge, York, and Canterbury along the way. The restored carriages date back to the 1920s and 1930s, so expect Art Deco touches, polished interiors, and classically prepared multi-course meals—this is the same train line that has served British royalty and government officials for years, after all.

3. Venice Simplon-Orient-Express, Europe

Year after year, the world’s most iconic locomotive continues to be a standard-setter in luxury. Of course, the decadent interiors are a fantasy of 1920’s Art Deco design, but it’s the impeccable service that keeps this train firmly ensconced in a class of its own. Bags are whisked off from the platform and magically reappear in your cabin, no glass ever runs empty, and the beds seem to make themselves anytime you step outside of your cabin. By day you can revel in the scenery of French countrysides and Swiss mountain scenes, and by night, the formal dress code feels anything but stuffy—in fact, playing dress up and making your way to the Champagne bar is, we think, one of the coolest experiences anyone could have on a train. For 2023, this over-the-top train is getting even more luxe updates, including eight new suites, two of which are original 1920s and 30s carriages carefully restored by expert French craftsmen and designers–so there’s no time like the present to book that bucket-list trip.

2. Palace on Wheels, India

India’s best-known train, the Palace on Wheels , offers a number of trips that range from a couple days to week-long excursions. Embarking from New Delhi through the Land of Kings, trips take you through the famed Pink City of Jaipur, in Rajasthan, where guests are greeted by majestic UNESCO sites like the Amer Fort as well as 16th century palaces. You can also visit Agra, home to the Taj Mahal and the perfect stop for a tour of some of the country's most iconic sites. Along the way, enjoy regional cuisine in well-appointed, colorful carriages decked out in Indian textiles.

1. Seven Stars in Kyushu, Japan

Train lovers consider this opulent Japanese locomotive among the most spacious and comfortable of them all. Every inch of Seven Stars' Kyushu train—from the beds, to the bathroom sinks, to the woodwork, to the porcelain dinner plates—is handmade by Japanese artisans, and the service is simply exquisite, with each journey limited to a positively intimate twenty passengers; but it’s not just about the onboard experience with Seven Stars. These four-day, three-night trips travel a circuit around the island of Kyushu, making stops at the region’s best shrines, onsens, porcelain studios, and more, so you truly feel like you’re exploring an authentic side of Japan , far away from the more obvious tourist tracks.

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14 Best Train Trips to Take Across America for Breathtaking Scenery

Vacation in a new way to see some beautiful sights.

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While traveling by train can certainly be a more inexpensive option for a family getaway when compared to air travel or a boat cruise, that doesn't mean you'll be cramped and crowded. Many of the trips we have listed include luxury sleeper trains, amazing dining and, of course, unbeatable views. There are routes like the Surfliner, which runs along the Pacific Ocean (and would be an unforgettable destination for spring break ), the Grand Canyon Railway, a two-hour ride of bliss and tons more that are sure to pique your interest.

Let the best train rides in America also inspire you to make locomotives your transportation of choice even when you head to international destinations (we recommend you hop aboard Norway’s famous Flåm Railway ).

Still need help deciding where to go and what to pack? Check out Good Housekeepin g 's 2023 Family Travel Awards for expert advice, top-tested gear and more.

Amtrak Auto Train

If you’re traveling to a destination that requires use of a vehicle, Amtrak’s Auto Train allows you to pack it with you! It transports your car (or other recreational vehicles) as well as you and your family on a route from Washington, DC to Sanford, Florida.

Good Housekeeping’s Textiles, Paper & Apparel Lab executive director, Lexi Sachs boarded the train with her family for a trip to Orlando, which she described as “just as fun of an experience for my two kids” as their trip to Disney World.

Sachs also pointed out that the train trip featured a range of seating options, from coach to bedrooms with pull down beds, lovely views of the East Coast, delicious dinner and breakfast, and allowed her to feel like she wasn’t losing a day of vacation due to travel. Plus, Amtrak offers priority offloading, “which means your car comes off first,” Sachs said, adding that “It was definitely worth it in my opinion!”

America's National Parks with Rocky Mountaineer

See eight destinations over 11 days when you embark on this incredible journey through canyons and mountains. You’ll have the chance to explore Arches National Park with its many sandstone arches, Canyonlands National Park, which is full of rock columns and original Native American cave paintings and Yellowstone National Park, where you will see its majestic hot springs and geysers. Not only does this package include multiple sightseeing tours, but it also covers 10 nights of hotel stays and three meals.

Grand Rail Experience

Visit great American cities, including Washington, Chicago, Seattle, Los Angeles and New Orleans, on this 14-day cross-country journey. Included in the package is six nights of hotel accommodations, seven nights onboard one of Amtrak’s sleeper trains, sightseeing tours and priceless landscape views.

You also get to take your pick from attractions such as the Argosy Cruises Harbor Tour, Museum of Pop Culture (MoPOP), Woodland Park Zoo and Chihuly Garden and Glass for no additional cost.

Northern Rail Experience

Get your fill of adventure when you embark on this nine-day train vacation with stops in Chicago, Seattle, San Francisco and Muir Woods.

Amtrak offers an all-inclusive package with a hop-on, hop-off sightseeing tour, and breathtaking views of the great plains and the Pacific Coast. Plus you and your family will enjoy three nights of hotel accommodations and five nights on board Amtrak in private sleeping rooms. One meal is also included.

Alaska Railroad's Coastal Classic

Alaska Railroad's Coastal Classic departs from Anchorage and winds along the Turnagain Arm before turning off into the backcountry wilderness and eventually ending in Seward.

Look for views of the steep Chugach Range mountains plummeting right into the ocean, and the stunning shores of Resurrection Bay; wildlife sightings along the way could include beluga whales, sheep, bear and moose. Daily service is available seasonally, from mid-May through mid-September. Take a variety of tours in Seward — like glacier treks or sled dog rides — before heading back to Anchorage.

Amtrak’s famous Surfliner route runs between San Luis Obispo, Santa Barbara, Los Angeles and San Diego, with multiple daily departures.

The route runs along the Pacific Ocean — almost close enough to catch a wave — for gorgeous views throughout the journey. And yes, you can bring along your surfboard; special racks are designed to hold travelers’ outdoor gear.

Napa Valley Wine Train

If you love wine and vintage aesthetics, you absolutely must experience the Napa Valley Wine Train. Century-old railcars traverse a 150-year-old rail corridor on this 36-mile round-trip journey. The railroad once transported guests to a spa resort in Calistoga and now winds its way across the pastoral California landscape from Napa to St. Helena and back, stopping at the famed region’s wineries all along the route. Four on-board kitchens provide locally sourced, top-end cuisine for a full luxury dining experience.

Grand Canyon Railway

This trip re-creates the historic voyage to the Grand Canyon by rail, which opened to its very first passengers in 1901. Passengers aboard the Grand Canyon Railway depart from Williams Depot and make their way to the Grand Canyon Depot, which is the last operating log depot in the country. The depot is located right in the middle of the National Park’s historic district, near the storied El Tovar Hotel, and merely 200 yards from the edge of the canyon’s South Rim. In all, the trip covers 65 miles of scenic terrain, with unmatched views and photo opps.

Great Smoky Mountains Railroad

The Great Smoky Mountains Railroad takes passengers on a scenic rail journey through this beautiful mountain range. Choose from two versions of the trip, named for standout attractions: the Nantahala Gorge Excursion (44 miles) or the Tuckasegee River Excursion (32 miles). Both offer a range of seating classes, including an open-air gondola and first-class dining car. Specialty versions of the trip include wine and dine, fall foliage spotting, and even a Peanuts-theme Easter ride.

Cass Scenic Railroad

The steam-driven Cass Scenic Railroad takes passengers through the mountains of West Virginia on revamped flat cars that hauled lumber to the Cass mill more than a century ago. The 11-mile heritage railroad runs from May through October, offering a trip through both history and scenery. Ride to the overlook at Bald Knob, the third highest point in West Virginia, for unforgettable views and picture-taking spots.

Cape Cod Central Railroad

Cape Cod Central is a heritage railroad that operates on 27 miles of former New Haven Railroad tracks on Cape Cod. It takes passengers through marshes, cranberry bogs, dunes — places you can only access by rail. Come for a historic narrated daytime ride, Sunday brunch, sunset dinner, or a special festive holiday ride.

Sunset Limited

Travel between Louisiana and California on Sunset Limited, Amtrak’s Southernmost route. On the way from New Orleans through San Antonio, Tucson, Phoenix and Los Angeles, see diverse scenery including the bayou country, Southwestern deserts, and California mountains. Three trains depart weekly in each direction.

Coast Starlight

The Coast Starlight works its way along the west coast from Los Angeles to Seattle. On the route, pass Santa Barbara, the San Francisco Bay Area, Sacramento and Portland. Catch scenery from verdant valleys and forests to the snow-topped mountains of the Cascade Range and Mount Shasta and the Pacific Ocean shoreline to boot. This striking route runs daily.

Empire Builder

Amtrak’s famous Empire Builder route runs daily between Chicago and the Pacific Northwest. It covers portions of the Lewis and Clark trail, following the route of the pioneers. Urban views include the twinkling skyline of Minneapolis and St. Paul; natural landscapes include the North Dakota plains, Big Sky country in Montana and Glacier National Park. The route runs daily.

Alesandra is a digital travel and lifestyle journalist based in Los Angeles. Her work has appeared in Good Housekeeping, Woman’s Day, Prevention, Insider, Glamour, Shondaland, AFAR, Parents, TODAY, and countless other online and print outlets. Alesandra has a masters degree in journalism with an emphasis on cultural reporting and criticism from NYU, and a bachelor’s degree from UC Berkeley. An avid traveler, she trots the globe with her husband and their twins.

Cameron (she/her) is a staff writer for Good Housekeeping , where she covers everything from holidays to food. She is a graduate of Syracuse University, where she received a B.A. in magazine journalism. In her spare-time she can be found scrolling TikTok for the latest cleaning hacks and restaurant openings, binge-watching seasons of Project Runway or online shopping.

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Guide on 25 Different Types of Trains with Names & Pictures

Table of Contents

Overview of Types of Trains

Trains are like a chain of connected vehicles that move on special tracks. They help carry people and things from one place to another. Engines, also called locomotives or railcars, pull these trains. Some trains can move independently without an engine, like multiple units. Passengers and cargo are carried in railroad cars, also called wagons. Trains run on tracks with a specific distance between them, called gauge. Most trains use steel tracks and wheels, which makes them efficient and helps them move smoothly. In this article, we will see different types of trains worldwide. We will also see the function of all types of trains.

Types of Trains Pictures

Different Types of Trains Names

High-speed trains, maglev trains, commuter trains, subway/metro, trams/streetcars, intercity trains, regional trains, freight trains, passenger trains, diesel multiple units (dmus), electric multiple units (emus), double-decker trains, night trains, bullet trains, rack railways, tourist trains, airport people movers, hybrid trains, articulated trains, goods wagons, long distance trains, types of trains with pictures.

High-speed rail systems are designed for efficient long-distance travel. They can reach speeds over 200 km/h on special tracks to reduce fire risks.

Japan’s Shinkansen, or bullet train, introduced in 1964, was famous for all types of trains. The Wuhan–Guangzhou High-Speed Railway and Beijing–Tianjin Intercity Rail are the world’s fastest high-speed rails, reaching up to 350 km/h.

High-speed trains are environmentally friendly, carrying more passengers with less fuel consumption than airplanes.

They save time by avoiding airport procedures like boarding, check-in, takeoff, and disembarking, making travel more efficient and cost-effective.

Read More – Explore 50 Essential Parts of a Train: Names, Functions & Diagram

Maglev, short for magnetic levitation, is a transportation system that uses magnets to lift and propel trains without traditional wheels or tracks.

This technology eliminates friction and allows for high-speed travel than other types of trains. Maglev trains are smooth, quiet, and quick to accelerate and decelerate.

However, there are drawbacks. The construction cost is high, and the energy required to overcome drag and friction is substantial. Additionally, the comfort and safety of passengers are concerns.

Maglev trains are operational in only three countries: China, South Korea, and Japan. The benefits of these trains are overshadowed by the associated costs and risks, limiting their widespread adoption.

Regional trains connect suburbs to city centers, mainly for work commuters. They run during weekday rush hours, saving fuel costs by traveling in peak directions.

In the US, commuter trains are usually locomotives, while European regional trains have multiple electric units.

Commuter trains ease road traffic, reduce pollution, and accommodate standing passengers. Some carriages prioritize standing space over seats and accommodate wheelchairs, cycles, and prams.

Cities relying heavily on commuter trains may face congestion. For instance, Tokyo’s Yamanote Line serves 3.5 million daily passengers across 29 stations.

New York’s subway carries 5.7 million passengers daily across 472 stations. Modern types of trains have foldable seats, doors on both sides and double-decker options to address crowding.

Light rail, also known as Light-Rail Transit (LRT) or Electric Trolley System (LRV). It is a fast and efficient way of public transportation.

It uses fixed rails and electric-powered single cars or short trains designed for lighter passenger capacity, not vehicle weight.

Light rail includes traditional trams and modern very-light or ultra-light rail systems. Its resurgence is due to recognized health and environmental benefits and its ability to transport many passengers efficiently.

Light rail bridges the gap between local buses and heavy rail, providing a flexible solution to commuting challenges.

It excels in moving commuters to and from city centers faster than buses while being more cost-effective than heavy rail. It enhances urban mobility and contributes to a sustainable and eco-friendly transportation landscape.

Metro trains, often known as rapid or mass rapid transit (MRT), provide major cities with efficient, high-capacity public transportation. These types of electric train systems, which use fixed electric tracks, feature fast acceleration and high speeds.

These metropolitan transit networks can be built above or below ground, and many systems use a combination of both. A subway, tube, or underground is a type of rapid transit system that operates largely underground.

In congested nations, the name “metro” is synonymous with fast transit, and these systems are common in metropolitan areas.

A monorail is a special train system with just one track hanging from above or supported directly. The term “monorail” was first used by Eugen Langen in 1896 for elevated trains, like his One-railed Suspension Tramway.

Monorails are often found in cities with moderate traffic, running on tracks raised above the ground. Unlike regular trains, they use only one track and can be elevated or positioned above/below the train cars.

They’re commonly used for airport transportation because they need less space horizontally and vertically.

Trams are a kind of public transportation that uses street-embedded tracks. In the United Kingdom, it operates on embedded rails in metropolitan streets. In the United States, they are known as streetcars or trolleys. Overhead cables often power them.

Trams can be single units or connected in groups. They ride on rails across city streets, sometimes with their own designated lane.

The main difference between trams and trains is that trams mainly use public roads, while trains have separate routes away from roads.

Intercity trains are like the roadrunners of the railway world. It is built for long journeys with fewer stops. It connects important railway junctions and state capitals.

These trains have reserved and unreserved seating, focusing on speed and direct connectivity. It moves fast and even gets priority on the tracks.

Some have cafes, and others have vending machines for snacks. With their blend of speed and convenience, Intercity trains are popular for efficient transportation over medium to long distances.

Regional trains are like buses on rails, stopping frequently to connect towns and cities. They are great for everyday travel, whether going to work, shopping, or attending events.

You can use them to commute from the suburbs to the city, travel between suburbs, or even hop from one city to another. They’re convenient for getting around without needing a car, especially for trips into busy urban areas.

A freight train carries stuff, not people. It’s like a long chain of train cars pulled by powerful engines. These trains are sometimes called goods or cargo trains.

They help move things from where they’re made to where they need to go. These trains are super safe and eco-friendly.

Compared to trucks, they emit way less CO2 and use way less energy, making them a green choice for shipping goods.

A passenger train is a train designed for carrying people, not goods. It usually consists of passenger cars pulled by a locomotive or self-propelled railcars.

These trains serve as a public transportation option, connecting different places. Passenger trains have fewer stops than some other types, like EMUs, and provide amenities like toilets for a more comfortable travel experience. They are a convenient choice for regular commuters and travelers.

A diesel multiple unit (DMU) train is a type of train powered by diesel engines. Unlike electric multiple-unit (EMU) trains, DMUs don’t need a separate locomotive.

DMU does not require a separate locomotive; more space in the train is available for passenger cabins. It has driving cabs at both ends, so they can be operated from either end without turning around.

DMUs come in various configurations, like a 3-car set with two powered driving cars and a middle unpowered trailer car or a simpler 2-car set with one powered driving car and one unpowered trailer.

Electric Multiple Units (EMUs) are electric trains, eliminating the need for a separate locomotive. They consist of self-propelled carriages with built-in electric traction motors.

Most EMUs have multiple carriages joined together, but some are single cars. They’re mainly used for passengers, but some are made for carrying mail.

EMU design has been the same since 1900, but big improvements happened in the 1950s. These advancements made EMUs more efficient and better performers.

AC Double Decker Express trains have a unique two-level seating setup with 120 seats. The seating is split into lower, upper, and mezzanine areas for a comfortable and space-efficient layout.

These trains only use advanced stainless steel LHB Coaches, making the travel experience even better for passengers.

Night trains are designed for overnight travel, letting passengers rest with relaxing seats and private cabins. They’re efficient, minimizing overall travel time.

It has gained popularity in Europe as an alternative to flights. Unlike day trains, night trains operate once a day, focusing on optimizing sleep and travel experiences.

A bullet train is a super-fast passenger train running on special tracks. The first one, Tōkaidō Shinkansen, started in Japan in 1964. It can reach a top speed of 320 km/h.

Shinkansen uses electricity from wires above the tracks. With a sleek nose, it’s nicknamed the “bullet train.” It is safe and has modern features. It can carry over 1,000 passengers, making it efficient and spacious.

Cable cars are a special type of railway that uses a constantly moving cable to pull rail cars. A fixed engine, sometimes underground, powers the cable.

They are also known as cable trams, aerial tramways, ropeways, or chairlifts. Cable cars are utilized for public transit, transporting people and products, and ascending mountains or steep hillsides.

A gripman in a cable car uses a device to grip the cable and start the car before releasing it to stop. They can start and stop by gripping and releasing the cable.

A rack railway is a special mountain train that goes up steep hills. It has a toothed rack rail in the middle, and the train has special cog wheels that grip onto the rack rail for good traction.

This design allows the train to climb steep slopes, up to 1 in 5 gradients. People also call these trains cog railways or cogwheel railways, and they are great for going up challenging mountains.

A tourist train is a fun and unique way to experience historic train cars. These trains are designed like museums, allowing visitors to enjoy dining or sleeping in vintage-style cars.

They are usually made from renovated old trains or created to look like classic trains. It’s a cool and enjoyable experience for individuals, friends, and families who love sightseeing.

An automated people mover (APM) is a self-driving transportation system often used in tight spaces like airports, theme parks, or cities. APMs are like small automated trains that can carry up to 100 passengers.

They work well for short distances, where they frequently stop and start. A key feature is their ability to accelerate and decelerate quickly.

Unlike traditional trains with steel wheels on rails, APMs use rubber tires, making them more efficient for quick movements in their designated areas.

A hybrid train is like a mix of regular and electric trains. It uses a special battery system placed between the engine and the wheels.

Instead of just relying on diesel fuel, it also uses electricity. When the train brakes, it converts some of that energy into electricity and stores it in a battery.

This energy is used later to help power the train, making it more fuel-efficient. The train has different modes that control how it uses energy and charges the battery.

These hybrid trains use less fuel, which is better for the environment because it reduces harmful emissions.

An articulated train is like a connected railroad team where the cars are joined together. Instead of each car having its own wheels, they share a single set called a bogie. These trains are shorter than regular ones and have been around since the 1870s.

As the cars are connected, things are better for passengers. It’s safer, more comfortable, and can be faster. In these trains, the cars use the same wheel setup called “trucks,” with the cars next to them. It helps them work together smoothly.

A goods wagon, also called a freight wagon, is like a cargo truck for trains. It carries machines, equipment, long items, containers, and bulk goods.

Covered goods wagons are made for carrying things that can’t get wet. They have a fixed roof and enclosed sides to protect the cargo from the weather.

These wagons can carry up to 40 tons of heavy loads on big train tracks called broad-gauge lines. But on smaller tracks, called narrow-gauge lines, they carry a bit less, around 25 tons. It helps meet the different needs of different train systems.

Long-distance trains are made for traveling between cities or countries. They often have a restaurant or dining car for meals and sleeping cars for overnight trips.

Even though people usually choose planes for distances over 500 miles, long-distance trains are a budget-friendly and popular option for extensive journeys.

Different countries have their unique long-distance trains to cater to travelers’ needs.

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7 Common Types of Trains and Their Uses

Trains are an essential mode of transportation, providing a reliable and efficient way to transport goods and people over long distances. There are different types of trains, each with its unique characteristics and uses. Here are 7 common types of trains:

Freight Trains

Freight trains are used to transport goods and cargo, including raw materials, finished products, and hazardous materials. They are usually long and heavy and can travel long distances across different countries and continents. Freight trains can have different types of cars, including boxcars, flatcars, tank cars, and hopper cars, depending on the type of cargo they carry.

Passenger Trains

Passenger trains are used to transport people, including commuters, tourists, and travelers. They can have different levels of luxury and comfort, depending on the type of service, such as first-class, business class, or economy class. Passenger trains can also have different speeds and routes, including regional, national, and international services.

High-Speed Trains

High-speed trains are designed for speed and efficiency, reaching speeds of over 200 mph (320 km/h). They are used for long-distance travel and can reduce travel times between major cities and destinations. High-speed trains have special tracks and signaling systems and can offer various levels of comfort and luxury.

Commuter Trains

Commuter trains are used to transport people between urban and suburban areas, typically during rush hour. They can have different levels of comfort and amenities, depending on the service and route. Commuter trains usually operate on fixed schedules and can have multiple stops and stations.

Light Rail Trains

Light rail trains are used for urban transportation, typically in cities and metropolitan areas. They are smaller and lighter than traditional trains and can operate on both streets and dedicated tracks. Light rail trains are used for both passenger and freight transportation and can have different levels of service and amenities.

Monorails are trains that operate on a single rail and are used for urban transportation, typically in theme parks, airports, and tourist destinations. They can have different levels of service and amenities and offer a unique and enjoyable way to travel.

Subway Trains

Subway trains, also known as metro trains, are used for urban transportation, typically in densely populated areas. They operate on underground tracks and can have different levels of service and amenities. Subway trains are usually operated by public transit authorities and can offer affordable and reliable transportation options.

Trains are a critical mode of transportation, providing a reliable and efficient way to transport goods and people over long distances. By understanding the different types of trains, we can better appreciate their unique characteristics and uses and make informed decisions about which type of train to use for a particular purpose.

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17 Different Types of Trains

Drew Redding

Trains are transport systems that have a series of connected vehicles that run along a track. The main purpose of trains is to transport passengers or cargo. The word ‘train’ comes from the Latin word ‘trahere’ meaning ‘to pull.’ Train tracks are usually made of two running rails which can also be supplemented by additional rails.

There are many different types of trains that you may come across during your travels. Some types of trains have been listed below.

Type of Train Design

There are two main categories of how trains are built: bogies and locomotive. Bogies were really popular before the 19th century and are still used in some parts of the world as a tourist attraction. Nowadays, most train systems are based on locomotive travel since it is more efficient.

Bogies are wheeled trolley or wagons that were traditionally used to transport cargo. Bogies are the framework that carries the wheels that are attached to the train itself. Bogie train compartments can be fixed in place or mounted to another locomotive or wagon. Most bogies are made with two axles since that is the simplest design but the design needs to be customized for heavier loads and cargo.

Locomotive Trains

Historically, trains used to be gravity-powered or hauled by horses and ropes. In the 19th century, the steam locomotive was invented and then replaced for electric or diesel versions. They became popular since they required less labor; however, they were more expensive and complex. These trains became the most popular medium for the transportation of passengers.

Types of Trains

The design of a train is mostly dependent on the main purpose of the train. For example, if the train is meant for short distance commute, it won’t have sleeper or dining cars built-in. There are many different types of trains throughout the world that form an integral part of the transport system.

Passenger Trains

Passenger trains can be fast and are often really long so that they can carry more passengers. They may have a self-powered unit or a combination of locomotives. These trains travel between depots or stations, where passengers can disembark or board. They usually have a fixed schedule, which is why they often have superior track occupancy rights over other trains like freight. There are three main types of passenger trains: long-distance, short-distance, and trains within cities.

Long-Distance Trains

Long-distance trains are built for travels between different cities or a region of a country. They even cross through several countries at times. They usually have a restaurant or dining car so that passengers can have a pleasant meal during the course of their journey. Trains that travel overnight also have sleeping cars so that passengers can rest during the travel. Distances over 500 miles are usually reserved for air travel, but trains are a cheap and popular way to travel long distances in many countries. There are many different types of long-distance trains around the world.

High-Speed Rail

The high-speed rail is built for long-distance travel since it can get passengers to their destination quicker. Generally, high-speed trains run at speeds above 200 km/h. Their dedicated tracks are designed to accommodate such high speeds without the risk of fire from friction. The high-speed train is reduced time and money costs.

The first successful high-speed passenger railway system was Japan’s Shinkansen in 1964. This train was popularly known as the bullet train. In modern times, the fastest passenger trains in the world are the Wuhan–Guangzhou High-Speed Railway system and Beijing–Tianjin Intercity Rail. They have been known to reach speeds of 350 km/h.

They are also far more environmentally friendly than airplanes. They can carry more passengers and also use less fuel. They reduce the time costs of airport boarding, check-in, takeoff, and disembarking.

Inter-City Trains

Inter-city trains are generally long-distance trains that connect metropolitan areas in a country. The distances they cover are usually comparable to airline flights but they still move at highway speeds. They may provide some amenities like sleeper cars or dining options.

Inter-city railways may sometimes provide international services as well. This is really popular in Europe where travel is more open and around 50 countries are in close proximity. Main examples of such trains are the EuroCity and Eurostar, which people use as a comfortable option to travel long distances.

Regional Trains

Regional railways connect stops between nearby cities. They make more stops over a shorter distance than inter-city trains, but travel longer distances than commuter trains. They operate beyond just urban areas and often connect the cities to rural regions of the country.

Short-Distance Trains

Short-distance trains are designed to carry more passengers. Their seating systems are often more packed and can even have space for people to travel while standing. The objective of these trains is to mass-transport people over short distances. This makes them more eco-friendly than cars and they also reduce the burden on the roads.

Commuter Trains

They connect suburban areas with the center of the city. The main purpose of the regional train is to take passengers to and from work. These trains are usually scheduled for rush hours and weekdays. They only travel to peak directions to save fuel costs. Regional railways have more stops over shorter distances. In the US, commuter trains are usually locomotive trains while regional trains in Europe typically have multiple electric units.

Commuter trains are an efficient mode of transport that reduces the burden from road traffic. They carry people through smaller surface area and reduced air pollution. Some carriages of commuter trains are built with more standing space than seats. They even facilitate wheelchairs, cycles, and prams.

Cities can also become too dependent on commuter trains. In such cases, commuter trains can face extreme congestion. For example, the 29 stations of the Yamanote Line in Tokyo, Japan, carry 3.5 million passengers daily. In New York, the subway system is responsible for 5.7 million passengers across 472 stations. Due to this reason, many modern trains come with foldable seats so that there is more space to stand during rush hour. To decrease boarding and disembarking time, trains even come with doors on both sides. Double Decker trains are also become more popular to cope with the passengers.

Within City Trains

There are over 31 cities in the world that are home to over 10 million people. This creates the need for many mass-transit systems across the city. Different types of transport are needed to handle the hustle and bustle of cities on a daily basis. Without such transport systems, cities can often choke from the amount of traffic.

Rapid Transit Trains

Large cities often rely on a metro system. These systems can also be called tubes, subway, or underground rails. They are usually powered by electricity coursing through a unique third rail. The railroads are separate from other traffic like underground tunnels in the city’s center or on elevated overhead structures in the suburbs. They are designed to decelerate and accelerate faster than long-distance trains which are much heavier.

In the UK, there is a set distinction between a railway and a tramway under the law. In the United States and Canada, similar trains are referred to as streetcars or trolleys. The main difference between a railroad and a tramway system is actually that trams mostly run on public streets while trains have a separate path from public roads.

Light rails are often referred to as the modern tram systems but they usually have their own separate paths similar to heavy-line railways. They are a mixture of a tram and a train. Unlike subway trains, light rails may even have level crossings, which are often protected with crossing gates. In some underdevelopment sites and deprived areas, abandoned heavy rails are often used as modern light rails to connect the areas with larger cities.

A monorail is a railway system which has a single track of a beam or rail. They were developed to meet the medium demands of traffic in urban areas and typically run on elevated rail tracks. Almost all monorails are designed with linear induction motors. The term mono (one) and rail originated in 1896 when Eugen Langen named elevated railways systems the Eugen Langen One-railed Suspension Tramway.

Maglev is a word derived from ‘magnetic levitation’. It is a transport system that uses two sets of magnets to push the train off the track. Another magnet is used to move the floating train ahead at great speeds since there is no friction that needs to be accounted for. They don’t travel too far but still give high-speed rails and airplane favorable competition.

Maglev technology-based trains have no real moving parts. The only moving part is the train which travels along a specific guide-way through magnets to control the speed and stability of the train. They are smoother and quieter than heavy-duty conventional trains due to this very reason. They can also decelerate and accelerate much quicker than normal trains.

However, maglev train systems are really expensive to construct and also use a lot of energy to remove drag and friction. They are also not that comfortable or safe for passengers. They are only in operation in three countries: China, South Korea, and Japan. This is due to the fact that the benefits of these trains don’t overcome cost and risk they pose.

The railcar is a self-propelled railway transportation system that moves passengers towards their destinations. Railcars are often used to refer to a single car, coach or carriage with a driver’s cabin at both ends of the vehicle. These vehicles are also capable of hauling train carriages; in technical rail usage, they are often referred to as motor cars or railmotor coaches.

Named Trains

Railway companies often give their name a specific name as a marketing strategy. This increases the profile of the service and even attracts more passengers. Usually, the most prestigious trains are given names like high-speed express trains that travel between cities. Some of the most famous trains include the Flying Scotsman, the Deccan Queen, the Royal Scot, and Orient Express; the latter has also been featured in many films including the Murder on the Orient Express.

Automated People Mover (APM) Trains

The Automated People Mover (APM) is a small scale guide-way transit system used in small areas like airports, theme parks, downtown districts, or under the Capitol Building. They can utilize different technologies like a monorail, duorail, or maglev.

Some APMs are smaller vehicles that work on off-line stations to move passengers quickly over small areas non-stop. Larger vehicles can carry 20 to 40 people.

Freight Trains

Freight trains are also referred to as goods trains since they transport materials or cargo. They are not designed to carry passengers at all. Most of the world’s freight is transport by such trains and they are essential to the industry. In many countries, the railway system is mostly used to transport goods rather than passengers including the United States.

Transporting freight by train can be really economical under the right circumstances. They are also an energy-efficient option than by road. They can carry a lot of bulk over large distances quicker than trucks and aren’t that suited to short-distance travel.

The biggest disadvantage to freight trains is the lack of flexibility since they can only go one specific route that the rails are built on. By road, you can reach more inaccessible and remote areas.

There are different types of freight trains used across the world. The most common type of modern freight rail is the intermodal train where huge containers can be lifted onto and off the train using cranes. This reduces the amount of time it would take to unload and load the train, making it a more cost-effective option. It also secures the materials and increases accountability.

In some regions, the piggyback train is also popular. The train is built in a way that trucks can drive on the train and drive off again once the destination is reached. They require no modification to the truck and are the easiest way to transport trucks without increasing the traffic on the roads. This system is the main types of transport used through the Channel Tunnel between France and England, as well as in the trans-Alpine service between Italy and France.

Trains are an essential part of the transport system in many ways. They are often the best mass-transit system and also help in trade.

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Shinkansen: The Japanese bullet trains

Shinkansen bullet trains are the fastest way to discover Japan. Discover more about the high-speed trains and the 9 rail lines they cover.

Shinkansen bullet trains are the fastest and most convenient way of discovering Japan . The Japan Rail (JR) network is extensive and the trains reach a top speed of 320 km/h (199 mph). This allows you to get to wherever you need in little time.

The nine Shinkansen lines take you in different directions around Japan. From Tokyo to the south runs the Tokaido Shinkansen line, connecting the capital with Osaka. The Sanyo Shinkansen line connects Osaka with Fukuoka and, from there, the Kyushu Shinkansen line runs through the island of Kyushu from north to south.

The other six lines either take you north or inland from Tokyo. These are the Akita, Hokkaido, Hokuriku, Joetsu, Tokoku, and Yamagata Shinkansen lines. The Hokkaido line takes you the furthest north, all the way to Hokkaido island.

Using the Japan Rail Pass

The Japan Rail Pass gives you unlimited access to all Shinkansen high-speed trains . A supplement is required for travel on the Nozomi and Mizuho Shinkansen on the Tokaido, Sanyo and Kyushu Shinkansen lines.

The Hikari, Kodama, and Sakura bullet trains are the fastest trains you can board using the Japan Rail Pass without a supplement. They make just a few more stops than the Nozomi and Mizuho trains.

Types of bullet trains

On each of the Shinkansen lines there are fast trains, semi-fast trains, and local trains:

• The fast trains only stop at the main stations
• Semi-fast trains make a few more stops
• Local trains stop at every station

For instance, on the Tokaido Shinkansen line (which links Tokyo to Osaka) the fast train makes 6 stops, the semi-fast train makes between 7 and 12 stops, and local trains stop at all 17. See the “Shinkansen lines” section below for more information.

All Shinkansen trains are covered by the JR Pass. The Nozomi and Mizuho high-speed trains (Tokaido and Sanyo lines) are also included, subject to purchase of a special complementary ticket. JR Pass holders wishing to travel free on these lines can board local and semi-fast trains. Semi-fast trains are slightly slower than Nozomi and Mizuho trains.

Shinkansen lines

The Shinkansen railway network includes several lines that cover most of Japan and connect all the main cities.

Thanks to this great railway system you can travel quickly and comfortably throughout the country without too much of a second thought.

The companies that make up the JR Group operate a total of 9 lines: 7 Shinkansen lines, and 2 mini-Shinkansen lines. Each line offers different train services.

The Tokaido Shinkansen connects Tokyo with Kyoto and Osaka passing by Nagoya and its extension, the Sanyo Shinkansen, which connects Osaka with Fukuoka.

From here, you can take the Kyushu Shinkansen that covers the entire Kyushu island, from North to South.

Tokyo is connected to Kanazawa by the Hokuriku Shinkansen, a train covering Nagano. From March 16, 2024, this line wiill be extended to Tsuruga via Fukui Station. Tokyo is also connected to Niigata by the Joetsu Shinkansen.

The Tohoku Shinkansen connects Tokyo with Aomori and branches out into two mini-Shinkansen: the Akita Shinkansen and the Yamagata Shinkansen.

From Aomori you can cross the sea that separates the main island from Hokkaido, thanks to the Hokkaido Shinkansen.

Tokaido Shinkansen

Sanyo shinkansen, tohoku shinkansen, akita shinkansen, yamagata shinkansen, joetsu shinkansen, kyushu shinkansen, hokkaido shinkansen, hokuriku shinkansen.

The Tokaido Shinkansen line is Japan’s busiest and most popular Shinkansen line . It connects the three biggest metropolitan areas of the country: Tokyo to Yokohama, Osaka to Kyoto, and Nagoya .

It is also famous for being Japan’s first high-speed railway , opening in 1964 for the Japan Olympic Games.

Three types of train operate on this line: Nozomi, Hikari and Kodama.

Line map and route

Train services.

The Hikari train connects Tokyo to Shin-Osaka in exactly 173 minutes. The maximum operating speed is 285 km/h (178 mph), which makes it the second-fastest train on the Tokaido line. Hikari also runs on the Sanyo Shinkansen line with an operating speed of 300 km/h (185 mph).

Kodama is the slowest of the three trains which operate on the Tokaido Shinkansen line. This is due to the larger number of stops in comparison to the other two bullet trains on this line. The Kodama train stops at every station and takes almost four hours to reach Shin-Osaka. It runs at a speed of 285 km/h (178 mph).

The Sanyo Shinkansen line connects the city of Osaka with Fukuoka on the island of Kyushu. Completed in 1975, it is the second oldest Japanese Shinkansen line. There are 5 train services that run on this line: Nozomi, Hikari, Kodama, Mizuho, and Sakura. The fastest train is Nozomi which reaches an operating speed of 300 km/h (185 mph). It is covered by the JR Pass, provided you buy a special complementary ticket.

Hikari is the fastest train service on the Sanyo and Tokaido Shinkansen lines which is fully covered by the JR Pass. The majority of Hikari trains are formed of 16 cars though some have 8. There are three Green Class cars on the 16-coach Hikari train. The operating speed of the Hikari train is 300 km/h (185 mph). It takes a little over an hour to reach Okayama from Shin-Osaka.

This is the slowest train service on the Sanyo line, as it stops at all train stations until it reaches its final destination. Because of this, Kodama trains take almost five hours to arrive at Hakata station from Osaka. The trains have 8 cars but no Green Class cars. There are both reserved and non-reserved seating areas on the Kodama train service. The operating speed of the Kodama train is 285 km/h (185 mph).

This is one of the fastest train services operating on the Sanyo Shinkansen line. Its operating speed is 300 km/h (185 mph), similar to the other trains on the same line, but the Sakura trains make fewer stops. It operates with 8-car trains with both reserved and non-reserved sections. There are also some Green Class seats on one of the cars.

The Tohoku Shinkansen line connects Tokyo with Aomori . There are two branch lines - the Akita and Yamagata lines which go to the Akita and Yamagata prefectures. There are six different train services, which run on the Tohoku line: Hayabusa, Komachi, Hayate, Yamabiko, Nasuno, Tsubasa.

Hayabusa is the fastest train in Japan , reaching a maximum speed of 320 km/h (200 mph). There is a direct train connecting Tokyo to Shin-Aomori in just 189 minutes.

Yamabiko is a high-speed Shinkansen. It operates at a speed of 240 km/h (150 mph) and connects Tokyo with Morioka. There is a direct train service that will take you to Morioka in exactly 198 minutes.

The Hayate trains connect Tokyo with Morioka. Unlike Yamabiko trains, they do not stop between Sendai and Omiya . The Hayate train’s operating speed is 275 km/h (170 mph) and it takes approximately two hours to get from Tokyo to Morioka.

The Nasuno serves all the stations between Tokyo and Koriyama. It is the slowest type of train on the Tohoku Shinkansen line and it is designed for commuters who travel from the Fukushima and Tochigi Prefectures.

The Akita Shinkansen is the branch of the Tohoku Shinkansen line which connects Tokyo with Akita . The Komachi Shinkansen is the only type of train which runs on the line. It is an E6 series, also known as the Super Komachi.

All seats on the Komachi train services requires seat reservation . There is a direct train service from Tokyo to Akita which takes exactly 237 minutes. The Komachi train can run at a maximum speed of 320 km/h (200 mph) on the Tohoku line. The Komachi train services are operated by E6 series trains with 7 coaches.

Between Tokyo and Morioka, the Komachi trains are coupled with Hayabusas Shinkansens to form 17-car trains. The Komachi trains detach from the Hayubasas at Morioka and run to Akita.

Yamagata Shinkansen is a Tohoku Shinkansen branch line. Tsubasa is the only type of train that runs on the Yamagata line between Tokyo and Shinjo . Tsubasa services are operated by 7-car E3 series trains.

All cars on the Yamagata Shinkansen line are non-smoking. There is a direct train service from Tokyo to Yamagata which takes 165 minutes. The maximum operating speed of the Tsubasa train is 275 km/h (170 mph).

The Joetsu Shinkansen line dates back to 1982 and connects travelers between Tokyo and the hot springs and leisure resorts of Niigata and the surrounding area. Toki and Tanigawa are the two train services that operate on the line.

The Toki trains include a range of models including double-decker trains called Max Toki. The operating speed of the train is 240 km/h (150 mph). The Toki Shinkansen takes you from Tokyo to Niigata in just over an hour and a half .

This is the slower of the two types of trains which operate on this line (Toki and Tanigawa). This is because Tanigawa Shinkansen stops at all train stations between Tokyo and Echigo-Yuzawa.

During the winter season, the train runs to Gala-Yuzawa, getting travelers to the nearby ski resort .

The Tanigawa Shinkansen takes you from Tokyo to Echigo-Yuzawa in a little over an hour. The operating speed of the train is 240 km/h (150 mph).

There are three types of trains which operate on the Kyushu Shinkansen line connecting Fukuoka with Kagoshima-Chuo : Tsubame, Sakura, and Mizuho. The Tsubame and Sakura trains are fully covered by the Japan Rail Pass. Mizuho trains are covered by the pass if you pay a supplementary fee.

Tsubame is the slowest of the trains operating on the Kyushu Shinkansen line as it stops at all stations until it reaches its final destination. It is also has the fewest cars and there are no Green Class ones. The operating speed of Tsubame trains is 260 km/h (160 mph). A trip from Kagoshima-Chuo to Hakata with the Tsubame train will take you a little over an hour and forty minutes.

The Sakura train is the second-fastest train on the Kyushu line, serving fewer train stations than Tsubame Shinkansen trains. There are two different types of Sakura trains: 8-car and 6-car trains . The larger one offers both Standard and Green Class cars, while the smaller one only has Standard cars. The operating speed is 300 km/h (185 mph). It takes approximately an hour and a half to reach Hakata from Kagoshima-Chuo Station.

The Hokkaido Shinkansen line connects Aomori (on the main island - Honshu) with Hakodate (on Hokkaido island) via the Seikan Tunnel. Two types of train run on the line: Hayabusa and Hayate. The line will be extended to Sapporo by 2030.

The majority of the trains which run on the Hokkaido line are Hayabusa Shinkansen trains. They operate between Tokyo and Hakodate with a top speed of 320 km/h (200 mph). The journey from Tokyo to Hakodate takes approximately 280 minutes . The Hayabusas go all the way to Shin-Hakodate-Hokuto, a station located between Hakodate and Hokuto. From there, you can take the local Hakodate Liner to get to Hakodate in 19 minutes.

A few of the trains on the Hokkaido Shinkansen line are Hayate. They usually operate between Hakodate and Shin-Aomori (and Morioka) during the morning and late evening .

The Hokuriku Shinkansen line was originally opened in 1997 for the Nagano Olympic Games and was previously known as Nagano Shinkansen. The line currently stretches from Tokyo to Kanazawa, but will further extend to Tsuruga via Fukui from March 16, 2024. There are four types of trains that operate the Hokuriku line: Kagayaki, Asama, Hakutaka, and Tsurugi. * Stations between Kanazawa and Tsuruga from March 16, 2024

The Kagayaki train is the fastest on the Hokuriku Shinkansen line. It only stops three times between Tokyo and Kanazawa, and will stop at Fukui and Tsuruga once the extension is operational. The overall journey from Tokyo to Kanazawa takes less than two and a half hours. The train operates at 260 km/h (160 mph) and has 12 cars (10 Standard cars, a Green Class car, and a Gran Class car). * Stations between Kanazawa and Tsuruga from March 16, 2024

The name Asama comes from the name of an active volcano on Mount Asama, located near Karuizawa. Two train types operate on this line: 8-coach and 12-coach trains. Both are have reserved and non-reserved seating spaces, Green Class cars, and wheelchair spaces.

The Hakutaka and Kagayaki trains are the only two on the Hokuriku Shinkansen line that run from Tokyo all the way to Tsuruga. Hakutaka is the slower of the two trains as it makes more stops. The operating speed of Hakutaka trains is 260 km/h (160 mph). A trip from Tokyo to Tsuruga takes just over 3 hours. * Stations between Kanazawa and Tsuruga from March 16, 2024

The Tsurugi train serves as the main connection for locals between Toyama and Kanazawa, and will extend to Tsuruga from March 16, 2024 . The service was first introduced in 1961 and includes a sleeping car. The trains are formed of 12 cars including a Green Class car. * Stations between Kanazawa and Tsuruga from March 16, 2024

Shinkansen tickets

If you don’t have a JR Pass you can buy bullet train tickets individually. The ticket prices depend on the distance of the journey, whether you reserve a seat, and which class of ticket you choose. You can buy Shinkansen tickets at train stations or online (through the websites of individual JR operators).

The price of a basic Shinkansen ticket is made up of base fare and limited express fee (Shinkansen supplement). Additionally, it is possible to add a seat reservation fee and Green car fee, if required.

Extras on board

There is now free WiFi on most Shinkansen trains running on all lines. Learn more about WiFi on the Japanese bullet trains .

Passengers are allowed to take their bicycle with them on board for no additional fee . However, its front wheel needs to be removed (unless it is a foldable bike) and it needs to be stored in a bike bag.

Small pets such as cats, dogs, and birds are allowed on board as long as they weigh less than 10 kg, are shorter than 90 cm in length, and are safely put into a container.

Travellers are allowed luggage on board for no additional cost. However, there is a limitation of two pieces of luggage .

All luggage items must fall within the size and weight ranges permitted :

• Maximum weight of 30 kg
• Maximum size of 250 cm

There is a delivery service option.

Travellers with oversized bags (length, height, and depth dimensions over 160 cm and up to a maximum of 250 cm) will be required to make a seat reservation in the last row of seats on the train, in front of the oversized luggage area.

The Tōkaidō (Tokyo to Osaka), San’yō (Osaka to Fukuoka), and Kyūshū (Fukuoka to Kagoshima) Shinkansen no longer have separate baggage compartments , meaning that the oversized luggage area is the only space for large items.

It will not be possible to bring oversized luggage into non-reserved cars on the specified lines. Passengers who have not made a seat reservation will be required to move their luggage to the designated area and pay a ¥1,000 surcharge not covered by the Japan Rail Pass.

Certain items can be brought onto the Shinkansen regardless of size and do not require a reservation unless you plan to put them in the oversize baggage area:

• Baby strollers
• Musical instruments
• Sports equipment

Ease of Access

The bullet trains are very easy to access for passengers in wheelchairs and parents with strollers and the stations are well-equipped with elevators and escalators.

You can book special seating free of charge if you are in a wheelchair. The only requirement is that you make this request two days in advance at the train station where you will board. Strollers are also allowed on board free of charge. The only requirement is for them to be folded and safely placed in the designated places.

Can I make seat reservations on Shinkansen bullet trains?

Japan Rail Pass holders are entitled to book a seat on all Japan Railways trains free of charge. All seats should be booked before boarding the train. The JR Group does not allow passengers to change to a reserved seat once you have boarded the train.

What is included in the Japan Rail Pass?

The Japan Rail Pass is valid on the JR Express Trains, all Rapid and Local trains along the JR lines, JR local buses, the JR Miyajima ferry, as well as airport transfers like the Narita express and the Haruka express. Shinkansen high-speed trains are also covered.

I left something on the train. What should I do?

The Japan Railways lost property service is excellent. If you have lost something on a JR train, there is a good chance that you’ll recover your belongings. When a member of staff finds something on a Japan Rail train, they hand it to one of the lost and found counters, where it is kept for around one week. After this, the lost property is transferred to the regional Police Lost and Found Center.

Are Nozomi and Mizuho Shinkansen covered by the JR Pass?

Shinkansen Nozomi and Mizuho high-speed trains (reserved and non-reserved seats) will be included in the JR Pass from October 2023. To travel on these trains, a special ticket must be purchased in addition to the JR Pass. However, there are alternatives to the Nozomi and Mizuho services which you can access at no extra charge.

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The Ultimate Guide to Train Tours in India

Go on a Train Tour to Some of India's Most Popular Destinations

Going on one of the many train tours in India removes the hassle from sightseeing. You'll be taken to some of the country's most popular places and attractions. Better still, there are India train tours for every budget. Read on to find out what's on offer.

Luxury Trains in India

If you have some spare cash, explore India in style on a luxury train tour. It's an excellent way to see the country without having to compromise on comfort. These luxury tourist trains, which offer every indulgence imaginable right down to customized cutlery, inject glamor and romance into seeing some of India's best tourist attractions.

Toy Trains in India

India's toy trains are small trains that run on historic railway lines to various hill stations in India. Although these trains are slow and can take up to eight hours to reach their destinations, the mountain scenery is beautiful, making the journeys really worthwhile.

Desert Circuit Semi Luxury Tourist Train

This train is currently not running. The Desert Circuit tourist train is focused on heritage tourism, by providing an affordable and accessibly way of visiting the desert cities of Jaisalmer, Jodhpur, and Jaipur in Rajasthan. This four night/five day all-inclusive train tour departs from Delhi and covers ancient forts, architecture, and desert culture.

Tiger Express with City of Lakes

This train is currently not running. This special new semi-luxury tourist train aims to create awareness about wildlife in India, particularly tigers. It's a four night/five day all-incusive train tour that visits Ranthambore National Park in Rajasthan, as well as Chittorgarh fort (widely regarded as the greatest fort in Rajasthan) and Udaipur, the stunning white city of lakes and palaces. It runs from October to March and departs once a month from Delhi.

Mahaparinirvan Express Buddhist Tourist Train

The Mahaparinirvan Express is a special tourist train that takes passengers on a one week spiritual tour through Buddhist India, where Buddhism originated more than 2,500 years ago. The train's sacred journey includes visits all the important Buddhist pilgrimage sites, as well as a stop in Agra to see the Taj Mahal and Fatehpur Sikri . It's a fabulous way of going on a pilgrimage without the hassle of organizing it yourself.

Bharat Darshan Tourist Train

The Bharat Darshan train provides an affordable option for people to see the country, as costs are kept as low as possible. There's a wide range of all-inclusive packages to choose from in north and south India. Most are targeted at domestic Indian tourists wishing to visit holy pilgrimage and spiritual sites. The tours on offer change every year and usually run for around 10 nights.

Historic Fairy Queen Steam Express

India's historic Steam Express train (previously the Fairy Queen) is pulled by the "oldest steam locomotive in regular operation in the world". The locomotive dates back to 1854, when it was commissioned by the East Indian Railway Company. The train takes passengers on day trips from Delhi to the Rewari Railway Heritage Museum in Haryana. It runs twice a month from October until April. Passengers get to spend a few hours at the Rewari Railway Heritage Museum before being taken back to Delhi.

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Japan Rail Pass: The Ultimate Guide (2024 Edition)

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Selecting a start date for the Pass

When you exchange your voucher for the actual pass, you can select any start date provided it is within one month from the day you exchange . Note: once the actual pass is issued, the start date cannot be changed. 

If you purchase passes through the official JR website you will need to select the start date of the passes at the time of purchase, and again, the start date cannot be changed later.

Where can I activate my Japan Rail Pass?

For Japan Rail Passes purchased in advance outside of Japan, you need to activate them at an exchange office after arriving in Japan . Exchange offices can be found in several major train stations and airports.

The official JR Pass website has a complete list of exchange offices here: https://japanrailpass.net/en/exchange.html .

How to make seat reservations

Seat reservations are free with the Japan Rail Pass . After exchanging your voucher for the actual pass, you can make seat reservations for JR trains for free at ticket machines or ticket offices across Japan. Note: reservations cannot be made on board trains.

The official Japan Rail Pass website includes a list of all of the exchange offices: https://japanrailpass.net/en/exchange.html .

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A Guide to Using Trains in Korea

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In Korea, there are enormous networks of airlines, bus routes, ferry services, trains, and highways that travel the entire nation. One of the best public transportation networks in the world, with trains that run cleanly and on time, is found in Seoul. Passes that work on trains or subways are available in cities like Seoul and Busan. The most effective and convenient way to navigate huge cities is by using the subway system. The systems in Seoul, Busan, Daegu, Gwangju, and Daejeon are all unique. 

Table of Contents

All You Need to Know About Trains in Korea

A few different types of trains or train systems operate in the whole of Korea. Based on their speed and the amenities they provide, Korean trains are divided into different categories. Train travel between cities in Korea is among the most practical options. The railroad rarely experiences traffic variations, unlike buses, which makes it possible for passengers to make precise travel arrangements and arrive at their destinations on time. 

Types of Trains in South Korea

Based on their speed and the amenities they provide, Korean trains are divided into different categories. Express trains KTX and KTX-Sancheon, regular trains ITX-Saemaeul and Mugunghwa, and KORAIL tourist trains are also included in the categories. The type of train and distance of the trip determine ticket prices. Gyeongbu Line and Honam Line are the two main railway lines, but there are also the Jeolla and Gyeongjeon Lines, which go all the way to Yeosu and Changwon on the southern coast. 

There are also many options to choose from, like foreigners, so they can travel for a few days by purchasing the ticket once. They can think of purchasing the KORAIL Pass, an exclusive rail pass that permits unlimited usage of all trains, including the KTX, for a predetermined number of days, providing an affordable method to travel around Korea. 

Guide to Trains in Korea

Up to a month before the departure, you can buy train tickets online or at any station. Both online and physical ticket sales are quite easy to complete, and both offer English services as needed. But for local travel, you can buy the ticket on the same day and travel; buying before is applicable only for planned trips. You can buy Korail tickets on its own website, whereas SRT has a different website for booking online tickets. If the cashier does not understand English, kindly use the ticket app and get your tickets at the ticket booth. 

In major cities, you will have ticket machines with the English language as an option, but in some stations along the countryside, you won’t have that option. So, it is better to book tickets online before your travels. It is convenient as you can check the prices, times, and dates of different train routes. The ticket shows the exact platform, seat no, and train arrival time. You should be on time as the train arrives at the exact time mentioned and departs at the mentioned time on the ticket. You can go to the mentioned platform and wait for the train to arrive. You can choose any type of train system based on your convenience. 

Boarding a train is not as difficult as you think. At each platform, there will be a digital sign showing the train and its arrival time, as well as the platform number and your destination. There will also be an English signboard, so you don’t need to worry about not catching your train. You will know exactly when to board the train, and that is when you see a red light blinking on the signboard, which means the train has arrived, and you can board it; the train won’t be waiting for all the passengers to board it. Once it is time to leave, the train will leave. You should be careful while boarding the train because there will be divisions in the middle to different destinations. 

You need to have a copy of the train ticket with you just in case of an emergency. The train station does not have many amenities other than a small vending machine or something like that. So, if you are traveling far away, make sure to stop by a store before reaching the train station. Make sure you are following the train path if you are a tourist so as to not miss your destination. And you need to get down as soon as the train arrives at your destination because the trains will be fast to wind up and leave for the next station. 

This train travel guide will make sure your train journey is safe and enjoyable. 

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Anyaa is a versatile writer with an insatiable wanderlust and a deep love for all things Korea. Her passion for exploration and storytelling shines through in her diverse articles covering every aspect of Korean travel. From the bustling streets of Seoul to the tranquil beauty of Jeju Island, her articles serve as a virtual passport for readers, providing them with insider tips, detailed itineraries, and practical advice to ensure an unforgettable journey through Korea.

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