Today: Top 10 greatest train rides in the world.

The lure of rail travel has always had a romantic and adventurous air. In addition, train travel represents one of the most laidback ways of getting around, allowing you to sit back, relax, and enjoy the view. Some train rides are so spectacular – traversing the world’s most scenic destinations along snow-capped peaks or through orange-hued deserts – that they represent epic destinations in their own. Here’s my selection of the 10 most amazing train rides in the world.

There is more information below the slideshow. Think I missed one? Share your favorite train journey in the comments section, or take my poll below!

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10. DENALI STAR, ALASKA, USA

The Denali Star, the Alaska Railroad’s flagship train, links Anchorage to Fairbanks with stops in Wasilla, Talkeetna and Denali Park. On this route, sparkling salmon streams and stands of birch and spruce come into view, while carpets of fireweed add dramatic purple to the landscape. Like the name implies, Denali National Park – one of the most spectacular National Parks in the USA – is really the star attraction of the Alaska Railroad’s Denali Star Route. You might get lucky and see a bear, moose or caribou. And look out for what native Alaskans call ‘The Great One’: the 20,156 feet (6,144 m) tall Mt. McKinley, the highest mountain peak in North America.

• Official website: Denali Star

9. TRANZALPINE, NEW ZEALAND

The TranzAlpine train operates daily between Christchurch, Arthurs Pass and Greymouth – from the east coast to the west coast of New Zealand’s South Island. After departing Christchurch , the train crosses the fertile farmlands of the Canterbury plains and you can enjoy thrilling vistas over deep gorges as you travel along the ice-fed Waimakariri River. Then it traverses the mighty Southern Alps, where spectacular views of the chiseled alpine landscape will take your breath away at every turn. Finally, after a day long journey, the train arrives at Greymouth at the West Coast, a great base for visits to Punakaiki and the always popular glaciers at Franz Josef and Fox Glacier.

• Official website: TranzAlpine

8. ROVOS RAIL, SOUTH AFRICA

5. THE GHAN, AUSTRALIA

Prepare for a holiday of unimaginable proportions as the legendary Ghan takes you deep into the heart of Australia. Run by The Great Southern Rail, the Ghan takes two nights and three days to make the journey from Adelaide in South Australia to Darwin in the Top End of the Northern Territory. The journey of 1,851 miles (2978 km) goes through the center of Australia and the vastness of the Outback. The distance covered alone is breathtaking, and the colours and desert terrain are life-changing. The train stops for four hours in both Alice Springs and Katherine, allowing for leg-stretching and some sightseeing. Onboard you will find sumptuous dining, elegant private cabins, attentive service, and the camaraderie of your fellow travellers.

• Official website: The Ghan

4. ROCKY MOUNTAINEER, CANADA

This two-day rail journey takes you from the mountain resort town of Banff in Alberta via the majestic Canadian Rockies to the cosmopolitan city of Vancouver, one of the world’s greatest cities. The passing scenery is nothing less than pristine wilderness: black lava cliffs and canyons, glacial lakes, turbulent rivers, bighorn sheep, and maybe even a black or grizzly bear. Onboard, with the Rocky Mountaineer’s GoldLeaf Service, travelers can indulge their senses with gourmet meals prepared by executive chefs, and expansive views through the panoramic windows of a bi-level glass dome coach to the Canadian Rockies. From entertaining you with stories about passing landmarks to topping up your glass of wine and calling out wildlife sightings, you can rest assured that everything will be taken care of.

• Official website: Rocky Mountaineer

3. QINGHAI-TIBET RAILWAY, CHINA

Covering a distance of 1,215 miles (1,956 kilometers), this is the world’s highest railway, connecting Xining, capital of Qinghai Province, and Lhasa, capital of Tibet. More than 50% the journey is situated at 13,000 feet (4,000 meters) above sea level, hereby crossing a fragile ecosystem with permafrost and lack of oxygen. The line incorporates the Tanggula Pass which, at 16,640 feet (5,072 meters), is the highest in the world. Every train has oxygen supplies for each passenger and a doctor onboard. The vistas of mountainous landscapes, snow-clad mountains, green foothills and the exciting sights of the Tibetan folklore guarantee a lifetime experience.

• Official website: Qinghai-Tibet Railway

2. VENICE SIMPLON ORIENT EXPRESS, EUROPE

The epic Trans-Siberian Railway, linking Moscow to Beijing in 15 days, is the longest continuous rail line on earth. Spanning 6 time zones, this epic journey covers 5,000 miles (9,000 km) or over one-third of the globe. It links major cities to rural towns, from the might and splendour of European Russia to the country’s mysterious Far East, hereby crossing the Urals and traversing the immense wooded expanses of Siberia. You will hop off at stops en route, hereby discovering the last home of the Romanovs in Yekaterinburg, hiking to Lake Baikal, camping out in a traditional Ger in Mongolia, and exploring the Mongoliab capital city of Ulaan Baatar. The Golden Eagle is a luxury version of the Trans-Siberian, featuring en-suite bathrooms, air-con in the summer, full heat in the winter, laundry services, TVs, a resident pianist and an English-speaking doctor.

• Official website: Golden Eagle Trans-Siberian Express 

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Today (February 27, 2017): Top 10 greatest train rides in the world.

The lure of rail travel has always had a romantic and adventurous air. In addition, train travel represents one of the most laidback ways of getting around, allowing you to sit back, relax, and enjoy the view. Some train rides are so spectacular – traversing the world’s most scenic destinations along snow-capped peaks or through orange-hued deserts – that they became epic destinations in their own. I hereby present you my top 10 of the world’s most amazing train rides.

There is more information below the slideshow. Think I missed one? Share your favorite train journey in the comments section, or take my poll below!

*** Follow me on Twitter, Instagram and Facebook for a daily moment of travel inspiration ***

10. DENALI STAR, ALASKA, USA

The Denali Star, the Alaska Railroad’s flagship train, links Anchorage to Fairbanks with stops in Wasilla, Talkeetna and Denali Park. On this route, sparkling salmon streams and stands of birch and spruce come into view, while carpets of fireweed add dramatic purple to the landscape. Like the name implies, Denali National Park – one of the most spectacular National Parks in the USA – is really the star attraction of the Alaska Railroad’s Denali Star Route. You might get lucky and see a bear, moose or caribou. And look out for what native Alaskans call ‘The Great One’: the 20,156 feet (6,144 m) tall Mt. McKinley, the highest mountain peak in North America.

• Official website: Denali Star

9. TRANZALPINE, NEW ZEALAND

This is New Zealand’s most famous train journey. After departing Christchurch , the train crosses the fertile farmlands of the Canterbury plains and you can enjoy thrilling vistas over deep gorges as you travel along the ice-fed Waimakariri River. Then it traverses the mighty Southern Alps, where spectacular views of the chiseled alpine landscape will take your breath away at every turn. Finally, after a day long journey, the train arrives at Greymouth at the West Coast, an unspoiled region known for mighty glaciers. You can make it a day trip, or choose for overnight packages with accommodation and activities.

• Official website: TranzAlpine

8. ROVOS RAIL, SOUTH AFRICA

In less than four hours, this elegant train completes the spectacular journey between the city of Cusco and Machu Picchu, the sacred Inca city high in the Andes mountains. The train is managed by Belmond, one of the world’s most luxurious hotel brands, and is named after the US explorer who claimed to have discovered Machu Picchu in 1911. Hosting up to 84 guests, the train’s carriages include two dining wagon, a bar wagon, and an open view scenery wagon to soak in the views. Decorated in the style of 1920s Pullman carriages, each train car has been furnished in polished wood and brass with large comfortable armchairs.

• Official website: Belmond Hiram Bingham

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6. GLACIER EXPRESS, SWITZERLAND

Switzerland is renowned for the quality and punctuality of its trains, and the Glacier Express is the showpiece of its railway system. The train, which travels from Zermatt to Davos or St. Moritz, is also referred to as the ‘slowest express train in the world’: the journey takes about 8 hours. There is a good reason for this slow pace: the train squeezes its way through untouched mountain landscapes, glamorous ski resorts, narrow valleys, tight curves, 91 tunnels, and across 291 bridges. During the 7-hour trip onboard, passengers are also pampered with a 3-course menu or the dish of the day, served at their seat.

• Official website: Glacier Express

5. THE GHAN, AUSTRALIA

Prepare for a holiday of unimaginable proportions as the legendary Ghan takes you deep into the heart of Australia. Run by The Great Southern Rail, the Ghan takes two nights and three days to make the journey from Adelaide in South Australia to Darwin in the Top End of the Northern Territory. The journey of 1,851 miles (2978 km) goes through the centre of Australia and the vastness of the Outback. The distance covered alone is breathtaking, and the colours and desert terrain are life-changing. The train stops for four hours in both Alice Springs and Katherine, allowing for leg-stretching and some sightseeing.

• Official website: The Ghan

4. ROCKY MOUNTAINEER, CANADA

This two-day rail journey takes you from the mountain resort town of Banff in Alberta via the majestic Canadian Rockies to the cosmopolitan city of Vancouver, one of the world’s greatest cities. The passing scenery is nothing less than pristine wilderness: black lava cliffs and canyons, glacial lakes, turbulent rivers, bighorn sheep, and maybe even a black or grizzly bear. Onboard, you’ll enjoy plentiful cooked-to-order breakfasts and lunches, served in the dining car, and unlimited cocktails and snacks served by personable hosts.

• Official website: Rocky Mountaineer

3. QINGHAI-TIBET RAILWAY, CHINA

Covering a distance of 1,215 miles (1,956 kilometers), this is the world’s highest railway, connecting Xining, capital of Qinghai Province, and Lhasa, capital of Tibet. More than 50% the journey is situated at 13,000 feet (4,000 meters) above sea level, hereby crossing a fragile ecosystem with permafrost and lack of oxygen. The line incorporates the Tanggula Pass which, at 16,640 feet (5,072 meters), is the highest in the world. Every train has oxygen supplies for each passenger and a doctor onboard. The vistas of mountainous landscapes, snow-clad mountains, green foothills and the exciting sights of the Tibetan folklore guarantee a lifetime experience.

• Official website: Qinghai-Tibet Railway

2. VENICE SIMPLON ORIENT EXPRESS, EUROPE

A work of art in itself and a true Art Deco icon, the legendary Venice Simplon-Orient-Express train offers one of the most celebrated and romantic journeys in the world, from Paris or London to Venice or Istanbul. The journey crisscrosses Europe, rolling through sublime scenery to some of the old continent’s most alluring cities. Belmond, which also manages the Hiram Bingham in Peru (cf. above), will make your journey unforgettable. Delightful vintage cabins, gastronomic cuisine and lively onboard entertainment make a journey on this luxury train one of the world’s finest travel experiences.

• Official website: Venice Simplon Orient Express

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1. GOLDEN EAGLE TRANS-SIBERIAN EXPRESS, RUSSIA, MONGOLIA & CHINA

The epic Trans-Siberian Railway, linking Moscow to Beijing in 15 days, is the longest continuous rail line on earth. Spanning 6 time zones, this epic journey covers 5,000 miles (9,000 km) or over one-third of the globe. It links major cities to rural towns, from the might and splendour of European Russia to the country’s mysterious Far East, hereby crossing the Urals and traversing the immense wooded expanses of Siberia. You will hop off at stops en route, hereby discovering the last home of the Romanovs in Yekaterinburg, hiking to Lake Baikal, camping out in a traditional Ger in Mongolia, and exploring the Mongoliab capital city of Ulaan Baatar.

• Official website: Golden Eagle Trans-Siberian Express 
• Other accolades: The Trans-Siberian Railway also features in our top 10 list of the best trips of a lifetime.

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I recently enjoyed a terrific holiday in South Africa. You can read my trip reports here:

• Review: Iberia A330 Business Class from Madrid to Johannesburg
• Review: Four Seasons Hotel The Westcliff, Johannesburg
• Review: River Lodge, Lion Sands Game Reserve
• Review: Royal Malewane, Thornybush Private Game Reserve
• Review: Kapama Karula, Kapama Private Game Reserve
• Review: Rovos train from Pretoria to Cape Town (today)
• Review: 12 Apostles hotel, Cape Town
• Review: Cape Grace, Cape Town
• Review: Ellerman House, Cape Town
• Review: South African Airways A340 Business Class from Cape Town to Johannesburg
• Review: British Airways A380 First Class from Johannesburg to London

Today (February 15, 2017): Review of the world’s most luxurious train, Rovos Rail. 

• Official website: Rovos Rail

Although most tourists travel around South Africa by car, those who have more time (and money) may want to ride one of the world’s most famous luxury trains. Rovos Rail, Africa’s answer to the Orient Express, is a luxury steam train company that offers a series of epic journeys across the spectacular scenery of South(ern) Africa. The trains – which may be hauled by diesel or electric locomotives – carry a maximum of 72 passengers in 36 superbly appointed suites with ensuite bathrooms. With discreet and friendly service, five-star cuisine and a selection of South Africa’s finest wines, Rovos Rail harks back to a simpler, more elegant era encompassing the timeless grace and high romance of African exploration. This is my review of Rovos Rail’s most popular trip, the 3-day, 1600 km (1000 mi) journey from Pretoria to Cape Town across the Karoo’s endless desert landscapes and the Western Cape’s verdant valleys.

Rovos Rail features in my top 10 list of the best things to see and do in South Africa.

In this review (more info below the Youtube clip & slideshow):

• Pros & things I like
• Cons & things to know
• My verdict
• Photos

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PROS & THINGS I LIKE

• One of the journey’s highlights is the departure from the private station at Capital Park, Pretoria. The once bustling hub of steam locomotion in the old Transvaal is now the headquarters for Rovos Rail. The gracious colonial-style railway station serves as the departure (or arrival) point for all train journeys. The property boasts a gift shop and interesting railway museum but the eyes of rail enthusiasts will be mostly be drawn to the vast carriage and locomotive sheds where teams of dedicated personnel maintain the trains. Before departure, passengers are offered Champagne and hearty snacks in the station’s Victorian-style salon.

• When you disembark and/or embark, Mr. Rohan Vos (or one of his representatives) will be there to meet you personally. Mr Vos is the owner of Rovos Rail, the company that he started in 1989. His story is quite remarkable, as his family now owns and runs the most luxurious trains in the world without any previous experience in train travel or tourism. During my journey, Mr. Vos welcomed everyone before departure at the Capital Park station and called out the names of all passengers in carriage order, after which his staff escorted you to your carriage and suite. He was there again in Cape Town upon arrival to oversee the whole process.

• Boarding the train is like stepping back into time. The opulent train decor with its mahogany panelling recalls the ambiance of colonial glamour and the elegance of prewar travel (while featuring all modern conveniences you can think of). The early 20th century furnishings reflect the era in which the carriages were built and exude the romance of a bygone era.

• The general make-up of the train – dubbed the ‘Pride of Africa’ – is quite simple. From the front to the rear, there is a locomotive, generator car, staff car, guest sleepers cars, lounge car, two connecting dining cars, kitchen car, soms more guest sleepers cars, smoking lounge and an observation car at the tail. The latter features large windows and an unique open-air balcony when you are in need of some fresh air or simply want to enjoy the grandiose landscapes from the outside.

• The lounge car is placed in the middle of the train ahead of the dining cars. Here, deep sofas and wingback chairs invite you for nodding off for an afternoon snooze. The lounge cars also house a small, discreet gift shop on one side. As with all the cars, the lounge car is air-conditioned, yet the windows can be opened allowing in the sights, sounds and scents of Africa.

• The beautiful dining cars are characterized by carved roof-supporting pillars and arches. Extensive use of wooden trimmings in combination with button-leather seats create an opulent ambience and recall the beauty of a bygone age.

• There are three types of accommodation available on the train: Pullman, Deluxe and Royal suites. During my three-day journey, I stayed in an air-conditioned Deluxe suite (10 sq meters or 108 sq feet), which was located in the front part of the train and accommodated two passengers in twin beds (placed in a L-configuration). The suite had a cozy lounge area and en-suite bathroom with shower, hair dryers and shaver plugs. It featured wood-panelling with windows and shutters that opened to the endless views. The suite was equipped with a writing surface and a personal safe for valuables. There was also a bar fridge filled with beverages of my choice.

• With room service 24 hours a day and a nightly turn-down service, the train feels like a hotel-on-wheels. A well-stocked amenity kit is available in your cupboard upon boarding the train, in addition to a snack bag. There is also a limited laundry service on board comprising of household washers, dryers and steam irons, which is useful when your Rovos Rail journey is part of a longer trip through Southern Africa.

• The excellent onboard cuisine is one of the journey’s many highlights. Meals are served in one sitting only in the charming Victorian atmosphere of the dining cars and are complemented by a selection of fine South African wines. There’s an accent on fresh local ingredients and traditional dishes such as game are a specialty. The fixed menus included lamb, ostrich, prawns, lobster and salmon. Breakfast is between 07h00 and 10h00, lunch at 13h00, tea at 16h30 and a formal, four course dinner at 19h30. A gong heralds lunch and dinner.

• Rovos Rail operates on an all-inclusive basis: everything on board, including Champagne and the exquisite food, is included in the train ticket.

• The train has a dress code. During the day, the dress is smart casual. Evening attire is more formal – for the gentlemen a jacket and tie is a minimum requirement while for ladies cocktail/evening dresses or suits are suggested. This gives a very classy touch to the dining experience in the beautifully restored and maintained dining cars.

• Unlike other trains that travel at high speed, Rovos Rail has a policy of traveling at 60 km (40 mi) per hour. This leisurely pace brings the beauty of the passing landscape to life, and it makes traveling on the badly maintained South African trail tracks more comfortable. Speed is even reduced to 20 km (12 mi) per hour on the worst sections.

• The three-day, 1600 kilometer (1000 miles) from Pretoria to Cape Town travels via epic landscapes, from the grasslands of the gold-rich Highveld to the haunting barrenness of the Great Karoo. It trundles through spectacular mountain ranges and the scenic winelands before arriving at Cape Town, the Mother City of South Africa, cradled by the imposing bulk of Table Mountain, Devil’s Peak and Lion’s Head. Highlights of the journey include a visit to the historic village of Matjiesfontein (an authentic perfectly preserved Victorian Village) and a stop at Kimberley, where you have an opportunity visit to the Diamond Mine Museum and the world’s largest man-made excavation, the Big Hole.

• This is how the Pretoria to Cape Town schedule on the train looks like:
  • Day 1; 3 pm: depart Rovos Rail Station, Pretoria. Travel south through the goldfields of the Witwatersrand.
  • Day 1; 7.30 pm: Dinner is served in the dining cars.
  • Day 2; 7 am: breakfast is served until 09h45.
  • Day 2; 9.45 am: arrive at the atmospheric railway station of Kimberley. Disembark for a tour of the renowned city, the Diamond Mine Museum and the extraordinary Big Hole.
  • Day 2; 12.30 pm: Depart and continue on overnight through the Karoo.
  • Day 2; 1 pm: Lunch is served in the dining cars.
  • Day 2; 4.30 pm: Tea in the lounge or observation car.
  • Day 2; 7.30 pm: Dinner is served in the dining cars.
  • Day 3; 07 am: Breakfast is served until 10h00.
  • Day 3; 8.25 am: Disembark at the quaint village of Matjiesfontein for an opportunity to stroll through this historic settlement. 1
  • Day 3; 10.30 am: Depart for the Hex River Pass.
  • Day 3; 1 pm: Lunch is served as the train climbs down the face of the escarpment and into the winelands to Worcester.
  • Day 3; 4.30 pm: Tea in the lounge or observation car.
  • Day 3; 6 pm: The train arrives at Platform 24 at Cape Town Station.

• Rovos Rail employs young, charming, enthusiast, and professional staff members who deliver impeccable service. They take great pride in maintaining a very high standard, are always near to offer assistance yet allow the privacy required to relax and chat.

CONS & THINGS TO KNOW

Rovos Rail promotes itself as ‘the most luxurious train in the world’. It’s quite an experience indeed, with excellent service, very good food, and opulently decorated train cars that are reminiscent of the splendor of a bygone area. However, the journey may not appeal to everyone, and here’s what to know when you consider a journey with Rovos Rail:

• The journey is prone to delays due to trains not running to schedule. The latter is mostly caused by factors that are not controlled by Rovos Rail – such as (bad) maintenance of the South African railway tracks – although technical failures may happen as well since the equipment used is old and antique (but that’s part of the charm). Off-train excursions cannot be guaranteed and will only be undertaken if time and circumstances permit. Departure and arrival times are approximate and cannot be guaranteed. During my journey with Rovos, the train stood still in Johannesburg for more than 4 hours, but the lost time was made up at night when the train kept running instead of standing still, and we arrived on time in Cape Town.

• Due to delays, the train may move all night (to catch up the lost time), which can be quite noisy and hampers a good night’s sleep. The message is to be prepared with ear plugs and as Rovos Rail owner Mr Vos himself stated in his welcoming speech, you can always enjoy a late night tipple to assist you to sleep on a moving train.

• The use of mobile phones, laptops and essentially anything that has the ability to disturb other passengers is confined to the privacy of the suites (which is a great thing). In maintaining the overall philosophy of the Rovos Rail company, there are no radios or television sets on board and – more troublesome – WiFi is not available. I do understand the decision to eliminate radios and tvs in an attempt to recreate the luxury train of the past, but being cut of by the internet for two entire days with not much else to do was quite an ordeal for me. I do believe that availability of WiFi on the train would enhance the three day journey, and especially appeal to the younger generation of travelers.

• Smoking is allowed, albeit only in the privacy of your suite and in the Club Lounge. Since the train is all wood and carpet – and thus not the most fire-proof environment – I am not sure whether that is a good idea, but I am confident that the Rovos Rail team has thought this through since safety is their first priority.

• Dinner and lunch service are organized very strictly: a bell is rung and everyone has to proceed to the dining cars. A little more flexibility could be nice in my opinion, although I realize that this may be hard to implement from an organizational point of view.

• The rail journey mainly attracts an older clientele, with an average age of 50+. I believe this has more to do with the product offered by Rovos Rail (lack of modernity, WiFi, and exciting excursions) than with the train journey itself. If Rovos Rail want to attract a younger public, I believe they may have to rethink a little their product but I am not sure if that is their ambition, since their trains ride pretty full.

MY VERDICT

• Design: 8/10
• Room: 8/10
• Food: 9/10
• Breakfast: 9/10
• Service: 10/10
• Value for money: 9/10
• Overall experience: exceptional: 9/10

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