From the world’s highest railway line to the oldest named train, these journeys take the scenic route to a whole new level. And in the following article from Vazoria, get the best rail connections in the world, as voted for in the 2021 Travelers’ Choice Awards.
Tokaido Shinkansen, Tokyo to Osaka, Japan
In 1964, the first shinkansen ran along this route, but it is now possible to travel 515 kilometers in just two and a half hours on the high-speed Nozomi that passes through Mount Fuji. Nobody travels on a shinkansen to look at the landscape, it’s flashing too early.
However, Japan’s onboard bullet train experience is unparalleled, with passengers forming a neat queue on the platform, climbing in a row and sitting in silence for the duration of the journey, and moving through the ekiben. A combination of eki, meaning station, and bento, which means lunch. Ekiben is unique to each region of Japan, allowing vendors to showcase their specialties using local and seasonal ingredients. Fitted in the round, octagonal, and rectangular bamboo boxes, or airtight cartons.
Every innovation is a work of art; Piles of green tea rice molded into flowers, and shredded horseradish scattered like snow. Buy a box and sit back and enjoy the quiet hum as the train zips across the country.
Trans-Siberian via Mongolian, Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia to Beijing, China
Considered the godfather of trains, the Trans-Siberian Express from Moscow to Vladivostok is at the top of the lists of most railway passengers. However, in terms of landscapes, the most diverse and beautiful part of the trip lies along the Trans-Mongolia route, which runs from Moscow to Beijing – especially the last.
As the train crosses from Siberia to Mongolia, the land turns into dry red flats with sloping grassy dunes around the horizon. In the evening light, you can only catch the flicker of lakes and rivers bending toward the paths, and the land blazing with a rich orange glow.
Waking up in China, passengers should discover the Great Wall of China writhing in the distance, as the train travels over steep valleys and steep orchards toward the river where fishermen sit in baggy pants and cone-shaped hats.
Riviera Railway, Cannes, France to Ventimiglia, Italy
All passenger trains run along this route from France to Italy, which begins in the main town of Riviera and ends 90 minutes later in the wonderful Italian market town of Ventimiglia. Embracing the curves of the sparkling Ligurian Sea, the double-decker train passes through lesser-known coastal havens like Cagnes-sur-mer, Juan Les Pins, and Antibes, taking passengers through sun-drenched towns and villages as pink and yellow apartment blocks pour over their walls.
And the men in the orange chests play petanque. Stopping in Nice and Monaco, the train brings travelers within walking distance of yachts swaying in bays, teenagers playing beach volleyball, and Lamborghini roaring along the streets, before approaching the nearly stacked hillsides and slowing down at the old Italian station.
Partial sunset, New Orleans to Los Angeles, USA
The oldest named train in America, the Sunset Limited takes just less than two days to cross the Deep South from New Orleans to Los Angeles. Find a seat in the panoramic car and get to know a diverse cross-section of American society, from musicians, teachers, and retirees to farmers, Amish carpenters, railroad drivers, and fugitives. Passengers skip Louisiana Bay, New Mexico cacti, and deep red sunsets in Arizona.
Passengers have plenty of time to read, strumming guitars or spotting golden rabbits and eagles soaring above their heads. And don’t forget to keep a few bucks to hand when the train rolls over to El Paso where the famous burrito lady with a freezer box awaits on the platform. Even Amtrak employees join the massive queue to sample an amazing chili burrito.
