Epic 21-Day Train Adventure: Travel Across Two Continents Without Flying!

The longest railway journey in the world stretches from Lagos, Portugal, to Singapore, covering an incredible distance over three weeks.

To complete the 18,755 km journey from Portugal to Singapore, you’ll need to make several transfers, and it won’t be cheap. Currently, the route is not fully operational due to the Russian war in Ukraine, with several key sections closed. But for those who seek adventure, this trip promises a once-in-a-lifetime experience.

From Lagos to Singapore: 13 Countries in 21 Days

Since the route crosses two continents, you will pass through a diverse range of countries. According to nomadsunveiled.com, the European leg includes Portugal, Spain, France, Germany, Poland, Belarus, and Russia, before continuing through Mongolia, China, Vietnam, Thailand, Malaysia, and finally Singapore. The full journey takes a minimum of 21 days, but the exact duration depends on layovers and sightseeing stops. To complete the trip, you’ll need to obtain multiple visas, which require advance planning.

Key Transfers on the World’s Longest Train Journey

Euronews reports that the journey begins in Lagos, Portugal, where you’ll take a train to Lisbon, followed by another to Hendaye, France. From there, you continue across France, with key stops in Paris, then Berlin, and Warsaw. The next major leg takes you from Warsaw to Moscow, a significant stretch of the trip. The total cost of tickets for this segment is around EUR 480.

Once you reach Moscow, you officially enter Asia. The route then leads to Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia, likely via the Trans-Siberian Railway—though political and military factors, such as the Russian war in Ukraine, make this section uncertain. The train from Russia to Mongolia takes about 100 hours, often on older rolling stock. While not the most modern ride, it is a truly unique experience. This 6,260 km segment costs approximately EUR 570.

From Ulaanbaatar, you continue to Zammin-Uud, then cross the border into Erenhot, China. Here, the travel experience changes completely. The slow Russian and Mongolian trains are replaced by China’s world-famous high-speed trains. You’ll travel from Erenhot to Beijing, then take another high-speed train to Kunming, with tickets costing around EUR 115, according to youngpioneertours.com. From Kunming, you head to Vientiane, Laos, via the newest rail section that made this journey possible, with a ticket price of about EUR 48. The final leg from Vientiane to Singapore takes you through breathtaking landscapes, showcasing the cultural shift between countries. This last stretch costs approximately EUR 143.

🌍🚂 Embark on an epic journey across continents! From the charming streets of Lisbon, Portugal 🇵🇹 to the vibrant cityscape of Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia 🇲🇾, this rail route is the longest in the world, spanning over 18,000 km! 🌏✨ pic.twitter.com/qFBtTAH7HL

— Epic Maps 🗺️ (@theepicmap) September 1, 2024

Eco-Friendly Travel

Rail transport is one of the most sustainable ways to travel, significantly reducing your carbon footprint. European rail operators are constantly improving speed and comfort, making train travel a viable alternative to flying. By choosing the train over a direct flight, you would reduce your CO₂ emissions from 1.67 tons to just 0.08 tons, a massive difference. So, if you embark on this three-week adventure, you’ll not only gain unforgettable experiences, but also contribute to greener travel.

Source: nomadsunveiled.com; Euronews; youngpioneertours.com; kelbillet.com