Tiny but Mighty: The World’s Shortest Railways You’ve Never Heard Of

When it comes to railways, the longest tracks often steal the spotlight. But what about the shortest? From the Vatican’s tiny network to a miniature international railway on the Czech-German border, these small-scale tracks prove that size isn’t everything.

Nearly everyone has heard of the world’s longest railways, and countries constantly compete for the top spot. It’s not just about railway lines—tunnels also play a role in the record books. The Trans-Siberian Railway still holds the title for the longest railway line, while the Gotthard Base Tunnel in Switzerland, completed relatively recently, claims the record for the longest railway tunnel.

But what about the shortest railways? Unlike their record-breaking counterparts, miniature railways don’t get nearly as much attention—yet they might just be even more fascinating. After all, you don’t see tiny railways every day. So, let’s take a look at some of the shortest and most intriguing railways in the world.

The Shortest Railway in the World, Inside the Smallest Country

If you’re searching for the world’s shortest railway, look no further than Vatican City. Nestled within the heart of Italy, this tiny state boasts a railway network that measures just 1.27 km in total, with only 270 meters of track actually located inside Vatican territory. The remaining section extends into Italy, linking the Vatican to Rome’s St. Peter’s station.

Despite its size, the railway is fully functional. According to Brilliant Trains, while no regular passenger services operate, a special tourist train runs every Saturday, offering visitors a rare opportunity to experience Vatican rail travel. Upon entering Vatican territory, travelers cross the Jasmine Viaduct, the official gateway to the microstate’s railway. And, surprisingly, the Vatican even has its own tunnel—although it’s a dead end and now serves as a train depot.

The Shortest Railway: Vatican or California?

If you search for the world’s shortest railway online, Angels Flight in Los Angeles, California will often pop up. However, this isn’t a traditional railway—it’s a funicular running on rails. First opened in 1901, Angels Flight transported passengers between Hill and Olive streets, covering a mere 96 meters in under a minute, as Amusing Planet reports. It was a convenient way to navigate the steep incline of Bunker Hill, but its history has been anything but smooth.

In 1969, the railway was shut down, only to be reopened in 1996—this time, half a block from its original location. But tragedy struck in 2001 when a fatal accident killed one passenger and injured several others, leading to another closure. After nearly a decade-long hiatus, Angels Flight resumed service in 2010. However, just three years later, in 2013, a derailment forced yet another shutdown, according to Los Angeles Times. Today, the railway is back in operation, but given its troubled past, the question remains: how long will it last?

The shortest international railway in the heart of Europe

For another railway oddity, head to the Czech-German border, where you’ll find the world’s shortest international railway near the now-vanished village of Nové Údolí. Measuring just 105 meters, this track allows you to cross from the Czech Republic into Bavaria in under a minute, according to kudyznudy.cz.

Originally closed in 1948, the railway was partially restored for tourism, offering visitors a unique railway experience. At the end of the track, you’ll also find a museum dedicated to the historic Šumava railways, adding another reason to visit this tiny but fascinating railway landmark.

Source: Brilliant Trains; Amusing Planet; kudyznudy.cz