​5 longest train journeys in the world: Did you know India has one?

For those travelers that consider that traveling is equally important as reaching your destination, there is nothing more amazing than a good long distance train journey. While air travels do not provide that much chance to see changes happening in your surroundings, trains do offer the traveler the opportunity to watch the transformation of surroundings.
Here are five of the world’s longest regularly operated train journeys.

The most famous long-distance railway journey in the world, the Trans-Siberian Railway from Moscow to Vladivostok is one of the greatest railway trips ever, covering nearly 9,289 kilometers. This non-stop journey can take up to a week to complete. On this trip, travelers cross the European part of Russia, Urals, vast forest areas, large plains, and far-flung reaches of Siberia. Travelers also traverse multiple time zones and get to know the true grandeur of Russia.

An iconic train of VIA Rail, The Canadian is known as one of the world’s most picturesque long distance trains and a dream journey for nature lovers. This train connects Toronto and Vancouver via a 4,466 kilometers route, and takes about four days to cover that distance. From Ontario forests to Manitoba/Saskatchewan prairie and further to the awe-inspiring Rocky Mountains, this train gives travelers an unforgettable sight of lakes, wildlife preserves, and the Rockies.

The train ride from Shanghai to Lhasa passes via about 4,373 kilometers and takes 46 to 48 hours. The reason why this train journey is so special is because of its unique geographical diversity. Travelers will start their journey from the urban setting of one of the largest Chinese cities and continue their travel to the western parts of China, becoming higher and more elevated as they go along.

The Indian Pacific is a long-distance train ride between Sydney on Australia's eastern coast and Perth on its western coast. It has a length of about 4,352 km and usually takes four days and three nights to reach its destination. Travelers enjoy different landscapes such as Blue Mountains, interiors, mining areas, and the Nullarbor Plain during the journey. The Indian Pacific is noted for its ability to traverse one of the longest continuous stretches of railroad in the world. It is a unique opportunity to witness the vastness of the Australian landmass.

The longest train journey in India is the Vivek Express, which starts in Dibrugarh in Assam and ends at Kanyakumari in Tamil Nadu at the country's southernmost tip. It covers a distance of about 4,189 km and takes more than three days, depending on the train's schedule and other factors. Passengers travel through tea-growing regions of the northeast, river plains, major cities, central Indian landscapes and finally the tropical south. Along the way come changing languages, cuisines, architecture and scenery, making it one of the most immersive rail journeys in the world.