train journeys days out

24 of the world’s most incredible train journeys

Jan 2, 2024 • 11 min read

As you cross the continental US aboard the California Zephyr, you’ll see prairies, deserts, mountains and canyons galore © Jacob Boomsma / Shutterstock

From cutting through the countryside to connecting a country’s great cities, the world’s best railway journeys offer entirely new perspectives on a destination.

Train travel always delivers plenty of magic. Sometimes it’s in the cars, as you meet fellow travelers, or as you eat and sleep with the sound of wheels rolling on the steel rails beneath you. Sometimes it’s outside, in the landscape the train traverses – offering an adventure, an experience, an insight into the heart of a nation.

Our upcoming book,  Amazing Train Journeys ,  rounds up the world’s greatest railway rides. Pulled from its pages, these 24 train journeys are truly first-class.

1. The Reunification Express, Vietnam

Start:  Ho Chi Minh City End:  Hanoi Departs: Daily Distance:  1072 miles (1726km) Duration:  Two days

This is one of Southeast Asia ’s best-loved railways – and one of the  most epic overnight train journeys in the world . There is no more atmospheric way to haul into Vietnam ’s twin metropolises as this train rattles through historic cities and swooshes beside spectacular coastlines.

2. The California Zephyr, USA

Start:  Chicago End:   San Francisco Departs: Daily Distance:  2438 miles (3924km) Duration:   52hrs 40mins

For soaking up the scenic grandeur of the North American continent, nothing compares with Amtrak ’s California Zephyr , one of the US’ best train journeys . This classic three-day ride travels across prairies, deserts, the Rocky Mountains and the Sierra Nevada on its way from the Midwest to the West Coast.

3. The Lake Titicaca Train, Peru

Start:  Puno End:  Cuzco Departs: Three times a week Distance:  241 miles (388km) Duration:  10 hours

Traversing the Altiplano, from the shores of Lake Titicaca to the bustling heart of the ancient Incan empire, the railway from Puno to Cuzco cuts a ponderous but picturesque path through the snow-dusted peaks and voluptuous valleys of the Andes, across the epic Peruvian plains , passing hardy bowler-hatted llama farmers and traveling through remote towns and villages.

4. The Beijing-to-Lhasa Express, China

Start:   Beijing End:   Lhasa Departs: Daily Distance:  2330 miles (3750km) Duration:  40 hours

From the futuristic architecture and imperial wonders of Beijing, the Z21 train transports its passengers from the neon lights of urban China  across the Tibetan plateau , where it glides past grazing yaks, fluttering prayer flags, snow-capped mountains and boundless blue skies. At your destination, magenta-robed monks await. 

5. The TranzAlpine, New Zealand

Start:   Christchurch End:  Greymouth Departs: Daily Distance:   139 miles (223km) Duration:  4hrs 30mins

Under five hours, this journey is surely one the world’s finest and most scenic one-day train rides. Commence the TranzAlpine experience in Christchurch, before speeding along the Canterbury Plains and climbing quickly through the snow-capped mountains of the Southern Alps, then descend through a thrilling tunnel to emerge among the lakes, streams and rainforests of the South Island ’s West Coast. 

6. The Bergensbanen, Norway

Start:  Oslo End:   Bergen Departs: Four times a day Distance:  308 miles (496km) Duration:   6hrs 30mins

This astonishing train is one of Europe’s best railway rides  – and one of the least well known outside of Norway . It covers the spectrum of the Nordic country’s natural splendor: climbing canyons, crossing rivers, burrowing through mountainsides and traversing barren icescapes.

7. Tazara Railway, Tanzania and Zambia

Start:  Dar es Salaam End:  Kapiri Mposhi Departs: Twice a week Distance:  1160 miles (1860km) Duration:   46 hours

Few trains in the world offer the chance – and we should point out that it’s a chance rather than a guarantee – of spotting big game from your seat. The Tazara ( Tanzania and Zambia Railway Authority) does just that. The highlight, though, is the chance to spend two days watching everyday life out of the window, and enjoying the clamor and chaos when the train pulls to a halt – scheduled or unscheduled.

8. The Sunset Limited, USA 

Start:   New Orleans End: Los Angeles Departs: Three times per week  Distance: 1995 miles (3211km)  Duration:  Two days

The ultimate American railroad ride: east to west, coast to coast, clean through from the bars of New Orleans to the breakers of the Pacific Ocean. If you’ve always dreamed of crossing the States, but don’t much relish the prospect of two weeks spent cooped up in an automobile, then a ride on the Sunset Limited is the answer. Sit back and let America’s landscapes buzz by: from Louisiana’s bayous, past the high-rises of Houston, across the deserts of Texas and Arizona , over the Californian hills all the way to LA’s golden beaches. Saddle up, partner: it’s gonna be quite a ride.

9. The Caledonian Sleeper, UK

Start:  London (Euston) End:   Fort William Departs: Daily Distance:  509 miles (819km) Duration:  13hrs 30mins

Segueing from the sooty suburbs and crowded concrete-lined cul-de-sacs of central London to the crisp air and soaring vistas of the Scottish Highlands via one overnight train journey epitomizes the romance of rail travel. Enjoy the buffet-car banter, be lulled to sleep by the rhythm of the rails, then wake up to bedside views of towering granite peaks. 

10. Mombasa to Nairobi, Kenya

Start: Mombasa Ends:  Nairobi Departs: Daily Distance:  360 miles (579km) Duration:  5hrs 10mins

The Nairobi–Mombasa railway route is among Africa’s most legendary: it even helped foster the modern concept of safari. The rickety old railway has undergone a rebuild in recent years with smart new stations and a new track laid across the Kenyan savannah . What hasn’t changed is the spellbinding journey, with trains departing from Mombasa and passing in the shadow of Kilimanjaro to the cusp of the Great Rift Valley.

11. Tangier to Marrakesh, Morocco

Start:   Tangier End:  Marrakesh Departs: Daily Distance:  360 miles (580km) Duration:  5hrs 15mins

Nothing can fully prepare you for the magnificence Morocco ’s most evocative city – from the clamor and spectacle of the central square, Djemaa El Fna , to the primary colors of the Jardin Majorelle ; and from the peaceful madrassa of Medersa Ben Youssef to the mad profusion of alleyways. There’s no doubting that a railway journey down the spine of this North African nation is a profoundly uplifting experience.

12. The Rocky Mountaineer, Canada

Start:   Vancouver End:   Banff Departs: Twice a week Distance:  594 miles (957km) Duration:  37 hours

Clattering across the wild Rocky Mountains along a pioneering 19th-century railroad, this train journey is all at once a geological field trip, sightseeing adventure and wildlife safari. It promises cinematic views of Canada ’s quintessential mountain landscapes, plus a bevy of engineering marvels, from dizzying bridges to logic-defying tunnels. And with luck, you might even spy a bald eagle, moose or grizzly bear. 

13. Alexandria to Aswan, Egypt

Start:   Alexandria End:  Aswan Departs: Daily Distance:  670 miles (1100km) Duration:  16 hours

A ride from Alexandria to Aswan means you will travel the length of Egypt 's rail network – and also undertake an odyssey in the company of the great Nile River , with chances to disembark and explore the relics of empires along its banks . Do keep in mind that, for all their plus points, Egyptian trains are not always known for punctuality. 

14. The Serra Verde Express, Brazil

Start:   Curitiba End:  Morretes,  Paraná Departs: Daily Distance:  42 miles (68km) Duration:  3hrs 30mins

One of Brazil ’s most spectacular train journeys, the Serra Verde Express starts in the architecturally bold city of Curitiba and winds its way through dramatic mountain passes covered with tropical rainforest before it drops you in Morretes in the lush state of Paraná. The half-day trip takes in canyons, jagged mountain peaks and verdant lowlands, and the slow-going locomotive allows plenty of opportunities to photograph the cinematic backdrop while traversing some 30 bridges and chugging through 14 tunnels. Aside from the captivating scenery, the journey provides a fascinating glimpse into the past as it trundles through tiny stations dating back to the late 1800s.

15. The Darjeeling Toy Train, India

Start:   New Jalpaiguri End:   Darjeeling Departs: Daily Distance:  55 miles (88.5km) Duration:  7–8 hours

India ’s narrow-gauge steam railways are the stuff of legend, and the bottle-blue Darjeeling Toy Train is the nation’s lead engine. The ride from the Bengal plains to Darjeeling travels past emerald-green tea plantations and precariously balanced, tin-roofed townships, while clouds tumble down the looming massif of Mt Khangchendzonga. Steam engines are now only used for a small section of the route, yet this iconic mountain journey still serves up a sizable slice of history.

16. The Hokkaidō Shinkansen, Japan

Start:  Tokyo End:  Hakodate Departs: Daily Distance:  512 miles (824km) Duration:  4 hours

The Hokkaidō Shinkansen , one of Japan’s iconic bullet trains , takes you from Tokyo to Hakodate, the southern port of Hokkaidō . Along the way, it zooms past picturesque scenes of rural Japan , through mountains and under the sea. The route is only part of it, though: riding the shinkansen – with its food trolleys and staff who bow upon entering and exiting the train car – is a classic Japanese experience.

17. Colombo to Badulla, Sri Lanka

Start:  Colombo End:  Badulla Departs: Daily Distance:  181 miles (292km) Duration:  9–10 hours

One of many unforgettable things about Sri Lanka is the variety and intensity of the color green throughout the year . And for train aficionados, there is no better way to appreciate the country’s full, verdant spectrum than an all-day rail journey from Colombo’s urban gardens at sea level to tea plantations in the Hill Country , via brain-spinning sensory doses of jungle and forest, paddy field and palm tree, mountain and valley, national parks…and human habitation, too. Expect to move slowly – and enjoy one of the most scenic train trips in the world.

18. Bangkok to Singapore, Thailand, Malaysia and Singapore

Start:   Bangkok End:  Singapore Departs: Weekly Distance:  1200 miles (1900km) Duration: Three days

A railway journey from Bangkok to Singapore spans three countries, three capital cities, and – without disembarking once – can be completed in under three days. But to go so fast would be to miss the point of this artery along the Malay Peninsula – a line suited to capricious roaming. You always have the option to hop off – to see tropical islands, to scale the cool heights of tea plantations, and to linger in a trio of metropolises that are each entirely different.

19. The Glacier Express, Switzerland

Start:  St Moritz End:  Zermatt Departs: Daily (in season) Distance:  180 miles (290km) Duration:  8 hours

Switzerland is a nation of rail fanatics . And if the Swiss could pick one definitive ride, the honor would surely go to the Glacier Express . This eight-hour journey from ritzy St Moritz to Matterhorn-topped Zermatt unzips the lovely Alpine terrain in the country’s south, corkscrewing up to wind-battered mountain passes, teetering across 291 bridges and rumbling through 91 tunnels. It intentionally moves at a snail’s pace so you take in those out-of-this-world views of meadows, forest, falls and mountains – all through panoramic windows. 

20. The Bernina Express, Switzerland & Italy

Start:   Chur End:  Tirano Departs: Daily Distance:  96 miles (156km) Duration:  4hrs 30mins

We can wax lyrical about the glacier-capped mountains, waterfall-draped ravines, jewel-colored lakes and endless spruce forests glimpsed through panoramic windows on Switzerland’s Bernina Express – but seeing is believing. Rolling from Chur in Graubünden to Tirano in northern Italy , this narrow-gauge train often tops polls of the world’s most beautiful rail journeys. The line has even made UNESCO’s list of World Heritage sites – and with good reason.

21. Venice Simplon-Orient-Express, England, France, Switzerland and Italy

Start:  London End:  Venice Departs: One to six times per month Distance:  1300 miles (2090km) Duration:  Two days

The promise of traveling from London to Venice cocooned in luxury while sitting in twinkly dining cars with fine china and silver cutlery is surely one that endures in the hearts of all rail enthusiasts. While the Orient Express’ various other 20th-century routes are sadly long gone, the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express offers a tantalizing sample of the original on a trip that is surely the best journey back in time ever. But this route gained a new rival in 2023 with the Orient Express La Dolce Vita service  – and, in 2025, a new service on the original route is scheduled to hit the rails .

22. Nova Gorica to Jesenice, Slovenia

Start:  Nova Gorica End:   Jesenice Departs:  Daily Distance:  55 miles (89km) Duration:  Two hours

Here is a near-perfect railway adventure that most people have never heard of. The Bohinj Railway connects two places whose significance can be lost to modern travelers. An unassuming regional train rattling out of a faded-grandeur halt on the Italy– Slovenia border doesn’t even hint at what’s to come. The journey is a spectacular tour of Slovenia’s upland highlights from Nova Gorica, climbing through mountain towns and villages along the Soča River , passing through superb Alpine scenery close to Lake Bohinj , and on past world-famous Lake Bled to Jesenice.

23. The Ghan, Australia

Start:   Adelaide End:  Darwin Departs: Twice a week Distance:   1851 miles (2979km) Duration:  54 hours

Cutting vertically across the Outback heart of Australia , straight through the desolate deserts of the Red Centre, the Ghan is one of the southern hemisphere’s most unforgettable train journeys. This cross-country train service has provided a vital link between Australia’s north and south coasts, traveling north across the country from well-to-do, orderly Adelaide to the tropical, croc-filled creeks of Darwin. Luxurious and legendary, it’s Australia’s elegant version of the Orient Express.

24. Cannes to Menton, France

Start:   Cannes End:  Menton Departs: Daily Distance:  34 miles (55km) Duration:  1hr 20mins

It’s the stuff that travel dreams are made of: a slow train skirting the French Mediterranean coast, through towns whose very names resonate with glamour – Cannes, Antibes , Monaco . On one side of the tracks lies that sparkling sea; on the other, dramatic cliffs interspersed with the gorgeous coastal towns of the French Riviera . You can make a long day of this short trip, hopping on and off to explore a street market, linger at an outdoor terrace, take a breath of history and get a taste of luxury.

This article was first published Aug 5, 2019 and updated Jan 2, 2024.

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The Best Train Trips in the World: 2023 Readers’ Choice Awards

By Todd Plummer

Ah, the allure of train trips . Adventurers and the eco-conscious are drawn to this glamorous, old-world mode of exploration for the impeccable slow-travel vibes, but there’s also something to be said about the perspective found onboard a train; you’re experiencing the landscape and scenery in a way that you can’t experience in any other mode of travel. A train trip often brings you where everyday roads cannot, whether it’s through untouched Malaysian jungles on the revamped Belmond Eastern & Oriental itineraries relaunching in 2024, or high into the Canadian Rockies with Rocky Mountaineer. For our 36th annual Readers’ Choice Awards —which capture the travel experiences our readers love best, from hotels and airlines to cruises , islands , and luggage —we called on all of you to rank the best of the best rail journeys out there. Here, dear readers, is how the dice fell.

This gallery has been updated with new information since its original publish date.

20. Inca Rail, South America

If you’re interested in taking a train to Machu Picchu (and unless you’re a mountain goat, we suggest you do), Inca Rail offers a level of convenience that is difficult to match—and it’s also worth mentioning that the First Class service is priced more accessibly than other luxury operators servicing the same route. While on board, you can expect a tasty menu prepared with organic ingredients grown right in the Sacred Valley, live Peruvian music, ample windows through which you can admire the staggering Andean scenery, and a spacious Observatory Lounge complete with open-air balcony. For fresh and frothy Pisco sours this good, this is one train that’s well worth the price of admission.

19. Transcantabrico Gran Lujo, Spain

Take in all the sights and flavors of Spain ’s iconic northern coastline on this luxurious sleeper train, which over the course of a week makes its way between San Sebastián and Santiago de Compostela. You’ll enjoy on-board cuisine that celebrates each of the distinct regions through which this train passes, from Galicia to Basque Country. A unique aspect of this train is that it remains stationary overnight, allowing for late-night excursions and explorations that are uncommon on other sleeper train experiences.

18. Glacier Express, Switzerland

It’s been said that the Glacier Express is the slowest express in the world–it takes eight hours to traverse the 180-mile journey–but boy, do the views here invite a slow journey. Connecting the resort towns of Zermatt and Saint Moritz, the train provides an up-close perspective of some of this mountainous country’s most iconic natural features, including the Matterhorn, Piz Bernina, and the Rhine Gorge (dubbed Switzerland’s Grand Canyon). Book in Excellence Class and you’ll be served Champagne at your seat, followed by a six-course meal complete with wine pairings.

17. The Canadian, Canada

Take in every mile of the vast Canadian landscape from The Canadian , a special sleeper service offered by VIA Rail, the country’s national rail carrier. Keep in mind that this train is more about sightseeing from the cars than actually getting off and doing anything. But if you’re traveling in the comfort of Prestige Class—with your own private cabin, private washroom and built-in TV screen monitor with video selection—you’ll be perfectly content to take in the journey from the privacy of your very own picture window.

Alex Erdekian

CNT Editors

Jesse Ashlock

Charlie Hobbs

16. The Ghan, Australia

Completed in 1929, The Ghan runs through the heart of the Australian continent , from Adelaide in the south to Darwin in the north. It may have only started running its current route in 2004, but its history dates to the 19th century, its name harkening to the Afghan camel trainers and riders who first helped chart a course through the country’s interior. The three-day all-inclusive journey sees the train lilting its way through Australia’s Red Centre with diverse landscapes passing by. Travel through the expansive ridges of the MacDonnell Ranges, witness the awe-inspiring beauty of Simpsons Gap, and visit the opal town of Coober Pedy.

15. JR Kyushu 36+3, Japan

This train’s unusual name derives from Kyushu being the 36th-largest island in the world, and there being three key stakeholders on this journey: the passengers, the local community, and the rail company, JR Kyushu. It isn’t a sleeper train, instead offering a series of weeklong roster of one-day itineraries around the perimeter of Kyushu–a do one, do them all, or do as many as you like situation–but the journey is no less enriching for it. The inside feels like a ryokan, featuring immaculate woodwork made from local techniques, comfortable furniture, and a mix of private and communal spaces. It’s a gorgeous way to get off the beaten track on this gorgeous Japanese island, packing in a number of stops and towns into a single day of productive–yet comfortable–sightseeing.

14. Eastern & Oriental Express, A Belmond Train, Southeast Asia

The E&O is the stuff of train enthusiasts’ legends, and in February 2024, this storied train will at long last resume service after its pandemic-era pause–sort of. The train’s journey originally connected Singapore and Bangkok, but as of the new year will offer journeys through the jungles and coastlines of Malaysia, but all originating in and returning to Singapore. It isn’t the classic E&O route, but these new itineraries will offer deeper explorations of Malaysia than ever before, including guided snorkeling on Langkawi and excursions to Taman Negara National Park. Despite the new itineraries, the train still has all the old world touches that people love: Order a Singapore Sling in the Bar Car, take it to the outdoor viewing platform as the Malaysian jungle rolls on by, and you just might forget what year we’re living in.

13. Northern Belle, Europe

It’s all about the food—and the scenery, too, but mostly about the food—onboard this lovingly restored 1930s train , which zig-zags its way across the English, Scottish and Welsh countrysides. Each of the journeys on offer are day trips, so they require less of a time (and money) commitment than other luxury trains. But what the Northern Belle lacks in length she more than makes up for in quality: The meal services are exquisite, offering fine dining crafted mostly from U.K. suppliers, so you can enjoy classic British fare as the heaths, meadows, and dales roll on by.

12. The Maharajas' Express, India

There are luxury sleeper trains, and then there are luxury sleeper trains like the Maharaja’s Express , where a greeting of marigold garlands and rose petals showered at your feet kicks off the journey before your personal butler escorts you to your room. The Junior Suite rooms are surprisingly spacious, especially by train travel standards, and come with full-sized closets, comfortable beds, private bathrooms, and satellite TVs. Both of the on board watering holes–the Safari Bar and the Raja Club–have plenty of chairs, comfy sofas, books and board games. Each day of the itinerary includes special opportunities to experience India through the train’s luxurious and singular perspective: like an early-morning champagne breakfast on a private hillside overlooking the Taj Mahal.

11. Royal Scotsman, A Belmond Train, Scotland

It’s about the journey, not the destination, right? Nowhere is train travel more indulgent—or convenient!—than on Belmond’s Royal Scotsman , which departs from and arrives at Edinburgh’s Waverley Station. With only 40 guests onboard, the train circumnavigates the heart of the Scottish Highlands, passing such landmarks as the Kyle of Lochalsh and Cairngorms National Park. There’s even a dedicated spa carriage, where the specialists are trained to synchronize their motions with the natural lilts and tilts of the train. If that’s not luxury, we’re not sure what is.

10. Belmond Hiram Bingham, A Belmond Train, South America

Named after the U.S. explorer who supposedly “discovered” Machu Picchu in 1911, the Belmond Hiram Bingham train line is as grand as the man’s claims. The round-trip journey connects the city of Poroy (just west of Cuzco) to the Lost City and Sacred Valley of Machu Picchu. The Belmond Hiram Bingham turns on the turn-of-the-20th-century charm, from gleaming polished wood and brass surfaces to lavish meals and accommodations, which offer plenty of space to stretch out: the perfect setting for viewing the mountains and rivers zooming past the window.

9. Golden Chariot, India

Experience a mix of Southern India’s greatest hits and lesser-explored destinations on board the iconic purple and gold Golden Chariot , which connects the Indian states of Karnataka, Goa, Kerala, Tamil Nadu and Pondicherry. All itineraries depart from Bengaluru, with options for both three-night and six-night journeys. This train’s strength is its access to off-beat attractions than what you’ll find on the well-worn Golden Triangle, such as the ruins of Hampi. With sparse crowds, and a comfortable train to retreat to at the end of each day, it’s an approach to India that captures all the magic this country has to offer.

8. Golden Eagle Danube Express, Europe

A pioneer in luxury trains for three decades, Golden Eagle is perhaps best known for its Silk Road and Trans-Siberian routes, but the Danube Express unlocks an approach to Southern and Eastern Europe which is no less breathtaking and engaging. The “Castles of Transylvania” route from Istanbul to Budapest is particularly unique–spend all day learning about Vlad the Impaler’s history through guided tours, then spend all night luxuriating in the comfort of the bar car or in the privacy of your room. It’s a combination of Europe’s best cities and most dramatic natural landscapes that is hard to experience in one go any other way.

7. Rocky Mountaineer, North America

Traveling in a coach outfitted with picture windows and glass-dome ceilings means that a Rocky Mountaineer journey leaves no sight unseen as you traverse the dramatic scenery between Vancouver , British Columbia and Banff or Jasper, Alberta. Sample local Canadian beer, wine and snacks as you kick back and enjoy the ride. The staff’s friendly service and animated storytelling help bring the landscape to life. It’s personal touches like those which keep travelers coming away from this trip amply satisfied time and time again. Since it was founded in 1990, Rocky Mountaineer has transported more than two million guests, making it the largest privately-owned premium tourist train in the world.

6. Rovos Rail, Africa

This extravagant railway has been traveling throughout Africa for over thirty years. The experiences start before you even board—when departing from Pretoria, Rovos Rail travelers are granted exclusive access to a private lounge, where Champagne and canapés greet them—and a strict “no cellphone” rule is maintained for your own good. Enjoy the moment(s) provided by this line, which range from cozy digs to formal-attired evenings, as well as full-sized, freestanding clawfoot tubs in the most grand compartments. All Rovos Rail journeys include off-train cultural, historical and safari excursions so guests can experience all the wonders that Southern Africa has to offer. The three-night Cape Town journey is a classic, but if you’re feeling extra adventurous and have a few more nights to spare, opt for the newer fifteen-day “Trail of Two Oceans” itinerary, originating in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania, crossing Zambia, traversing a sliver of the Democratic Republic of Congo, and concluding in Lobito, Angola.

5. Belmond Andean Explorer, A Belmond Train, South America

Weaving through the Peruvian Andes at 14,000 feet, the Belmond Andean Explorer transports passengers between Arequipa and Cusco on one- and two-night journeys. There are just thirty-five cabins on board, each outfitted with alpaca wool blankets and handwoven fabrics for an authentic yet luxe feel. Two dining cars and two bar cars serve the whims of every guest with bites like alpaca tortellini and (of course) champagne. The train also makes excursions to Lake Titicaca , where guests can learn about local customs, visit Incan ruins, and take in breath-taking views.

4. British Pullman, A Belmond Train, England

The British Pullman ’s experience is magical no matter where you’re seated. Once you depart London , you’ll embark on a journey through the bucolic British countryside, touring cities and towns like Cambridge, York, and Canterbury along the way. The restored carriages date back to the 1920s and 1930s, so expect Art Deco touches, polished interiors, and classically prepared multi-course meals—this is the same train line that has served British royalty and government officials for years, after all.

3. Venice Simplon-Orient-Express, Europe

Year after year, the world’s most iconic locomotive continues to be a standard-setter in luxury. Of course, the decadent interiors are a fantasy of 1920’s Art Deco design, but it’s the impeccable service that keeps this train firmly ensconced in a class of its own. Bags are whisked off from the platform and magically reappear in your cabin, no glass ever runs empty, and the beds seem to make themselves anytime you step outside of your cabin. By day you can revel in the scenery of French countrysides and Swiss mountain scenes, and by night, the formal dress code feels anything but stuffy—in fact, playing dress up and making your way to the Champagne bar is, we think, one of the coolest experiences anyone could have on a train. For 2023, this over-the-top train is getting even more luxe updates, including eight new suites, two of which are original 1920s and 30s carriages carefully restored by expert French craftsmen and designers–so there’s no time like the present to book that bucket-list trip.

2. Palace on Wheels, India

India’s best-known train, the Palace on Wheels , offers a number of trips that range from a couple days to week-long excursions. Embarking from New Delhi through the Land of Kings, trips take you through the famed Pink City of Jaipur, in Rajasthan, where guests are greeted by majestic UNESCO sites like the Amer Fort as well as 16th century palaces. You can also visit Agra, home to the Taj Mahal and the perfect stop for a tour of some of the country's most iconic sites. Along the way, enjoy regional cuisine in well-appointed, colorful carriages decked out in Indian textiles.

1. Seven Stars in Kyushu, Japan

Train lovers consider this opulent Japanese locomotive among the most spacious and comfortable of them all. Every inch of Seven Stars' Kyushu train—from the beds, to the bathroom sinks, to the woodwork, to the porcelain dinner plates—is handmade by Japanese artisans, and the service is simply exquisite, with each journey limited to a positively intimate twenty passengers; but it’s not just about the onboard experience with Seven Stars. These four-day, three-night trips travel a circuit around the island of Kyushu, making stops at the region’s best shrines, onsens, porcelain studios, and more, so you truly feel like you’re exploring an authentic side of Japan , far away from the more obvious tourist tracks.

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Step aboard the British Pullman luxury train and be whisked back to a more elegant era. Experience pure 1920's style opulence as you navigate through the glorious British countryside on one of many themed journeys available throughout the year. With authentic, fully-restored carriages, the British Pullman is "The" train to enjoy a luxury train day trip in the UK. Finished with fine woods and the highest-quality fabrics, the Pullman-style carriages are exceptional in every way, complimented with exceptional service and multiple courses of the most exquisite cuisine. A truly unforgettable journey that will evoke memories you will cherish forever, our British Pullman day trips are the perfect retreat back to a time where luxury was unrivalled in every aspect. The 1920's carriages have sheltered royalty and have even starred on the silver screen. Each carriage is delightfully styled with antique upholstery, vintage lighting with every detail truly taken care of. History has truly been preserved at its finest aboard the British Pullman. The British Pullman offers round-trip, single day luxury train travel departing from London Victoria. A generous selection of journeys means finding your perfect journey is easy; whether you're looking for a luxury train trip to enjoy with friends, or to spend with a loved one, we are pleased to offer a range of journeys suited for every occasion. Our ever-popular Champagne Afternoon Tea offers a luxurious jaunt across the countryside as you enjoy a relaxed and sociable time aboard the British Pullman, while our Murder Mystery Lunch offers an incredible, immersive experience accompanied by delicious food.

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Days Out Guide

Welcome to national rail's days out guide.

Enjoy big savings on your next day out when you travel by train – find great things to do, 2FOR1 deals, 1/3 OFF savings and many other great discounts available at top attractions in and around Great Britain.

We have a wide array of attractions suitable for all your journeys. Before you book your ticket check the full Days out Guide travel advice  and what train tickets are valid .

How to claim your offer when you travel by train

Book in advance or redeem a voucher with four easy steps.

May Attraction Highlights

The Mind of Moriarty: Live Escape Experience

**Please note this offer is only valid for groups of 6 people**Advance booking only by email to i...

Open Top Bus Evening Tour - London - Big Bus Tours

Advance booking only Closed 25 DecemberOur panoramic London Evening Tour showcases the city's fam...

British Museum - Legion: life in the Roman army

Advance booking only Exhibition Dates: 1 February - 23 June.The 2FOR1 offer is valid from 19 Febr...

Black Country Living Museum

Exclusions apply: 2FOR1 offer not available on Bank HolidaysPrinted paper Voucher Required Locate...

Things to do this Easter

Nothing Beats Musical Routes

Days Out Guide New Look

Theatre in London and the UK

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London must-visit attractions.

St Paul's Cathedral

Advance booking only St Paul's is not only an architectural masterpiece and its dome a landmark o...

Westminster Abbey

Please be aware Westminster Abbey is a working place of worship and is therefore sometimes clos...

Advance booking onlyYou will be redirected to the Tower Bridge website. Please choose the 'Nation...

Great Britain, Great Fun

Royal Pavilion Brighton

Exclusions apply: After linking through to attraction website please scroll down the page and sel...

Mary Shelley's House of Frankenstein & Escape Room

Exclusions apply: The offer is not valid against Escape Room Tickets and for Evening Events.Print...

Scholars Punting Cambridge

Advance booking only10% off tours sold online, prices start from £16.50.Traditional Punting tour...

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Welcome Aboard

British Pullman

Timeless travel across great britain, expect luxury, glamour and a dash of adventure on an unforgettable trip through the british countryside.

Restored to their former glory, British Pullman's carriages are as famous today as in the heyday of train travel. Whether you prefer afternoon tea or the sparkle of a festive lunch in the most splendid company — there's a journey for everyone. Whichever you choose, we guarantee that you'll be whisked back to a more elegant era.

British Cuisine With a Twist

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Revel in Luxury Seating

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Whisked Away in the Country

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Explore in Depth

See more ideas and articles from Belmond

Reimagining A British Icon with Wes Anderson

Wes Anderson is one of the most pioneering directors working today. Now, fans of the director’s distinctive style can embark on a new cinematic adventure about a vintage train carriage.

Dead on Time: A New Murder Mystery

One train. Five courses. Ten suspects. Dead on Time, a brand new immersive murder mystery experience on board a historic 1920s train, sets off from London for a wildly entertaining, irresistibly vintage whodunnit…

Just The Ticket

Luxury train travel is often wistfully remembered as a bygone era, immortalised on the silver screen. Rediscover some of the most memorable portrayals of train travel in cinema, then get ready to plan your own dream trip to relive the romance of the rails.

Destination Guide

Explore Britain by Rail

The romance of rail travel is encapsulated by Belmond British Pullman. Everything comes easily on this luxurious journey, from the beautiful views to the incredible food served onboard. The experience of sipping champagne as you glide through the British countryside in our sumptuous carriages is, quite simply, divine.

Privacy in Motion

Luxury travel by train and boat enjoys a starry legacy—recalling cinematic glamour, overflowing bubbles and peerless hedonism. From elegant private coupés aboard a 1920s carriage to spacious cabins on elegant river barges, which exclusive adventure will you choose?

Homegrown Heritage

Stepping aboard Belmond British Pullman offers a rare opportunity to immerse yourself in the golden age of travel. We’re determined to deliver authentic adventures.

The Very Best of British

“It is forever true that the Golden Age is not behind us, but before us." It’s a line that perfectly captures the experience of traveling on Belmond British Pullman

The Rise of Trainspotting

With trainspotting yet another trend that reinvents the humdrum hobby, is embracing the individuality of our quirky personal passions the key to joy?

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Multi-choice Experience Day Gift Vouchers

Shop all birthday gifts, special offers, for business, gift finder, steam train experiences & trips.

Journey back to the golden age of rail travel with our collection of steam train experiences. A quintessentially British experience that combines luxury train travel with glorious views, you’ll find everything you need here to treat someone special to an unforgettable gift. From British Pullman experiences complete with five-course meals with Champagne and wine, to family outings, afternoon teas and beyond, discover your next day out here. You could even take control of a steam engine yourself!

• Northern Belle

• Steam Trains

• Belmond British Pullman

Other categories you might like:

• Drive A Train
• Heritage Rail
• Luxury Trains

Derbyshire Steam Train Trip with Cream Tea for Two

• Embark on a 90-minute steam train journey through the edges of the Derbyshire Dales
• Treat your taste buds to an indulgent cream tea
• Available selected days, from late March to mid-November

Spa Valley Railway Trip and Afternoon Tea for Two

• Take a trip back in time and journey on a steam or heritage diesel train
• Refresh before or after with a classic afternoon tea treat served at a nearby hotel
• Available seven days a week throughout the summer

Steam Train Trip in Queen Victoria’s Golden Jubilee Carriage with Afternoon Tea for Two

• Journey through the heart of the Yorkshire Dales in the lavish First Class Directors’ Saloon
• Tuck into a delicious afternoon tea during your trip
• Available on selected dates throughout the year

Embsay & Bolton Abbey Railway Steam Train with Afternoon Tea for Two

• Journey through the heart of the Yorkshire Dales in a historic MK1 coach

Chiltern Hills Steam Train Trip for Two

• Embark on a 90 minute journey on a delightful steam train
• Soak up the awe-inspiring views of the Chiltern countryside
• Available one weekend day every month starting March 2024

Swanage Railway Champagne Afternoon Tea on the 'Devon Belle' Pullman for Two

• Watch a fascinating steam locomotive at work from your Pullman seat
• Enjoy an afternoon tea, paired with a glass of Champagne each
• Available selected Sundays until October 2024

Northern Belle Luxury Train Day Trip with Fine Dining for Two

• Discover luxury and best of British scenery on the Northern Belle train
• Enjoy a three course brunch, five course dinner and more
• Available selected dates throughout the year

Didcot Railway Centre Steam Train Experience with Tea and Cake for Two

• Explore Didcot Railway Centre’s 21-acre living museum
• Enjoy tea or coffee and a slice of cake in the café

Embsay & Bolton Abbey Railway Steam Train with Breakfast for Two

• Travel back to the golden era of rail travel with this 60 minute steam train journey
• Tuck into a Full English breakfast, served with First Class Silver Service
• Available selected days throughout the season, closed November and December

Hampshire Steam Train Trip with Fish and Chip Tea for Two

• Embark on a 90-minute steam train journey through the edges of the Hampshire Dales

Spa Valley Steam Train Trip and Overnight Stay for Two

• Rest up and refuel with dinner and a night at the Mercure Tunbridge Wells Hotel
• Available select days throughout the week, excluding winter

Garden of England Trip with Five Course Lunch for Two on the Luxury Belmond British Pullman Train

• Travel in an authentic 1920s Pullman carriage
• Enjoy a bespoke five-course lunch with a half-bottle of English sparkling wine
• Available selected days March to December

Lake District Steam Train Trip and Cream Tea for Two

• Travel on one of England’s longest and oldest narrow-gauge railways through the beautiful Lake District
• Refresh with a cream tea in the Fellbites Café at the end of your journey
• Available seven days a week, subject to some restrictions

Steam Train Trip for Two with East Somerset Railway

• Ride for a half day’s unlimited travel on the East Somerset Railway’s steam locomotives
• Travel through the picturesque Somerset countryside
• Jump aboard from March to October

Swanage Railway Champagne Afternoon Tea on the 'Devon Belle' Pullman

• Enjoy an afternoon tea, paired with a glass of Champagne

Sea Cruise and Steam Train Adventure for Two

• Soak up sights of the Jurassic Coast with a return cruise and live commentary
• Enjoy a return steam train trip from Swanage to Corfe or Norden
• Available on selected days

Derbyshire Steam Train Trip with Cream Tea for Four

Snowdonia Lakeside Steam Train Ride with Picnic for a Family of Four

• Beautiful five mile return journey on a historic steam train
• Picnic in a lakeside area
• Available selected days subject to availability

Spa Valley Railway Steam Train Trip for Two

• Chug along through pristine Kent and Sussex countryside
• Available throughout the summer

Settle and Carlisle Steam Trip with Dining for Two on the Northern Belle Luxury Train

• Enjoy an array of dining options

Derbyshire Steam Train Trip with Cream Tea for Three

Northern Belle Luxury Train Afternoon Tea for Two

• Embark on a quintessentially British experience as you travel through breathtaking countryside
• Enjoy a traditional afternoon tea as well as live entertainment throughout

Northern Belle Luxury Train Fine Dining for Two

• Discover luxury and best of British scenery on the Northern Belle
• Enjoy a superb four-course lunch or dinner option alongside live entertainment

Sherwood Forest Railway Steam Train Driving Taster

• Take control of a steam engine on a 5/8th scale, 15'' gauge railway through Sherwood Forest
• Receive full one-to-one instruction from a trained professional
• Available seven days a week from February to November

Embsay & Bolton Abbey Railway Steam Train Driving Experience

• Take full control of a steam train with expert guidance
• Take on various controls including driver, fireman and guard
• Available selected Fridays and Saturdays

Lake District Steam Train Experience in the ‘Ruth’ Director Saloon with Deluxe Picnic for Two

• Return steam railway journey on board one of ‘Ruth’ Director Saloon’s VIP compartments
• Enjoy a mouth-watering picnic, complete with prosecco and local traditional ale
• Available seven days a week on selected departure times

Northern Belle Train Day Trip for Two

• Brunch with cocktail each, served on outward journey
• Dinner with Champagne and wine or afternoon tea with Champagne served on the return journey
• Available throughout the year from a choice of stations

Swanage Railway Prosecco Cream Tea on 1930s Maunsell Heritage Carriages for Two

• Sit in a beautifully restored 1930s Maunsell heritage carriage
• Enjoy a prosecco cream team brought to your seat

Didcot Railway Centre Steam Train Experience for Two

• Range of exhibits to browse, as well as unlimited train rides

Chiltern Hills Steam Train Experience with Chocolates and Photo for Four

• Embark on a 60 minute journey on a delightful steam train
• Soak up the awe-inspiring views of the Chiltern countryside with delicious chocolates and a souvenir photo
• Available one weekend day every month

Family Steam Train Trip with East Somerset Railway

• Take the family on a half day’s unlimited travel through the heyday of steam train travel
• Travel through four historic stops and the picturesque Somerset countryside

Lake District Steam Train Trip and Cream Tea for Four

Didcot Railway Centre Family Steam Train Day for Five

Didcot Railway Centre Family Steam Train Day for Four

Hampshire Steam Train Trip with Fish and Chip Tea for Four

Lake District Steam Train Experience in the ‘Ruth’ Director Saloon with Deluxe Picnic for Four

Lake District Steam Train Experience in the ‘Ruth’ Director Saloon with Tapas Picnic for Two

• Mouth-watering tapas picnic, including local traditional ale and prosecco
• Available seven days a week at selected departure times

Lake District Steam Train Experience in the ‘Ruth’ Director Saloon with Tapas Picnic for Four

Chiltern Hills Steam Train Experience with Chocolates and Fizz for Four

• Soak up the awe-inspiring views of the Chiltern countryside with delicious chocolates and a glass of fizz each

Champagne Afternoon Tea for Two on the Luxury Belmond British Pullman Train

• Treat your taste buds to savoury delicacies and indulgent pastries
• Enjoy refreshing tea and half a bottle of Champagne each

Customer Reviews

What customers are saying about our Steam Train Experiences & Trips experiences

“ Queen Victoria Steam Train ”

We had a lovely day, lovely afternoon tea, exceptional value… beautiful scenery. With great hosts.. very informative .. loved every minute

“ Relaxing Journey ”

Went on the breakfast train it was very relaxing the breakfast was very nice well cooked no fat to choke on great couple of hours James our host was nice and accommodating enjoyed it so much going to do the afternoon tea train all in all a good experience the steam train was great

Lynsey Richardson

“ Excellent day out. ”

We loved the choo choo and all the things

Ug & alex

“ Spa Valley ”

“ small and short track but worth the money ”.

I bought this my father and he throughly enjoyed it, he got two opportunities to drive and we were all able to be passenger s. The track is being extended too, If you have small children there is plenty on site for them to play on (weather permitting)

“ Great Day At Friendly Railway ”

We had a lovely day travelling the Spa Valley Railway and its stations. Everywhere really well presented in the Southern Railway style with friendly and helpful staff/ volunteers

Frequently Asked Questions

Where can i travel on a steam train.

The UK offers a wide array of different steam train travel trips and routes. One popular steam train route in the UK is through the scenic North York Moors National Park, with stops in picturesque villages like Goathland (which was used as a filming location for the Harry Potter movies).

Another option are the East and West Somerset Railway, which run through the beautiful Somerset countryside and offer views of the coastline. The Spa Valley railway offers bucolic views across High Weald countryside; alternatively, the Lake District is home to one of the UK’s oldest narrow-gauge railways. There are plenty of different steam train routes spanning the country, most of them offering picturesque views and plenty of bygone-era charm.

Are there still steam trains in the UK?

There are still plenty of steam train experiences in the UK, dedicated to keeping the golden age of rail travel alive. Nowadays, most are used for tourism and heritage purposes, and there are several preserved railways throughout the country that operate steam trains for visitors to ride. It’s a brilliant way to experience the charm of the UK, both in terms of its quaint, slightly archaic charm, and its glorious countryside.

What is the most famous steam train?

The most famous steam train is likely the Flying Scotsman, which was built in 1923 and has since set numerous records and been featured in films and television shows, including Harry Potter. The Flying Scotsman became the first steam locomotive to reach 100 miles per hour in 1934.

The Northern Belle is also well-known for its luxurious passenger experience, with glorious views of the UK countryside complemented by world-class service, Champagne, gourmet fine dining and even live entertainment.

Another famous steam train is the Orient Express, which ran between Paris and Istanbul in the late 1800s. It was known for its luxurious accommodations and dining cars, and is still in operation today as a luxury tourist train. The train has been featured in many films and books, and it is considered an icon of the golden age of rail travel. 

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Ditch the car, catch the train: 7 day trips you can take by Amtrak from L.A.’s Union Station

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Good morning, and welcome to the Essential California newsletter . It’s Saturday, May 4 . Here’s what you need to know to start your weekend:

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Our reporters guide you through the most important news, features and recommendations of the day.

You may occasionally receive promotional content from the Los Angeles Times.

• Seven day trips to take by train from Union Station.
• Who were the masked men behind the UCLA camp attack?
• Peruvian sushi blooms in Long Beach.
• And here’s today’s e-newspaper

Ditch the car, catch the train

The stress of traveling out of L.A. takes many forms: high-priced gas pumps, bumper-to-bumper traffic and a constantly crowded LAX. One way to minimize that stress is taking an Amtrak train for a day trip.

Snag a seat on the left side if you’re heading north to get the best view of lush valleys and agricultural land, plus breathtaking vistas of the Pacific Ocean and beaches.

Similarly heading south, sitting on the ocean side will also get you some great views once you pass San Juan Capistrano. You might even recognize the Mediterranean-style station in Santa Ana from the TV series “True Detective” and the movie “Rain Man.”

Times contributor Marsha Takeda-Morrison compiled seven day trips that start at Union Station and take three hours or less each way. Each includes plenty of activities within walking distance of the destination stations.

Unlike with air travel, you can bring your own food and an upgrade to a business class seat won’t cost you an arm and a leg.

Here are a few destinations Marsha features:

This station is only a 10-minute walk from downtown Ventura. Known for its sprawling beaches that have long been popular for surfing, windsurfing, fishing and biking, Ventura also offers a charming and highly walkable downtown.

To truly take in the scenery of Ventura and its surrounding areas, Marsha recommends bringing your bike (see rules for transporting a bicycle on the train here ) to ride the popular Ventura to Ojai bike route .

Carpinteria

Called “one of California’s last great beach towns” by Times writer Christopher Reynolds, Carpinteria has an eclectic collection of restaurants and shops, and touts a hefty reputation among surfers.

Rincon State Beach is one of the most popular surf spots in California and holds the annual Rincon Classic Surf Competition.

The train station is located on the town’s main street, Linden Avenue, which makes for an easy walk to the beach or to grab food. Dog lovers are in for a treat as Island Brewing Company , a dog-friendly microbrewery, is directly across the street from the station. In case you’re wondering: yes, you can bring your pet on an Amtrak train with a reservation and a fee.

San Juan Capistrano

Known for the Mission San Juan Capistrano , this beautiful small town is also home to the Los Rios Historic District , considered the oldest neighborhood in California. The area is across the tracks from the train station.

But if you happen to be traveling to San Juan Capistrano on the second Saturday of July, you may be treated to another one of the town’s historical assets: mooning of the Amtrak . Throughout the day, hundreds flock to the fence lining the tracks and moon the passing trains. The annual tradition apparently started in 1979 when a patron at a nearby saloon offered to buy a drink for anyone willing to run outside and moon the next train … Cheers, San Juan Capistrano!

The week’s biggest stories

Campus protests

• Dueling Gaza protests at UCLA draw hundreds as USC sees peaceful demonstration.
• UCLA struggles to recover after 200 are arrested, and a pro-Palestinian camp is torn down.
• After a violent night at UCLA and classes were canceled , UC president launches an investigation into the response.
• Who were the masked men behind the UCLA camp attack? Online sleuths vow to find out.
• Police report no serious injuries. But scenes from inside UCLA camp, protesters tell a different story .
• ‘Unacceptable’: Why it took hours for police to quell attack at UCLA pro-Palestinian camp .
• Jailed students, a canceled commencement, angry parents: USC’s Carol Folt takes on critics .
• L.A. gangsters used painter suits, assault rifles and zip ties for brazen armored car heists .
• Three friends drove from California to Mexico for a surfing trip. Then they disappeared .
• ‘Someone stole her dreams’: A serial killer in Mexico killed her niece , an Orange County woman says.

Lakers fire head coach

• Lakers fire coach Darvin Ham in the wake of first-round playoff loss.
• Hasty firing of coach Darvin Ham is more Lakers madness.
• Lakers’ next coach? Here’s a rundown of the potential candidates .
• Amid Lakers coaching speculation, Clippers hope to keep Tyronn Lue for a ‘long time.’

More big stories

• After canceling commencement, USC will host event at L.A. Coliseum , rolls out new campus security.
• A law that ended single-family zoning is struck down for five Southern California cities.
• Stagecoach and Coachella fans leave behind tons of camping gear, clothes, food. Here’s what happens to it .
• What are the blue blobs washing up on SoCal beaches? Welcome to Velella velella Valhalla.
• A first view of what the high-speed rail to Las Vegas might look like.
• ‘Folks, it’s bad’: Merced sheriff warns of public safety crisis as deputy vacancies mount.
• ‘Unseasonably cold’ storm driving another chilly, damp weekend for Southern California .
• California roads damaged by storms could get help with Newsom’s emergency declaration.
• Father Greg Boyle of Homeboy Industries to receive Presidential Medal of Freedom.
• Sam Ash, iconic retailer to musicians, plays its last notes .

Get unlimited access to the Los Angeles Times. Subscribe here .

Column One is The Times’ home for narrative and longform journalism. Here’s a great piece from this week:

Feds say he masterminded an epic California water heist. Some farmers say he’s their Robin Hood . Stolen water is an indelible part of California lore. But the federal case against Dennis Falaschi, longtime head of the Panoche Water District, alleges one of the most audacious water grabs in modern history.

More great reads

• California climbers train for Mt. Everest from the comfort of their own beds .
• The longest, strangest trip: Some psychedelic drug users are stuck with unwelcome highs.
• Palos Verdes Peninsula landslides can tell us a lot about L.A. history.
• ‘The Phantom Menace’ dominated 1999’s box office. History has been kinder to it .

How can we make this newsletter more useful? Send comments to [email protected] .

For your weekend

• 🎨 Meow Wolf supercharged the way we experience art. Is L.A. ready for the wild ride?
• 🍣 A generation after Nobu, Peruvian sushi blooms in Long Beach .
• 📺 How to watch the 2024 Met Gala and everything else you need to know.
• 🥧 Here’s a recipe for blueberry biscuits, muffins and pie .
• ✏️ Get our free daily crossword puzzle, sudoku, word search and arcade games .

How well did you follow the news this week? Take our quiz.

Have a great weekend, from the Essential California team

Kevinisha Walker, multiplatform editor Christian Orozco, assistant editor Defne Karabatur, fellow Ryan Fonseca, reporter Andrew Campa, Sunday reporter Stephanie Chavez, deputy metro editor Karim Doumar, head of newsletters

Check our top stories , topics and the latest articles on latimes.com .

Start your day right

Sign up for Essential California for news, features and recommendations from the L.A. Times and beyond in your inbox six days a week.

Kevinisha Walker is a multiplatform editor for newsletters at the Los Angeles Times. She previously worked as a social media editor at the Daily Beast and has a bachelor’s degree from the University of New Orleans and a master’s in journalism from Roosevelt University. Walker is a proud New Orleanian, but currently calls Long Beach home.

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April train strikes 2024: How will Monday’s train drivers’ walk-out hit passengers?

N ational rail strikes by train drivers have entered their 22nd month with a series of “rolling” walk-outs, one region at a time, during early April.

Members of the Aslef union have halted thousands of trains on 5, 6 and 8 April. The aim is to disrupt services on the 14 rail firms in England that are controlled by the UK government and represented by the Rail Delivery Group (RDG). Rolling strikes cause maximum disruption for minimum loss of pay.

In addition, five days of overtime bans will cause further cancellations.

The previous national industrial action by train drivers, comprising an overtime ban and rolling regional walk-outs, hit for nine days from 29 January to 6 February .

Industrial action by Aslef in a dispute over pay and working arrangements began in July 2022. The union is demanding a no-strings pay award, but rail firms – directed by ministers – say any increase is contingent on radical reforms to working practices in order to reduce public subsidies.

During the dispute, hundreds of millions of journeys have been cancelled. Billions of pounds have been lost to the UK economy – particularly hospitality businesses – and taxpayers are pumping cash into an increasingly decrepit and unreliable railway to the tune of £90 per second on top of the normal subsidy.

The quarrel has become increasingly bitter, with no sign of any progress towards a settlement.

Caught in the middle of a seemingly intractable dispute: the passenger. In a snap social media poll for The Independent that garnered 2,142 responses, one in three passengers say they will permanently travel less after the industrial action finally ends.

In addition to the latest walk-outs by rail workers, commuters in the capital were fearing two days of strikes by Aslef members who drive trains for the London Underground . But days before the first planned walk-out, the action was called off .

However, Aslef has called an additional strike and overtime ban at the UK’s flagship train operator, LNER, for later in April.

For passengers, these are the key questions and answers.

Which rail firms are involved?

Aslef is in dispute with the 14 train operators that are contracted by the UK government to provide rail services. They are:

Intercity operators:

Avanti West Coast

CrossCountry

East Midlands Railway

Great Western Railway ( GWR )

TransPennine Express

Southeast England commuter operators:

Greater Anglia

GTR (Gatwick Express, Great Northern, Southern, Thameslink)

Southeastern

South Western Railway (including the Island Line on the Isle of Wight)

Operators focusing on the Midlands and north of England:

Chiltern Railways

Northern Trains

West Midlands Railway (including London Northwestern Railway)

When are the train drivers walking out?

Drivers belonging to the Aslef union will strike in the following pattern:

Friday 5 April

Avanti West Coast, East Midlands Railway, West Midlands Railway and CrossCountry. The aim is to cause maximum disruption on key intercity lines as well as Midland commuter services.

To further complicate matters, commuters on the Great Western line have faced rush hour travel disruption after a freight train derailed between Reading and London Paddington , with some services cancelled and the remainder delayed.

Saturday 6 April

Chiltern, GWR, LNER, Northern and TransPennine Express. This strike is designed to hit rail passengers in the north and west of England, as well as the day’s football programme. In the Premier League, it will hit Newcastle fans travelling to Fulham in London.

Monday 8 April

C2C, Greater Anglia, Great Northern, Thameslink, Southeastern, Southern, Gatwick Express, South Western Railway.

What are the predicted effects at each operator?

The Night Riviera sleeper train and the Gatwick Express will be cancelled throughout the industrial action period.

For other operators, these are the likely service patterns .

The four train operators – Avanti West Coast, East Midlands Railway, West Midlands Railway and CrossCountry – cancelled all services on the day.

“Avanti West Coast services on the days either side of the strike will also be affected,” the West Coast main line operator said.

Chiltern Railways warned people who are thinking of switching to its London-Birmingham service: “Essential travel only, due to strike action on other operators.”

Chiltern, Northern and TransPennine Express have cancelled all services.

LNER is running a skeleton service on core lines between around 7am and 7pm. Its main Edinburgh-Newcastle-York-London line will have at least one train an hour, with some additional trains on the southern part of the network.

GWR will run no long-distance trains, but will connect Reading with Oxford and Basingstoke, as well as a link from Bristol to Cardiff and some branch routes in Devon and Cornwall.

CrossCountry is not on strike but warns its services are expected to be extremely busy, and urges prospective passengers: “Please only travel if essential.”

Sunday 7 April

Although no industrial action is taking place, planned Network Rail engineering projects will hamper many passengers hoping to travel on the Sunday to dodge the strikes.

Avanti West Coast says: “No trains will serve Penrith, Carlisle, Lockerbie, Motherwell, Glasgow Central, Haymarket or Edinburgh, and only a limited number of services will serve Lancaster and Oxenholme. All remaining trains will start / terminate at Preston.”

Northern will run rail replacement buses between Halifax and Huddersfield.

The CrossCountry line between Derby and Burton-on-Trent is closed all weekend, with rail replacement buses and train diversions.

Greater Anglia will run to and from London Liverpool Street to Stansted airport, Southend, Colchester, Ipswich and Norwich.

Southern will run a shuttle service between London Victoria and Gatwick airport.

Thameslink will run a shuttle service between London St Pancras and Luton (town and airport stations).

Great Northern will run a shuttle service between London King’s Cross and Cambridge.

South Western Railway will run between London Waterloo, Woking and Guildford, with some other suburban services likely.

Southeastern is urging passengers not to travel, but will run services between London St Pancras and Ashford on the high-speed line; Charing Cross and Orpington; and London Bridge and Dartford.

C2C has cancelled all services.

What about the overtime ban?

Members are also refusing to work their rest days from Thursday 4 to Saturday 6 April and from Monday 8 to Tuesday 9 April. As many rail firms depend on drivers working overtime, hundreds – possibly thousands – of trains will be cancelled.

Avanti West Coast and West Midlands Railway have already said a reduced timetable will run on each day of the strike ban.

GWR says the overtime ban “is likely to cause some short-notice alterations and cancellations, especially at weekends or late at night”.

Which rail firms are not involved?

Some publicly funded train operators will run normally: ScotRail, Transport for Wales, Transport for London (including the Elizabeth line) and Merseyrail.

“Open-access” operators on the East Coast main line – Grand Central, Hull Trains and Lumo – are unaffected. But many of their services will be crowded on days of industrial action. They duplicate journeys of strike-hit companies, including LNER, TransPennine Express, CrossCountry and Northern.

What is at stake in the dispute?

The train drivers demand a pay rise to reflect high levels of inflation since they last won a pay award; Aslef says some members have not had an increase for five years.

But the government insists that even a modest pay increase is contingent on radical changes to long-standing working arrangements in order to reduce costs – and the huge subsidies the railway is currently receiving from the taxpayer.

Since the pandemic, travel patterns have changed. Ticket revenue is about one-fifth down on pre-Covid levels. As taxpayers will foot the eventual bill for the train drivers’ pay rise, the Treasury as well as the Department for Transport will sign off any deal.

Ministers believe train drivers’ terms and conditions are part of the problem. To keep costs down, they must accept changes to how they work, such as making Sunday part of the working week everywhere.

On 27 April 2023 the Rail Delivery Group offered a pay increase of 4 plus 4 per cent over two years covering the 2022 and 2023 pay awards – subject to a host of changes on terms and conditions, covering a wide range of issues including driver training, Sunday working, sick pay and new technology.

The union say this is completely unacceptable. The train drivers will negotiate on changes, but only after they get a decent no-strings pay offer on top of their current pay.

They believe the money will be found to meet their demands, as it always has been in the past. Aslef has also always “sold” reforms to working arrangements for an extra few per cent on their pay and does intend to change that process.

Meanwhile, the corrosion in confidence among travellers continues, with no rail passenger able to plan journeys more than two weeks ahead – that being the minimum notice the union must give for industrial action.

What does the union say?

The general secretary of Aslef, Mick Whelan, said: “Our members voted overwhelmingly – yet again – for strike action. Those votes show – yet again – a clear rejection by train drivers of the ridiculous offer put to us in April last year by the Rail Delivery Group which knew that offer would be rejected because a land grab for all the terms and conditions we have negotiated over the years would never be accepted by our members.

“Since then train drivers have voted, time and again, to take action in pursuit of a pay rise. That’s why Mark Harper, the transport secretary, is being disingenuous when he says that offer should have been put to members. Drivers wouldn’t vote for industrial action, again and again and again, if they thought that was a good offer. They don’t. That offer was dead in the water in April last year – and Mr Harper knows that.

“We asked Mr Harper, or his deputy, the rail minister Huw Merriman, to come and meet us. We asked the RDG and the TOCs to come and talk to us. We said, ‘Let’s sit around the table and negotiate.’ Because you say you don’t want any more industrial action, and we don’t want to disrupt the rail network. But the Tories and the TOCs [train operating companies] have given us no choice.

“We have given the government every opportunity to come to the table but it is now clear they do not want to resolve this dispute. They are happy for it go on and on. Because we are not going to give up.

“Many members have now not had a single penny increase in pay for half a decade.”

What do the employers and government say?

A Department for Transport spokesperson said: “Aslef is the only rail union continuing to strike, targeting passengers and preventing their own members from voting on the pay offer that remains on the table.

“Having resolved disputes with all other rail unions, the Transport Secretary and Rail Minister have ensured that a pay offer is on the table – taking train drivers’ average salaries from £60,000 up to £65,000.”

A spokesperson for Rail Delivery Group, representing the train operators, said: “Nobody wins when industrial action impacts people’s lives and livelihoods, and we will work hard to minimise any disruption to our passengers.

“We want to resolve this dispute, but the Aslef leadership need to recognise that hard-pressed taxpayers are continuing to contribute an extra £54 million a week just to keep services running post-Covid.

“We continue to seek an agreement with the Aslef leadership and remain open to talks to find a solution to this dispute.”

What does the Labour Party say?

Louise Haigh, Labour’s shadow transport secretary, said: “It is a staggering dereliction of duty that the transport secretary hasn’t got around the table with the unions to try to resolve it since the Christmas before last.

“Labour will take an unashamedly different approach to the Tories, and will work with both sides to reach a deal in the interests of passengers and workers. If the transport secretary took this sensible approach then perhaps we wouldn’t still be having strikes on our railways.”

How much has all the disruption cost?

According to the RDG, industrial action from June 2022 up until mid-January 2024 cost the rail sector around £775m in lost revenue. That does not include the impact of the most recent strikes and overtime bans, which probably add a further £100m to the losses.

UKHospitality estimates the lost business for places to eat, drink and stay amounts to almost £5 billion. Kate Nicholls, the organisation’s chief executive, says: “Ongoing strike action hurts businesses, prevents people from getting to work and significantly erodes confidence in the rail network.”

In addition, there is an unknowable loss of revenue from passengers who have adjusted their lifestyles or found alternative forms of transport; businesses that have stopped making trips and are using online communication instead; and people trimming back on travel because of the lack of certainty.

What about the new minimum service levels law?

Legislation now allows the transport secretary to stipulate minimum service levels (MSLs) on strike days amounting to 40 per cent of the normal service. The government says the Strikes (Minimum Service Levels) Act 2023 aims “to ensure that the public can continue to access services that they rely on, during strike action”.

No train operator is seeking to impose the new law on the train drivers’ union. LNER said it might do so earlier this year, and opened consultations. Aslef immediately called a separate five-day strike on LNER alone. Then the train operator said it would not require drivers to work, and the strike was called off.

The Transport Select Committee has previously warned of potential unintended consequences of the legislation. The Conservative chair, Iain Stewart, said: “There is a risk of MSLs worsening worker-employer relations and that, as a result, MSLs could end up making services less reliable.”

The minimum service level rules do not apply to union bans on non-contractual rest-day working – so there would be no benefit in imposing the law when an overtime ban is in force.

What is the LNER-specific dispute about?

On Friday 19 and Sunday 21 April, Aslef members working for Aslef will refuse overtime. On Saturday 20 April, they will strike. The union has accused the rail firm of acting in bad faith. Nigel Roebuck, full-time organiser in the northeast of England, accused ministers of “leaning on the company to persuade every driver manager and driver instructor to work on strike days; effectively to provide a minimum service level without invoking the legislation”.

The Department for Transport for a response.

An LNER spokesperson said: “Our priority focus remains on minimising disruption to customers. We continue to encourage Aslef to work with us to find a way to end this long running dispute.”

Some cancellations are likely on 19 April, and many more on 20 and 21 April.

Anything else on the strike agenda?

Members of the main rail union, the RMT, who work for CrossCountry are striking on Saturday 13 April in a dispute over recognition.

The Independent is the world’s most free-thinking news brand, providing global news, commentary and analysis for the independently-minded. We have grown a huge, global readership of independently minded individuals, who value our trusted voice and commitment to positive change. Our mission, making change happen, has never been as important as it is today.

I rode the longest train route in Bangladesh for $10, and the 12 ½-hour journey was surprisingly scenic

• I traveled 12 ½ hours from Dhaka to the northernmost border district of Panchagarh in Bangladesh.
• Despite some delays and lackluster food , the trip was pretty thrilling. 
• I loved crossing the Bangabandhu Bridge and watching the sunset from the train window. 

Asia is home to some of the fastest trains in the world — but train travel is all about the journey for me.

In March, I took the longest train route in Bangladesh. The whole trip is nearly 400 miles long — stretching from the bustling capital of Dhaka to the northernmost district of Panchagarh.

I bought a ticket for 1,073 Bangladeshi Taka, or about $9.70, and prepared to watch the diverse landscapes of my country pass by.

Here's what the train ride was like.

I started my trip at Kamalapur, the largest train station in Bangladesh.

Kamalapur Railway Station, built in the 1960s, is an architectural marvel . Its roof has a domed umbrella design.

I arrived at the station almost an hour before my departure. People were walking and sitting around, but there weren't heavy crowds.

I bought my $9.70 ticket online 10 days in advance and chose the Snigdha class — which was pricier than first class ($5.02) but cheaper than a sleeper car ($11.50).

Snigdha cars offer air conditioning and reclining seats, which I thought would be necessary for such a long journey.

The train left 14 minutes late.

I boarded the air-conditioned compartment and found my window seat. The seat itself was a little worn, but it had plenty of legroom.

There were also overhead racks above the seats for luggage.

The train was delayed at the station for about 15 minutes, but we set off at 10:29 a.m.

The first leg of the journey felt unfamiliar.

As the train snaked its way forward, I looked out my window and noticed how new infrastructure had transformed Dhaka's skyline over the years.

I didn't recognize many places as the train traveled along and beneath overpasses and buildings.

Crossing the Bangabandhu Bridge was delightful

The Bangabandhu Bridge spans the Jamuna River, one of Bangladesh's three major rivers . It originates in China and flows through India before entering Bangladesh.

My anticipation ran high as the train approached the bridge — I had never traveled across it by bus or train .

The train stopped for about 15 minutes for a safety inspection before approaching the structure. While we were being held, I gazed at the stunning expanse of water out my window.

It took about half an hour for the train to cross the bridge fully, and the views were breathtaking.

I wasn't very impressed by the food on the train.

The train didn't have a dining car , but there was a small snack stand between two of the coaches.

I bought a lunch box for $1.37 that came with a vegetable cutlet, fried chicken , two pieces of bread, and a sauce packet.

I thought the food was a little bland, especially the cutlet. Luckily, some of the other snacks I bought early on in the trip — like chocolates and popcorn — were good.

Later on, I went back to the snack stand for another meal.

I traveled during Ramadan, the fasting month for Muslims, so I also purchased a box for iftar (a meal to break the fast) that had jalebi (a sweet fried snack), pakora (vegetable fritters), dates, chickpeas, puffed rice, and other small foods.

The box cost me $1.09, which I found a bit overpriced — I could've bought it for less from a street vendor.

The views out my window were beautiful, especially at sunset.

I wouldn't call Dhaka to Panchagarh a magnificently scenic route , but it had its fair share of landscapes featuring trees, croplands, water, and villages.

I savored the beauty as the train intermittently whistled and sped by different views.

The sunset was the most spectacular thing I saw. It slowly disappeared below the horizon while casting an orange glow over the passing landscapes.

I reached Panchagarh later than I expected.

From start to finish, the journey took 12 hours and 28 minutes.

It was 10:57 p.m. when the train finally pulled into the Panchagarh station — an hour and 57 minutes behind schedule after several long crossings.

By the time we reached the final stop, there were only a few passengers left on the train. Most of them got off at the other 22 stops along the way.

Even with the delays and lackluster food, I'm really glad I took the trip.

Despite the long route, bookended by departure and arrival delays, I enjoyed my trip.

It was more than just a train ride from point A to point B, it was a chance to experience more of my country from a different lens.

I'd happily travel the route again.

• Main content

News | Transport

London train strikes May 2024: all you need to know

Londoners will have to endure more train strikes at the start of May to add to those held in April.

Members of the Aslef union at 16 rail companies will strike on different days after eight participated in a 24-hour strike earlier this month.

The strikes come three months after London Mayor Sadiq Khan spent £30 million of public funds to prevent the National Union of Rail, Maritime and Transport Workers (RMT) from staging a week-long walkout.

Here’s what you need to know about the planned train strikes in May.

When are the next train strikes?

Drivers will strike for 24 hours on three consecutive dates between Tuesday, May 7, and Thursday, May 9.

There will also be an overtime ban on all train companies from Monday, May 6 to Saturday, May 11. This means that parts of the country — including London — will have no services from affected operators on strike days.

Trains are also expected to start later and finish earlier elsewhere.

Passengers are advised to check before they travel between Bank Holiday Monday, May 6, and Saturday, May 11.

Which lines will be affected by May’s train strikes?

• Tuesday, May 7 : c2c, Greater Anglia, GTR’s Great Northern, Thameslink and Southern (including Gatwick Express), Southeastern, and South Western Railway.
• Wednesday, May 8 : Avanti West Coast, London Northwestern Railway, Chiltern, CrossCountry, East Midlands Railway, GWR, and West Midlands Trains.
• Thursday, May 9 : LNER, Northern, and TransPennine Express.

When were the last train strikes?

From April 5 to 8, train drivers from 16 companies staged “rolling one-day strikes”.

Members also participated in an overtime ban from April 4 to 6 and April 8 to 9.

Why is Aslef striking?

Aslef wants to resolve a long-running dispute over drivers’ working conditions and pay.

Union members voted overwhelmingly in February to continue industrial action.

The union’s general secretary, Mick Whelan, said: “It is now a year since we sat in a room with the train companies — and a year since we rejected the risible offer they made and which they admitted, privately, was designed to be rejected.”

The Guardian reported that drivers were offered a two-year deal worth 4 per cent annually — but with changes to working conditions attached. The rise was less than that of other industry parts in percentage terms.

Mr Whelan added: “Our members voted overwhelmingly — yet again — for strike action. Those votes show — yet again — a clear rejection by train drivers of the ridiculous offer put to us in April last year by [train operators’ body] the Rail Delivery Group which knew that offer would be rejected because of a land grab for all the terms and conditions we have negotiated over the years would never be accepted by our members.

“We have given the Government every opportunity to come to the table but it is now clear they do not want to resolve this dispute. They are happy for it go on and on.”

A spokesperson for the Rail Delivery Group, representing train companies in the ongoing talks over pay and conditions, said: "Nobody wins when industrial action impacts people's lives and livelihoods, and we will work hard to minimise any disruption to our passengers.

"We want to resolve this dispute, but the Aslef leadership need to recognise that hard-pressed taxpayers are continuing to contribute an extra £54 million a week just to keep services running post-Covid.

"We continue to seek an agreement with the Aslef leadership and remain open to talks to find a solution to this dispute."

A Department for Transport spokesperson told the Guardian : “Aslef is the only rail union continuing to strike, targeting passengers and preventing their own members from voting on the pay offer that remains on the table.

“Having resolved disputes with all other rail unions, the transport secretary and rail minister have ensured that a pay offer is on the table —‚ taking train drivers’ average salaries from £60,000 up to £65,000.”

Will there be more train strikes?

The BBC reported that unions must re-ballot members every six months to see if they want to continue with industrial action.

Unions must give at least 14 days' notice of any strike action.

Commuters are always advised to plan before their journey and check for disruptions.

They can do this via the National Rail’s journey planner here .

What about Tube strikes?

Transport Salaried Staffs' Association (TSSA) customer service managers at London Underground will participate in an overtime ban from Monday, April 29 to Friday, May 5, which includes the May bank holiday.

There are not any planned driver strikes.

Sky News reported that the TSSA said the action by its members was likely to cause Tube stations to close at the last minute. Transport for London (TfL) said on its website "some stations may need to close at short notice".

Sky News reported that a TfL spokesperson said significant disruption is not expected.

Drivers warned of ‘crescendo of cars’ during bank holiday getaway

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Train strikes and traffic jams: UK travellers face delays in coming days

Planned works by Network Rail will force more people on to the roads to join bank holiday getaway, with rail strikes to follow the week after

Bank holiday getaway traffic jams will signal the start of a bumpy 10 days on Britain’s roads and railways, as a rainy early May is peppered with engineering works and train drivers’ strikes.

Motoring organisations were expecting late Friday afternoon to bring the longest delays on roads, particularly those heading to the south-west from London.

The RAC forecast about 16m additional leisure trips by car over the coming long weekend, higher than average for the first May bank holiday, although analysts Inrix said roads would be less busy than during a similarly afflicted Easter getaway.

More travellers may be forced on to motorways by several partial closures over the weekend of one of Britain’s main rail arteries, the west coast mainline. No trains will run out of London Euston on Sunday, while a reduced service will run over the rest of the weekend. Further closures near Coventry, Crewe and Carlisle will mean replacement buses or diversions for passengers travelling in the Midlands and particularly on to Scotland .

There will also be rail disruption over the weekend in Cambridge and Liverpool.

Passengers have been warned to check before travel, with 487 separate projects being carried out by Network Rail over the bank holiday as part of a £75m programme.

Network Rail’s system operator director, Anit Chandarana, said most of the railway would be open for business as normal: “We know people want to travel by train and not replacement bus and we do our best to fit as much work as we can into these closures to minimise the impact on passengers and freight customers.”

Bank holiday Monday will also bring another week of industrial action by train drivers in the Aslef union, with an overtime ban commencing nationwide until next Saturday. Drivers will strike for 24 hours at each of England’s national train operators over the course of three days starting on Tuesday.

The series of rolling 24-hour stoppages will leave much of the network without any trains, while the overtime ban will also reduce schedules and severely disrupt some routes.

Most operators will not run any trains on their strike days, affecting some cross-border services to Wales and Scotland.

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Train drivers will first strike across commuter services in the south of England on Tuesday 7 May. Long-distance trains and Midlands services will bear the brunt of Tuesday’s stoppages, while most trains in the north will be brought to a halt on Thursday 9 May.

An increasing number of people appeared to be heading abroad instead this weekend, with Friday expected to be the busiest day of the year so far for air travel from the UK. According to aviation analytics firm Cirium, more than 3,000 departures were scheduled, with about 10% more flights over the long weekend than at the same point in 2023.

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• West coast mainline

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