As we’ve discussed before, train travel is my favourite mode of transport. But I’ve been fascinated by something called “named passenger trains” – or the famous trains, as it were, since most of the famous trains have names. But which came first, the fame or the name?
The reality is they go hand in hand. Lots of trains have been ‘named’ over the years, and even some of the more famous trains have went through several names. And trains without names often get named anyway – travel magazines like this one have to have something to call them, right?
So, if you’re thinking that a train getaway might be something you’re interested in, here are some recommendations for the world’s best named passenger trains and famous trains. I’ve been on many, but not all – but I know for a fact you won’t have a bad experience on any of these classic rides.
The Ocean
The Ocean, commonly called the Maritime Express, is one of Canada’s classic rail journeys and one of a couple of the country’s named passenger trains. It’s one of the world’s famous trains because of a couple of reason: one is this incredible view that you can get from the Park Car, a ‘bubble’ bar at the back of the train. It’s very cool to look at the rail signals and the great perspective you have on the little towns as they fly by. The second reason? You depart Montreal in the evening, and then wake up the next morning with the most incredible view of the rural Maritimes (depending on how late you sleep, you might be in Quebec or New Brunswick). The best way to wake up ever!
The Eastern and Oriental Express
If you’ve heard of any of these famous trains, it’s this one. You more than likely know about the Orient Express, but did you know there are several named passenger trains under this brand? My recommendation is the Eastern & Oriental Express which takes you from Thailand, down through Malaysia, and into Singapore. These is a fantastic area of Asia and a great way to explore some of these areas. It’s one of the best luxury train experiences as well – an experience not to forget!
The Canadian
As far as named passenger trains go, you don’t get better branded than this. The Canadian is VIA Rail’s flagship rail service from Vancouver to Toronto, and considered by many travellers as one best train experiences in general, let alone the incredible views, particularly as you pass through the Canadian Rockies. One of the famous trains for good reason – a timeless trip.
The TranzAlpine
New Zealand doesn’t have very many trains, and the few that it does are named passenger trains. The TranzAlpine crosses through the middle of the south island, and for those trying to explore south island without a car, it’s actually a useful transport route. It’s one of the more famous trains of the country just because it has incredible views and traverses some crazy rail bridges – very cool.
The Indian Pacific
As one of the longest named passenger trains (in terms of route), the Indian Pacific carries you almost 3 thousand miles across the entire continent of Australia, from Perth to Sydney. Travelling this far on rails might seem onerous, but getting anywhere in Australia takes awhile, so you might as well enjoy yourself and travel in style. It’s one of the more famous trains to travel on Christmas, where the train stops in cities along the way to host festivals and singing as a way to thank the cities along the route that support it. There’s usually an Aussie celeb or two involved.
The Blue Train
This is one of the named passenger trains that just exudes luxury and style. It is truly one of the world’s most famous trains and it is a huge bucket list item for me. The train has had a few different routes over the years, but at the moment the key flagship line is Pretoria-Cape Town; if you see the interior furnishings, you would think you are in a high rise luxury hotel because they’re very much about the train experience. One word: fabulous.
The Lunatic Express
As named passenger trains go, this one certainly has the most unique monkier, though it’s not one of the more famous trains as compared to others. The Lunatic Express connects Uganda to Kenya, and the name comes from criticism that it received at the time, as it was felt the idea of a rail line in this area was forced upon them by British influencers from afar. Despite the distractions and many construction difficulties – including man eating lions! – the railway launched and has continued to maintain its quality service, despite hiccups in the political situation of the area. It’s responsible for the development of several cities along the route,
The Jacobite
One of the famous trains of Great Britain is one of the few named passenger trains with a couple of names. The Jacobite is the most scenic of railways in the UK, so iconic that it’s been called the Harry Potter Railway (even though it existed long before those books came out). The route, from Fort William near Glasgow up to Mallig in the Highlands, was originally a railway to take people to the islands of the East Coast. The most noteworthy point is the Glenfinnan Viaduct, probably the most photographed stretch of railway in the world.
The Empire Builder
I wasn’t familiar with many of the named passenger trains in the United States (there are several), but Chris Guillebeau mentioned this train, which has a very cool name. It follows the trail of explorers Lewis and Clark from Chicago to Seattle/Portland on the west coast. The Gassman Coulee Trestle is a beautiful bridge that you’ll cross along the way, and of course similar to The Canadian, you get some incredible mountain views. As you can see from the picture above, this gem of the famous trains not only has picture windows, but seats that face the view. Cool.
The Glacier Express
Europe has a massive number of named passenger trains – and a lot of railways in general, famous trains and not, but there’s one route that sticks out in my mind, Switzerland’s Glacier Express. Winding its way through the alps from St. Moritz to Zermatt, home of the iconic Matterhorn, this is the only way to travel. Much of the route is very snowy even during the summer, so you’ll get fantastic views year round. Plus it’s hassle free travel. It’s purely for tourism so at times it can feel a little touristy, but once you look out your picture window, you’ll not notice.
The Trans-Siberian
The last of our named passenger trains is also, unsurprisingly, one of the most famous trains in the world, the Trans-Siberian railway. Starting in Saint Petersburg or Moscow, the train traverses across Asia and terminates in the Pacific port town of Vladivostok. There are also alternative trains that go all the way to Beijing, China and Pyongyang, North Korea. At approx. 5,700 miles long, it is the world’s longest railway. It’s actually more popular as a transport option for locals rather than foreigners, and besides passengers the rails are important for goods transportation. For many, this is the ultimate train travel trip, so if you’ve got the time, get a ticket.
Photo Credits: Author, Public Domain, Joanne Probyn, SomeRandomNerd, amandabhslater, shrine 2010, cayetano, kafka4prez
{ 14 comments… read them below or add one }
Oh wow, fantastic article Andy!! I only been to one, Tranz Alpine, and that was amazing. One of the most memorable ride.
The Jacobite looks amazing! Wow. Train is certainly one of the greatest transportation to travel around. My favorite part is ‘no traffic’. And all the guestes I could meet.
I set my goal. Whan I do RTW, I will start with Trans Siberian.
That sounds like a great place to start, Juno. Can’t wait to see your pics!
I’ve taken the Canadian & Ocean many times since I work for VIA Rail, and I still get shivers at the views – especially in the Rockies! A tip, if you ever make it on the Canadian: if it’s a moonless, clear night, make your way to the glass-domed observation cars as you cross the Prairies. The stars & Milky Way are mind-blowing, and most passengers are snugged up in bed missing the best part of the show!
Vivian is Virtual
VIA Rail’s tour guide
Vivian, that sounds just dreamy!
Great list, but you get more scenic bang for your buck with the California Zephyr than with the Empire Builder.
Although it passes through great scenery, the westbound Empire Builder does much of this in darkness many months of the year. Even the westbound Builder is not scheduled for optimum viewing all year.
In contrast, the California Zephyr gives you the heart of the Colorado Rockies plus the Sierra Nevada mountains all year. Moreover, you get the Rockies and nearby great scenery much of a day, not just several hours, as on the Builder.
Both trains offer high-level viewing.
Thanks, Don. I also like the name – Zephyr – it just sounds like an adventure
Thanks, Andy.
In the 1940′s, the California Zephyr became the first long-distance American train scheduled for optimum scenery. Amtrak had the good sense to preserve its Colorado routing, instead of using a much faster but far less scenic one through Wyoming. Amtrak does utilize a more rapid and somewhat less scenic route through the Sierra Nevada, but it’s still a nice one.
You will love this train! Take it westbound, in order that there will be less chance of a late train missing great scenery.
We also have an excursionist train in Baja California, although it’s not nearly as grand as the world’s most famous ones. It currently runs one Saturday per month between Tijuana and Tecate. http://www.enlabaja.net/
The line between San Diego and Mexicali was originally built to connect the peninsula to mainland Mexico, on one hnad, and to San Francisco, on the other. It has since fallen into dissuetude but a small group of local train buffs have resurrected just enough of the line to remind us what a trip between neighboring towns was like a century ago.
Awww – great list! I’d love to ride on all these. The only one i have done though is the Jacobite route, and even then I was riding on the standard ScotRail service rather than the Jacobite steam train. I can tell you it is indeed a truly breathtaking experience. ScotRail runs a basic passenger train to Mallaig from Glasgow via Fort William and if anything the first leg of the journey is even more exciting, since it passes right through the middle of some very high and rolling Scottish mountains, miles from anywhere. It is bleak and rough and boggy and how anyone managed to put a line through that landscape I just don’t know. Even more ambitious is the Caledonian Sleeper – another named train that rides all the way from London to Fort William. It is supposed to be a really wonderful train to ride on, though I have never done that myself – also one of the longest journeys in the UK.
Thanks David, I didn’t realise you could go to Mallig on the “normal” train service, but it seems logical since the rail line is there anyway. Great journey – must make a note to check that out next time (we drove).
Andy… This is a great list of trains. I have only been on a train one time from Paris, France to Chartres, France. It was a very short ride, but I really enjoyed the trip.
I think I am going to have to add that Indian Pacific to my bucket list. Especially during Christmas!
I think you’ll be glad you did
Great selection Andy. The names are often enough to conjure the romznce of the trip, but the Lunatic Express?! Now that’s a new one on me! lol
Thanks, Jools. And yeah, the Lunatic Express sounds fun, I think