This article is by Ed Povey.
Whilst much of the talk of overland travel is restricted to Europe (owing to the number of rail links, and relatively large number of cross-country connections), it is important to remember that plenty of other great flightless trips exist throughout the world. As a result, I’m going to highlight some of my favourite overland journeys; one from each continent.
Africa: The Blue Train, South Africa
The Blue Train runs between Pretoria and Cape Town in South Africa, lasts only two days, and is one of the most luxurious rail journeys in the world; the overland travel service and scenery offered by the route is second to none. Of course, a journey of this type comes at a cost; around $1300 one-way to be precise. However, for that money, you do benefit from experiencing the best of South Africa in true style.
Asia: The Trans-Siberian Railway
Considered to be the greatest of them all, the Trans-Siberian Railway links Russia with Mongolia and China. The original route runs between Moscow and Vladivostok, taking a full week to complete, and crossing the entire width of the world’s largest and most populous continent. Considering the length of the trip, the overland travel train is relatively good value (from $600).
Europe: The Bergen Line, Norway
Often regarded as one of the world’s greatest train journeys, the Bergen Line runs between Oslo and Bergen in Norway. Taking around seven hours in total, the train passes numerous mountains and lakes, and allows passengers to witness some of the most breathtaking views in Europe. Best of all, the journey is fantastic value; taking around seven hours, and costing as little as $30 each way. Overland travel at its best.
North America: New York – Montreal by Rail
Perhaps a little closer to home, the trip between New York and Montreal on-board Amtrak’s Adirondack, especially during the spring or autumn, is a great eleven hour journey that transports passengers along the beautiful Hudson Valley. On-board, a lounge car offers passengers a range of snacks and refreshments to make the overland travel journey even more pleasant. And once you arrive, there are so many things to do in Montreal, you’ll not want to leave.
Oceania: Milford Sound by Coach/Cruise
Of course, overland travel is not limited to trains. In order to reach Milford Sound in New Zealand, you have the choice of flying or travelling by coach. The overland travel coach journey between Queenstown or Te Anau and Miford Sound lasts around five hours and can cost as little as $100 (return). Prices include the cost of a cruise once you reach Milford Sound; the only way to truly experience the magic of this spectacular place. It’s just one of the highlights of the south island of New Zealand.
South America: Machu Picchu by Rail
There is a fantastic rail service offered between Cusco and Machu Picchu, with three class options; the cheapest being the Backpackers service (from $48), then the Vistadome ($71), and the luxury choice being the Hiram Bingham (from $307). All of these overland travel services offer spectacular views of Peruvian valleys, and the Hiram Bingham service offers a hard-to-match quality of service.
Why Overland Travel?
While the routes introduced above may take longer than their equivalent flights, I would argue that the sights, sounds and people that form part of each of these overland journeys help to create a much richer travel experience. You may choose not do these trips more than once, but if you can believe that travel is as much about the journey as the destination, you may find your next holiday that little bit more enjoyable.
Ed is the founder of GroundedTravel.com, a website dedicated to providing accurate and detailed information on a wide variety of overland travel routes. Ed started the website in 2008 with an aim to help promote a large-scale shift towards sustainable travel alternatives.
Photo Credit: Shine 2010, yeowatzup, photojenni, mattjiggins, missbossy, ShashiBellamkonda
{ 2 comments… read them below or add one }
Yes please. I’d like one of each.
Wow, these all look amazing. I LOVE traveling by train and think of it as a way of seeing countries, not just of getting from one place to another. Thanks for these ideas!