Railway journeys travel guide


Our Railway journeys Holidays
Balkans rail holiday
Travel through seven countries in the Balkans.
Trans Mongolian Eastbound, St Petersburg to Beijing
Overland from the Baltic Sea to the Chinese capital Beijing
Trans Mongolian railway holiday
Ride the Iconic Trans-Mongolian Railway in all it's glory.
Central Europe rail tour, 15 days
An exciting trip around the continent's fairytale cities
Trans Siberian Railway holiday, Russian Summer
Remarkable Moscow to Vladivostok train journey, Tailor-Made
Northern India culture and wildlife holiday
Northern India cultural and wildlife highlights by rail
Bejing to Lhasa tour, by train
Beijing to Lhasa on the famous sky train
St Petersburg to Vladivostok on the Trans Siberian
Russia, Mongolia & Japan on the Trans-Siberian Railway
Imperial Trans Siberian tour, Russia to Japan
Russia, Mongolia & Japan on the Trans-Siberian Railway
Southern Europe rail tour, 16 days
Tour through the best of Southern Europe in 3 weeks!
Moorish Spain to Marrakech by rail
Visit villages and Moroccon cities
Eastern europe by train, the Iron Curtain tour
Whizz around Europe's lesser-visited cities by rail!
Christmas on the Trans Mongolian express
Christmas in Siberian Russia & celebrate New Year in Moscow
Trans Mongolian tour, departing Ulaanbaatar
Trans-Mongolian adventure Ulaanbaatar to St Petersburg
London to Georgia by train holiday
Overland adventure to the far extent of Europe
Classic Trans Siberian railway tour
Classic trans Siberian railway tour from Moscow to Vladivostock
Trans Mongolian tour, St. Petersburg to Hong Kong
Overland rail from the Baltic Sea to the South China Sea
Moscow to Beijing on the Trans-Mongolian
Overland rail venturing into the rolling steppe of Mongolia
Naadam festival & Moscow holiday
Take in the Naadam Festival and the Trans Siberian Railway
Trans Siberian rail tour for 18-35
Want to hit the highlights without breaking the bank?
Tokyo to St Petersburg rail tour
Japan to Russia overland on the Trans-Siberian Railway
Trans Mongolian 21 day tour, 18-35
Explore further & dive deeper on an adventure of a lifetime.
Scandinavia by rail holiday, London to Tromso
Unique no-fly adventure through the Arctic and Scandinavia
Trans Siberian 13 day tour, 18-35
Want an epic journey across three countries & 7 time zones?
Best of North India with Varanasi tour
Amazing holiday in the best locations and awesome properties
Finland and Helsinki family holiday by train
Active holiday for naturelovers in lake district of Finland
Helsinki, Saint Petersburg and Lapland holiday
Visit Saint Petersburg by rail from Helsinki before Lapland
Grand Trans Siberian Railway, tailor made
Japan to Russia overland on the Trans-Siberian Railway
Trans Siberian rail tour, St Petersburg to Tokyo
Epic rail journey through Russia and Mongolia to Japan
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Railway journeys travel advice
Why go by train?
“I like the security of a train; there are no traffic jams or taking the wrong route. For the most part you can get on and not really think about anything until it’s time to get off again. That leaves lots of time to just enjoy yourself, and freedom to move around and meet new people. Sometimes getting on these trains is truly like stepping back in time. Learning a new Russian card game or sharing an exotic piece of fruit with your bunkmate is all part of the fun. And also that quiet time of reflection to think about your journey and watch the country pass by.”Packing
“Pack a quick dry face towel for the trains as it helps to stay feeling fresh. A head torch is useful for finding your way around or reading in bed. Slip-on sandals are great for wandering around. Earplugs and toilet paper are essential! Pack everything you will need for the journey in a daypack so you can stow your large luggage somewhere out of sight and you won’t have to dig around for anything. Bring lots of books and playing cards. Little speakers can be fun to go with an iPod if the mood strikes. I also have an abundance of plastic bags I collected along the way for trash, tissue paper, etc. You’ll be surprised at how quickly your cabin can fill up! A reusable mug and camping cutlery are also must-haves. Most trains provide boiled water so pick up some hot chocolate packets, instant mashed potatoes or pot noodles and you’re good to go.”Cultural tips
Scribe & screen tips
“Paul Theroux has written some excellent books about rail travel, like his most famous book, Riding the Iron Rooster. I also love the film The Darjeeling Limited. Before Sunrise is a classic for me too. “Catherine Mack, travel writer for Responsible Travel:
"Someone once told me that everyone loves to read about train journeys even if they don’t actually end up doing them. I love Theroux of course, but Sarah Baxter’s History of the World in 500 Railway Journeys, published in 2017 by Aurum Press is one of those books I wished I had written. If you love to travel by trains, just get it as inspiration for many journeys ahead."
Our top Railway journeys Holiday
Balkans rail holiday
Travel through seven countries in the Balkans.
2021: 1 May, 15 May, 5 Jun, 19 Jun, 14 Aug, 4 Sep, 11 Sep, 18 Sep, 2 Oct
2022: 7 May, 21 May, 4 Jun, 18 Jun, 13 Aug, 3 Sep, 10 Sep, 17 Sep, 1 Oct
Tips from our rail travellers
We have selected some of the most useful railway journeys travel advice that our guests have provided over the years to help you make the very most of your holiday – and the space inside your suitcase.


“Remember you have a choice as to how to see your fellow-travellers, and how to react to conditions along the way. Decide to see the good in people and to laugh at inconvenience.” - Richard Coombes on the Trans Siberian Express
“The Jacobite Express was terrific and we had really good seats… The printed map of UK railway routes was great, as I couldn't see railway tracks on Google maps. Inverness on a Sunday is very quiet - would be better to be there during the week… The meals at all accommodation were excellent Best meals at Killiecrankie Hotel.” – Maren Child on a railway holiday in Scotland.


“Make sure to bring a sink plug for the train.” – Alan Kay on a Trans Siberian Express holiday
“Take vitamins. Russian food is very high on stodge. Take nice face-wipes. The train toilet is awful even when it's at its best and it's the only place to wash. Be ready for extreme temperature changes from within to outside of the train.” – Jessica Dromgoole on the Trans Siberian Express
“Worth mentioning: the amazing and tasty food sold by the babushkas in some train stations along our route in Siberia.” - Marie-Pierre Blanchette on the Trans Siberian Express