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Rail holiday types

There are opportunities for you to dip in and out of this style of travel depending on how hardcore you want to go. At one end of the scale are the long distance, classic rail holidays - across Siberia, Mongolia or Vietnam, for example. Other rail holiday types are less iconic, such as London to Istanbul. And then there are trips that just include trains as part of the transport - reducing costs but heightening experiences.

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Rail holiday types

Just as there are so many different trains around the world, from sleeper to Shinkansen, Highland to high speed, there are also lots of different rail holiday types. It used to be that rail holidays were divided into opposing camps. First, the rail romancers who loved travelling in style on the ‘late’ Orient Express (‘late’ as in now defunct, rather than British commuter train ‘late’). Or, in contrast, the backpacking, Interrail hippy scene, where young people would spend months on end loving life and all things loco. However, the railway holiday market has changed a lot, not only crossing this divide and catering for all budgets, but also helping you create imaginative itineraries around your rail trip. Ideally with a funicular thrown into the mix. Just because we love that word – funicular.

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Long distance classic rail holidays

These are the mega multi-destination mothers, where the train journey itself is almost as important as the places you are staying at en route. The Trans-Mongolian Express, Trans-Siberian Railway, Vietnam’s Reunification Express are all fine examples, and the less well known Transcantabrico El Clasico railway holiday in Northern Spain – a luxurious way to explore this stunning north coast and mountains. They can be tailor made for individuals, or in a small group.

Holidays by rail

Although many of these holidays are also on classical routes, such as around India, into the Highlands of Scotland, across the USA, or from London to Istanbul, Malaga to Marrakech, they aren’t the iconic long distance ones. They are, however, the hidden gems of the train lover’s world, taking you into mountains and valleys that you could reach by car, but it wouldn’t be as fun. They are ideal for people who don’t want the hassle of driving on holiday, but still want to access lots of interesting places.

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01273 823700 (UK)

rosy@responsibletravel.com

Rail as part of the holiday

These holidays may not even have the word ‘train’ in the title, but it does still play an important role. They are like the supporting actor to the lead, if you like. Such as the Machu Picchu rail trip which will be the highlight of any holiday in Peru. Or simply taking the train in Japan. Unlike so many other countries, most tourists choose to travel by train here, just because it is such an efficient, fast and cool experience. A trip to Alaska is always exciting, but taking the Alaska Railroad to Denali National Park is the way to go. And you can’t go to Sri Lanka without experiencing one of their extraordinary train journeys, such as the rickety train journey into the hills from Kandy to Ella. And fitting a sleeper journey into your holiday is always an adventure, such as the Southern Explorer in Thailand, from Bangok to Nakorn Si Thammarat or the Caledonian Express from London to the Highlands of Scotland.

More about Railway

Railway holidays travel guide

The journey is often more exciting than the destination - and never is that more apparent than on a railway holiday.

Railway holiday highlights

Take a look at our interactive map, below, to see our railway holiday highlights around the world.

Classic railway journeys

There are some destinations that make you think of classic train journeys - the most famous being Siberia and India, where spending several days rattling along the rails is as quintessential an experience as you can imagine.

Rail holiday FAQs

Browse through our Rail holidays FAQs to learn more about how these trips work - from stopping time in each place to group vs.

West Highland Line in Scotland

One of the world’s most splendid railway journeys, The West Highland Line takes you through mountains, moors and marine marvels, between Glasgow and Mallaig on the west coast.

Trans Siberian Railway

Trans Siberian Railway tours are one of the most authentic ways to explore all of Russia.

Japanese Bullet Train Shinkansen

Although nicknamed 'bullet', which is kind of apt due to the shape and speed, Japan's Shinkansen trains provide peace, safety and comfort for passengers travelling north, south and west in Japan.

India circuit

It takes six weeks to do the most spectacular circuit of India by rail.

The Maharajahs Express, Rajasthan

Take a ride on a train that you won’t want to get off although it would be a shame to miss out on Agra’s Taj Mahal and Jaipur’s Amber Fort, as you’re passing.

The Kyle Line in Scotland

The Kyle Line is otherwise known as the Kyle of Lochalsh to Inverness Line and takes you coast to coast between the Kyle on the west coast and Inverness on the northeast.

Rail holiday tips

Our railway gurus have shared their top rail holiday tips with us - from what to pack (not too much!) and what to eat, to meeting your fellow passengers and getting a good night's sleep.

Responsible train holidays

Responsible train holidays are pretty much a given: you're embracing slow travel, stepping outside of the multinational resorts and in some cases, cutting down on domestic flights.