A rail journey connects Europe and Asia in three weeks of landscapes, history and legendary stations. The journey from southern Portugal to Singapore has established itself as the longest continuous railway route on the planet: 21 days and around 18,755 kilometres crossing urban and remote landscapes, from the Iberian Peninsula to the jungles of Southeast Asia. More than a record, it is an experience that combines transport, tourism and unique logistics. The route crosses eight countries and several iconic capitals, passing through Paris, Moscow and Beijing before entering Southeast Asia via Laos, Thailand and Malaysia until reaching Singapore. For railway enthusiasts, the opening of the Laotian section in 2021 was the link that allowed Europe to be connected continuously to the far east of Asia.
The itinerary of the world’s longest train journey
The journey begins in the Portuguese Algarve and crosses the Iberian Peninsula, France and Germany until it reaches Eastern Europe. Moscow serves as a nerve centre where connections to Siberia and Mongolia are calibrated; from there, the train heads towards China, stopping in Beijing, and then descends to Southeast Asia. This train goes from Portugal to Oceania On the stretch between China and Singapore, the passage through Laos became the piece that made the complete crossing possible. Travellers and experts highlight the diversity of landscapes and the succession of cultures as the main attraction of the itinerary.
How much does a ticket for this train cost?
Companies and operators estimate that the approximate cost of a ticket for the entire journey is around 1,200 euros, not including meals or overnight stays at stops. Those who choose to do so usually combine sleeper car segments with planned stays in iconic cities. From the 15th century. The archaeological discovery of the century: a metropolis similar to Atlantis is found in the depths of a lake. The discovery of the century: the find where dozens of tonnes of gold lie 2,000 metres below the sea and everything belongs to a province. Planning accommodation, visas and border connections is an essential part of the journey: rail continuity does not eliminate the need to manage local permits and reservations, especially when crossing several countries with different regulations.
Why it attracts travellers
The possibility of connecting continents without flying appeals to an audience seeking a leisurely holiday, observing landscapes and relating to transport as part of the experience. For many, the appeal lies in the combination of comfort and adventure that this trip offers. Although not the fastest option, the route offers a unique alternative for travelling through Europe and Asia: a succession of historic stations, changes of scenery and the feeling of crossing the world at a slow pace.
