The opening of a new train service between Laos and China has made it possible to complete the world’s longest train journey. With this new connection, passengers can now travel from Portugal to Singapore by train, covering more than 11,600 miles and passing through 13 countries.
The journey begins in Lagos, Portugal, and ends in Singapore, allowing travellers to cross Europe and Asia almost entirely via railway. It is the longest train route ever created and is the result of cooperation between several national railway companies.
From Lagos, passengers travel to Lisbon before heading into Spain and France. The route then continues through major countries, including Russia, China, Vietnam, and Thailand, before reaching Singapore. Along the way, the train stops at major cities such as Paris, Moscow, Beijing, and Bangkok. The longest single stretch of the journey is the 40-hour train ride from Paris to Moscow.
The route includes 11 planned stops, with overnight breaks in several cities, giving passengers time to rest and explore. Travellers need to arrange up to seven visas before starting the journey. The total cost is about US$1,350, similar to a long-haul flight, though the trip requires more planning. Some sections also require short bus connections. The Laos–China railway link played a key role in making this record-breaking journey possible.
