The world’s longest train journey spans 13 countries and 279 hours, but a missing link makes it impossible to complete—yet it remains a dream for rail enthusiasts.
Imagine boarding a train in Portugal and stepping off nearly two weeks later in Singapore—without ever leaving the tracks. In theory, it’s the longest possible rail journey on Earth, covering over 18,000 kilometers (11,000 miles) and crossing 13 countries. However, despite its grandeur, this epic adventure remains just beyond reach, thanks to a missing link in the network.

While this route exists on paper, logistical hurdles make it impossible to complete in one seamless trip. A suspended rail connection in Asia has halted what would be the most ambitious train journey ever undertaken. Yet, for those with patience, creativity, and a love of rail travel, it’s still a journey worth attempting—one that blends history, landscapes, and cultures into a once-in-a-lifetime experience.

The Journey Begins: From the Atlantic Coast to the Heart of Europe

The adventure starts in Lagos, a charming coastal town in Portugal, with a short 3-hour 40-minute ride to Lisbon. From here, the journey picks up pace, carrying travelers through Spain, France, Germany, and Poland. Passing through bustling European capitals and scenic countryside, the journey feels like a rolling postcard of the continent.

The route then winds through Belarus and into Russia, leading to Moscow—the gateway to the legendary Trans-Mongolian Railway. This is where the journey meets its greatest challenge.

The Missing Link: The Suspended Trans-Mongolian Connection

Once a vital rail corridor linking Russia and China, the Trans-Mongolian Railway has been out of service since 2019, making the dream of a non-stop rail journey impossible. The tracks still exist, and before the suspension, passengers could board a train in Moscow and wake up days later in Beijing. However, without this critical link, travelers must find alternative routes—usually involving flights or lengthy detours.

If It Were Possible: The Ultimate Train Adventure

Had the Trans-Mongolian route been operational, the next leg of the journey would take passengers deep into China, from Beijing to Kunming. From there, the train would cross into Laos, following a modern railway to Vientiane.

Thailand awaits next, with an overnight sleeper train transporting travelers to Bangkok in time for an early morning arrival. As the journey inches closer to completion, the rail experience becomes smoother, with shorter rides through Malaysia. A six-hour trip to Kuala Lumpur is followed by a 2.5-hour transfer to Gemas, then a four-and-a-half-hour ride to Johor Bahru, Malaysia’s final stop before Singapore.

The home stretch is almost anticlimactic: a brief five-minute ride across the border brings passengers to Woodlands, Singapore, officially marking the end of what would be the longest continuous train journey in the world.

A Challenge for True Rail Enthusiasts

While no one has successfully completed this journey as a single rail trip, determined travelers can still attempt a version of it by carefully piecing together alternative routes. It requires patience, multiple tickets, and a willingness to embrace unpredictability.

Even as one of the world’s greatest unfinished journeys, this route remains a dream for train enthusiasts. Whether or not the missing link is ever restored, the idea of traveling across continents entirely by rail continues to inspire wanderlust.

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