5 Awesome Adventures by Train
Train travel is one of the most relaxing and relatively affordable ways to explore the world. It’s perfect for adventure seekers who prefer the comfort of a cabin and the excitement of watching an ever changing world fly by. Below are some of the cheapest and most exciting train journeys the world has to offer.
Take The Transiberian Railroad
The Transiberian runs from Moscow to Beijing and is the longest rail line in the world. The cheapest and most adventurous way to take this 5 day journey is with the drunken locals and their chickens in third class. Tickets go for 500$ for 3rd, 700 2nd, and around 1000$ for a double birth cabin. For a better idea of the trip, check out this episode of In Transit.
Train Around India
The trains of India are old, packed with passengers, and an adventure in themselves. If you’ve ever wondered what a cramped circus animal in a 4 by 6 sleeper cage feels like, be sure to travel in second class. You will get to know your neighbors so well, you’ll actually be able to identify them by smell. If you get tired of riding inside you can always head up to the roof for some fresh air. Check out this youtube clip to see just how crazy train travel in India can get, Extreme India Train Surfing.
Train to Southern Morocco
If you’re looking to escape the cold of Northern Europe and want to catch some sick surf, the most adventurous way is to train down to Morocco. The best way to do this is to catch a budget flight to Malaga in Southern Spain. From here you can bus to Tarifa for 15 Euro and then take a ferry for 25 Euro to Tangier, Morocco. Next catch a train to Marrakech and finally a bus to the coastal city of Essaouira. The city hosts a great right break and is perfect for beginner surfers. It’s not the destination that makes this an adventure but rather the journey getting there.
Train Through Europe
If you’re looking for a more stress free adventure that will take you through Europe in style, you ought to consider getting a Eurail pass. A Eurail pass allows you to travel on almost every kind of train from the Swiss Alps to high speed trains of France. It also includes many popular ferry routes. The cheapest pass you can get is for around 500 USD and grants you travel for 10 days within two months. It is definitely a bargain and a great way to get around for any European adventure. For more info, check out Eurail.com.
Train Across The USA
Although the USA pales in comparison to Europe’s extensive lines and highspeed trains, it still remains a unique and affordable way to explore America. The national rail service is known as Amtrak and they also offer an enticing Rail Pass. For just 440$ you can ride second class across the country for 15 days. For more info, check out their website, Amtrak.com.
John says
In terms of awesome train rides, you should try the Mauritanian Iron Ore Train…the longest train in the world and it’s FREE!
The Runaway Guide says
Hey John, thanks for sharing. That train ride looks awesome! I’m definitely going to do it one day. Cheers!
Crazy sexy fun traveler says
This is really a great guide. I could only hike all that if fresh juices were waiting for me every few km :D
The Runaway Guide says
Haha, me too! Sugar cane juice! Thanks Alexandra!
Mica says
Wow this is 6 pages of crazy ideas! Super post Leif! Bookmarking this one for sure.
The Runaway Guide says
Thanks Mica!
Matt Gibson says
Nice one man! Totally bookmarking this!
The Runaway Guide says
Thanks Matt!