The longest UK train journey is Aberdeen to Penzance. Covering 785 miles, this train journey takes about 13 hours and 20 minutes to complete (give or take a few minutes).
Britain's longest train, the CrossCountry from Aberdeen in Scotland to Penzance in Cornwall, runs 785 miles or 1,263km.
The world's longest run without changing trains is one of 10,214 km (6,346 miles) from Moscow, Russia to Pyongyang in North Korea. One train a week makes the journey by this route, which includes sections of the famous Trans-Siberian line.
The Caledonian Sleeper is the UK's longest and most spectacular sleeper train route. Starting in London, the Caledonian Sleeper operates different routes directly to the north of Scotland, taking up to 14 hours to reach Inverness.
Booking a sleeper train ticket
You can buy tickets online, at main rail stations, at rail appointed travel agents, or by phone. If you already have a ticket for your journey, you may be able to pay a supplementary fare to use a sleeping berth on the train.
Train Stations
Some stations close for a few hours in the middle of the night, and everyone is always cleared out at dawn before the normal rush of travelers converges on the station. Any ticket or train pass entitles you to a free night in a station's waiting room: You're simply waiting for your early train.
The Indian Pacific, Sydney to Perth
Stretching the width of the continent, from Sydney on the east coast to Perth in Western Australia, the Indian Pacific is Australia's longest train journey and one of its most epic.
The United States has the world's longest railway network, followed by China and India.
Trans-Siberian Express
The train ride takes a total of six days, going through different time zones. It connects western Russia to the Russian far east. You start in Moscow, and end the journey in Vladivostok after six whole days. There is nothing quite like it, and you must experience it if you are a true adventurer.
Designed by Sir Nigel Gresley and built for the LNER, the locomotive was named 'Flying Scotsman' in 1923 and continued in regular service until 1963 and then later in preservation. Today, it is owned by the National Railway Museum in York and is operated and maintained by Riley & Son (E) Ltd.
The maximum speed currently possible in the UK is 186mph, achieved by Eurostar trains on the HS1 line between London and the Channel Tunnel. The HS1 line is used by Eurostar services and "Javelin" commuter services from Kent, although the latter have a max speed of 140mph.
The Stourbridge Town branch line is a 0.8-mile (1.3 km) railway branch line, in Stourbridge, West Midlands, England. It is the shortest line in Britain, and can also be defined as the shortest line in Europe. A Parry People Mover approaching Stourbridge Town station.
The last train from Edinburgh (Waverley) to Penzance leaves at 11:06. Trains that depart in the early morning hours or very late evening may be sleeper services, time and services may also vary during weekends and holidays.
The Trans-Siberian is the longest passenger train in the world and travels across China, Mongolia, and the famous, beautiful Siberia.
The longest distance between two stations is 3.9 miles (6.3 km) between Chalfont & Latimer and Chesham on the Metropolitan line. The shortest distance between adjacent stations is the 330 yards (300 m) between Leicester Square and Covent Garden on the Piccadilly line.
1. Switzerland. Tucked inside the small but incredibly beautiful country of Switzerland is one of the most efficient and scenic rail networks in the world.
With a rail network of just two 300 m tracks, Vatican City boasts of having the world's shortest railway network. It has only one railway station, Citta Vaticano. The railway is largely used for ferrying goods. Another interesting fact about this rail network is there are no regular passenger trains on it.
1. The Ghan. Known as one of the most legendary rail journeys Australia has to offer, The Ghan traverses some of the country's most awe-inspiring landscapes. Those choosing to travel on the tracks can pick between Darwin to Adelaide, Adelaide to Alice Springs and Darwin to Alice Springs, each trip being reversible.
1. The Ghan. One of the most famous trains on the planet, The Ghan connects Darwin with Adelaide and provides visitors with access to one of the world's most enchanting and majestic natural wonders, Uluru.
While construction on a line for this train began in 1878, The Ghan currently offers one of the most luxurious train experiences in the world. This train is one of the longest in the world with two locomotives and 24 carriages.
Most trains in the UK, except special services to some airports and London Underground's Night Tube, do not operate 24/7.
Sleeping Car Amenities and Perks
Sleeping accommodations on board Amtrak are considered "Sleeper Service," which means passengers are entitled to a range of hotel-like amenities. These include fresh linens and towels, a hot shower, complimentary bottled water ice, soft drinks, and hot coffee.
Chartering your own private train or booking a whole private carriage is perfect for large groups, whether it's to and from a special event, staff incentives or luxury travel for VIP treatment; we welcome enquiries from travel managers and organisers with any size group.