It is now possible to leave Lakes in the Algarve and cross much of the northern hemisphere over Carris, on a railway route that has officially become the longest train in the world. The route connects the southwest of Europe to Southeast Asia, crossing 13 countries over 18,000 kilometers of railway line.
The trip, which can last up to 21 days, is the result of the connection of several national railways and the collaboration between different operators.
The realization of this route was only possible after the inauguration of the line between Laos and China, a recently completed infrastructure that allows a more fluid connection between Europe and Asia by terrestrial. The news was advanced by international means such as CNN and a.
From Portugal to the other side of the train world
The starting point is Lagos, in the district of Faro, where passengers can take a regional train towards Lisbon.
From the Portuguese capital, calls are followed to Spain and then to countries such as France, Germany and Poland, until Russia is reached, where part of the traditional transiberian path is taken.
The trip includes stops in cities such as Paris, Moscow, Beijing and Bangkok, and although it is necessary to make various train exchanges along the way, the rail connection is technically possible with proper planning.
In some areas, such as between Vietname and Cambodia, or from Malaysia to the final destination, it is necessary to resort to complementary road connections, namely by bus.
A crossing with demanding logistics
The full trip has a cost of approximately 1,350 US dollars, similar to that of a flight between Europe and Southeast Asia, according to the site.
However, the requirements are distinct: to perform the course legally, passengers need seven different visas, depending on nationality and crossed countries.
The longest stage without a change of train is the connection between Paris and Moscow, with a duration of about 40 hours.
Along the way, there are 11 main stops, allowing travelers to take night breaks and explore iconic cities before continuing travel.
The destination? It is in Southeast Asia
The end of the trip is the city-state of Singapore, known as one of the world’s leading financial and commercial centers.
The arrival is done through one of the railway connections that depart from Malaysia, even if a small road route is needed in the final kilometers.
Despite the complexity, the route is a rare opportunity to cross two continents exclusively by land, through landscapes, cultures and distinct time zones.
Dream trip for train enthusiasts
The idea of crossing the train Eurasia has been fueled by railroad enthusiasts for decades.
The longest longer train connection in the world, between London and Singapore, was surpassed with the entry into operation of the Laos-China line.
This new route, departing in Portugal, represents a symbolic and logistical framework for global rail transport.
In addition to the tourist impact, it is expected that the new connection contributes to the economic development of countries such as Laos, allowing not only passenger transport but also of goods with greater ease and less dependence on air transport.
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