We're calling it – trains are the best way to travel. You'll need more time to get to your destination, sure. But what you get in return is comfort and a chance to immerse in the sights of the world's most beautiful landscapes.
If you're itching to hop on a train journey, this latest ranking by Titan Travel has come at the right time. The UK-based tour company looked at factors like Tripadvisor review scores, ticket prices, and number of stops covered to determine the rail journeys with the best beauty, accessibility, and value. And guess what? The most beautiful train journey in the world is right here in Asia.
India's The Himalayan Queen emerged as No. 1 in Titan Travel's list, scoring 7.35 out of 10. It runs from Kalka to Shimla railway station in North India, winding through 102 tunnels and over 864 Gothic-style bridges in the Shivalik foothills. Also known as the Outer Himalayas, this region is characterised by low hills and wide valleys filled with lush forests and lakes. On a clear day, you can even see the breathtaking Himalayan range from the train. In fact, the route is so beautiful that it was listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2008. Tripadvisor reviewers certainly relate, with many using the phrases "beautiful" and "picturesque" to describe the trip.
You'll also be pleasantly surprised to know that The Himalayan Queen is immensely affordable. Costing just 3 USD for a standard ticket and 6 USD for a premium ticket, it's the most affordable train journey on Titan's Travel list.
Granted, it is also a fairly short trip. The Himalayan Queen takes just 4 hours and 50 minutes for the 94km journey, chugging along at a relatively slow pace so you have plenty of time to take in the sights. And here's a tip: sit on the right side of the train when travelling from Kalka to Shimla (and on the left when going in the reverse direction) to get the absolute best views.
Three other train journeys in Asia made Titan Travel's ranking, namely the Sagano Railway (Japan) at No. 4, the Darjeeling Toy Train (India) at No.6, and the Tokaido Shinkansen (Japan) at No. 9, which you can read more about here. But frankly, we think the list overlooks many other amazing rail journeys in Sri Lanka, China, Vietnam, and more – check them all out in Time Out's round-up of the best train journeys in Asia.
The most scenic train journeys in Asia, according to Titan Travel:
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The Himalayan Queen, India – 7.35/10
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Sagano Railway, Japan – 6.76/10
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The Darjeeling Toy Train, India – 6.01/10
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Tokaido Shinkansen, Japan – 5.55/10
Keen on a breathtaking rail ride beyond Asia? Read our coverage of the most scenic train journeys in the world.
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