- A newly opened rail link between China and Laos has enabled the longest continuous train journey ever recorded.
- The route spans 11,650 miles, covering the distance from Portugal to Singapore in approximately 21 days.
- While technically possible, visas, border rules and transport gaps still make the journey challenging.
The opening of a 260-mile railway line between Laos and China has unlocked what is now considered the world’s longest train journey. The route runs from Porto, Portugal, to Singapore, covering more than 11,650 miles and taking approximately 21 days to complete.
This new journey overtakes the previous record-holder, the London-to-Singapore route via the Trans-Siberian Railway, which measured around 10,500 miles. The key addition is the rail connection between Vientiane in Laos and Boten on the China–Laos border, allowing seamless travel into China’s high-speed rail network.
How the Journey Was Mapped
The full route was pieced together by online rail enthusiasts, with calculations refined by Mark Smith of Seat61.com and other railway experts. The 21-day estimate assumes minimal overnight stops, border checks, and short city transfers where stations are not directly connected.
Estimated costs vary depending on booking times, ticket availability, and border requirements, but most estimates place the journey between £1,000 and £1,500.
A Demanding Trip With Practical Hurdles
Despite its appeal, the journey is not without complications. Some sections require extensive visa planning, particularly travel through Belarus, Russia, China, and Southeast Asia. Long-distance legs such as 40 hours from Portugal to Poland or the seven-day Trans-Siberian crossing from Moscow to Beijing demand careful physical and mental preparation.
There are also unavoidable gaps. One section between Ho Chi Minh City and Phnom Penh still requires a bus transfer, as no direct rail link exists. Similar road connections are needed before reaching Bangkok, where rail options resume toward Malaysia and Singapore.
Pandemic Legacy Still Shapes Feasibility
Although the route is theoretically complete, pandemic-era closures and operational uncertainties continue to impact certain rail services. Some international connections remain suspended or operate irregularly, meaning the full train-only experience may not yet be fully achievable.
That said, as borders reopen and services stabilize, rail experts believe the journey could soon become fully practical with the right planning.
A Symbol of Global Rail Connectivity
Even with its limitations, the route highlights a broader trend: rail infrastructure is becoming increasingly interconnected across continents. The China–Laos railway, in particular, represents a major step in linking Southeast Asia with Europe by land.
For adventurous travellers, it offers a glimpse of what may soon be possible: a near-continuous journey by rail across much of the globe.
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Source: Skratch
