10 Of The Most Amazing Train Routes Across The World

The history of rail transport dates back nearly 500 years. But with the invent of planes, these beautiful and sometimes treacherous routes are often forgotten.

1. Kuranda Scenic Railway, Australia

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Tucked deep into the dense rain forest of Australia, this route has been going strong since the late 1800s. With scenic views and a dizzying path, there's much more than meets the eye.

2. Argo Gede Train Railroad, Indonesia

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During the 3 hours journey from Jakarta to Bandung you'll see some pretty amazing things. From the emerald green fields to the ky-high Cikurutug pylon trestle bridge, this trip won't disappoint.

3. Outeniqua Choo-Tjoe Train, South Africa

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When this railway was opened in 1908, a terrible accident caused the wood to fall along the train tracks. Although this route is now more secure, passing through the Kaaimans bridge still requires a deep breath.

4. Cumbres & Toltec Scenic Railroad, New Mexico

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Today, the Cumbres & Toltec Scenic Railroad runs between Chama, New Mexico and Antonito, Colorado. During its route, the train runs over the 10015 ft Cumbres Pass, which is the highest point on a US passenger railway. In 1970, the route was opened up to tourists so that they could travel easily between the two towns.

5. Tren a las Nubes, Argentina

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Also known as the “Train In The Clouds,” this railway connects Salta in north-central Argentina to La Polvorilla on the border of Chile. This route is especially known for its steep zig-zags, which move the train back and forth parallel to the slope of the mountain (13,850 ft above sea level), making it the third highest railway in the world.

6. White Pass & Yukon Route, Alaska

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Built during the Klondike Gold Rush in 1898, this route runs along 9000 foot high cliffs stretching for more than twenty miles across rugged landscape and compression bridges.

7. Chennai-Rameswaram Route, India

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The only way to reach the Island of Rameswaram at the southern coast of India is through a dangerous path, The Chennai-Rameswaram route. The Rameswaram runs along the southern coast of India crossing the Ramaswaram sea bridge over the Indian Ocean. Because of the strong prevailing winds, it can take over fifteen minutes to pass and has been the scene of many unfortunate accidents.

8. Georgetown Loop Railroad, Colorado

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Built in the late 19th century, this route was originally created to bring miners to silver mines in the northwestern part of Colorado. No longer used for industrial purposes, the loop now carries tourists between the communities of Georgetown and Silver Plume.

9. TranzAlpine Route, New Zealand

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The TranzAlpine train journey travels a spectacular route from Christchurch to Greymouth in the South Island of New Zealand.

10. GE Juice Train, Florida to New Jersey

Hop into the locomotive of the GE Juice Train and check out the view as its 48 hour trip from Florida to New Jersey is accelerated into just a few minutes in this time lapse video.