Domestic and International Rail Travel Guide

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UK Rail Report

I just returned from a trip that included a week in the UK, focused on train excursions. I based in Inverness, with out-and-back excursions to Kyle of Lochalsh and Thurso, [...]
Amtrak Speeds Trains Between Chicago and Detroit

Amtrak “Wolverine” Chicago-Detroit trains have been cleared to operate at up to 110 mph on the 45 miles between Kalamazoo and Albion, starting May 25. The [...]
Riding the Rails in China

China operates more miles of dedicated high-speed rail lines than the rest of the world, combined. And while California dithers about its 500-mile project, hoping to complete [...]
The Latest Rail Travel News

These New Sleeper Train Routes Are the Most Stylish Way to Travel Through Europe — from Condé Nast Traveler I spent 60 hours on trains traveling between NYC and Miami [...]
French Rail Report

France was the first European country to adopt the principle of high-speed passenger trains on dedicated right-of-way lines. The first TGV (Train à Grande Vitesse) line, [...]
Rail Travel in Germany

I once wrote that Germany should be “off limits” to economy travelers because of its high costs. No longer — German hotel and restaurant prices compare [...]
Trains for Fun Part 1: Luxury Trains

Luxury Trains–in general Most people who ride trains want to get somewhere, and they figure a train is the best way. However, in some parts of the world, luxury [...]
Trains in Africa

Africa, like South America, is something of a wasteland for modern rail. Rail systems are sophisticated and modern enough for routine point-to-point internal travel by [...]
Rare Mileage and Big Steam – Rail Excursions

People take extended one-time non-Amtrak rail excursions for one of two reasons, or maybe both: Rare Mileage: Rail enthusiasts and clubs regularly charter trains for trips [...]