Domestic and International Rail Travel Guide

News Ticker

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 [...]
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 [...]
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 [...]
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, [...]
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 [...]
Rail Travel News – The Latest Headlines

Brexit effects delay freight, could damage Eurostar service beyond repair — from Trains Unions Petition FRA for Emergency Order — from Railway Age Analysis: Coach [...]
Riding the Rails in Japan

Most visitors traveling around Japan plan on using the country’s extensive railway system. Japan built the world’s first dedicated high-speed rail line, between [...]
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, [...]
Worldwide Rail Bulletin – Jan. 12

News No hot news this week—mostly just more minor variations on the Covid theme. VIA Rail Canada Nothing new this week. VIA Rail Canada has resumed partial service on [...]