By Karim Were
A newly connected rail network is giving travellers the chance to journey from the Atlantic coast of Europe to the heart of Southeast Asia without boarding a plane.
Thanks to the completion of a key railway link between Laos and China, passengers can now travel from Lagos, Portugal, to Singapore almost entirely by train. The route stretches across 11,600 miles, passes through 13 countries, and takes approximately 21 days to complete.
The transcontinental adventure offers a rare opportunity to experience diverse cultures, landscapes, and cities from a train window. Travellers begin their journey in southern Portugal before continuing through Spain and France, with major stops including Paris, Moscow, Beijing, Bangkok, and several other destinations across Asia.
Rather than serving as a simple means of transport, the route functions as an extended travel experience. Passengers can break up the trip with overnight stays, explore historic cities, and witness dramatic changes in scenery as they move between continents.
The route became possible following the launch of the Laos-China railway, a major infrastructure project that has strengthened transport links across Asia. The new connection has effectively bridged a missing section in the rail network, making continuous travel between Europe and Singapore possible.
While the journey requires significant planning, including multiple visas and a combination of train and bus connections in certain sections, the overall cost is estimated at around £1,000—comparable to some long-haul flights.
For rail enthusiasts and slow-travel advocates, the route represents one of the most ambitious overland journeys ever available, offering an alternative way to experience two continents without taking to the skies.
This version takes a **travel-feature angle**, emphasizing the adventure, cultural experience, and impact of the new rail connection rather than just calling it the world’s longest train journey.
