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Home / Destinations / Otago / All Aboard: Two Scenic Dunedin Train Journeys

All Aboard: Two Scenic Dunedin Train Journeys

• Words: Lisa Jansen
• Published: June 23, 2021

Last summer, two new train rides from Dunedin were booked out – one heading inland, the other bound for the coast. Lisa Jansen reports on both.

When people are asked to think of Dunedin, the Railway Station comes to mind for many.   The impressive Flemish Renaissance-style building is one of the city’s most iconic sights – and it’s not just for show. The station is the starting point for two of our country’s most scenic train journeys: The Inlander and The Seasider. For many years, the hugely popular Taieri Gorge Railway departed from the station several times a week, making its way inland along the Taieri river, through Hindon and on to Middlemarch. International tourists and locals alike often list the journey as one of the highlights of their travels throughout New Zealand.

TRIPS FOR LOCALS

Unfortunately, the Taieri trip is one of the many attractions that have fallen victim to COVID-19 this past year. The tracks between Hindon and Middlemarch need significant maintenance work, and in the absence of international tourists, the operators decided they could not justify the cost. Luckily, they found a way to keep Dunedin’s tradition of scenic train rides alive, by offering shorter trips, more tailored towards locals and domestic tourists.

For the summer of 20/21, Dunedin introduced two half-day rail journeys that ran every Sunday – The Inlander in the morning and The Seasider in the afternoon. The modified offering was exceptionally well received, with both journeys booked out most weeks. That gives hope that they will become permanent attractions in Dunedin, giving more Kiwis – and tourists once they return – the chance to admire the stunning scenery on both routes.

THE INLANDER

The Taieri Gorge journey is now known as The Inlander, running from Dunedin to Hindon and back. From Dunedin it heads south, first following the modern KiwiRail tracks and then turning onto the historic Taieri Gorge tracks. After crossing the Taieri plains, it meets up with the Taieri river and winds its way up the hills to Hindon.

The train passes through six tunnels, the longest, the Salisbury Tunnel, measuring over 430 metres. All the tunnels are very narrow, so when the train crew advises you to close the windows and take care on the viewing platforms, it’s best to listen.

Throughout the journey, guests can enjoy beautiful views of the mountains and the river. One of the highlights is the Wingatui viaduct. At almost 200 metres long and 47 metres high it’s an impressive structure, especially when you consider that it was built in the late 19th century.

The train stops for almost an hour in Hindon, where you might wonder what there is to do. The answer is, not much! Hindon is essentially a sign along the tracks, so be prepared to entertain yourself.

There is a lovely area for a picnic, an old train carriage to explore, and those who want to stretch their legs can wander along the tracks or follow a gravel road up the hill.

After this break, the train starts making its way back, reaching Dunedin about 3 hours after departure. You then have the choice of finding something else to do for the afternoon or continuing with The Seasider journey.

THE SEASIDER

As the name suggests, this trip takes you along the coast. From Dunedin, the train heads north along the harbour towards Port Chalmers. The first part of the journey offers wide vistas over Dunedin harbour before the tracks start climbing into the hills, winding through bush and a long tunnel to eventually emerge above Purakaunui Inlet. This is when you want to get ready, as the best views of the trip are not far away.

Another short bush section follows, before it opens up to expansive views over Purakaunui Beach. As the train winds along the cliffs, you see why this journey is called The Seasider. Make sure you’re ready, though, as the best seascapes pass quickly, and before you know it, the train is passing through bush again, slowly making its way down to Waitati, where you will have a two-hour break.

Unlike Hindon, Waitati offers several activities and ways to pass the time.

Within a few minutes’ walk from where the train stops, you find a cheerful garden bar that often has live music, a garden centre with an idyllic cafe, a small gallery and an artisan shop. Those who feel like stretching their legs can do a 60-minute loop walk around the Orokonui Lagoon (it’s signposted from the station). There is also the option to jump on a bus to nearby Arc Brewery or the Orokonui Ecosanctuary (both need to be booked and paid for). However, a separate trip is recommended for the ecosanctuary, as you’ll probably want to stay longer than this stopover allows.

Regardless of how you spend your time in Waitati, when you hear the loud train signal, it’s time to hop on board again for the return trip to Dunedin, where you can expect to arrive about 3 hours after departure.

Both journeys use the same comfortable carriages, with four seats around a table and big windows to take in the scenery.

There are toilets throughout the train, and usually, one or two carriages have a viewing platform which is great for undisturbed views and photography. Consider checking where the platforms are before boarding, to find a seat near them.

The train also has a cafe that sells surprisingly good coffee, given the circumstances, and the scones make for a delicious morning or afternoon snack. If you’re travelling on The Inlander, it pays to bring cash as the cafe’s EFTPOS terminal stops working once the train enters the gorge, where there is no cell phone coverage.

Throughout both trips, the train staff share interesting facts about the area, the trains and the history of railways around Dunedin. Staff pass through the carriages regularly and are very approachable and happy to answer questions.

This past summer, both excursions have been very popular and booked out regularly – and there is good reason to believe it won’t be any different next summer. If you only have a short time in Dunedin, it’s best to book early, so you don’t miss out. And make sure you arrive early on the day, to get a good seat.

When it comes to finding the best seat, you probably want to consider if you wish to be near a viewing platform and the cafe. As far as the views go, try to find a seat on the harbour side of the train (left when facing south) for both trips, to enjoy the best glimpses of river and ocean.

LEARN MORE AND BOOK

The Inlander and Seasider are taking a break over winter, but they are expected to be back next summer. To learn more about the train journeys and book your tickets, visit the Dunedin Railway website,  dunedinrailways.co.nz . This is also where the schedule for the coming summer will be published once it is available.

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The Two Dunedin Railways

Nz pocket guide is 10 years old. thank you for trusting us with your trip for over a decade, explore otago by train.

As soon as you lay eyes on the grand building that is the Dunedin Railway Station, how can you not help wanting to hop on a train to experience the whole thing?

If you have a Sheldon Cooper-like obsession for locomotives combined with a desire to see some awesome New Zealand landscape, which obviously you are in New Zealand to do, then taking a rail journey from Dunedin is a must. Dunedin Railways consists of two railway journeys: The Inlander and The Seasider. Taking the train is an all-weather activity , so it is certainly a trip you can depend on. All you have to decide is what epic Otago scenery you want to see!

For more ways to enjoy Dunedin, see the 10 Things to Do in Dunedin .

What You Need to Know About a Dunedin Railway Journey

• Booking is essential!
• Collect your seating ticket from Dunedin Railway Station before you board the train
• This is a scenic rail journey meaning the train will slow down or even stop for you to get photos and stretch your legs at points of interest
• Get uninterrupted views from the open-air platforms in between sitting in the enclosed carriages
• Food and drinks are available onboard but they only accept cash.
• There’s live commentary
• There’s wheelchair access if reserved in advance
• Bike transport is around NZ$10.

For more tips about taking the train, check out our guide to the Train Network in New Zealand .

The Dunedin Railway Station

All rail journeys begin and end with the iconic Dunedin Railway Station. Dunedin is a city like no other in New Zealand with its distinct gothic architecture, made possible by the wealth the city gained during the Gold Rush.

Dunedin Railway Station was opened in 1906 and remains to this day impressive both inside and out. Today, the train station is used for The Inlander, The Seasider, a farmers market every Saturday, and as the “most photographed heritage building in New Zealand”.

For more sights around the city, check out the 10 Dunedin Must-Dos .

The Inlander (Taieri Gorge Railway)

Discover Otago scenery only seen by train! The Inlander, formerly the Taieri Gorge Railway, travels inland from Dunedin, showcasing the best of Dunedin city, the Taieri Plain and Taieri Gorge along the way. Pass alongside sheer drops into the gorge and jagged rock formations known as The Notches. No matter what the season is or what the weather is doing, it only just add to the dramatic look of dark pools, towering viaducts, white water rapids and tunnels.

You’ll come to notice pretty quickly the effort it must have taken to construct a railway in such a rugged environment. The live commentary on board will tell you everything you’ll want to know.

The return journey lasts approximately 3h30mins including a one-hour stopover in Hindon, which is the turnaround point back to Dunedin. Book The Inlander on Viator or Tripadvisor .

The Seasider

Keeping things coastal? Then The Seasider journey along the Pacific Coast Railway is the journey to take! The railway relives the magic of the old South Island Main Trunk Line, which was considered one of the most scenic in the country. Take in the views of the Otago Harbour in the morning then travel along the cliff tops overlooking the Pacific Ocean and Blueskin Bay. Inland, you’ll see rolling hills and lush green farmland.

The return journey lasts approximately 3h30mins including a two-hour stopover in Waitati, which is the turnaround point back to Dunedin.

All Seasider trains operate on scheduled days, not necessarily following a pattern, so check out the Dunedin Railways website and book your Seasider Railway journey on Viator and Tripadvisor .

More Things to Do in Coastal Otago

• The Complete Guide to Dunedin
• 12 Free or Cheap Things to Do in Dunedin
• The Ultimate Guide to Visiting the Moeraki Boulders
• 10 Best Things to Do in Oamaru

The information in this guide has been compiled from our extensive research, travel and experiences across New Zealand and the South Pacific, accumulated over more than a decade of numerous visits to each destination. Additional sources for this guide include the following:

• Tourism New Zealand (General travel advice - Updated [2024])
• Adventure Mark (Health and Safety Audit - Updated [2024])
• Work Safe NZ (Adventure Activities Guidelines - Updated [2024])
• Department of Conservation (Tracks, hikes, campsites and more - Updated [2024])
• AdventureSmart (Know before you go - Update [2024])
• NZ Māori Tourism (Official Māori Tourism platform - Updated [2024])
• Tourism Export Council New Zealand (Tourism trade association - Updated [2024])
• TIA (Independent tourism association - Updated [2024])
• Tiaki Promise (Care for people place and culture - Updated [2024])
• Council websites and freedom camping maps (Local travel advice region by region - Updated [2024])

Our editorial standards : At NZ Pocket Guide, we uphold strict editorial standards to ensure accurate and quality content.

About The Author

This article has been reviewed and published by Laura, the editor-in-chief and co-founder of NZ Pocket Guide. Laura is a first-class honours journalism graduate and a travel journalist with expertise in New Zealand and South Pacific tourism for over 10 years. She also runs travel guides for five of the top destinations in the South Pacific and is the co-host of over 250 episodes of the NZ Travel Show on YouTube.

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Albom Adventures

Capturing the essence of travel through photography

Inspiring New Zealand travel through photography

Our Taieri Gorge Railway Adventure from the Dunedin Railway Station

Today, the tracks that once took Dunedin Railway passengers through the stunning Taieri Gorge lay mothballed. The good news is that the former Taieri Gorge railway is coming back. So, while it’s not fully back yet, we opted to keep this article intact as a historical reference, memory, and to share the natural beauty through our photos. Note: the new Inlander run less often than once per month and follows the first portion of the route from Dunedin to Hindon through the Taieri Gorge.

Even before we boarded the Taieri Gorge train, we knew we were in for an extraordinary day. Dunedin Railways is well known for hosting some of the most impressive and scenic train trips in New Zealand. The 45 km Taieri Gorge railway trip lived up to our expectations.

The South Island of New Zealand is spectacular. Dunedin, where we boarded the train, is in the southeastern corner of the country, at the 45.8 south parallel, closer to Antarctica than the equator. We’re about as far away from our home in Auckland as we can get whilst still being in the country.

As American expats who have been living in and exploring NZ for over 20 years, we see things from both a local’s perspective and from that of a visitor. Therefore, we understand what it’s like to come here and have things be similar, but not always exactly what we are used to. We share the information on this page from this perspective.

Our adventure began at the Dunedin Railway Station

The Dunedin Train Station is nicknamed the “Gingerbread House”. It is considered to be the most photographed building in New Zealand.

Even the interior is stunning. As I stood on the upper level inside the Dunedin train station, I could enjoy both the ornate decorations and a few of the 57 mosaic floor panels. And sports fans will want to allow extra time to walk through New Zealand’s only Sports Hall of Fame , located inside the station.

The boarding area is classic and also worthy of a photo. The station opened in 1906. In the early part of the last century, it was the largest and busiest train station in New Zealand.

The Seasider, a different Dunedin train, runs to Oamaru , with an optional 2-hour stop to see the Moeraki Boulders . The Seasider is still running. Check for details and discount Seasider tickets here ).

If you are going to be near Christchurch, the train ride we recommend is the TranzAlpine. We did it many years ago, and it easy for us to understand why it was often considered one of the worlds top train trips. You can either go from Christchurch to Greymouth , do the trip in reverse , or just do it as a day trip out of Christchurch with a stop over and tour at Castle Hill .

Our Taieri Gorge railway journey

Our journey began as the train pulled out of the Dunedin railway station. It travelled through southern Dunedin until it reached the Wingatui junction. Here, we turned onto purpose-built tracks for this Taieri Gorge railway that were laid between 1878 and 1891.

Throughout our passage, the commentator added little-known anecdotes like the story of Wingatui, which sounds like a Maori name, but, in fact, is not. The story goes like this:

The Story of Wingatui An early settler shot and wounded a tui bird on his arrival at a nearby town in 1848. He nursed the bird back to health and announced, “the first place we get, we will call it Wing-a-tui”.

Our train proceeded to roll past several small towns, through a dozen tunnels, and over countless bridges and viaducts. All the time we enjoyed the spectacular and vast scenery. Here are some of my favourites images from the Taieri Gorge train:

Practical information on the Taieri Gorge railway adventure

• The Taieri Gorge train is a 4-hour round-trip adventure from the Dunedin Railways station to Pukerangi, covering a one-way distance of 58km.
• It runs twice daily in the summer and once daily in the winter.
• On most Friday and Sunday mornings, the train continues to Middlemarch before returning, a 6-hour round-trip journey.
• Sit on the left side of the train on the way up and on the right side on the way back.
• Several of the cars have outdoor platforms. These are great for photography (used for photos on this page). However, you get a more expansive view from inside the train car.
• As the train travels from Dunedin to Pukerangi, there is also an outdoor platform at the back of the train. This is another great outdoor place to stand.
• There are modern cars with plush seats and climate control. On the same train are original cars with wooden seats and windows that open. Each has its charm. If you have a preference, you can make a request when you make your booking, but either way, you can move about the train throughout your trip.
• Food and drink are available onboard in the cafe car. It is also okay to bring your own snacks.
• For more information, see their official website .
• It’s one of several cool things to do in Dunedin . We did this on our last road trip between Christchurch and Dunedin .

Save on your NZ trip with these resources

These are our go-to companies when we travel. We believe this list to be the best in each category. You can’t go wrong using them on your trip too.

• Flights: we use Expedia for the best and cheapest flight options.
• Accommodations: we use Booking.com (hotels), Bookabach (self-contained in NZ), or Hostelworld (budget).
• Cars (gas or electric): we use RentalCars to search for deals and dealer ratings.
• Motorcycles : we have heard good things about BikesBooking .
• Campervans or Motorhomes : we use Campstar where Albom Adventures readers get a 3% discount.
• Activity discounts : we check Bookme.com for discounts of up to 70% on activities.
• Private guides : we love the private guides at Tours by Locals .
• Travel Insurance: while not required, we always opt for travel insurance and start at InsureMyTrip to compare coverage plans.

Check out our travel resources page for more companies that we use when you travel.

We find train travel an excellent way to enjoy the scenery. We have taken scenic trains in Alaska , Norway , and Morocco . The Dunedin railways to the Taieri Gorge is a world-class adventure.

Did you get to ride the Taieri Gorge Railway?

More from the South Island you might also like … or check out 18 Extraordinary Things to Do in the South Island .

28 Best Indoor Activities in Christchurch to Brighten a Rainy Day

Rare Yellow-Eyed Penguins at Katiki Point Lighthouse in NZ

25 Things to Do in Dunedin NZ and their Unique Claim to Fame

Things to Do in Nelson: Geographical Centre of New Zealand

Disclaimer: We were guests of the Dunedin Railways. However, the opinions expressed here are strictly my own.

For more tips … join Explore New Zealand, the country’s largest NZ travel and photography group on Facebook (free).

About Rhonda Albom

Capturing the essence of travel through photography, Rhonda Albom is the primary author and photographer at Albom Adventures. She is an American expat based in New Zealand. She travels the world with her husband.

Reader Interactions

Carmen Edelson

October 28, 2017 at 9:55 pm

What a beautiful part of the world! I’d love to take a scenic railway journey like this, thanks for sharing 🙂

Rhonda Albom

October 30, 2017 at 12:35 pm

Scenic train trips are some of my favourites. I would definitely recommend going on at least one.

tracy collins

October 28, 2017 at 12:33 pm

We have moved to Australia and I cannot wait to visit New Zealand but my husband has been reluctant (no idea why) so this is the PERFECT article to get him more interested! He loves train travel! Have shared it on FB and tagged him! I think….NZ here we come!! Where would you recommend for a first visit – there is so much to see!

October 30, 2017 at 12:32 pm

Welcome to down under! I would recommend visiting the South Island for its wild beauty, but everywhere in New Zealand is gorgeous. It depends on what type of travel you’re after. If you’re a fan of Lord of the Rings, Hobbiton is a must. Meanwhile, for more of New Zealand’s heritage, you should visit the Bay of Islands to see the Waitangi Grounds. Have a look around my blog as I’ve written up a lot of places in New Zealand.

Ryan Biddulph

October 28, 2017 at 6:23 am

Every time I see pictures of New Zealand Rhonda I am even more impressed than I already was with this beautiful land. And I was impressed in the first place. Amazing beauty, and that story of how that town was founded is neat too. Shot a bird, brought it back to health. I dig it. Curiously enough, I am wearing a Merino Wool Scarf as I write these words, as it is getting nippy here in New Jersey. We house sat for a couple in Qatar this year, and the wife is a Kiwi who went home to visit fam. She returned with this scarf which is oh so warming. Love it!

October 30, 2017 at 12:29 pm

The South Island is one of my favourite places because of its beauty. I’m glad you liked the story – in a country where most of the names are Maori-based, it was a bit surprising to find out Wingatui is completely European.

Cori @ Sweet Coralice

October 27, 2017 at 4:47 pm

Wow!! What amazing views! I have been on all sorts of transportation but never a train!

October 30, 2017 at 12:22 pm

Trains are one of my favourite modes of transportation. I would recommend trying it one day.

Carol Colborn

October 27, 2017 at 8:31 am

We would really have to go to the South Island because of its acclaimed beauty. I like your tip on which side to sit going and coming back. Those outside platforms would surely be a reason for me to take this tour!

The South Island is one of my favourite places, photography wise. It’s so lush and green.

October 27, 2017 at 8:24 am

What an amazing train ride! First of all, I just have to say your photos are stunning, and the photo of the shadow of the train in the gorge is particularly cool! I love that you can walk around the train and explore the more traditional cars or sit in modern comfort, too. Sounds like a win-win all around!

Rossana Wyatt - Life is Full Of Adventures

October 27, 2017 at 3:54 am

This is right up my alley… I love traveling by train! Always so much to see and the best views. That STation in Dunedin is beautiful!

October 30, 2017 at 12:18 pm

I’ve always enjoyed train travel, though I normally do it for scenic views than actually getting somewhere. There aren’t a lot of trains in New Zealand.

Bertahan Luxing

October 26, 2017 at 11:26 am

This looks like something I would absolutely LOVE to do! And your photos are stunning.

October 26, 2017 at 10:45 pm

I hope you get a chance to visit someday.

Patricia G.

October 26, 2017 at 10:47 am

Your pics of New Zealand are beautiful! I loved New Zealand. Went a few years ago with my family. I like all the mountains and the beautiful scenery there.

October 26, 2017 at 10:42 pm

Did you get to the South Island when you were here?

Susan Richardson

October 26, 2017 at 10:21 am

I’ve never been to New Zealand and have always wanted to go but your photos show that it’s even more beautiful than I anticipated. Thank you for sharing.

Susan http://www.thetinkeringspinster.com

October 26, 2017 at 5:48 am

Spectacular scenery. I hardly know where to start. I love this: “He nursed the bird back to health and announced, “the first place we get, we will call it Wing-a-tui”. I’ve never been to New Zealand although I’ve seen photos, of course. Your photos are the most spectacular I’ve seen. Makes me wish I had extended the length of my trip to Australia to include New Zealand. Perhaps I’ll get there yet. Thanks for the beautiful train trip! Kay British Columbia, Canada An Unfittie’s Guide to Adventurous Travel

October 26, 2017 at 10:40 pm

Wingatui was my favourite story that the conductor told, that’s why I had to share. And glad that you enjoyed my photos. New Zealand deserves its own visit.

Paul F. Pietrangelo

October 26, 2017 at 2:41 am

Rhonda, I love riding on trains. I just completed riding on the VIA train from Windsor to Toronto. Windsor has a small station though they just completed a new one. Now Toronto’s Union Station is gigantic but at the moment they are remaking the entire station. It looks like it’s the place is in dire help but when it’s finished, it’s going to be beautiful. The only difference is your ride is wonderful with mountains,& large bridges. My ride is very flat and not very lovely, just a lot of bushes and trees but the ride was still good. Now the train ride from Toronto to Montreal is much better.I did that one years ago, many, many years ago. Have a great day my friend. See ya.

Cruisin Paul

October 26, 2017 at 10:35 pm

I agree the train travel is fun in its own right, but the beautiful scenery makes it even better. As for the station, how disappointing it must have been to find it under construction.

Jane Cotton

October 25, 2017 at 10:32 pm

Wonderful landscape, NZ is definitely on my bucket list. Thanks for sharing 🙂

October 26, 2017 at 10:29 pm

If you get to New Zealand, I hope you make it to Dunedin.

Tanja (the Red phone box travels)

October 25, 2017 at 9:20 pm

beautiful nature! and love the station:)

October 26, 2017 at 10:27 pm

Yes, it was a great day.

October 25, 2017 at 5:02 pm

The scenery is stunning!

It’s even better live.

Handmade Jewelry Haven Blog

October 25, 2017 at 3:18 pm

We have a Dunedin in Florida. Yours is by far nicer!!

ps. I have begun to see your photos all over Pinterest lately!!

– Lisa

October 26, 2017 at 10:25 pm

LOL – I heard of Dunedin Florida but hadn’t been there.

Judee@gluten free A-Z Blog

October 25, 2017 at 3:13 pm

All the photos are breathtaking. thank you for sharing and explaining!

October 26, 2017 at 10:24 pm

Glad you enjoyed my photos.

Alissa Apel

October 25, 2017 at 10:46 am

Oh my, my family would love to take that train! We went on a train from Omaha to Chicago. It looked nothing like this though. So pretty!

October 26, 2017 at 10:16 pm

I used to live in Chicago and I went to school in Missouri. I took the train to St. Louis once, so I know what you mean. Farmland is nice, but not the same.

Lydia C. Lee

October 25, 2017 at 8:46 am

I love that train station!!!

October 26, 2017 at 10:15 pm

It was so incredible. I was tempted to write an entire post just sharing photos of it. The interior is so lovely too.

October 25, 2017 at 7:48 am

It’s truly one of the best ways to travel throughout NZ, I’ve got that on my bucketlist.

October 25, 2017 at 7:58 am

Most definitely. There aren’t too many trains throughout New Zealand, but all of them are beautiful.

indah nuria

October 25, 2017 at 7:40 am

It is so beautiful! Natural landscape is always at its best..

October 25, 2017 at 7:57 am

I love that they haven’t tried to change or alter it. The wild beauty there takes your breath away.

October 26, 2017 at 10:54 pm

I agree. Nature knows how to do it.

October 25, 2017 at 4:43 am

The view is breathtaking – what lovely photos!

October 25, 2017 at 12:28 am

I love traveling with trains! It’s just wonderful to see the world out there..

Photo Cache

October 24, 2017 at 5:06 pm

What can I say? Wow!!!!

October 24, 2017 at 10:38 am

Amazingly beautiful scenery and the station itself isn’t too shabby either.

October 25, 2017 at 7:53 am

The views were incredible. I quite liked the station – it has a sort of rustic charm about it, doesn’t it?

stevebethere

October 24, 2017 at 10:05 am

What a fab train ride the photos were stunning, and I can see why the station is the most photographed building in NZ

Thanks for the interesting journey Rhonda have a railtastic week 🙂

October 24, 2017 at 6:08 am

Hi Rhonda, I use to live in Middlemarch ( I think the tourist train stops at Clarke’s Junction & Middlemarch is further along the track)… I use to ride this train with my mum every few months from Middlemarch to Dunedin. I remember the river gushing below us on one side of the track and the stone cliffs of the gorges encasing us in a claustrophobic euphoria. This is the train trip that I ended up falling in love with Train travel… Last year for my 50th, I too took the Taieri Gorge Train journey with my partner… the feelings of wonderment and excitement gritted me to the very bones… just as when I was an 8 year old girl taking that trip for the first time… Thank you for sharing the beauty and wonderment of your journey too. I remember when Dunedin Rail Station was abuzz with life before tourism too, and the Railway Pies… legendary …

October 24, 2017 at 9:51 am

I’m glad I could take you down memory lane. It was a pleasure to read your description from so long ago. It’s always great to hear from readers who have experienced the places themselves, especially in such detail.

October 24, 2017 at 5:30 am

I would love to ride this train. I love trains. We done dinner trains and mystery train rides often. Most enjoyable.

The photography is breathtakingly beautiful.

We are home from our bay cruise and resting. Okay, we’re doing lots of laundry.

Have a fabulous day. ☺

October 24, 2017 at 9:50 am

I’ve never done a mystery train, but I’ve heard of them before and would be very keen to try one.

October 23, 2017 at 9:45 pm

The photos are stunning! I love trains. Unfortunately, I don’t have a lot of free time to travel now, but one day….

October 24, 2017 at 9:49 am

If you ever get to Dunedin, I highly recommend the train. And don’t worry – if you want to travel, you’ll find a way to make time.

Hilary Melton-Butcher

October 23, 2017 at 8:45 pm

Hi Rhonda – stunning photos and magnificent scenery – no wonder you were keen to take the trip …gorgeous. That station is amazing … and what a wonderful way to travel along the gorge … certainly on my bucket list – cheers Hilary

October 24, 2017 at 9:48 am

I could see why it’s labelled as one of the most scenic train rides in the world. It’s well worth a visit.

Joyce Lansky

October 23, 2017 at 1:30 pm

Stunning photos is right!

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The Taieri Gorge Railway, Dunedin

By Author Jon Algie

Posted on Last updated: March 31, 2020

Categories Dunedin

Looking for something different to do in Dunedin? The Taieri Gorge Railway trip takes you through the outskirts of Dunedin and out to the stunning vistas of the Taieri Gorge. A lot of this area can’t be reached by car, so the train really is your only option – and it’s a beautiful (and quite different to the rest of Dunedin) place to see.

Dunedin Railway Station

The Taieri Gorge Railway journey starts at the Dunedin Railway Station , one of the nicest old buildings in Dunedin (and New Zealand). It was built in the early 1900s and parts of it kind of look like a castle. It’s a short walk from the Octagon / George Street – even if you’re not doing a train trip it’s worth a visit. If you’re doing this trip on a Saturday morning make sure to go to the railway station a little earlier and check out the weekly farmer’s market. You can find all sorts of gourmet food and drinks (and your standard fruit and vegetables etc).

Starting the Journey

The journey to Taieri Gorge first takes you through some uninspiring Dunedin industrial sprawl, but it’s not long until you’re out into the green fields of the Taieri Plains. From there you’ll join up with the Taieri River and the views start to open up.

Taieri Gorge

The Taieri Gorge Railway was built in the 1890s to connect Dunedin and Central Otago. These days it only runs as far as Middlemarch or Pukerangi (we were on the Pukerangi train). It’s a tourist attraction now rather than a means of proper transport (although fisherman sometimes hitch a ride to access hidden spots). It’s an impressive piece of engineering considering the difficult terrain. The train rolls over numerous viaducts and passes by some stunning scenery. Go in spring and you’ll see heaps of gorse — it’s a weed but the yellow flowers look nice!

READ MORE: 30 Fun Things to Do in Dunedin

The train rumbles above the narrow Taieri River as it cuts through the rocky gorge — it’s an interesting slice of nature that is pretty unique in New Zealand. You can get up and walk around the train and at the end of the carriages you can stand outside to get photos and enjoy the view. There is also a dining cart where you can buy snacks and drinks (coffee, tea, wine, beer, etc). The train stops for a short time around half way into the journey so you can get out and stretch your legs. A running commentary of the area and the history of the railway will keep you entertained and informed along the way. One interesting bit was the “Reefs Hotel”. The “guide” started talking about it and building it up like it was a proper hotel – but then we passed it and realised it was a tiny building (where people did actually sleep).

READ MORE: Want to see a different section of this river? Check out our post about the Taieri River Track !

Reefs Hotel

The end of the line

Depending on which journey you book, the Taieri Gorge Railway will stop at Pukerangi or Middlemarch. There isn’t a lot to see at Pukerangi except for a small railway building / museum and a field full of sheep. You only stop for 10-15 minutes anyway before returning the way you came. This is definitely about the journey rather than the destination!

READ MORE: Interested in New Zealand’s railway history? Check out this site !

Taieri Gorge Railway FAQs

• How long does it take? The journey to Pukerangi and back takes around four hours. If you do the Middlemarch trip it’ll take around 6 hours.
• How much does it cost? A return ticket to Pukerangi will set you back $105 ($28 for kids). Check out the Dunedin Railways website to book and for more information.
• Where else can you go on the train? There’s another route available from Dunedin — The Seasider. This takes you up the coast to either Waitati or further on to Oamaru . I haven’t done this trip, but I’ve driven this route a lot and there is some great scenery on offer.

Are you planning a trip to Dunedin? Will you do the Taieri Gorge Railway? Let me know in the comments below!

Disclaimer: We were hosted by Dunedin Railways for our trip through the Taieri Gorge. All thoughts and opinions are our own.

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Taieri Gorge Railway

A historic train journey up a gorge near dunedin.

If you like train rides, and New Zealand's Inland scenery appeals to you, then a trip on the Taieri Gorge Railway is one I can recommend. Big Otago hills, dramatic viaducts and a train with character make this journey into remote-feeling landscapes one to remember.

The train trip begins at the Dunedin railway station - a distinctive stone building with a touch of grandeur and history. Once upon a time you could catch a train from here on the southern line between Invercargill and Christchurch, as I did in 1995. Before then you could also catch a train inland to Clyde. Sadly those services closed down, which makes a trip up the Taieri Gorge all the more special.

I joined the train on a crisp, sunny winter afternoon. Heading west, and leaving the main line at the edge of Dunedin's suburbs, I learned some of the train's history.

The Otago Central Railway was begun in 1879 after the gold rush opened up the region inland from Dunedin. With gorges to build bridges over and tunnels to dig, mostly by hand, it wasn't an easy railway to build. It took until 1921 to complete the line as far as Cromwell - that's the last town before Queenstown.

Note the standing room at the end of the carriage

The railway served the area well, but with the building of the Clyde Dam and Lake Dunstan, the last section beyond Clyde was removed in 1980. Following the closure of the line in 1990, the track from Middlemarch to Clyde was also ripped up ... leaving track on just the section from Dunedin to Middlemarch. This is the section used by the Taieri Gorge Railway.

Once or twice a week the train goes to Middlemarch. The rest of the time, including the day I rode it, the train goes as far as Pukerangi - a middle-of-nowhere stop just short of Middlemarch.

Catering mainly for tourists, there is some commentary to describe the journey, and a number of stops for photos. The stops also provide opportunities to stretch the legs and absorb smells and sounds ... or experience the quietness of sparsely populated areas. However there are plenty of good photo opportunities while the train is running too.

A viaduct seen from further up the line

At the ends of some carriages are open air balconies, where you can feel the fresh air whizzing past and take photos unencumbered by windows. I spent much of the trip standing between carriages, enjoying the chilly wind in my hair and the sounds of the train clickety-clacking through the gorges.

Once the coast is left behind, the hills become bigger and the countryside gradually drier. There are some impressive bridges, deep valleys, and a number of tunnels to pass through. At times the tracks cling to some very steep hillsides. It's tricky terrain to build a railway through, but this makes for a very attractive train ride.

A stop at Pukerangi marked the end of my outward trip, with time to get out and soak up some of the dry rocky landscapes that make the less visited parts of Central Otago so appealing to artists. Then it was back on the train for the return to Dunedin. Same route, but with less commentary than the outward journey.

The Taieri River down below

A mini bus connects with the train - either at Pukerangi or Middlemarch - and continues through Ranfurly to Alexandra and on to Queenstown. For anyone who enjoys the less travelled routes - in this case across the Maniototo region - this would be a novel and more scenic way to travel between Dunedin and Queenstown.

For cyclists or long distance walkers, the Taieri Gorge Railway is a great way to access the Otago Central Rail Trail. Where the train stops, the rail trail begins. You can take a bike on the train for a one way ride, then get off and continue under your own steam on the well graded surface where the ripped-up tracks used to be.

Most people, however, enjoy the Taieri Gorge Railway as a half-day trip while in Dunedin. I hesitate to use the tourism cliche "must-do", but I think anyone who enjoys trains really ought to do it. You get not only a great journey up an awesome piece of track, but also a glimpse into a distinctive corner of New Zealand that most visitors don't get to explore.

At Pukerangi

More information

Update: Train trips up the Taieri Gorge Railway are in 'hibernation' due to the economic effects of Cornavirus. The company still exists and runs shorter journeys - see their website for details.

Dunedin Railways - operators of the Taieri Gorge Railway, and other trips

Related pages - New Zealand: Southland-Otago

Related pages - activities and tours.

Taieri Gorge Train Tour – Schedule

Bookings: This shore excursion is available to book direct from your cruise ship

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Please note that train times may be adjusted due to Kiwi Rail amendments.

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'TAIERI GORGE TRAIN TOUR'

OWNED AND OPERATED BY DUNEDIN RAILWAYS LIMITED

MARKETED EXCLUSIVELY BY POUNAMU TOURISM GROUP

New Zealand's Leading Tour Operator 2022: Sir Edmund Hillary Explorer Rail & Coach Tour

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Sir Edmund Hillary Explorer

Duration: 13 Days

Price: NZ$7,995 - FREE Cable Car Ride*

Departure From: Christhchurch

Departure Date: Dec 2024, Jan-April 2025

Tour Type: Escorted Tour

Meal Plan: B+B and selected meals

Physical Grading: 2/5

Inspired by one of the greatest and most iconic adventurers of our time, the Sir Edmund Hillary Explorer invites you on an epic journey by rail and luxury coach through the majestic South Island of New Zealand.

Sir Edmund Hillary epitomised the New Zealand spirit of adventure and he is our inspiration when planning your experience of a lifetime. We pay homage to Sir Edmund Hillary and learn more about his achievements and humanitarian efforts as we explore the South Island of New Zealand and experience the postcard perfect vistas and dramatic alpine scenery that this part of the world is renowned for.

“Adventure for the sake of a dream, for the pleasure of searching” Sir Edmund Hillary

Sir Edmund Hillary Explorer tour includes Hillary’s life highlights including travelling through Marlborough, where Edmund was trained for the air force during the Second World War and where he made some daring ascents of Mt Tapuae-o-Uenuku. In Christchurch, learn more about his team’s expedition crossing Antarctica using converted farm tractors at the International Antarctic Centre. At Aoraki/Mt Cook, a visit to the museum dedicated to Edmund’s adventurous spirit and his achievements is a must. A special dinner is hosted there by Edmund’s daughter Sarah Hillary or son Peter Hillary – also a keen mountaineer and adventurer. Find out how they continue to keep their father’s memory alive.

EXCLUSIVE – BOOK YOUR 2025 TOUR WITH LOCO JOURNEYS & RECEIVE A FREE WELLINGTON CABLE CAR RETURN JOURNEY EXPERIENCE*

The first week of your journeys leads you on a circuit of the South Island’s highlights, enjoying experiences such as the TranzAlpine train, the West Coast Glaciers, and the wonders of Queenstown, Te Anau and Milford Sound. You will cruise on the steamship TSS Earnslaw and ride on the Kingston Flyer. Onward to Dunedin where you will enjoy another iconic rail journey, The Tiaeri Gorge, an epic rail trip over white water rapids, towering viaducts and tunnels.

Mountain country then beckons and you will enjoy a two night stay at the prestigious Hermitage Hotel overlooking Aoraki/Mount Cook and a visit to the excellent Sir Edmund Hillary Alpine Centre.

We return back to Christchurch to join The Coastal Pacific Scenic Train, one of the most picturesque journeys on New Zealand’s railways. Throughout this scenic experience, you will meander along the Pacific coast across remote beaches, between mountains and sea, on a timeless journey of breath-taking beauty to Kaikoura. From Kaikoura through to Marlborough, saving the best for last, the grand finale of epic proportions sees you hauled under a full head of steam by the glorious Marlborough Flyer amongst the comfort of vintage carriages. This historic WW1 memorial steam locomotive Ab608 Passchendaele, named in honour of our fallen soldiers at The Battle of Passchendaele in 1917. This is a locomotive fit for kings, having hauled royal trains on two previous royal visits in the early 1900’s. A journey to end all journeys from a bygone era.

Sir Edmund Hillary Explorer Tour Highlights

• TranzAlpine Rail Journey
• Franz Josef Hot Pools
• Walter Peak Homestead
• Cruise Lake Wakatipu on the TSS Earnslaw
• Arrowtown Lakes District Museum
• Kingston Flyer train ride
• Milford Sound Day Trip & Cruise
• Takahe Sanctuary
• Croydon Aviation Museum
• Waimea Plains Railway
• Guest Speaker from the Hillary family
• Sir Edmund Hillary Alpine Centre at Aoraki/Mt Cook
• International Antarctic Centre
• Coastal Pacific Scenic Train Journey
• Marlborough Flyer Steam Train
• Cruise on the Interislander Ferry

Heritage Rail Highlights & the ‘Big Five’

Your Sir Edmund Hillary Explorer tour features the “Big 5” rail journeys of the South Island

• The fabled TranzAlpine passenger train service from Christchurch to Greymouth
• The historic Kingston Flyer steam railway
• The Taieri Gorge Railway, Otago’s finest scenic rail route from Dunedin
• The Coastal Pacific from Christchurch to Kaikoura
• The glorious Marlborough Flyer from Kaikoura to Picton

Saving the best to last and the icing on the cake for all rail-fans, from Kaikoura to Marlborough, you will be hauled under a full head of steam by the historic WW1 memorial steam locomotive Ab608 Passchendaele, named in honour of our fallen soldiers at The Battle of Passchendaele in 1917.

Sir Edmund Hillary Explorer Optional Excursions

Each option on our is highly recommended to make the most of your New Zealand rail highlights tour. Ask at the time of booking.

FREE Wellington Cable Car Journey – This LOCO Journeys exclusive offer is available to those travellers booking post-tour accommodation in Wellington. Opened in 1902, the historic Wellington Cable Car takes passengers from the heart of the city up through the hillside terraced houses of Kelburn, to the lookout perched high above the city. Your return cable car journey must be confirmed at the time of booking. Ask for more details at the time of booking. This offer is valid for tours departing throughout 2025 only.

Franz Josef Helicopter Flight – Enjoy a sensational helicopter flight over the Southern Alps and famous West Coast Glaciers. A real highlight for the adventurers.

Te Anau G l ow Worm Tour – A special experience crossing Lake Te Anau by boat and then enjoy heading underground into glow-worm caves which were only rediscovered in 1948

Doubtful Sounds Cruise (instead of Milford Sound cruise) – An option to view the more expansive but no less impressive Doubtful Sound

Glacier Explorer Cruise – a unique few hours cruising the glacier lake of the Tasman Glacier

Big Sky Stargazing – there’s only a handful of dark-sky reserves across the world. Star-gazing in New Zealand’s South Island viewing the Southern Hemisphere night sky is like nowhere else on earth.

Whale Watch Cruise or Kaikoura Scenic Flight – either experience will offer memories you will cherish as you seek out the mammoths of the sea.

Northern Explorer Train – once your 13-Day tour is over, extend your journey and take the chance to ride on New Zealand’s epic Northern Explorer taking you from Wellington to Auckland in one day. LEt us know at the time of booking.

Sir Edmund Hillary Explorer Tour Dates

Prices are based on per person sharing. Single supplements apply to all tour prices, rates shown below.

2024 Departures

All 2024 tours departing prior to 3 December are now sold out.

• 3 December 2024 – $7,995

2025 Departures

Christchurch to Wellington, 13 days, 12 nights, 29 meals. Departing most Tuesdays January- April 2025

• 14 January 2025 – $7,995
• 21 January 2025 – $7,995
• 28 January 2025 – $7,995
• 11 February 2025 – $7,995
• 18 February 2025 – $7,995
• 25 February 2025 – $7995
• 11 March 2025 – $7,995
• 18 March 2025 – $7995
• 25 March 2025 – $7995
• 1 April 2025 – $7,995
• 8 April 2025 – $7,995
• 15 April 2025 – $7,995

Please see below for a detailed itinerary and booking conditions.

For a detailed brochure dedicated to the Sir Edmund Hillary Explorer Tour contact us and we are happy to email this to you.

LOCO Journeys can offer you pre-tour and post-tour departure activities, flights and accommodation. Important: To enjoy LOCO Journeys exclusive FREE historic return Wellington Cable Car journey, you must book post-tour accommodation in Wellington to ensure you have enough time to enjoy this . This offer is valid for new bookings on tours departing through 2025.

Guests wishing to continue their journey to Auckland on the Northern Explorer or return to Christchurch should advise at the time of booking and this can be arranged and booked on your behalf.

Click here for alternate New Zealand scenic train and railfan tours .

Tour Inclusions

• Four star hotel accommodation
• TranzAlpine rail journey.
• Sightseeing and entrance fees as indicated in the itinerary
• Tips and gratuities to local guides, drivers, train staff etc.
• Deluxe air-conditioned coach transportation
• Baggage handling of one suitcase per person
• Other meals include, gourmet BBQ lunch at Walter Peak Homestead.
• Services of Tour Leaders

Pricing Notes

• Advertised price based on per person, twin share
• Non-refundable deposit of 20% of tour cost per person is due at time of booking. You date of full payment will be advised at the time of booking.
• A single supplement is available upon request
• LOCO Journeys exclusive free Wellington return cable car journey is available to those booking their Sir Edmund Hillary Explorer Tour through LOCO Journeys only . Your free Wellington return Cable Car journey is offered as a per person value-add bonus with the stipulation that 1. you must book your tour through LOCO Journeys and 2. you will be required to book post night accommodation in Wellington to ensure you have time to enjoy the cable car trip. This offer is valid for new tour bookings departing throughout 2025. LOCO Journeys reserves the right to remove this bonus at any time.
• Price is subject to change unless paid in full

Tour Itinerary

Christchurch - tranzalpine train - franz josef (d), day 2 | fanz josef - haast - queenstown (b,l), day 3 | queenstown & arrowtown (b,l), day 4 | queenstown - kingston flyer steam train - te anau (b,l,d), day 5 | te anau - milford sound - te anau (b,l,d), day 6 | te anau - waimea plains historic railway - dunedin (b,l,d), day 7 | dunedin (b), day 8 | dunedin - oamaru - mount cook (b,l,d), day 9 | aoraki mount cook (b,d), day 10 | mount cook - geraldine - christchurch (b,l,d), day 11 | christchurch - coastal pacific train - kaikoura (b,d), day 12 | kaikoura - heritage steam train - picton (b,l,d), day 13 | picton - interisland ferry - wellington (b) | tour ends, day 14 | post tour - wellington - free historic cable car experience (optional).

For more information about this tour, price queries and updates on specials, please Enquire Now .

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Sustainability is at the heart of KiwiRail's business.

KiwiRail’s customers discuss the value of rail

We’ve been out in the field with a number of our key customers to find out what’s really important to them. This is an important step in our journey towards greater customer-centricity. There’s a lot of great mahi happening across the motu and we’re humbled to work alongside our customers’ organisations helping them to meet their business goals. A robust, resilient and well-maintained rail network is integral to meeting our customers’ needs both here in Aotearoa New Zealand and on the world stage. But don’t take our word for it. Hear what our customers have to say!

KiwiRail is one of New Zealand’s largest employers, with proud staff operating in more than 50 towns and cities across the country. History means a lot to our people – many are the third or fourth generation in their family to work in rail – but it is the promise of rail’s future that excites our 4,500 people.

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The most epic overnight train journeys in the world

Sep 20, 2021 • 5 min read

Night trains not only save a night in a hotel, but they are better for the environment than flying © Flystock / Shutterstock

There’s something enduringly romantic about train travel. The slower pace, the gentle rhythm, the ability to surrender responsibility and just gaze out of the window. It’s true of all – well, most – rail journeys. But it’s especially true of the sleeper train, the hotel-on-wheels aboard which you can bed down in one country and wake up in another. 

Romance aside, train travel is also far less damaging to the planet: it releases the least amount of greenhouse gasses of all forms of transportation. You’re better able to understand the connections that exist between places on a rail trip, watching the scenery change as cities become suburbs, which become farmland, which become foothills or deserts or plains.

There’s a variety of experiences to choose from when booking overnight train travel, from the budget to the luxe. Here are some of the most epic overnight train journeys to take for those looking for a dream of a ride.

Hanoi to Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam

Nicknamed the Reunification Express when it resumed service after the Vietnam War, this 1072-mile (1726km) ride between Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City  runs the length of the country , providing a perfect Vietnamese diorama: historic towns, bustling suburbs, rice paddies, emerald hills and the glittering South China Sea.

How:  Choose from hard seat (cheapest) or soft, hard berth (six-bed compartment), soft berth (four-bed) or VIP cabin (two beds; book in advance). Tickets can be booked online . 

Duration: About 35 hours.

Chicago to San Francisco, USA

On its epic 2400-mile (3900km) journey, the California Zephyr tackles sheer gorges, hot desert, snowy mountains and a tonne of tunnels and switchbacks. In 1869, these tracks were the first to cross the Continental Divide, linking the Atlantic and the Pacific.

How:  The Zephyr leaves Chicago at 2pm daily. Book early for the lowest fares and best availability; tickets can be booked up almost a year ahead.

Duration: The entire journey to San Francisco takes 52 hours non-stop.

Kapiri Mposhi to Dar es Salaam, Zambia and Tanzania

A sleeper train? Or a rolling two-day safari? The Tazara Railway crosses rivers, gorges and some impressive feats of railway engineering while trundling through the enormous, wildlife-filled expanse of Selous Game Reserve , Tanzania . You might spot elephants, rhinos, lions and more from your window.

How:  Tickets can’t be bought online ; buy them at stations in Dar es Salaam or Kapiri Mposhi or via a local travel agency.

Duration: About 44 hours.

Brisbane to Longreach, Australia

Most of Australia 's overnight trains are multi-day journeys across the continent, such as the Ghan that runs through Australia's "Red Centre" between Darwin and Adelaide , and the Indian Pacific that links Perth and Sydney . The Spirit of the Outback , however, is just over a day-long jaunt from Brisbane to Longreach. After flirting with the coast the train turns inland to reveal a changing landscape as it heads into the outback.

How:  The tickets can be booked online . The train departs Tuesdays at 6:10pm and Saturday at 1:55pm.

Duration: The 1325km journey takes 26 hours.

Rome to Syracuse, Italy

To get from the Italian capital  to the historic Sicilian city of Syracuse , this overnight loco has to board a boat. Having traced the Calabrian coast, it’s lifted on to a ferry to cross the Straits of Messina, before being lifted back off to continue on its way.

How: Two sleeper trains leave Rome nightly at around 9.05pm and 11pm. Tickets can be ordered  online .

Duration:  About 12 hours, including 30 minutes at sea.

Caledonian Sleeper, London to Scotland

There are actually two overnight sleeper trains that run under the umbrella of Caledonian Sleeper. One that runs the “Highland route” making stops between London and Aberdeen , the other runs the “Lowland route” from London Euston to Glasgow or Edinburgh . Rooms include either double beds or bunk beds with all the amenities of a hotel, including wifi, room service and ensuite bathrooms. There’s also a Club Car for those interested in meals outside of their rooms. 

How : Trains run six times a week, with boarding times and schedules varying depending on the particular route, however both timetables and tickets are always available online . 

Duration : 8 hours

Red Arrow, St. Petersburg to Moscow

The Red Arrow or Krasnaya Strela, is possibly Russia’s most famous train. It first launched in 1931 when it was used to transport Russian elites. The glamorous retro interior of the train harkens back to this era with plush red seats and elaborate matching curtains on the windows. There’s a dining car on board and meals are included for passengers riding in either first class or the VIP car. 

How : The train runs every day, leaving from both Moscow or St. Petersburg at 11:55pm and arriving at the opposite end in the morning at 7:55am. Tickets can be purchased online .

Venice Simplon-Orient-Express, Paris to Venice

Perhaps the most luxurious, and most famous, of the overnight sleeper trains, the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express is nothing short of a legend. There are several different routes guests can take on this historic train, but the most iconic is the one from London to Venice . The train itself is a throwback to the 1920s, with a restored art deco interior and luxury dining options included. 

How: Venice Simplon-Orient-Express runs several times per month. Check the website for specific dates and times as well as to book. 

Duration: 31 hours

You might also like Climb aboard for the USA's 6 most amazing train journeys Europe's best night trains 10 of the world's most amazing train journeys

This article was first published December 2019 and updated September 2021

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Train strikes in May 2024: Full list of dates and lines affected

Rail lines are set for disruption in the week following the first May bank holiday as train drivers at 16 rail companies strike on different days.

Thursday 25 April 2024 10:29, UK

Train drivers will stage a fresh wave of strikes and overtime bans in May, causing disruption to the rail network.

The strikes are part of a long-running dispute over pay.

Members of Aslef union at 16 rail companies will walk out on different days from 7 to 9 May.

Additionally, all members will refuse to work any overtime from 6 May to 11 May.

Here is a full list of the services affected by strikes and when.

Rail strike dates

Tuesday 7 May

Strikes will affect c2c, Greater Anglia, GTR Great Northern Thameslink, Southeastern, Southern, Gatwick Express and South Western Railway.

Wednesday 8 May

Strikes will affect Avanti West Coast, Chiltern Railways, CrossCountry, East Midlands Railway, Great Western Railway and West Midlands Trains.

Thursday 9 May

Strikes will affect LNER, Northern Trains and TransPennine Express.

Overtime ban dates

From Monday 6 May to Saturday 11 May union members will not work overtime.

Overtime bans, an action short of a strike, means some services may not be running or may be reduced as drivers refuse to work their rest days.

People are advised to check before they travel, as some areas may have no service.

Keep up with all the latest news from the UK and around the world by following Sky News

How do strikes and overtime bans affect services?

Strikes tend to mean services on lines where members are participating are extremely affected or cancelled entirely, whereas overtime bans often lead to reduced services.

Are there strikes on the Tube too?

There have been regular strikes on London Underground too recently, and while there aren't any planned walkouts for drivers, customer service managers are set to walk out on Friday 26 April in a dispute over terms and conditions.

There will also be an overtime ban for the customer service managers on the following days:

Monday 29 April

Tuesday 30 April

Wednesday 1 May

Tuesday 2 May

Wednesday 3 May

Thursday 4 May

Friday 5 May

The Transport Salaried Staffs' Association (TSSA) says the action by its members is likely to cause Tube stations to close at the last minute, including on the Saturday following the strike (27 April), while TfL has said on its website "some stations may need to close at short notice".

Despite the warning, a TfL spokesperson has said they aren't expecting significant disruption.

This action follows strike action taken by the same workers on 10 April, which the TSSA said had a "real impact" with "many stations shut at short notice".

They say they are "extremely concerned" about TfL's 'Stations Changes' proposals.

"We have made it clear that our union will not accept the continued threats to our members' roles, locations, terms, and conditions to stand unchallenged," a TSSA spokesperson said.

"We will continue to take sustained action until London Underground is prepared to negotiate with us in good faith."

Commenting on the impending strikes, a TfL spokesperson said: "We are disappointed that TSSA is continuing with this strike action following a consultation process.

"While we don't expect this action will cause significant disruption, we urge TSSA to continue to work with us to help find a resolution.

"There are no planned job losses as part of these vital changes which will improve the service we provide to customers at our stations."

How can I stay in the loop?

You can use the National Rail's journey planner to see when trains are running.

Be sure to check it close to when you plan to travel, as it will be updated regularly.

Be the first to get Breaking News

Install the Sky News app for free

Why are the strikes still happening?

Aslef rejected a two-year offer of 4% in 2022 and another 4% this year, saying it is way below inflation, and is linked to changes in terms and conditions.

Aslef said train drivers have not had an increase in salary for five years, since their last pay deals expired in 2019.

The union said after its members voted overwhelmingly in February to continue taking industrial action, it asked the train operating companies to hold talks.

General secretary Mick Whelan said the year-old pay offer of 4% and another 4% was "dead in the water".

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• London Underground
• Rail strikes

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The Moscow Metro – MCC – MCD – everything about capital’s subway

Moscow Metro map and journey planner app called Yandex.Metro is available for iOS and Android for free.

We have a great Moscow Metro & Stalin Skyscrapers Private Tour across all famous metro stations, available for you every day.

1. Famous Moscow metro stations

Kievskaya (circle line).

The station was opened on March 14, 1954. It was named after the nearby Kievsky Railway Station. Decorating of station is devoted to friendship of Russian and Ukrainian people. Rich mosaic decoration is made from smalt and valuable stones by project of Ukrainian architects, chosen from seventy-three works presented on competition.

Kievskaya (Dark-blue line)

It was opened on April 5, 1953. Design of the station is devoted to the Soviet Ukraine and reunion of Ukraine and Russia. The station is decorated with a large number of the picturesque cloths executed in style of socialist realism in fresco technique. The fresco «Holiday in Kiev», made in 1953 was practically destroyed in 2010, due to an accident during nearby constructing works. While the fresco recovery, restorers revived its original appearance that had gone through many changes since its creation.

Ploshad Revolutsii

The station was opened on March 13, 1938. The most interesting feature of the station is 76 bronze figures, situated in niches of 18 arches. This peculiar gallery of images of Soviet people, aimed to personify force and power of the country, its glorious past and bright future. One of the bronze sculptures — a dog that accompanies a frontier guard — is believed to bring good luck if you touch its nose.

Prospekt Mira

Prospect Mira station of the Circle line was opened on January 30, 1952. It used to be called Botanical Garden up to June 20, 1966. The station’s decoration is devoted to development of agriculture in the USSR. Light marble and bas-reliefs by sculptor G. I. Motovilov decorate poles of the station. Famous smalt panel «Mothers of the World» by A. N. Kuznetsov is situated in the lobby.

Komsomolskaya

Komsomolskaya station was opened on January 30, 1952. The station has rich decoration devoted to a fight of USSR against overseas aggressors and victory in the Great Patriotic War. Mosaic panels from smalt and valuable stones, created according to sketches of the Lenin Award winner Pavel Corin, represent famous Russian commanders and weapons of different eras.

Novokuznetskaya

The station was opened on November 20, 1943. Its name was originally written through a hyphen: ‘Novo-Kuznetskaya’. The interior of the station is rich with decorating elements. The idea of creative force and power of Soviet people, its remarkable victories in the Great Patriotic War found realization in architectural design of station. The perimeter of the escalator arch is decorated with bronze sculptures by the sculptor N.V.Tomsky.

Novoslobodskaya

Novoslobodskaya station was opened on January 30, 1952. It was called after Novoslobodskaya street, where the station is situated. 32 original stained-glass windows from multi-colored glass, framed with steel and gilded brass and the famous mosaic panel «World peace», situated at the face wall the station, are made by sketches of Pavel Dmitriyevich Corin.

Dostoyevskaya

Dostoevskaya is comparatively new station, opened on June 19, 2010. It is situated at Suvorovskaya Square. Russian writer Fedor Dostoyevsky was born and lived in this district of Moscow. Therefore, the station bears his name and features scenes from his works «Crime and Punishment», «The Idiot», «Demons», «The Brothers Karamazov». Artist Ivan Nikolaev, the author of the decoration, said that depicting scenes of violence shows depth and tragedy of Dostoevsky’s work.

2. General information about Moscow metro

Metro working hours, navigation, wi-fi.

The Moscow Metro is open from about 5:30 am until 1:00 am. The precise opening time varies at different stations according to the arrival of the first train, but all stations simultaneously close their entrances and transitions to other lines at 01:00 am for maintenance. The minimum interval between trains is 90 seconds during the morning and evening rush hours. Each line is identified according to an alphanumeric index (usually consisting of a number), a name and a color. Voice announcements in Russian refer to the lines by name and by numbers in English. A male voice announces the next station when traveling towards the center of the city or the clockwise direction on the circle line, and a female voice – when going away from the center or the counter-clockwise direction at the circle. The lines are also assigned specific colors for maps and signs.

Free Wi-Fi is called MT_FREE and available on all 14 lines (inside the trains).

Using Metro services is frequently the fastest and the most efficient way to get from one part of the city to another. But during daytime Moscow Metro stations are usually overcrowded so if you want to just enjoy the beauty of the underground, it’s better to visit it late in the evening.

MCC and MCD

Since 2016 The Moscow Metro is connected to two new types of rail transport. The first one is MCC – Moscow Central Circle. It has 31 stations around the city with changes to metro stations (most of them require to walk a few minutes via the street). The second one is MCD, Moscow Central Diameters, a system of city train services on existing commuter rail lines in Moscow and Moscow Oblast. MCD has several lines, they’re being marked as D1, D2 etc. Changing to both MCC and MCD from the Metro is free when your journey is within the city. Both MCC and MCD lines exist on all of the Moscow Metro maps.

Interesting facts about Moscow metro

213 people were born in the metro during the World War II, when it was used as a bomb shelter.

There are 76 bronze sculptures of workers, peasants, soldiers, sailors, etc. at Ploshchad Revolyutsii station. There is legend connected with this station. To pass any examination successfully, a student should touch the bronze dog’s nose («the Frontier Guard with a Dog» sculpture). You can easily understand high popularity of this legend by looking at the polished nose of the dog.

It is said that some of the magnificent mosaics at several central stations, for example the «World Peace» mosaic at Novoslobodskaya, were made with the pieces of enamel and smalt, taken from the famous Christ the Savior Cathedral, before it’s destruction.

As any other dungeon the Moscow metro, has its own ghosts. The most famous one is the old lineman. He is not dangerous and usually hides into the wall, when people appear. The ghostly metro train is much more dangerous. It appears after midnight at the Circle Line and consists of old-time carriages. It sometimes stops at the stations and opens its doors, and then goes back into the darkness. It is said that the souls of Stalin’s prisoners, perished during the building of the metro are locked in the train forever.

3. Moscow Metro tickets

1 or 2 trips.

You can buy tickets in ticket offices or in automatic ticket machines. Passes for 1 or 2 trips are the most expensive. They sold only in ATM and cost 55 and 110 rubles (€0.55 and €1.10) respectively.

More than 2 trips

All the other kinds of tickets are available in the ticket offices. Tickets for bigger amount of trips are more profitable.

«90 Minutes» ticket

A ticket «90 minutes» is valid for one trip on the metro and an unlimited number of trips on surface transport within this time. It costs 65 rub (€0.65).

The «Troyka» card

You can also use «Troyka» – refillable card to pay for travelling on all kinds of public transport – metro, buses, trolley-buses, trams, monorail and blue minibuses. With «Troyka» one trip costs 35 rub (€0.35).

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The Maya Train Will Get You to All of Yucatán’s Best Spots. But Not Yet.

In December, the train began running on its first route through Mexico’s Yucatán Peninsula. On a five-day journey a few months later, the author encountered enthusiasm, and scheduling hiccups.

By Elisabeth Malkin

Elisabeth Malkin has been visiting the Yucatán Peninsula for three decades.

I stepped off the platform at the gleaming new Maxcanú train station, eager to see the magnificent Maya archaeological site of Uxmal. All I needed was a taxi to take me there, a trip of about 30 miles away.

There are no taxis, said the stationmaster, as we stood on the polished limestone floors of the high-ceilinged station, which was cool and breezy despite the brilliant late-morning sun outside. And I was the third person in two weeks to get off at Maxcanú expecting to reach Uxmal, he said.

I was midway through a five-day trip to explore the brand-new Maya Train and several of its destinations in the Yucatán Peninsula of Mexico . Designed to run 965 miles (1,554 kilometers) around a loop of 34 stations when completed, the train will whisk passengers in cool comfort through colonial cities, archaeological sites, splashy resorts and tropical forests.

Now I was stunned. Wrangling a taxi has never been a problem in Mexico. But the drivers gathered in the main square of Maxcanú offered only beat-up vans that hopscotch through small towns, where I might or might not find a taxi to Uxmal. The next van was leaving in 45 minutes.

Yucatán’s layers of history have long held me spellbound. During earlier car trips, I have clambered up deserted Maya temples and palaces, stepped into the cool naves of massive 16th-century churches and visited restored haciendas, testaments of the ostentation — and hardship — of the peninsula’s 19th-century plantation economy. Traveling by train, I thought, would allow me to steep myself in more of that history.

But as I found in Maxcanú, a train won’t necessarily get you to where you want to go.

During my February trip, I traveled on the only route then available, an east-west leg that opened in December and runs from Cancún to Mérida, and then south through the port city of Campeche to the Maya site of Palenque (a short route between Cancún and Playa del Carmen opened last month, with three trains a day). I encountered scheduling confusion, unfinished stations and a dearth of trains — just two operating daily each way between Cancún and Campeche, and only one to Palenque. Overnight sleepers and special dining trains seem years away.

President Andrés Manuel López Obrador considers the Maya Train his showcase development project, and wants to inaugurate the rest of the train before he leaves office on October 1. Based on my experience, that goal seems elusive.

A $29-billion route through the jungle

I started my journey in Cancún, where in the pre-dawn gloom the station hovered like a glowing spaceship. An attendant scanned the ticket I had bought online and a half-dozen more pointed me toward my tourist-class car, which was about a quarter full. I planned to go to Campeche, about 300 miles away, stopping once each day. At 120 kilometers (about 75 miles) an hour, the train covers the route in about six hours, the same as a car. (When construction is complete, the train’s speed should increase to 160 kilometers an hour.)

The car’s wide windows looked out at a wall of low jungle. The blue-green seats were comfortable and there was ample space between the rows. I bought a very good cappuccino at the snack bar, but declined the plastic-wrapped sandwiches. The rest of the merchandise was fruit cups, milk boxes and junk food.

The train will ultimately cost much more than the $29 billion budgeted so far, and it’s not the first time ambitious planners have alighted on the region. Cancún was once a tiny fishing village, selected half a century ago as a tourist hub. Last year 10 million international tourists flew into its airport, more than the airports of Mexico City, Los Cabos and Puerto Vallarta combined.

But uncontrolled growth has stressed the Caribbean coast’s fragile environment. The Maya Train, scientists warn , will push those problems south, threatening the area’s water supply, its unique system of underground limestone caves and its vast nature reserves.

Mr. López Obrador has charged ahead, handing the train over to the military , and arguing that it will spread Cancún’s wealth and attract new visitors. Mexico received more than 42 million overseas tourists last year and they spent almost $31 billion .

Local governments see an opportunity. “The train will allow people to disperse throughout the peninsula,” said Michelle Fridman, the tourism secretary for Yucatán state, which promotes dozens of attractions far beyond highlights like Mérida and Chichén Itzá .

Now that the train is operating, transport companies will begin to connect stations with lesser-known sites nearby, she said.

It’s fair to ask whether the train is the most effective way to develop the peninsula’s tourism. Tour companies already run trips to many sites from major cities, which are well served by buses. Driving a rental car through most of the area is considered safe , according to U.S. State Department travel guidance .

Route of Mexico’s Maya Train

Canceled trip.

It took two hours (and one time-zone change) to reach Valladolid, a colonial city of handsome streets and ancient churches, where I bought the rest of my tickets at the station. A tourist-class ticket from Cancún to Valladolid costs 472 pesos (around $28) for foreigners and 355 pesos (around $21) for Mexicans. First class, with wider seats, costs 755.50 pesos and 566.50 pesos, and discounts are available for older travelers and residents of the five states along the train’s route. (A first-class bus from downtown Cancún to Valladolid costs between 222 and 344 pesos, depending on the time of day, and takes half an hour longer.)

It was impossible to run the new Maya Train tracks into dense city centers and the Valladolid station, like the rest, was outside the urban core. A waiting bus took disembarking passengers downtown, a 15-minute ride for 35 pesos.

That day I toured Ek Balam , the site of a ninth-century Maya kingdom that is dominated by a 100-foot palace distinguished by a facade of carvings depicting winged warriors, stylized animal features and geometric patterns bordered by giant fangs. Admission to the site includes entry to the X-Canché cenote, one of thousands of limestone sinkholes that were sacred to the Maya.

Later that afternoon, I was wandering through the Museum of Ethnic Clothing, a private collection of traditional dress, embroidery and hats, when a WhatsApp message from the ticket office blinked on my phone. My train scheduled for the following day was canceled.

I decided to deal with the problem in the morning and enjoy the city. As I wandered past the antique shops and boutique hotels of the elegant Calzada de los Frailes, it was clear that Valladolid’s tourism, and the infrastructure to handle it, was well established. The Maya Train is simply an alternative way to reach a city that tourists discovered years ago.

‘We’re on the Tren Maya!’

In the morning, I found that my train had not been canceled, but the station for which I had a ticket, Tixkokob, was closed. I got off instead one stop earlier at Izamal, known for its ocher streets and the giant Franciscan convent of San Antonio de Padua, built atop the ruins of a pyramid.

During the 90-minute ride, I heard widespread enthusiasm among fellow travelers who expressed a willingness to give the train time to work out the kinks. “We’re an experiment,” said Oliva Escobedo Ochoa, 64, who was vacationing from her home in central Mexico.

Leticia Iliassich, 57, who is Mexican, was traveling with her Croatian husband along with relatives from Mexico and Croatia. They had initially been scheduled on an earlier train to Mérida that had been canceled. “We knew that it was a new project,” she said. “We don’t mind.”

The group had already sent a video to friends declaring, “We’re on the Tren Maya!”

At the Izamal station I hitched a 15-minute ride into the town center with a man who had asked me to take his photo alongside the train and his father. From there I negotiated a taxi to Hacienda San Lorenzo Aké, a working hacienda that still turns the fiber from an agave plant called henequén into coarse rope. Global demand for henequén, known as Yucatán’s “green gold,” brought fantastic wealth to the region in the mid-19th century, speckling the peninsula with more than 1,000 haciendas. ( Many are now sumptuous hotels.)

Where geometry, nature and the divine merge

It was during my third day that I found myself stuck in Maxcanú, after a 90-minute train ride from Izamal. The stationmaster, an army captain, offered me a ride to Uxmal, just as he had to the stranded tourists before me.

Eying Uxmal’s 4 p.m. final ticket sale, I accepted.

My situation made it clear just how distant the Maya Train’s promises are for tourists seeking to explore more of Yucatán. In time, that will change, said Ms. Fridman, the tourism secretary. “The idea is to have more hotels along the train line,” she said. “That will happen little by little.”

But Uxmal , among the most stunning of the Maya sites, made up for the inconvenience. Uxmal’s grand buildings are faced with intricate decorative masks as well as friezes in which geometry, nature and the divine merge. New plaques at each structure offer detailed information in English and Spanish, part of the government’s investment in improving displays at Maya sites for the train project.

Most tourists either take day trips by car or bus to Uxmal from Mérida or stay at one of three nearby hotels. As I finished dinner at my hotel, the dining room began to fill up: 47 Polish tourists had arrived.

Panama hats and a cramped van

My plan for the day was to go by taxi to Bécal, a town where Panama hats are woven in limestone caves to keep the fibers soft, and then pick up the afternoon train in nearby Calkiní for the port city of Campeche.

But I spent so much time watching the hat-making demonstration and then fitting my new hat and buying gifts that we set off with little time to reach the station. To my chagrin, I missed the train, the last one of the day.

On Calkiní’s central square, I found a van that was leaving for Campeche. Cost: 65 pesos. Time: about 1 hour and 20 minutes, similar to what I would have spent on the train. Of course, I was trapped in a cramped seat and had to listen to the driver’s choice of sentimental ballads, but I was dropped off in downtown Campeche, close to my hotel.

The next day, I toured the Museum of Maya Archaeology , an expertly curated collection that included haunting jade funeral masks, glyphs and delicate ceramic figures.

José Madrigal, 45, an engineer from Fremont, Calif., was trying to make Maya pottery interesting for his twin sons. The boys had just turned 5 and their birthday present had been a ride on the Maya Train. “They love trains,” Mr. Madrigal said. Then the family moved on, keeping up a brisk clip through the museum. They had another train to catch.

Should you take the train?

Yes, if you are traveling between larger stations. The train also offers a way to get to Palenque, which is harder to reach and has roads with security concerns. Travelers can stow bicycles on board.

To see train times, check the destinations on the website . You cannot buy tickets online more than a week in advance. But when you finally board, the ride is smooth — and the coffee is excellent.

Follow New York Times Travel on Instagram and sign up for our weekly Travel Dispatch newsletter to get expert tips on traveling smarter and inspiration for your next vacation. Dreaming up a future getaway or just armchair traveling? Check out our 52 Places to Go in 2024 .

Open Up Your World

Considering a trip, or just some armchair traveling here are some ideas..

52 Places:  Why do we travel? For food, culture, adventure, natural beauty? Our 2024 list has all those elements, and more .

Mumbai:  Spend 36 hours in this fast-changing Indian city  by exploring ancient caves, catching a concert in a former textile mill and feasting on mangoes.

Kyoto:  The Japanese city’s dry gardens offer spots for quiet contemplation  in an increasingly overtouristed destination.

Iceland:  The country markets itself as a destination to see the northern lights. But they can be elusive, as one writer recently found .

Texas:  Canoeing the Rio Grande near Big Bend National Park can be magical. But as the river dries, it’s getting harder to find where a boat will actually float .

The Victorian transports you to the historic town of Oamaru for a culture-packed day trip. During the 3-hour stop, hit the shops, hang out at the docks, and experience the Victorian side of this boutique North Otago town.

The train will stop at the Oamaru train station, which is a 10-minute walk from the Victorian Precinct. We often have a bus running between the station and town centre for a small fee. Click here for information on things to do in Oamaru. 

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Total Guide to plan & book a great Trans-Siberian Railway Trip

31. December 2020

Destination The World

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It’s slow travel at its best, taking you from one continent to another, through big cities, over the Siberian steppes and along the largest lake in the world. Without a doubt, a Trans-Siberian Railway trip will take you on the greatest railway journey in the world. This legendary adventure stretching over eight time zones is one of the best travel experiences you can have, and no other rail journey can compare to the Trans-Siberian Railway.

Travelling the Trans-Siberian Railway is a dream for many people, and for one of us, this ultimate adventure was a lifelong dream. Doing this trip independent can seem like a bit of a challenge, and it also did for us in the start. The questions can be many but read on. This blog post has all the answers on how to travel the Trans-Siberian Railway independently. We will also shortly present the stops we had en route and give you some suggestions on what to see there, as an idea, while you start planning your journey.

1. Planning your Trans-Siberian Railway trip

We chose the classic, original route, starting in Moscow, before ending in Vladivostok, and we had our Trans-Siberian Railway trip in winter. That is just one way of doing it, but the options are many.

There are many things to consider when you start planning your journey, but first things first. A trip with the Trans-Siberian is perfectly safe, both for families, solo and female travellers. It is the way Russians have travelled for years, and very few reported incidents. Take precautions, choose your berth wisely, and take care of your belongings.

A journey like this requires some planning. But if you are like us, then you also find planning your trip half the fun.

Checklist for planning your Trans-Siberian Railway trip:

• When do you prefer to travel? Which season?
• Do you want to travel eastbound or westbound?
• Which visas will you need to organise? Check visa requirements
• Make sure that your passport is valid six months after you return
• What should be your final destination?
• Which route should you choose?
• How much will it cost?
• Do you want to stop along the route? Where?
• Organise travel insurance

The above list gives you a brief overview of things to take into consideration when planning your trip. What you choose will mostly depend on your wishes, budget and the time you have on hand.

2. Best time to travel the Trans-Siberian Railway

If there is one best time to travel on the Trans-Siberian Railway or not, is really up to you and what you prefer. The train runs all year round, and each season has something to offer. Some periods are busy or warm while others are freezing cold.

Trans-Siberian in summer

Summer is the most popular time of the year for a Trans-Siberian Railway trip. With the summer holiday in the western world, lots of travellers find themselves onboard the train. It can get busy and harder to find tickets for some routes. The summer months are great if you travel solo and want to meet other fellow travellers.

The climate in Russia is mild, but July and August can get very hot. The same goes for Mongolia. Even the summer is shorter in Mongolia it really can get warm also there. China is hot and humid in the summer months.

Trans-Siberian in autumn

Autumn is by many considered the best time to travel the Trans-Siberian. It is less crowded, the worst heat is gone, and the foliage let you catch the autumn colours along the route. The weather can still be nice the whole route. In China, the humidity from the summer is gone.

Trans-Siberian in winter

A Trans-Siberian trip in the winter is spectacular. Yes, it can get freezing cold, like in really Siberian cold, and you will see that Siberia looks like yes, Siberia. The trains are heated and, you can expect to sweat even in winter. But to snug up inside while watching the Siberian winter pass by outside the windows is a magical feeling.

It is much fewer passengers in the winter, so it never gets crowded, and finding tickets is rarely a problem. Bring lots of warm clothes (think layers of clothes) for exploring the places you choose to stop.

Winter is considered the best time to visit Lake Baikal with its clear thick ice perfect for winter activities. The lake usually freezes from mid or end of February and last at least throughout March.

Trans-Siberian in spring

The spring is maybe the least recommended time for a Trans-Siberian Railway trip. It is no longer winter and also not summer. In late spring when the snow has melted, and nature starts to wake up is also very pretty. China has pleasant weather in the spring.

Spring is also not the busiest time on the train. It’s great for avoiding crowds and, tickets are available.

TIP: Read our post on the Harz Mountain Railway or the Zittauer Schmalspurbahn in Germany if you would like a nostalgic journey with a steam train

3. Choose your Trans-Siberian Railway route

The Trans-Siberian Railway is not one train route, but it’s a network of railways connecting Moscow with the Russian Far East. The building of the railway started in 1891 and finished in 1916. Train services ran along the route much before its completion. Today, the expansion of the railway system continues, with connecting routes to China, Mongolia, Japan and North Korea.

You can choose from three main routes, but the Trans-Siberian Railway also has several other options for connections along with its extended network. You don’t have to follow the same route the whole time, and you can combine more routes in one journey.

Eastbound or Westbound?

You can make your Trans-Siberian Railway trip in both directions. The choice is up to you and what you prefer. The eastbound route tends to be more popular among western travellers, so westbound is recommended if you are looking to avoid too many other travellers.

Usually, you will have to book one long-haul flight. Either to start the journey or when you have finished. Check airfares before you decide, it can be a big difference in costs depending on where and when you fly.

BUDGET TIP: In case you end your journey in Vladivostok, you save big bucks on flying domestic back to Moscow, and then have your international flight out from there, instead of flying out from Vladivostok

We chose eastbound from Moscow for two reasons. Firstly we found it kind of more romantic to start our adventure with the long train journey first, instead of with a long haul flight. Secondly, starting our winter trip with the Trans-Siberian in Moscow, also gave us the chance to celebrate New Year’s Eve there before we boarded the train the next day.

TIP: Read our post with tips and attractions in Moscow for a Moscow city break

Trans-Siberian line: Moscow to Vladivostok

The legendary and original mainline from Moscow to Vladivostok is mostly following the historic path over the continent. Trains leave Moscow daily for this 9,259 km long journey. Depending on the train number, this route takes at least 143 hours, or around six full days. It can take longer. Some of the trains have slightly different routes or more stops en route.

The prime choice for this route is train number 1/2, the Rossiya. Train 1 is westbound and, train 2 is eastbound. Rossiya is regarded as the best train along this route, with the best comfort, service and food. It is also the most expensive one, so if you’re on a budget, consider doing only shorter legs with this train, and combine it with other trains, e.g. train number 62.

• Train number 1/2 has daily departures, in both directions
• Train number 61/62 departs Mon, Thurs, Sat, both directions
• If you plan to stop on your way, it is also possible to travel by trains that follow the same route but doesn’t go all the way to Vladivostok. It is still the Trans-Siberian Railway.
• Train number 70 will take you from Moscow to cities like Yekaterinburg, Novosibirsk or Irkutsk. In any of these cities, you can catch up with train number 2 or 62.
• For stops before Irkutsk, you can travel with the trains going to China and Mongolia and later change to trains for Vladivostok.

Trans-Manchurian line: Moscow to Beijing via Manchuria

This route takes just over six days for travelling 8,986 km. Train number 19/20 has weekly departures to or from Beijing via Manchuria (train 19 is westbound and train 20 is eastbound). This train follows the mainline on the Trans-Siberian Railway between Moscow and Chita. Also here you can combine it with stops and other trains. This route is operated by Russian trains.

• Train number 19/20 departs Saturday nights from both cities
• This train does not go via Mongolia. You will need visas for Russia and China only
• Take this train if you wish to visit the Harbin International Ice Snow Sculpture Festival in China

Trans-Mongolian line: Moscow to Beijing via Ulaanbaatar

This is the most popular route for western travellers on a Trans-Siberian Railway trip. This route is 7,621 km and takes 6 nights. With this train, you will have the chance to experience three different countries with their unique cultures. After travelling over Siberia, this train cuts across Mongolia and the Gobi desert before entering China.

TIP: Read our post on the Oslo to Bergen train an incredible beautiful train journey

The major train on this route is the weekly train number 3/4 (train 3 is westbound and train 4 is eastbound). This route is operated with Chinese trains, but when in Russia, a Russian restaurant car is attached, then later a Mongolian before a Chinese restaurant car for the last part of the trip is attached.

• Train 3 departs Beijing every Wednesday
• Train 4 departs Moscow every Tuesday
• Between Moscow and Ulan Ude you can combine this route with all other trains
• Most travellers on this train need a visa to Russia and China, and some also to Mongolia

Other routes

There are other alternative routes to take on your Trans-Siberian Railway trip as well, where you later can connect with the mainline to Vladivostok, or with the trains to China.

One route runs via Kazan, the capital and largest city of the Republic of Tatarstan in southwest Russia. Another option is the train via Yaroslavl, northeast of Moscow. Yaroslavl is part of the Golden Ring of ancient towns in Russia.

TIP: Read our post on the best places to visit in Russia’s Golden Ring

4. Choose your Trans-Siberian Railway stops

When you have chosen your preferred route for your Trans-Siberian Railway trip, it is time to choose your stops. It is possible to travel the whole journey in one go. But we do recommend stopping en route to your destination. Russia has so much to see, so it would be sad to miss out on a stop there.

Depending on the time you have, you can almost have unlimited stops. If you follow the mainline, there are several interesting places in Russia to visit. Perm, Yekaterinburg, Omsk, Novosibirsk, Irkutsk (Lake Baikal) and Ulan Ude are all recommended places to stop, among many others.

We chose two stops along the route, in Yekaterinburg and Irkutsk. If you have limited time, and can’t do too many stops, these two cities will give you many options to explore Russian culture, cities and nature.

Best things to do in Yekaterinburg

Yekaterinburg just west of the Ural mountains is the gateway between Europe and Asia. With a population of over 1,3 million, it is a major Russian city. The history goes long back but is maybe most famous for being the city where former president Boris Yeltsin came to rise, and also for being the city where Russia’s last monarchs, the Romanov family were executed.

The city centre is lively, with a mix of grand old and communist-era style buildings. The city has good cafes and restaurants. After some time on the train, a break here can be very welcome. If you visit Yekaterinburg in the winter, the city has a small ice sculpture festival in the city centre.

If you like opera or ballet (and think Bolshoi in Moscow is too expensive), Yekaterinburg has an excellent opera and ballet house showing first-class productions throughout the year. We were lucky and got good tickets for The Nutcracker for only €50.

If you’d like a detour out of the city, you can visit the Europe-Asia border, located 40km west of the city. Yekaterinburg For You can arrange the trip for you.

Our highlights in Yekaterinburg:

• Visit the Church upon the Blood. This is the death site of Tsar Nicholas II and his family
• See the mansion house of Sevastyanov
• Watch an opera or ballet at Ural Opera & Ballet . Book tickets in advance
• Eat excellent Uzbek food at the restaurant Nigora
• Visit the Ascension Church
• Enjoy the mix of architectural styles

Best things to do in Irkutsk

This Siberian city is such a hidden treasure. Irkutsk is beautiful. One of the best things to do there is simply to wander around its streets and take in the beauty of the city.

From streets full of beautifully crafted wooden houses to spectacular churches and monasteries, Irkutsk really was a pleasant surprise. The food scene in the city is also great. Cute cafes serve delicious breakfasts, trendy cafes have excellent coffee and restaurants serve mouth-watering Asian food.

TIP: Read our post on Flamsbana Railway in Norway . It is said to be one of the most beautiful train journeys in the world

Irkutsk is the gateway to the famous Lake Baikal. You can visit the lake on a day trip from Irkutsk, or better spend a night or two. Most hotels and hostels in Irkutsk can help arrange trips to Baikal. The nearby, lakeside village of Listvyanka is a good starting point for exploring Lake Baikal. You can reach the village by hourly bus from outside the tourist office in Irkutsk.

Our highlights in Irkutsk:

• Wandering along the river and the streets to look at all the cute wooden houses and churches
• Visit the amazing Kazan Church of Irkutsk
• Visit Znamensky Monastery
• Eat excellent Asian food and Russian dumplings
• See the Epiphany Monastery

5. Classes on the Trans-Siberian Railway

Of the regular trains, train number 1/2, the Rossiya , has the best standard. It is very comfortable, but don’t expect luxury even when travelling on this train.

There are usually two or three classes to choose from when booking your ticket, but this may vary from train to train, season and demand. The berths (rooms) don’t vary that much. It is more about the space, and how many you will share the berth with.

Which class you should choose depends on your wishes and your budget. If you value privacy, choose the first class. If you travel on a budget, choose the third class. On the other hand, if you want to meet the locals as they travel, choose this class as well. Choose the second class for anything in between.

To get the best experience of a Trans-Siberian railway trip, we would recommend a mix of the classes (if you have stops along the route). It will give you unforgettable memories with locals, and ensure some privacy and calmness on the trip.

First class

1st class berths, known as Spainy Vagon or SV , on Russian trains are usually the same as 2nd class, but only the lower beds as used, meaning you only share the berth with one other person. On Chinese trains, known as deluxe sleeper , you normally sleep in the upper bed and can relax on a sofa during the day.

On trains without first class, it is possible to buy out the whole berth for single-use or to buy out the left-over beds in your berth if you are more people travelling.

The luggage is stored under the lower beds, and the berth is equipped with a reading light and electric socket. There are toilets and washrooms at each end of the wagon. Some trains have a shower available. Ask your train host if your train has showers for rent.

Second class

Usually, 2. class is known as Kupe, which are 4-bed berths with two upper and two lower beds. The lower beds function as a sitting area during the daytime. Expect to share your lower bed with passengers from the upper bed during the day, e.g. for meals. The second class on Chinese trains is called soft sleeper .

The luggage is stored under the lower beds, and the compartment is equipped with a reading light and electric socket. There are toilets and washrooms at each end of the wagon.

Third class

The third class, known as platskartny , has an open plan with 54 bunks per wagon, arranged in groups of 4 or 2. Here you will have a lack of privacy, but on the other hand, you are guaranteed nice encounters with your fellow passengers.

If you are travelling on a tight budget, the third class will be the best option. It is significantly cheaper than the higher classes.

Private luxury trains

If you have the money and are looking for a once-in-a-lifetime experience, one of the private luxury trains could be the option for you. Here you travel in a secluded world, with meals, excursions and the best comfort included. It is expensive, so only expect to meet other wealthy travellers on this train. The downside is that you won’t have many encounters with the locals if you choose one of these trains.

Check Golden Eagle or Imperial Russia for more information on private luxury trains.

6. How much does the Trans-Siberian cost?

It’s a myth that a Trans-Siberian Railway trip is very expensive. On the contrary, when thinking of the distance travelled, it comes out as very affordable indeed.

In addition to the Trans-Siberian-Railway ticket itself, there are some additional costs you need to add:

• Costs for the visa(s)
• Health insurance
• Flights (or other transport) to start and endpoint
• Accommodation before and after the train ride, plus at the stops you make
• Food and drinks
• Personal expenses

The price of the train tickets depends on the time of year you travel, and your preferred class. The high season is June to August when the ticket prices are at the highest. Also around Russian New Year and Christmas, the prices rise. The same goes for the Chinese train around Chinese New Year.

In general, it is cheaper to travel the whole Trans-Siberian without stops, as you then travel on the same ticket the whole way. Making stops will raise the ticket cost, but not that much. The more stops you make, the higher the total cost you will get (when you stop you have to buy several independent tickets).

Your travel class will affect the ticket price the most, and in general, a first-class ticket is around double of a second-class 4-berth ticket. The lower bed is more expensive than the upper bed. Some tickets on certain trains also include one or a few meals, but far from all the meals, you’ll need.

Price example (per person) from our Trans-Siberian Railway trip (January 2020):

• Train number 70 Moscow-Yekaterinburg, 2nd class, 4-bed berth, lower bed: €68/ $83
• Train number 2, the Rossiya , Yekaterinburg-Irkutsk, 2nd class 4-bed berth, upper bed:€129 / $158
• Train number 100 Irkutsk-Vladivostok, 2nd class, 4-bed berth, upper bed: €121/ $149/ lower bed: €157 / $193

Total price Moscow-Vladivostok with two stops: €672/ $825, or only €336/ $412 per person. With more stops, the price will go up, and without stops, it will go down, but the difference is really not that much.

Tickets from Moscow to Beijing can cost as little as €550/ $680, but the real bargain is on the classic route from Moscow to Vladivostok.

As seen above, it is possible to make a Trans-Siberian Railway trip quite cheap. If you travel only third class, you can save more, and first-class would cost around double. The total price for the whole trip will then more depend on your choice of accommodation before, during and after the trip, and how much the flights or other transport costs before and after the train itself. With budget accommodation and low-cost airlines, it is possible to do this whole trip for less than €1000/ $1230, food and activities not included, if you live in Europe.

Expect to pay much more if you use a travel agent. Should you prefer to book via a travel agency, you will get the best deal from local offices in China or Mongolia, while the western ones usually will be the most pricey option.

For private luxury trains, you should expect to pay more than €10,000 (up to €20,000). And that’s per person!

7. How to book Trans-Siberian Railway tickets?

When you have decided your route and planned which stops your Trans-Siberian railway trip should have, it is time to book your tickets.

Booking tickets to the Trans-Siberian Railway is surprisingly easy and straightforward. There is no need to ask a travel agent at home or in Russia to do this for you. Expect to pay much more if you use a travel agent.

Tickets are available for booking 60 days before departure. Especially in the high season, it is recommended to book in advance, but often it is possible to find tickets 2-3 days in advance online or at the train stations in Russia. The Trans-Mongolian line is popular and can sell out due to only one departure per week. Book way ahead unless you are very flexible on time.

During the booking process, you can choose between available berths and between upper or lower beds. You can also choose between mixed-gender or female berth only. Smoking is prohibited anywhere on the train, so you don’t have to fear smoking in your compartment.

TIP: There are toilets at each end of the wagons. If the toilet is full, it can stink really bad, also in the corridor and berths close by. Choose your berth in the middle of the wagon.

How to book tickets at the Trans-Siberian railway (for trains starting in Russia)

• Go to the official website of the Russian Railways (site in English)
• Click on log-in or registration to create a profile (mandatory before booking)
• Type in from/to and date and search
• Click on the from-price in the class you prefer, and see which berths are available
• Choose your berth, and if you want an upper or lower bed
• Fill in personal information, confirm, and pay (NB: you need to add your passport number)
• Voila! You have your ticket
• Tickets work electronic but, we recommend a print-out in case of battery issues

PLEASE NOTE: This way of booking is at the moment only available for trains starting in Russia. You can not book tickets online on this site for trains starting in China or Mongolia. Some US-issued credit cards may get rejected.

How to buy tickets on trains starting in China and Mongolia:

• You can not buy tickets for the Trans-Siberian Railway at Beijing stations
• The CITS international train booking office is recommended for purchasing tickets in China and Mongolia
• In Ulaanbaatar, you can buy tickets at the international ticket office next to the train station

8. Life onboard the Trans-Siberian Railway

A journey on the Trans-Siberian Railway is slow travel at its best. Prepare yourself for days on the tracks with many fellow passengers coming and going. The encounters with fellow passengers, tourists and locals, will be some of the most memorable moments of this trip. Keep in mind that the Trans-Siberian is not run for tourists. It is as it’s meant to be; a passenger train made for transporting many people over long distances. Don’t expect nightclubs and entertainment onboard.

Even though you will spend hours and days onboard the train, you hardly will have time to get bored. Somehow, the days pass by as the Siberian landscape slowly glides by outside your window. Relax, watch the scenery outside, read, play a game, listen to music or podcasts or watch a downloaded movie or series. Talk with your fellow passengers, stretch your legs at the stops, have a drink and enjoy your journey. That’s all that it’s about!

Please note that onboard the train, they always use Moscow time. Time tables show both Moscow and local time. Keep track of the time zone, and you will manage.

Before boarding the train

Essential items to pack

• Comfy clothes
• Slip-on footwear
• Electric adapter
• Toilet paper
• Bottled water
• Instant food

Arrival and boarding

• Trains in Russia are punctual
• Check the name of the station closely
• Arrive latest 30 min before departure
• Platform and track will be displayed in the departure hall
• Keep tickets and passports safe but available for inspection

Arrival on the train

Upon arrival, you will meet your train host, the provodnitsa. She is the boss, your best friend, and must be obeyed. Each wagon has its provodnitsa, and on long trains, they work in pairs (one works while the other rests). They only speak Russian and can seem very strict and fearsome, but mostly they are friendly and helpful.

On arrival, she will check your ticket and provide you with the bed linen. Her most important task is to keep her wagon clean, tidy and warm. She also makes sure that the samovar (water boiler) at the end of the corridor always contains hot water for your use.

At the beginning of the journey, they usually also offer some souvenirs or snacks they have for sale. Buy something, and you have a friend and helper for the rest of the journey. If you need something, like plates, cups or cutlery, you can often borrow it from her (for a small tip).

Your compartment

Depending on if you travel solo, as a couple or in a small group, usually, you share your compartment with other passengers, unless you have bought all beds. Be polite, greet fellow travellers and try to interact with them.

You can be lucky or not so lucky with your roommates, but that’s also a part of the experience. Put baggage under the seats, and keep personal belongings in your bed. Respect that people want to sleep in the night, and expect fellow passengers to come and go at all times as the train stops frequently.

If you have the lower bed, you are expected to make room for passengers in the upper bed to sit in your bed and share the table at meals. Not everyone is so happy with doing this, but all passengers have the right to use the table.

TIP: If you are two travelling together, book one lower and one upper bed on the same side. Then you can rest whenever you want, and sharing the lower bed as a daytime sofa and the table is never a problem.

Meals on board

Let’s be honest: don’t expect your Trans-Siberian Railway trip to be a culinary journey. In that case, you will get deeply disappointed. If your ticket includes some meals, you will get them brought to your compartment. Every train has a restaurant car, with various decorations. The food in the restaurant car is disappointing and nothing special. It is quite pricey for such low quality.

Try the food in the restaurant car as part of your experience. But don’t have all your meals here. Eat most meals in your compartment, and rather use the restaurant car for a drink or two during the day. It is a good place to meet other travellers.

Buy instant food, like noodles, soups and stews before you board the train. The samovar in your wagon always has hot water you can use. Stock up on fruits, crackers and other dry food items. When the train stops for more than just a few minutes you can buy more food at the stations along the route.

Short stops along the route

The many shortstops along the route are one of the highlights during the day onboard. Sometimes the train stops for just a few minutes and other times for anything between 30 minutes to an hour. Each wagon is equipped with a timetable showing the stops along the route. The timetable states arrival and departure times at each stop.

When the train only stops for a few minutes, it can be worth getting off to get some fresh air and stretch your legs. Don’t be late back. The train will not wait for you.

Life on the stations is some of the most fun and memorable moments of this journey. Passengers come and go, and everywhere it’s busy activities. Small stalls sell fresh or preserved food, drinks, fruits and sweets. Locals often also offer local products for sale. It can be handcrafted items, souvenirs, food and drinks. Often you can find fresh bread on the stations, and in some places, you can also find warm food. Try the smoked fish offered at the stations in Siberia. It’s delicious and a good supplement to all the instant food.

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2 thoughts on “Total Guide to plan & book a great Trans-Siberian Railway Trip”

Hello guys!! Just loved your blog on the transiberian. It cleared my mind and encourage us to a future trip. Have fun and enjoy life as you two always do and maybe our paths will cross some day on a post covid dream trip. Big hugs from Monterrey, Mexico.

Thank you very much for your feedback! Trans-Siberian is such a great adventure that we would recommend to everyone.

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We are Matthias and Kent. With a strong desire to travel the world, we create articles and travel guides from our many trips. We aim to inspire you to explore the world, near and far. Maybe your next adventure is closer than you think?