Portugal to Singapore on the longest railway journey in the world

All aboard for a new track record! Travellers can now go all the way from Portugal to Singapore on the longest continuous railway journey in the world

Lasting at least 21 days and covering 11,654 miles, it is the ultimate challenge for train buffs.

a new record has just been set for the longest possible continuous railway journey.

Thanks to the opening of a railway in Laos earlier this month, it is now possible to travel from Lagos, in southern Portugal, all the way to Singapore by train with just a few changes.

The 11,654-mile journey could be done in 21 days allowing for overnight stays to make connections and sort out visas and other paperwork.

It tops the previous longest possible rail trip by around 1,000 miles and has been made possible by the opening on December 2 of a railway connecting the Laotian cities of Vientiane, the capital, with Boten, near the Chinese border.

Portugal to Singapore on the longest continuous railway journey in the world

Portugal to Singapore by land is the longest train journey you’ll ever take in your lifetime.

The two countries are located at two opposite ends on the world map and belong to two different continents. Yes, it’s doable and a hundred times more fulfilling than when you travel by air.

Few travellers have dared to try this, but it’s a challenge that promises a once in a lifetime experience nonetheless.

If you think you have what it takes, then here’s what you should know!

The whole route covers an approximate distance of 16,000 km/10,000 miles.
Portugal to Singapore by land will take you a maximum of three weeks to complete.
The European leg of the journey from Porto, Portugal to Warsaw, Poland will have approximately 40 hours of uninterrupted travel time; this means no jumping off the train to book overnight stays at the stops/destinations.
Certain passport holders still need to secure all the visas required in Europe and Asia before they embark on this journey.
Don’t forget to research about this!
Long train journeys are not for everyone. Portugal to Singapore by land will entail extensive hours on the train, the longest on this journey being six days, plus long layovers.
Expect to spend an overall estimate of US$7,000 per head for the train tickets.
You need to reserve tickets in advance at least for the train journeys in Europe.

The Best Destinations to Visit in Portugal

Despite its boundless popularity, Portugal continues to be one of the best-value destinations in Europe. It has it all – a rich history, innovative art, stunning views and friendly, laid-back locals. Visiting has also become easier since TAP Portugal, the country’s main airline, has increased its stopover programme to five days.

Lagos

Framed by twin crescents of golden sand and set behind a cape of caramel-coloured cliffs, Lagos is quintessentially Algarve.

But unlike many of the region’s towns it hasn’t lost its original charm. The old centre, which clusters around the boat-bobbing Bensafrim river, is filled with 18th-century townhouses and Baroque churches (rather than concrete condos), and the bars and restaurants that fill the higgledy-piggledy alleys behind the medieval castle still feel as local as they do touristy.

Albufeira

Twin bays separated by sea-arches, coves cut from crumbling cliffs, golden swathes of sand that seem to stretch for eternity, it’s no surprise that Albufeira draws the hordes.

They cram the beaches and golf courses in high summer, but come in spring (when the surrounding hills bloom with wildflowers), or autumn (when the sea is still warm), and the whitewashed, Moorish village at its heart is as quiet as birdsong.

Faro

Most visitors see the Algarve’s capital from the aeroplane or transfer bus, which means that despite its touristic location, the city remains resolutely Portuguese.

With its cobbled streets the old centre feels medieval and is crammed with ancient buildings, including the 13th-century cathedral – its massive, fortified tower guards an interior glittering with beautiful azulejo tiles. There are wonderful beaches, too, cresting the wild Ilha do Farol to the south, where you’ll see more wading birds than tourists.

Funchal

The narrow streets and leafy squares of Madeira’s capital clamber up a hill from the sparkling Atlantic.

There are wonderful views at every turn, especially from the sub-tropical Monte Palace gardens and the hulking fortress that crowns the city. Columbus and Cristiano Ronaldo (who has his own museum) are former residents, and the city bursts with historical sights – the cathedral and Colégio church (with magnificent gilt interiors), opulent Quinta das Cruzes mansion and the bustling art deco Lavradores market.

SINGAPORE TRAVEL GUIDE

This is a Singapore Travel Guide for visitors from around the world. Singapore is a small island nation in Southeast Asia with a high population density.

This Singapore tour is from around downtown Singapore where Marina Bay is as well as the Gardens By The Bay and the Botanical Garden where the Singapore zoo is located. We also show you around Changi Airport and Sentosa island which are popular with visitors to Singapore.

Top-Rated Tourist Attractions in Singapore

Singapore has been described as a playground for the rich, and it’s true that the small city-state does have a certain sheen of wealth.

But Singapore offers more than just high-end shopping malls, luxury hotels, and fine dining (though it’s worth indulging in those a bit if you can). There is also a vibrant history and diverse ethnic quarters to discover, along with many family-friendly attractions and lovely public spaces that make exploring this slightly futuristic city worthwhile.

Singapore has an excellent public transportation system that makes sightseeing convenient and easy.

Once you’ve gotten a sense of the metro map, you’ll have no problem zipping from one part of town to the next. English is spoken everywhere, and signs are in English as well. In fact, Singapore is one of the easiest and most comfortable countries to navigate in Southeast Asia.

And as long as you’re not comparing prices to nearby Thailand or Vietnam, you’re in for a lovely stay.

Marina Bay Sands

The opulent Marina Bay Sands resort complex includes a high-end luxury hotel, a mall with a canal running through it, the ArtScience Museum, and the Marina Bay Sands Skypark Observation Deck–a vantage point for taking in the entire city. The Skypark’s viewing deck and infinity pool are found in the ship (yes, ship) that tops the hotel. Only hotel guests are allowed to use the infinity pool, but anyone can visit the observation deck.

Gardens by the Bay

Once you’ve glimpsed this beautifully designed green space (from the top of the Marina Bay Sands, perhaps) you won’t be able to stay away. Wander through the Bay East Garden, perfect for enjoying the vibrant plant life and escaping the city bustle for a moment.

You won’t want to miss Supertree Grove, where you’ll find a cluster of the iconic, futuristic structures designed to perform environmentally sustainable functions. Then, head to the Cloud Forest Dome to see the world’s tallest indoor waterfall and learn a bit about biodiversity. Check the website for ticket sale prices and tour times.

Botanic Gardens

Not to be confused with the Gardens on the Bay, the Botanic Gardens are also worth a visit. Singapore received its first UNESCO World Heritage nomination for its botanical gardens, and with good reason. The city can sometimes feel like a concrete jungle, albeit a clean and comfortable one, but the botanic gardens preserve pieces of Singapore’s wilder heritage.

Singapore Zoo

Billing itself as the world’s best rainforest zoo, the Singapore Zoo is a pretty impressive place. The facility is clean and inviting, and the animals appear well treated, with plenty of lush vegetation and habitat space.

The orangutans are particularly impressive, and visitors can watch as babies and adults alike swing high above their platforms and snack on fruits. There is also a large chimpanzee family, zebras, meerkats, a komodo dragon, mole rats, white tigers, kangaroos, and many other creatures.

Irish Travellers, Ireland’s Only Indigenous Minority

After a long battle, Irish Travellers were finally officially recognised as an indigenous ethnic minority by Ireland’s government in early March 2017.