Travel guides: rail travel / railway journeys Books

Book SynopsisThe world's most scenic rail ride. A journey on Canada's transcontinental railroad ranks as one of the greatest rail experiences in the world. Stretching from the Atlantic to the Pacific, the lines span 3974 miles, taking in not only several of North America's finest cities but also some of the most dramatic scenery on earth, including the spectacular Rocky Mountains. * Fully revised 6th edition - entirely re-researched. * Mile-by-mile route guide - what to see along the route, with 32 rail route maps. * Rail travel for all budgets - information from the cheapest rail tickets with shoestring accommodation in the cities along the route to the most luxurious guided tours. * City guides and maps - the best sights, recommended hotels and restaurants in 10 major stops along the lines: Halifax, Quebec City, Montreal, Toronto, Winnipeg, Edmonton, Jasper, Calgary, Churchill and Vancouver. * Railway history - the rail link that created modern Canada.Trade ReviewFor previous edition: 'For anyone contemplating all or part of this journey, this is THE guide' - Traveller Magazine (UK). 'An essential companion for the rail tourist to Canada.' - The Railway Magazine. 'Invaluable' The Daily Telegraph (UK). 'An essential companion' The Railway Magazine (UK).

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Book SynopsisJapan is steeped in legend and myth, perhaps the greatest of which is the popular misconception that the country is simply too expensive to visit. The truth is that flights to Japan are cheaper than they've ever been, accommodation can be great value, while the warm hospitality which awaits every visitor costs nothing at all. The real secret to travelling around the country on a budget, however, is the Japan Rail Pass. Use this comprehensive guide in conjunction with a rail pass to get the most out of a trip to Japan. * Practical information - planning your trip; when to go; suggested itineraries; what to take; festivals and events. * City guides and maps - where to stay, where to eat, what to see in 30 towns and cities; historical and cultural background. * Kilometre-by-kilometre route guides - covering train journeys from the coast into the mountains, from temple retreat to sprawling metropolis and from sulphurous volcano to windswept desert; 33 route maps. * Japan Rail service schedules - Bullet trains and main routes in this guide. * Customs, etiquette, Japanese words and phrases - with kanji- With kanji/hiragana/katakana for all place name text - readers can point to the text when asking Japanese speakers for directions. * Extended Highlights - extra colour sections make this book even more user-friendly and attractive. What's new in this fully-updated 5th edition? * Greater coverage of Tokyo with additional mapping following post-Olympic interest in the capital and the country * More hot-spring resorts added (including Kinosaki, Kinugawa and Nyuto) * More information about areas off the beaten track including the wood-carving town of Inami, Yanagawa where you can ride in a 'gondola' along its canals, Tomioka Silk Mill (where silk production was first mechanised), Okunoshima island (notorious for its WWII poison gas factory) * New Style Trailblazer guide with twin-colour layout and restyled maps * Expanded colour section with 'Best' lists to help plan a trip * Kanji and katakana are now included for all place names * Fully updated post Covid outbreak.Trade Review'no visitor to Japan should be without their own copy' - Wisconsin Bookwatch (US); Reviews for previous editions: 'A must for any travel or train buff's collection... covers everything from Japanese words and phrases to railway timetables. This new edition includes recent extensions to several train lines plus further coverage of popular tourist destinations and less-traveled ares nearby'.--California Book Watch (USA) 'Excellent guide'--The Sunday Times (UK) 'A find.... Well researched'--The Japan Times (Japan) 'Practical, highly interesting and should enable the visitor to save money and add to the enjoyment of Japan'.--National Railway Museum Journal (UK) 'One of my favourite and most used guidebooks'--South China Morning Post (Hong Kong) 'A great primer'--The Daily Telegraph (UK) 'An invaluable companion'--Railway Magazine (UK) 'If you are coming from outside Japan, this is quite possibly the best single guidebook you can bring'.--Japan Visitor Guide (Japan) 'Brilliantly informative guide'--JTB Europe (Japan Travel Bureau) 'A gem'--The Daily Yomiuri (Japan)

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Book SynopsisWith upgraded trains and technology, well-thought- out experiences, and growing eco-consciousness, train travel is likely about to have a renaissance. Travel by Train offers those who are ready-to-go, 40 unique itineraries across five continents. Bonuses include insightful tips and practical advice for first-time train travellers. For those in need of dreaming, Travel by Train provides stimulating information about the historical and cultural significance of each route, as well as, the natural wonders one is likely to encounter. High quality photography evokes the imagination and stimulates the senses. Beyond being a common method of everyday commuting, travelling by train is increasingly becoming its own touristic experience – and with good reason!

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Book SynopsisAn illustrated travelogue that brilliantly captures artist and illustrator Emma Fick’s epic train journey on the Trans-Siberian Railway—from Beijing through Mongolia to Moscow—including more than 200 watercolor illustrations and handwritten text that includes cultural and historical information as well as invaluable travel tips.In May 2015, on a trip through the Baltics and Scandinavia, artist and illustrator Emma Fick and her boyfriend (now husband) Helvio discovered a worn copy of the Trans-Siberian Handbook at a secondhand shop in Helsinki. Many travelers from around the globe had used the guide to journey on the longest train ride in the world. Emma and Helvio took their find as a sign to embark on their own adventure on the legendary railway that has captured the imaginations and curiosities of many travelers and explorers since its construction a century ago.A year and a half later, with Trans-Siberian Handbook in hand, they boarded the train in Beijing. Their odyssey was just beginning.Border Crossings is the chronicle of their unforgettable 26-day, 8-city journey across Asia to Moscow. Emma offers a concise history of the railway and in vivid, visual language, takes you across a vast landscape of rural villages and bustling urban centers, through open food markets brimming with delicacies and a snowy mountain wilderness dotted with clusters of gers—nomadic homes. Emma’s detailed observations and lush descriptions, accompanied by detailed colorful illustrations, bring this remarkable journey of discovery and adventure—the landscapes, food, people and cultures—to life. Experience drinking salty milk tea, eating shoe sole cake (fried cakes shaped like shoe soles piled high and topped with milk curds and hard candies), and riding camels in Mongolia. In Russia, wander through a snow-draped countryside filled with stands of birch trees, explore the wonders of freshwater Lake Baikal—the source of omul, a ubiquitous and beloved fish delicacy—go ice fishing, and take a self-guided tour of Moscow. With its hand-drawn maps, its wealth of illustrations of every aspect of the experience—from sleeping quarters on a train to the highlights of a monastery or the details of a memorable meal, Border Crossings is an invitation to experience new destinations and cultures first-hand—to travel the Trans-Siberian Railway as never before, whether you’re a nomad looking for a new vacation destination, an armchair traveler, or just culturally curious. Trade Review"[Fick’s] enchanting illustrated travel memoir shares the experience intimately. . . . She chronicles the trip diary-style, with watercolor paintings to show both stunning scenery and portraits, as well as myriad odd details, the “snippets” that make remote travel so alluring. (Imagine your own illustrated travel journal in which you capture each day’s essence in a note with a drawing; then imagine you actually have talent.)" — New York Times "Watercolor sketches [depict] artist Emma Fick’s 2017 journey on the Trans-Siberian Railway . . . with paintings of bathroom fixtures, local officials and Russian cafeteria food that dodge the genre’s cliched tropes altogether. Handwritten notes accompany the images, which are sometimes framed with a traveler’s-eye view of train windows and passenger compartments. Others serve as whimsical compendiums . . . [the] effect is charming, yes, but it also invigorates." — Washington Post “Artist Fick's illustrated travelogue combines intricate art and intimate observations—vibrantly colored and distinctly hand-lettered—of a Beijing-to-Moscow expedition on the Trans-Siberian Railway. . . . Lucky readers get to adventure along in cozy comfort.” — Booklist

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Book SynopsisAfter forty years of adventuring around the world’s remaining steam railways, Keith Strickland has compiled the very best of his vast collection of railway photographs.

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Book SynopsisA colorful souvenir photo book that captures the history and excitement of the Railroad Museum of Pennsylvania, which has preserved and interpreted the Commonwealth’s rich railroad history for half a century.

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Book SynopsisObservations on the people, culture, and history of Japan from a long-time resident riding the rails along the less-traveled western coastline.This journey the length of Japan takes the reader off the beaten tracks to explore some of the country's remoter regions along the Japan Sea—from Wakkanai in northern Hokkaido to Ibusuki in southern Kyushu—in a fascinating mix of travelogue, anecdote, and personal memoir. At each of the thirty stops along the journey the author, who has lived in Japan for thirty years, goes in quest of the spirit of place, determined to highlight what makes it special. Mixing comments on landscape and culture, the author was inspired by Alan Booth and Donald Richie and brings a contemporary perspective to his writing. The text provides some practical information on travel by rail and railway lines, but goes into far more depth and personal observation than a conventional guidebook for tourists.Trade Review"John Dougill's honest observations and deeply personal style leave a lasting impression."—Nikkei Asia"Skillfully combining history, culture, food, society, literature, and old-fashioned observation, Dougill educates as well as entertains, soothing the restless spirit of the traveler who is determined to visit every place they read or hear about."—Rebecca Otowa, author of At Home in Japan"Dougill takes delight in every aspect of Japan, from the fish and pickles he has for dinner, to a weird conversation with a stranger that takes a surprise turn. I know of no Japan journey that is so full of joy as this one."—Alex Kerr, author of Lost Japan and Another Kyoto"Erudite and deftly constructed, Dougill offers an original point of view and a sense of literary composition yoked with a deep knowledge of the country and culture."—Stephen Mansfield, author of Tokyo: A BiographyTable of ContentsPreface Introduction: Japan’s Railways HOKKAIDO 1) Wakkanai 2) Asahikawa 3) Sapporo 4) Otaru 5) Shiraoi 6) Hakodate TOHOKU 7) Aomori 8) Akita 9) Tsuruoka 10) Sado Island 11) Niigata (Joetsu-Myoko) HOKURIKU 12) Toyama 13) Kanazawa 14) Fukui 15) Tsuruga (Obama-Fukuchiyama) CHUGOKU 16) Tottori 17) Matsue 18) Izumo 19) Tsuwano 20) Hagi 21) Shimonoseki KYUSHU 22) Fukuoka 23) Iki Island 24) Karatsu-Imari 25) Hirado 26) Nagasaki 27) Shimabara 28) Kumamoto 29) Kagoshima 30) Ibusuki

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Book SynopsisIt’s about the journey, not the destination.All Aboard—first published in 1995, and here revised and updated—is much more than just a mile-by-mile scenery guide for train travelers. Written both for veteran train travelers and those considering their first rail journey, it will keep any trip on track with its insightful travel trips and information about how railroads operate. All Aboard presents how and why the first railroads came about, describes the building of America’s trans-continental railroad, and explains how individual trains are operated. Railway expert Jim Loomis also offers advice that can only come from a veteran traveler: booking trips, finding the lowest fares, avoiding pitfalls, packing for an overnight trip, what to do on board, whom to tip and how much.This new, fifth edition includes up-to-date information on new high-speed rail projects in California, Texas, and Florida, new trains on the Copper Canyon route in Mexico, current reports on the legal disputes between freight railroads and Amtrak, and much, much more.All Aboard is the ultimate guide to American train travel and its unique history and culture.Table of ContentsAcknowledgments Foreword: Rediscovering the Train 1 Why Take a Train? 2 How It All Began 3 Amtrak to the Rescue 4 Planning Your Own Train Trip 5 Packing and Last-Minute Details 6 Life Onboard 7 Who's in Charge Here? 8 When Things Go Wrong 9 Coaches, Sleepers, Dining Cars, and More 10 How It All Works 11 What About All Those Freight Trains? 12 Safety Is Priority Number One 13 Taking the Train in Canada 14 Mexico's Copper Canyon Train 15 Ten Great Railway Stations 16 Will There Be Trains in Our Future? Appendix A: Pick a Train, Any Train Appendix B: Some Suggested Itineraries Appendix C: Railroad Terms and Slang Appendix D: How to Find a Rail-Savvy Travel Agent Appendix E: Passenger Rail Advocates Appendix F: Excursion Trains and Railroad Museums Index

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Book SynopsisThoroughly updated, this seventh edition of Bradt's guide to Switzerland offers a unique perspective on getting the most from this mountainous country while travelling only by public transport. Switzerland boasts the world's finest public transport network - the comfort, efficiency and frequency of trains, buses, boats and cable cars explain why many Swiss don't own cars - yet is still enhancing services, including recently around Geneva. The Swiss Travel System is a revelation. Moreover, using public transport is a must. Visitors cannot reach many fine Swiss sights by road, and over a dozen car-free resorts enable them to experience the serenity and clean air of the country's mountains (208 above 3,000m). Walkers and cyclists enjoy superb networks - almost 64,000km of footpaths and many surprisingly unhilly cycle paths beside lakes and rivers. Written by a railway expert who has been visiting this mountainous country since childhood, no other guidebook is devoted to Swiss public transport, which is the easiest, most enjoyable and responsible way to travel. The guide encompasses culture, architecture, landscapes, walking and cycling, plus fascinating facts for railway enthusiasts, numerous tips for reducing costs in a country known for being expensive, and ample advice for foodies. Switzerland offers some of the world's most stunning landscapes. Above and beyond mountains and lakes, each region offers something different and often curious - such as the world's smallest vineyard, barely the extent of a dinner table, owned by the Dalai Lama - while four official languages add cultural variety. Switzerland's cities are among the world's most beautiful, safest and pedestrian friendly. Its capital, Bern, is a World Heritage Site with 6km of covered arcades, where even jaded shoppers will delight in hundreds of independent shops. Luzern's lakeside setting is unrivalled, with mountains in every direction, floodlit city walls and an historic centre. Lausanne and Geneva overlook Lac Léman, Zurich is lively, and Basel enjoys a broad sweep of the Rhine. Whether you love culture or cycling, gastronomy or walking, with Bradt's Switzerland, you can enjoy the qualities that help ensure Switzerland is consistently ranked among the world's most liveable countries - while travelling confidently on public transport.Table of ContentsPART ONE GENERAL INFORMATION 1 Chapter 1 Practical Information 3 Chapter 2 The Swiss Travel System 19 Chapter 3 Special Trains 29 Chapter 4 Walking and Cycling 32 PART TWO THE GUIDE 39 Chapter 5 Zürich 41 Chapter 6 Around Zürich 53 Chapter 7 The Northeast 73 Chapter 8 Bern 101 Chapter 9 The Eastern Bernese Mittelland 113 Chapter 10 The Western Bernese Mittelland 129 Chapter 11 Bernese Oberland 151 Chapter 12 Luzern 173 Chapter 13 Around Luzern 181 Chapter 14 Basel and the Northwest 209 Chapter 15 Neuchâtel and Jura 227 Chapter 16 Geneva and Lausanne 251 Chapter 17 Vevey and Montreux 275 Chapter 18 Southeast Vaud and the Valais 293 Chapter 19 Ticino 327 Chapter 20 Graubünden 351 Appendix 1 Language 377 Appendix 2 Further Information 379 Index of advertisers 380 Index 381

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Book SynopsisTravel more sustainably with this fascinating second edition of Amazing Train Journeys featuring 60 of the world's most unforgettable railway experiences. Discover epic new routes including Japan's Nozomo Shinkansen; the upgraded Tangier-Marrakech line in Morocco; and more - and get ready to watch the world roll by as you rumble along the tracks.Savour the breathtaking views across Loch Shiel as you pass over the infamous 21-arched viaduct on the Jacobite Steam Train; or alight the historic Rocky Mountaineer for a luxurious journey through the breathtaking Canadian Rockies. Each of the 60 excursions provides a handy route map, stunning images and photography, infographics showing key stops, and an expertly written description of the journey that lies ahead. This is the definitive guide for anyone wishing to embark on a sustainable trip or enjoy a more meditative and mindful experience as they travel through a place rather than over it.Inside Amazing Train Journeys 2nd Edition:- 60 of the best train journeys on the planet from classic long-haul trips to little-known gems and even those which have achieved Unesco World Heritage status- Stunning images and photography to inspire your next railway adventure- Expert insights and fascinating background information that bring each train experience to life- Perfect travel inspiration for anyone interested in navigating our planet sustainably- Content includes Tazara Railway (Tanzania & Zambia); The Rocky Mountaineer (Canada); the Coast Starlight (USA); Perurail’s Lake Titicaca Railway (Peru); The Darjeeling Toy Train (India); The Hokkaido Shinkansen (Japan); The Eastern & Oriental Express (Thailand to Singapore); The Glacier Express (Switzerland); Fort William to Mallaig by Jacobite (UK); Ffestiniog & Welsh Highland Railways (Wales); The Ghan (Australia); The TranzAlpine (New Zealand); and many more!Snake your way through mountain peaks, along mesmerising coastlines, or past patchwork fields with this alluring take on the greatest train journeys in the world. This epic guide makes the perfect gift for the railway enthusiast in your life, or the ultimate read to keep you on track when planning your next big adventure.About Lonely Planet: Lonely Planet, a Red Ventures Company, is the world's number one travel guidebook brand. Providing both inspiring and trustworthy information for every kind of traveller since 1973, Lonely Planet reaches hundreds of millions of travellers each year online and in print and helps them unlock amazing experiences. Visit us at lonelyplanet.com and join our community of followers on Facebook (facebook.com/lonelyplanet), Twitter (@lonelyplanet), Instagram (instagram.com/lonelyplanet), and TikTok (@lonelyplanet).

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Book SynopsisLooking for a sustainable and stress-free way to explore Europe? Hop on board the continent's railway network with this ultimate guide to train travel. Whether you want to take it slow on the scenic route or make the most of the newest high-speed services to get straight to your destination, Lonely Planet's experts show you how to plan your journey. Packed with detailed gatefold route maps and insider tips, we cover everything from how to piece together a long-distance trip to the must-see stops and best ways to book value-for-money tickets. As airlines cut back flights and airfares rise, now is the perfect time to take advantage of the increasing overnight services and flexible fares being offered. We also reveal the quirks of different operators and countries, such as luggage allowances, rules and regulations, and what facilities are on board. If you're looking for a more eco-friendly, convenient - and sometimes quicker - way to get from A to B as you travel throughout the continent, Lonely Planet's Guide to Train Travel in Europe will equip you to make the most of your time and budget. high-speed services in France, Italy, Germany, Switzerland and Spain scenic local routes in key countries including the UK and Scandinavia sleeper and long-distance services across the continent About Lonely Planet: Lonely Planet is a leading travel media company and the world’s number one travel guidebook brand, providing both inspiring and trustworthy information for every kind of traveller since 1973. Over the past four decades, we've printed over 145 million guidebooks and grown a dedicated, passionate global community of travellers. You'll also find our content online, on mobile, video and in 14 languages, armchair and lifestyle books, eBooks, and more.

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Book SynopsisThere is always a sense of adventure when going on a railway journey. Whether it is aboard the Orient Express from London to Istanbul, or travelling the Transcontinental railroad through the Canadian Rockies to the Pacific coast, or riding the Serra Verde Express through the Brazilian rainforest, Rail Journeys takes the reader on a journey through some of the most unusual, romantic and remarkable landscapes in the world. Find out about the Coast Starlight, which carries passengers from Los Angeles along the Pacific coast to Seattle and all points in between; or the 7,000 kilometre Trans-Siberian, crossing the entirety of Mongolia and Russia from Beijing to Moscow; or ‘El Chepe’, the Mexican Copper Canyon railway, a line which took 90 years to build and negotiates 87 tunnels, 36 bridges and sweeping hairpin bends as it climbs from sea level to the rim-top views it offers at 2,400m; or enjoy the engineering excellence of the Konkan Railway in India, connecting Mumbai with the port of Mangalore via some 2,000 bridges and 90 tunnels; or experience the Shinkansen ‘Bullet Train’ as it races at speeds of more than 300 km/h between Tokyo and Kyoto, passing the iconic Mount Fuji on the way. With 210 outstanding colour photographs, Rail Journeys takes the reader to some of the most historic, spectacular and remotest locations in the world, places where trains still offer romantic and astounding experiences of rail travel at its best.Table of ContentsIntroduction America • Mount Washington Cog Railway, New Hampshire, USA – dating from 1868, this was the world’s first mountain-climbing cog railway (rack-and-pinion railway) • Rocky Mountaineer, Canada – connects Calgary and Vancouver, offering spectacular views of the Canadian Rockies • Grand Alaska Railroad, Alaska, USA – Meanders through the beauty of Alaska, past dramatic icebergs, glaciers and snow-capped mountains, from Fairbanks to Anchorage. • Expreso del Sur, Bolivia – Crosses the “white desert” of Bolivia from Oruro to Villazon. • Guayaquil & Quito Railway, Ecuador – Running through Ecuador’s Andes, this train travels through cloud forests, tropical coastal landscapes, vertiginous mountains and passes the “Avenue of Volcanoes” before descending to sea level. • Aguas Calientes, Peru – Named for the “discoverer” of Machu Picchu, the “Hiram Bingham” is the luxury service on the Cuzco-Macchu route, with Pullman-style passenger cars and dining facilities.. • La Trochita/Old Patagonia Express, Argentina – Described by Paul Theroux as “the railway almost at the end of the world”, this narrow-gauge steam locomotive runs for 300 miles from the foothills of the Andes to the Atlantic coast. • Serra Verde Express, Brazil – Runs through deepest rainforest in southeast Brazil • Copper Canyon railway/El Chepe, Mexico – Running from Chihuahua to Los Mochis, the famous El Chepe train runs through the Copper Canyon’s many gorges. Europe • Flåm Railway, Norway – Considered to be Norway's most scenic railway, the Flåm line descends from a junction with the Oslo-Bergen railway to Flåm, at the inner end of Aurlandsfjord, descending 863 metres (2848ft) in just over 20km (12.5 miles), past waterfalls, gorges and dramatic mountain vistas. • Orient Express – Glamorous and rich in history, this old-world luxury long- distance passenger train was created in 1883 to carry passengers from Paris to Istanbul. • Snowdon Mountain Railway, Wales – Since 1896, trains have trundled up and down the highest mountain in England and Wales (1085m/3560ft) on this rack- and-pinion worked railway. • West Highland Line, Scotland – known as Rathad Iarainn nan Eilean (gaelic for “Iron Road to the Isles”), the line links the ports of Mallaig and Oban in the Scottish Highlands to Glasgow in Central Scotland • Cinque Terre Express, between Levanto and La Spezia, Italy • Central Rhine Railway between Bingen and Koblenz, Germany – meanders along the west bank of the River Rhine, showcasing the calm water and vineyard-laden slopes of the valleys • Schönbrunn Metro Station, Vienna – Vienna has one of the most highly integrated and efficient urban transport systems in the world. This is the station for Schönbrunn Palace, built as part of a suburban railway scheme in 1898, and since 1964 a stopping-point on Metro line U4. • Zermatt-Gornergrat Railway, Switzerland – Breathtaking views of the Matterhorn are had from the train on the 33-minute journey between Zermatt and the Gornergrat terminus at 3089m (10,134 ft). • Belgrade, Serbia to Bar, Montenegro – travelling from the Serbian capital to the seaside town, the mountains and canyons of southwest Serbia and the north of Montenegro provide a jaw-dropping backdrop • Novosibirsk-Glavny Station, Siberia, Russia – Novosibirsk is the largest station on the Trans-Siberian Railway. Opened at the foundation of the city in 1894, the present buildings date from 1939 and were renovated in 1999. • Trans-Siberian Railway, Russia to China – With a length of 9,289 kilometres (5,772 miles), from Moscow to Vladivostok, it is the longest railway line in the world. There are connecting branch lines into Mongolia, China and North Korea Africa • Marrakech Express, Morocco – overnight journey from Tangier to Marrakech • Tangier to Casablanca – first high-speed line in Morocco and Africa • Nairobi to Mombasa, Kenya – new Chinese-built standard-gauge railway has reduced the journey time from a putative 16–24 hours by the old narrow-gauge line to just over four hours by the Intercity Train • Bulawayo to Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe – travels through spectacular game country and national parks to one of the great wonders of the African continent • Cairo to Luxor, Egypt – a train that hugs closely to the Nile river, running past great temples, pyramids and the fertile Nile Valley • Umgeni Steam Railway, South Africa – The Durban to Pietermaritzburg line was built in the 1880s; it runs through a 53 metres (174 ft) long tunnel at Drummond built in 1878, which is probably the oldest tunnel in use today in South Africa • Dakar Station, Senegal – The railway between Dakar and St Louis was the first in French West Africa, opened in 1885. Asia • Jungle Train, Malaysia – The 300-mile (480km) Jungle Train was built by the British to harvest Malaysia’s tin, rubber and tea. It still weaves through defunct mines, rubber estates and vast tea plantations. • Darjeeling Himalayan Railway, West Bengal, India – The entire 88km (55-mile) railway, completed in 1881, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. • Kyoto to Tokyo, Japan – Passengers on the Shinkansen "bullet train" heading for Nagoya and Kyoto from Tokyo prefer to have right-hand seats to see Mount Fuji as the train speeds past at 320km/h (200mph). • Beijing to Shanghai, China – The world’s fastest passenger train completes the 819 mile (1,318km) trip in four and a half hours. • ‘Train Street’, Hanoi, Vietnam – Known to visitors as 'Train Street', this thoroughfare in Hanoi's Old Quarter sees a long-distance train squeeze past twice daily, a popular venue for tourists. It is the train from Hanoi to Ho Chi Minh City, running 1600km (990 miles) on the metre-gauge track between the two cities. • Eastern & Oriental Express – running from Singapore to Bangkok, this luxury train passes through rubber plantations, rainforest, and tropical beaches in connecting the city state with the Thai capital • Alishan Forest Railway, Chiai County, Taiwan – Running for 86 km (53 miles) in Taiwan's mountainous centre, this 762mm (2ft 6in) gauge line was opened in 1912 as a logging railway, bringing hardwood timber down to the coast. • Trans-Australian Railway, Nullarbor Plain – This line has the world's longest straight section of railway, 478km (299 miles) across desert and scrubland.

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Book SynopsisA trip across Siberia on the longest continuous railway track in the world is undoubtedly the journey of a lifetime. It's also a convenient way to reach China, Mongolia or Japan. Tickets are not expensive or difficult to arrange. This acclaimed guide shows you how to organise a trip, where to get tickets, where to stay and what to see. *Practical information - planning your trip; what to take; getting to Russia from Europe, North America and Australasia*Kilometre-by-kilometre route guides covering the entire routes of the Trans-Siberian, Trans-Manchurian, Trans-Mongolian and Siberian BAM railways with 49 strip maps in English, Russian and Chinese: see where you are as you travel.*City guides and maps - the best sights, places to stay and restaurants for all budgets: Moscow, St Petersburg, Ulaan Baatar, Beijing and 32 towns in Siberia; plus Lake Baikal guide*Siberia and the railway - the detailed history of Siberia, the construction and the running of the railway today are of great interest not only to visitors but also to armchair travellers.*With 92 maps - plus timetables, fares, Russian & Chinese phrases*New 10th edition a new 16pp colour introduction and trip plannerTrade Review'These human-scale books, written and published by people who genuinely know and love their subject, are perfect for travel's post-pandemic recovery.' - The Guardian (UK), March 2021; For previous edition: 'The one I like best is the current edition of the Trans-Siberian Handbook by Bryn Thomas.' - Wanderlust; 'a great guide' - Wanderlust. First edition shortlisted for the Thomas Cook Travel and Guide Book Awards (UK) 'The best guidebook is Bryn Thomas's "Trans-Siberian Handbook"' The Independent (UK) 'Tells you everything you need to know' Cosmopolitan (UK) 'An invaluable guidebook' The Financial Times (UK) 'The Trans-Siberian Handbook ...is a must' The Sunday Times (UK) 'An invaluable travelling companion' Traveller (UK) 'Extensively updated'- Railway Gazette International 'The definitive guidebook is Bryn Thomas's 'Trans-Siberian Handbook" The Independent 'The handbook was really brilliant (everyone we met on the train had a copy!!) We can't imagine doing the trip without it'. Helen Clive 'The Trans-Siberian Handbook (Trailblazer) is the bible for this journey'. The Daily Telegraph. 'The best guide to the Trans-Siberian is undoubtedly Bryn Thomas's "Trans-Siberian Handbook"' - To The Edge of the World, Christian Wolmar (UK)

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Book SynopsisGreat Railway Journeys in New Zealand and Australia is an absorbing description of 35 trips that highlight some of the most interesting, scenic and rewarding railway journeys in both countries. These include the renowned long-distance journeys, such as The Indian Pacific that takes travellers on a three-day trip from Perth to Sydney, and the The Northern Explorer in New Zealand's North Island that stretches from Wellington to Auckland, as well as those that traverse stunning scenery, such as New Zealand's TranzAlpine train or the Spirit of the Outback in Australia. There are also routes on which restored steam locomotives operate and other lines included for the wonder of their engineering. Also included is New Zealands' Coastal Pacific that runs between Picton and Christchurch, now fully operational again since being shut in the aftermath of the 2016 earthquake. Trains are a great way to travel in both countries, taking you at ground level past superb scenery that often cannot be seen by any other means of transport. David Bowden's entertaining text describes the route, the major features of interest along the way and any special technical details about the locomotive or the track.

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Book SynopsisGreat Railway Journeys in Europe features 34 fascinating journeys in North-West, Nordic, Central, Southern and South-East Europe, ranging from cross-continental adventures to short, nostalgic excursions by steam train. There are journeys through stunning scenery, such as the trip on The Rauma Line in Norway; tracks that defy the terrain, such as the routes through the Swiss Alps, and journeys that link famed cities in France, Spain, Austria and Italy. Photographs illustrate the spectacular routes, remarkable locomotives and unique station architecture. For each journey, details cover technical information on the track, descriptions of the scenery the trains pass through, notable facts about the destinations and factual information on ticketing. Each journey is plotted on a route map. Whether you are planning a special trip by train or delighting in discovering Europe's best railway journeys from the comfort of your armchair, this book is an informative and entertaining read.

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