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Train journeys

The writer fell victim to a predatory train ticket website when booking a journey in Germany.

The train ticket rip-off fleecing travellers around the world

When I realised I’d paid far more for my trip than I should have, I felt like an idiot. But I wasn’t the only one falling for this dodgy practice.

  • Gary Nunn
Despite 10 hours on a non air-conditioned train between Bucharest and Sofia, there were lots of pleasant bits.

No air-con, no food, dire toilets: This is not one of Europe’s dream trains

This is not one of Europe’s sleek high-speed services. After 10 hours on board, I’m in no hurry to try it again – but I can’t say I didn’t enjoy some aspects of it.

  • Tim Richards
Room with a view.

$16,000 for two nights: On board Australia’s answer to the Orient Express

There are just two of the new luxury suites on board the Ghan and, despite the hefty price tag, they’re already all but booked out for the rest of the year.

  • Ute Junker
Amtrak’s NextGen Acela.
  • ★★★★
  • USA

The US now has a high-speed train that sets a new standard

Speeds of up to 257.5 km/h, fast Wi-Fi, better seats and improved food than anything before, and it runs from America’s busiest station.

  • Kristie Kellahan
The long and luxurious train, all 450 metres of it, with two locomotives to move the 15 cars.

This lesser-known luxury train journey exceeds all expectations

I’ve travelled on better-known luxury trains around the world, but I can say with absolute confidence that the Al Andalus exceeds all my previous railway adventures.

  • Shaney Hudson
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The train between Okayama and Matsuyama crosses the 13 kilometres-long Great Seto Bridge.

Kooky Japanese train traverses scenic route and engineering marvel

The ever-offbeat Japanese have a propensity for theming their trains, even their shinkansen, around famous cartoon characters.

  • Anthony Dennis
Bento.

How Japan created the ultimate takeaway food

This specialised version of a bento box is designed specifically for train passengers. Add a bullet train and a cold beer and you have one of life’s great pleasures.

  • Ben Groundwater
Solo train travel is never a barrier to finding company.

Travelling solo is, ironically, the least lonely way to travel

There is something about travelling as a couple that creates an insulated environment. Travelling solo is a great way to start talking to strangers.

  • Tim Richards
The high-speed passenger express Afrosiyob at the platform of Bukhara railway station, Uzbekistan.

On board the European high-speed train zooming through Central Asia’s desert

Even Uzbekistan has faster trains than we do, but don’t expect too much from the coffee.

  • Andrew Bain
Towers are abundant in the old city.

Inside the ancient walls of a city unlike anywhere else in Europe

The tide has carried explorers, traders, conquerors and crusaders to Cadiz, and each empire has left an indelible mark.

  • Shaney Hudson