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June 26, 2026 | 2 Minute read

Do You Know? What Is the Longest Railway in the World?

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Tiara Zenia
Trans-Siberian Railway train traveling beside a lake and mountains in Russia, shown as the longest railway in the world in a postcard-style travel image

The longest railway in the world is the Trans-Siberian Railway in Russia. Its main route runs from Moscow to Vladivostok, stretching about 9,289 kilometers, or 5,771 miles, across one of the largest countries on Earth.

The Longest Railway In The World Is In Russia

The Trans-Siberian Railway crosses Russia from west to east. It starts in Moscow, passes through Siberia, and reaches Vladivostok near the Pacific Ocean.

It is not just one tourist train. It is a major railway route used by regular passenger trains, freight trains, and long-distance services across Russia.

How Long Is The Trans-Siberian Railway?

The Trans-Siberian Railway is famous because of its huge distance and geography.

  • Main route: Moscow to Vladivostok
  • Length: about 9,289 kilometers
  • Length in miles: about 5,771 miles
  • Country: Russia
  • Region crossed: European Russia, Siberia, and the Russian Far East
  • Known for: being the world’s longest railway line
  • Journey style: long-distance rail travel across forests, rivers, cities, and remote regions

Some route variations connect with Mongolia and China, but the classic Trans-Siberian route runs across Russia to Vladivostok.

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Where Does The Trans-Siberian Railway Go?

The classic route passes through major Russian cities and regions, including:

  • Moscow
  • Yekaterinburg
  • Novosibirsk
  • Irkutsk
  • Lake Baikal region
  • Ulan-Ude
  • Khabarovsk
  • Vladivostok

The Lake Baikal region is one of the most famous parts of the journey because it passes near the world’s deepest lake.

For travelers curious about longer cross-border rail journeys, the Trans-Siberian route is also part of wider overland train ideas between Asia and Europe.

Can You Ride The Trans-Siberian Railway?

Yes, but planning matters. The Trans-Siberian Railway is a long-distance route, and travel conditions can change based on schedules, visas, border rules, payments, and current travel advisories.

Before planning, travelers should check:

  • current train schedules
  • Russian visa requirements
  • payment access
  • ticket availability
  • route changes
  • travel advisories

The full Moscow to Vladivostok journey usually takes several days, depending on the train and schedule.

Before You Travel Across Russia

A long rail route across Russia is easier to manage when your phone is ready for maps, translation tools, tickets, hotel bookings, station details, and weather updates.

For Russia travel, Eskimo offers a Russia eSIM plan without physical SIM card swaps. New Eskimo users can also get free 500MB of Global Data.

FAQ

What Is The Longest Railway In The World?

The longest railway in the world is the Trans-Siberian Railway in Russia.

How Long Is The Trans-Siberian Railway?

The classic Trans-Siberian Railway route is about 9,289 kilometers, or 5,771 miles, from Moscow to Vladivostok.

Where Does The Trans-Siberian Railway Start And End?

The classic route starts in Moscow and ends in Vladivostok, near Russia’s Pacific coast.

Can Tourists Ride The Trans-Siberian Railway?

Yes, but travelers should check current schedules, visa rules, payment access, ticket availability, and travel advisories before planning.

Why Is The Trans-Siberian Railway Famous?

It is famous for being the world’s longest railway line, crossing Russia through Siberia, major cities, remote landscapes, and the Lake Baikal region.

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Written by a real person 💙
Tiara Zenia
I've always been curious about culture, traditions, and little everyday things that make each place special. I'd love to visit different countries and learn along the way.
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