Looking for the best railfanning locations worldwide? From the Ribblehead Viaduct in England to the Darjeeling Himalayan Railway in India, we’ve got you covered. Explore iconic railways and stunning scenery across the globe.
Best Railfanning Locations in the US
Are you a train enthusiast looking for the best railfanning locations in the US? Look no further, as we have compiled a list of the top spots for you to explore.
Pennsylvania Railroad Museum
Located in Strasburg, Pennsylvania, the Pennsylvania Railroad Museum is a must-visit for any train lover. The museum boasts a collection of over 100 locomotives and rail cars, including the world-famous GG1 electric locomotive. Visitors can explore the exhibits and even take a train ride on the museum’s historic track.
Cajon Pass, California
Cajon Pass, located in Southern California, is a popular spot for railfanning. The pass is home to one of the busiest railroad corridors in the US, with over 100 trains passing through each day. The steep terrain and tight curves make for a challenging and exciting location to capture the perfect shot.
Horseshoe Curve, Pennsylvania
Another gem in Pennsylvania, the Horseshoe Curve offers a unique view of trains navigating a horseshoe-shaped curve. This engineering marvel was completed in 1854 and is still in use today. Visitors can watch as trains climb the curve and enjoy the picturesque view of the surrounding scenery.
Chicago, Illinois
Chicago is known as the “railroad capital of the world,” and for a good reason. The city is home to six major railroads, including Amtrak, and serves as a hub for freight and passenger trains. Union Station, located in the heart of the city, is a popular spot for railfanning, with dozens of trains passing through each day.
Durango and Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad, Colorado
For a unique railfanning experience, head to Durango, Colorado, and hop aboard the Durango and Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad. The historic train takes passengers on a scenic journey through the San Juan Mountains, offering breathtaking views of the rugged landscape.
Tehachapi Loop, California
The Tehachapi Loop, located in Southern California, is a popular spot for railfanning enthusiasts. The loop is a feat of engineering, with trains navigating a 360-degree loop to gain elevation through the mountains. Visitors can watch as trains wind their way up the loop and capture stunning photos of the surrounding scenery.
- Pennsylvania Railroad Museum
- Cajon Pass, California
- Horseshoe Curve, Pennsylvania
- Chicago, Illinois
- Durango and Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad, Colorado
- Tehachapi Loop, California
Best Railfanning Locations in Europe
Are you a railfan looking for the best train-watching locations in Europe? Look no further! Here are some of the top spots that every rail enthusiast should visit.
Ribblehead Viaduct, England
Located in the Yorkshire Dales, the Ribblehead Viaduct is a stunning piece of Victorian engineering. This iconic structure stands 400 meters long and 32 meters high, with 24 arches that span the Ribble Valley. The viaduct was built in the 1870s as part of the Settle-Carlisle Railway and has been a popular spot for railfans ever since. You can watch trains pass over the viaduct from nearby vantage points, such as the Station Inn or the Ribblehead Visitor Centre.
Gotthard Railway, Switzerland
The Gotthard Railway is a masterpiece of Swiss engineering, connecting the cities of Zurich and Lugano through the Alps. The railway line includes the Gotthard Tunnel, one of the longest railway tunnels in the world, which stretches 57 kilometers through the mountains. Along the route, you can admire breathtaking views of snow-capped peaks, deep valleys, and crystal-clear lakes. The Gotthard Railway is also famous for its spiral tunnels, which allow trains to climb and descend steep gradients. Don’t miss the chance to ride on the historic Gotthard Panorama Express, a scenic train that runs from Lucerne to Lugano.
Semmering Railway, Austria
The Semmering Railway is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the most scenic railways in Europe. This historic railway line runs through the Semmering Pass, connecting Vienna and Graz. The route features 16 viaducts, 15 tunnels, and over 100 stone bridges, all built between 1848 and 1854. The Semmering Railway offers panoramic views of the Austrian Alps, with steep climbs and sharp curves that will thrill any railfan. You can take a ride on the Semmeringbahn, a vintage steam train that runs on weekends and holidays from May to October.
Harz Narrow Gauge Railway, Germany
The Harz Narrow Gauge Railway is a charming railway line that runs through the Harz Mountains in central Germany. The railway line has a total length of 140 kilometers and connects the towns of Wernigerode, Nordhausen, and Quedlinburg. The trains are powered by vintage steam locomotives, which add to the nostalgic atmosphere of the journey. Along the route, you can admire picturesque landscapes, dense forests, and quaint villages. The railway line also includes the Brocken Railway, which climbs up to the summit of the Brocken, the highest peak in the Harz Mountains.
Rhine Valley Railway, Germany
The Rhine Valley Railway is a scenic railway line that runs along the Rhine River, connecting the cities of Mainz and Koblenz. The route offers stunning views of the Rhine Gorge, a UNESCO World Heritage Site known for its steep cliffs, vineyards, and medieval castles. The railway line includes the Lorelei Railway, which passes by the Lorelei Rock, a legendary site where a siren is said to have lured sailors to their doom. You can take a ride on the Rheingold Express, a luxurious train that offers panoramic views of the river and the surrounding landscape.
Best Railfanning Locations in Asia
Are you a railfanning enthusiast looking to explore some of the best locations in Asia? Here are some of the top spots to add to your bucket list:
Darjeeling Himalayan Railway, India
The Darjeeling Himalayan Railway, also known as the “Toy Train,” is a UNESCO World Heritage Site that runs through the picturesque hills of Darjeeling. This narrow-gauge railway covers a distance of 88 kilometers and passes through beautiful tea gardens, quaint villages, and stunning landscapes. The train consists of vintage steam engines and offers a unique experience for railfanning enthusiasts.
Kandy to Ella Train, Sri Lanka
The Kandy to Ella train ride in Sri Lanka is one of the most scenic train journeys in the world. This train ride covers a distance of 140 kilometers and takes around 7 hours to complete. The train passes through lush green tea plantations, cascading waterfalls, and verdant forests, offering breathtaking views of the landscape. The train also passes through several tunnels and bridges, making it a thrilling experience for railfanning enthusiasts.
Hualien-Taitung Route, Taiwan
The Hualien-Taitung Route in Taiwan is a popular railfanning destination that offers stunning views of the Pacific Ocean and the Eastern Rift Valley. This railway route covers a distance of 160 kilometers and passes through scenic spots such as the Qingshui Cliff and Taroko Gorge. The train runs at a leisurely pace, allowing passengers to enjoy the breathtaking scenery and take plenty of photos.
Trans-Siberian Railway, Russia
The Trans-Siberian Railway is the longest railway in the world, covering a distance of over 9,000 kilometers. This iconic railway route passes through eight time zones and offers breathtaking views of the Russian landscape. The train passes through several cities, including Moscow, Kazan, and Irkutsk, and offers a unique experience for railfanning enthusiasts.
Shinkansen Bullet Train, Japan
The Shinkansen Bullet Train is a high-speed train that runs between several cities in Japan, including Tokyo, Osaka, and Kyoto. This train is known for its speed and punctuality and offers a unique experience for railfanning enthusiasts. The train passes through scenic spots such as Mount Fuji and offers stunning views of the Japanese countryside.
- Darjeeling Himalayan Railway, India
- Kandy to Ella Train, Sri Lanka
- Hualien-Taitung Route, Taiwan
- Trans-Siberian Railway, Russia
- Shinkansen Bullet Train, Japan
Best Railfanning Locations in Australia
Australia is a vast and diverse country with a rich railway history, offering some of the best railfanning locations in the world. From scenic coastal routes to rugged outback landscapes, Australia has something for every railfan enthusiast. Here are some of the best railfanning locations in Australia that every railfan should visit at least once.
Great Ocean Road, Victoria
The Great Ocean Road in Victoria is one of the most scenic coastal drives in the world, and the railway route is no exception. The railway line runs along the rugged coastline, offering breathtaking views of the ocean and the Twelve Apostles. The journey begins at Geelong and ends at Warrnambool, covering a distance of 264 km. The journey takes around 5 hours, and the best time to visit is during the spring and summer months.
Kuranda Scenic Railway, Queensland
The Kuranda Scenic Railway in Queensland is one of the most popular tourist attractions in Australia. The railway line runs from Cairns to Kuranda, covering a distance of 34 km. The journey takes around 2 hours and offers stunning views of the rainforest, waterfalls, and the Barron Gorge National Park. The railway line has 15 tunnels and 37 bridges, making it a fascinating journey for any railfan enthusiast.
Puffing Billy Railway, Victoria
The Puffing Billy Railway in Victoria is a unique and historic railway line that operates on narrow gauge tracks. The railway line runs from Belgrave to Gembrook, covering a distance of 24 km. The journey takes around 1 hour and 50 minutes, and the train chugs through the Dandenong Ranges, offering a scenic and nostalgic journey. The Puffing Billy Railway is a popular tourist attraction and a must-visit for any railfan enthusiast.
Indian Pacific Train, Australia
The Indian Pacific Train is one of the most iconic and luxurious train journeys in Australia. The train runs from Sydney to Perth, covering a distance of 4352 km, and takes around 3 days to complete the journey. The journey takes you through the vast outback landscapes, offering stunning views of the Flinders Ranges, the Nullarbor Plain, and the Western Australian coastline. The Indian Pacific Train is a once-in-a-lifetime experience and a must-do for any railfan enthusiast.
Ghan Train, Australia
The Ghan Train is another iconic and luxurious train journey in Australia. The train runs from Adelaide to Darwin, covering a distance of 2979 km, and takes around 2 days to complete the journey. The journey takes you through the heart of Australia, offering stunning views of the Red Centre, the MacDonnell Ranges, and the Katherine Gorge. The Ghan Train is a unique and unforgettable experience and a must-do for any railfan enthusiast.
Best Railfanning Locations in Africa
Africa may not be as well-known for its railfanning locations as other continents, but it still boasts some spectacular spots for enthusiasts. Here are the top five locations to explore:
Rovos Rail, South Africa
Rovos Rail is a luxurious train that takes passengers on a journey through the heart of South Africa. The train has a classic feel, with its vintage carriages and elegant décor, and it travels through some of the country’s most breathtaking scenery. From the sprawling vineyards of the Cape Winelands to the rugged mountains of the Drakensberg, this train journey is a feast for the senses. The best part? You can book a suite and travel in style, with all meals and drinks included.
Tazara Railway, Tanzania
The Tazara Railway is a unique railfanning location that spans two countries – Tanzania and Zambia. The railway was built in the 1970s, with the help of China, and it remains an impressive engineering feat to this day. The journey takes passengers through some of the most remote and rugged landscapes in Africa, with stunning mountain ranges, deep gorges, and rushing rivers. If you’re lucky, you might even spot some of the local wildlife, such as elephants, giraffes, and zebras.
Desert Express, Namibia
The Desert Express is a luxury train that takes passengers on a journey through the heart of the Namib Desert. The train has been designed to provide the ultimate comfort and relaxation, with spacious cabins, fine dining, and panoramic views of the surrounding landscape. The journey takes passengers through some of the most spectacular desert scenery in Africa, with vast sand dunes, rugged mountains, and stunning sunsets. This is a railfanning experience like no other.
Ceres Rail Company, South Africa
The Ceres Rail Company is a heritage railway that operates in the Western Cape province of South Africa. The railway has a rich history, dating back to the early 1900s, and it has been restored to its former glory. The train journey takes passengers through some of the most scenic parts of the Cape, including the famous vineyards of the Hex River Valley and the majestic mountains of the Boland. The train itself is a marvel of engineering, with vintage carriages that have been lovingly restored.
Blue Train, South Africa
The Blue Train is one of the most famous luxury trains in the world, and it takes passengers on a journey through the heart of South Africa. The train has a classic feel, with its elegant décor and vintage carriages, and it travels through some of the country’s most iconic landscapes. From the rolling hills of the Highveld to the rugged mountains of the Drakensberg, this train journey is a true adventure. The best part? You can book a suite and travel in style, with all meals and drinks included.
In conclusion, Africa may not have as many railfanning locations as other continents, but the ones it has are truly special. From the luxurious Rovos Rail to the rugged Tazara Railway, there is something for every rail enthusiast. So why not hop on a train and explore the wilds of Africa? You won’t regret it.
- Rovos Rail is a luxurious train through the heart of South Africa
- Tazara Railway spans two countries and offers stunning views of rugged landscapes
- Desert Express takes passengers through the heart of the Namib Desert
- Ceres Rail Company is a heritage railway in the Western Cape of South Africa
- Blue Train is a famous luxury train that travels through iconic landscapes of South Africa.
