Top 10 Longest Railways in the World

This railway stretches across Russia from Moscow to Vladivostok, spanning over 9,289 kilometers (5,772 miles) in length. Connecting Europe and Asia, it is one of the longest railway lines in the world, passing through eight time zones. The railway was first proposed by Vladimir Lenin in 1902 but its construction was delayed due to World War I and other factors. At its peak, over 15,000 people worked on the project, with many more employed in supporting roles. The Trans-Siberian Railway also holds several records, including being the longest railway tunnel in the world at the time of its completion. Due to its immense length, the train operating the line has a unique "time zone hop" system to adjust for changing local times.

With an extensive network covering 1.3 million kilometers (800,000 miles), it is not only the longest railway system in the world but also one of the most complex and diverse. This vast network spans across the country and employs over a million people in its operations. The oldest section of the Indian Railway dates back to the year 1854 when the British colonial government built railways for transportation purposes. As it expanded, so did the number of trains operating on various routes, resulting in India's largest train operations. Its vast network connects remote areas with major cities across the country.

Spanning over 85,000 kilometers (53,000 miles) in length, this railway is not only a vital part of Russia but also an important player in international trade and travel. Connecting major cities like Moscow, St. Petersburg, and Vladivostok, it transports millions of passengers and tons of freight each year. The idea for the construction was first proposed by Peter the Great in 1701 to improve transportation between major towns. Russian Railways have been instrumental in establishing Moscow as a major commercial center.

Stretching over 73,000 kilometers (45,370 miles), this network is among the longest in Asia and connects many of China's coastal cities with central regions like Xi'an, Beijing, and Shanghai. As part of its Belt and Road Initiative, it also provides connectivity to Central Asia, Africa, and Southeast Asia. Construction on the Chinese Railway began in 2008 following significant investments from the government. It involves a wide range of train types for different purposes such as high-speed trains, freight transport, and passenger services.

Spanning over 59,000 kilometers (36,707 miles), it connects the U.S. with Canada and is part of one of the most extensive transportation networks in the world. Its line stretches from New York to Vancouver, making train travel a popular mode of transport for both local and international travelers. Construction began during the early 20th century as new technologies made long-distance railways feasible. The North American Railway also features modern infrastructure such as rail tunnels beneath major cities.

Comprising over 43,000 kilometers (26,790 miles), it stretches across the continent from Sydney to Perth and other major cities. Connecting urban areas with rural communities is vital for maintaining remote services in Australia's vast outback. This railway network also has several long-distance passenger trains that follow historic routes connecting different parts of the country. The development of the railways was a priority after World War II as part of Australian infrastructure growth.

Spanning over 4,352 kilometers (2,704 miles), it links Perth, Sydney, and Adelaide in Australia, showcasing some of its most scenic parts amidst arid lands and desert regions. Construction on this railway started during the early 20th century as a way to facilitate intercity travel. The Indian Pacific is famous for traversing across Western Australia's vast deserts. Each station offers unique aspects of local culture.

Kazakhstan Railway extends over 5,250 kilometers (3,258 miles) connecting major cities like Almaty and Astana with its western border and the Caspian Sea port. The construction took about eight years to complete after President Nazarbayev signed a law in 1996 to establish this railway link. For Kazakhstan, this network not only unifies various regions but also enhances economic cooperation with countries nearby like Russia.

Spanning over 3,212 kilometers (1,994 miles) from Vancouver, British Columbia, to Montreal, Quebec, this railway is crucial for transportation between North America's eastern and western coasts. It began construction in the late 19th century as a significant part of Canada's growth strategy following its incorporation into modern railroads. Connecting industries along its route makes CNR vital to manufacturing and resource extraction sectors.

This railway system spans over 3,000 kilometers (1,864 miles) from Durban to Cape Town and is known for playing an important role in connecting the southern region of Africa with major economic centers within the continent. Construction on this line began during British rule in the early 19th century as a way to boost trade and transportation across South Africa's vast territory.