Today you can ride a train almost anywhere in the world. Indeed, travel bloggers report that there are millions of railway routes throughout the world. Some rail routes are more interesting than others, of course. Some of them are more dangerous too.

And some are more dangerous due to their location. They run through steep passes or high into the mountains. They certainly are not for anyone faint of heart.

Yes, they inarguably offer travelers spectacular, panoramic views, but they may be a tad too thrilling for anyone other than an adventure enthusiast. If you think you’d enjoy train rides that are more adventurous, then read on, fellow traveler! Here are the 10 most dangerous train routes on Earth.

10 Most Dangerous Train Routes on Earth

1. The Argo Gede Train Railroad, Indonesia

The Argo Gede Train Railroad is located in Indonesia. The line runs from Bandung to Jakarta. It is one of the highest routes in the country and travels across the well-known Chikurtung pylon trestle bridge. No matter when you board this train, the ride will make the short hairs on the back of your neck stand on end.  

Get goosebumps as you experience the magnificent sheer drop in the subtropical valley. The sights are fascinating. The bridge itself is not fenced. Engineers claim this doesn’t make your ride unsafe and yet you will probably strongly object to their determination.  

Indeed, there have been several accidents in the past. The most significant one reportedly took place back in 2002 when the train actually derailed. Luckily, not a single passenger was injured.

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The Bamboo Trains, Cambodia

The various train routes here in Cambodia were originally built by the French. Most of them, however, were wrecked under the infamous Khmer Rouge Regime. Eventually, residents began using these “bamboo train routes”, as they became known, via handmade carts. Since becoming a tourist attraction, the majority of the carts have actually been fortified. So don’t stress!  

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The Outeniqua Choo Tjoe Train, South Africa

The Outeniqua Choo Tjoe Train made its first run in 1928. It was actually the only “remaining continuously operated passenger train” on the entire African continent until it shut down operations in 2009. The three-hour route connected the Western Cape towns of Knysna Nestle and George.  

The route stopped in other cities and the majority of the scenic 67-kilometer route hugs the coastline of the gorgeous Garden Route prior to coming to an end at Knysna station. In 1992 it was declared a preserved railway. Originally carrying less than 40,000 passengers annually, it was transporting over 1,15,000 passengers each year by sometime in the 2000s.

70 percent of the train’s passengers were tourists. In 2010, Alan Winde, the Western Cape Provincial MEC for Finance, Economic Development, and Tourism, said he was determined to keep the line operational. Last September, there were two companies competing to manage the train.

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The Minamiaso Railway Takamori Line, Japan

The Takamori Line is one of Japan’s most dangerous railway routes running through the Kumamoto Prefecture. It is also the only train line that runs between Miniamiaso’s Tateno Station and Takamori Station, in Takamori and crosses the southern section of Mount Aso Caldera. Its two most well-known train stations are reportedly Minamiaso Mizu no Umareru Sato Hakusui Kogen station and Chōjagahamashiosaihamanasukōenmae Station. 

An earthquake in 2016 temporarily shut down the entire line. As this goes to press, several stations remain closed. It will cost as much as seven billion yen to complete all the restorations and repairs.  

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The Death Railway, Thailand

Also known as the Burma Railway, and the Thai-Burma Railway, the Death Railway has a total distance of 415 kilometers and runs between Thanbyuzayat, Burma (now known as Myanmar), and Ban Pong in Thailand. It was built in 1943 by the emperor of Japan. Its main purpose was to support the military forces in the infamous Burma campaign of World War II.

In fact, forced labor was used to build this railway. Online sources report that somewhere between 180,000 and 250,000 Asian civilians and more than 60,000 Allied P.O.W.s (prisoners of war) were forced to finish this route. Approximately 90,000 civilians and over 12,000 Allied prisoners died during the construction.

It was shut down in 1947. Roughly a decade later, one portion between Nong Pla Duk and Nam Tok was reopened. The section still used today is only 130 kilometers long. While the Thailand-based company has considered rebuilding the entire line since sometime in the 1990s, as of 2021 no work has begun.  

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The Chennai Rameshwaram Route, India

The municipality of Rameshwaram in the Indian state of Tamil Nadu on Pamban Island is connected to the mainland by the Pamban Bridge. Construction on this railway bridge began in 1914. It is 12.5 meters above sea level and was India’s first sea bridge.

With a total length of 2,065 meters, it was also the longest one in the country prior to the opening of the Bandra-Worli Bridge, now known as the Rajiv Gandhi sea link, in 2010. This bridge rests on concrete piers and includes a standard double-leaf bascule middle section, which is raised to permit ships to pass. It was the sole surface transport joining the island to the mainland until 1988 when a road bridge, Annai Indira Gandhi Road Bridge, was built parallel to this railway bridge. It joins the NH 49 highway with the island.  

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Tren A Las Nubes, Argentina

Tren A Las Nubes, a.k.a. “train to the clouds”, is a train service specifically for tourists. Originally based in the province of Salta, it ran 4,220 meters above mean sea level making it the fifth-highest railway in the world. It traveled along the eastern portion of the C-14 or Salta-Antofagasta railway line, which joins the northwestern section of the country with the Chilean portion of the Andes Mountains.     

It was closed for nine months in 2014. That summer a train went off the tracks close to Abra Munano at a height of 4,000 meters. Almost 400 passengers were evacuated. Much of the track has since been restored although the government more recently began running the heritage railway out of San Antonio de los Cobres. 

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The Pilatus Railway, Switzerland

You will need both courage and strong, steady innards to ride the Pilatus railway route that connects the village of Alpanch and Mount Pilatus. It is reported to be the world’s steepest rack railway with an average gradient of 35 percent and a maximum gradient of 48 percent. The train route has an altitude of roughly 2000 meters running through the route’s most dangerous slopes, and a length of nearly 4.7 kilometers. During the trip, the train climbs nearly 1600 meters which is why people consider it dangerous. Only 32 passengers can ride the train at one time.

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Maeklong Railway, Thailand

Come on, ride the train for almost 65 kilometers between Samut Songkhram, Bangkok, and Wongwian Yai in Thailand. With a total of 33 train stations, it consists of two sections separated at Samut Sakhon by the Than Chin River.  

Part of the route runs dangerously through the Maeklong Railway Market. This is one of the country’s biggest fresh seafood markets and it is nicknamed Talat Rom Hup, in English the “umbrella pulldown market.” This unique and hazardous market is unbelievably centered on the railroad tracks.  

People selling their wares, be they fresh fruit, vegetables, or fish, actually sit right on the tracks! There are no signals on the tracks either. Nevertheless, when the train approaches, the vendors move their umbrella awnings and little shop fronts back from the rails and then put them back once the train passes.  

Luckily for both vendors and customers alike, this train is one of the slowest in the entire country. The average speed for the line is just 30 kilometers per hour. Be careful about haggling with the merchants here though or you could end up being run over by a train before you both agree on a price. 

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Landwasser Viaduct, Switzerland

If you have a fear of heights, you may need to skip this dangerous train trip. This railway track was erected on Switzerland’s Landwasser river in 1901. The journey here begins in a hilly area. The railway is supported by pillars that are 65 meters high.

This route is also more than 9200 meters above sea level. It runs through a dense, verdant forest and previous passengers say that it is “pretty scary” because riding on this train often makes you feel as if the train is flying through the air. If you appreciate natural beauty and can’t think of Switzerland without thinking about snow, then the best time to buy your tickets is after a winter snowfall.  

So, if you are a fan of freight hopping, you may want to consider adding a ride on the rails in one of the previously noted places. After all, these are the 10 most dangerous train rides on Earth. 

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Yes, it’s that time of the year again! It’s time for all the US foliage aficionados to hit the road and take in all the cool colors of the season. In fact, many fans of fall foliage have already added admiring the autumnal awesomeness across the country to their travel bucket list.

Many choose scenic drives. Ah, but a scenic train ride is an even better option because then no one has to drive. On a scenic train ride, everyone in the family can enjoy the kaleidoscope of colors.

Indeed, seeing the surreal scenery from the comfort of a nice train is quite convenient. Train travelers need to worry about nothing but some snacks and a willing sense of adventure. Leaf-peepers plan their fall journey between late September and the middle of October in hopes of hitting peak leaf viewing. So kick back on a comfy train ride and see the best fall foliage in America. Here then to assist you with your itinerary, are the 11 best fall foliage train rides in the USA.

The 12 Best Fall Foliage Train Rides In The USA 

1. Blue Ridge Scenic Railway, Georgia

Head to Blue Ridge and climb aboard the Blue Ridge Scenic Railway. It’s the perfect way to take in the colors of the season. This superb scenic 26-mile round trip tour takes a total of four hours as you travel along the rushing Toccoa River in the lush Chattahoochee National Forest. 

Relax in a vintage car and enjoy the views, then stretch your legs a bit during a layover at the border of Georgia and Tennessee in Copperhill, Tennessee, and McCaysville Georgia. Get a bite to eat at one of several quaint cafes and even do a little antique shopping if you wish. Ticket prices vary.

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Cumbres And Toltec Scenic Railroad, Colorado And New Mexico

Are you traveling in or around Colorado or New Mexico? Then set aside some time for a half-day or even full-day trip on the well-known Cumbres and Toltec Scenic Railroad, where this popular narrow-gauge steam train chugs along the border between Colorado and New Mexico. This mobile National Historic Landmark is a genuine coal-fired steam engine that travels a total of 64 miles across elevations as high as 10,000 feet. On this train route, you can enjoy autumnal colors, see historical buildings, and even an 800-foot gorge. If you like animals, the popular open gondola car is perfect for spotting bears, elk, and deer along the way as well.

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Green Mountain Railroad, Vermont

Yes, Vermont is famous for some stunning displays of foliage. So why not head to Chester and ride the Green Mountain Railroad? Enjoy this family-friendly, two-hour round-trip scenic ride.  

Looking for a bit of romance? Sign up for a four-course evening of fine dining on the romantic dinner train. Need more than a meal to properly grease the wheels? You can always make an intimate pit stop at awesome Okemo Mountain Resort for a really romantic one-night stay.

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Cuyahoga Valley Scenic Railroad, Ohio

Travel to the city of Peninsula. It is there that you can sign on for a scenic train ride on the Cuyahoga Valley Scenic Railroad. Here you can soak up the sights of distinct dogwoods and sugar maples that have turned tints of yellow, orange, and scarlet.  

This loop route takes roughly three and a half hours and carries you through the often-overlooked Cuyahoga Valley National Park. It has actually been in operation since sometime in 1880. Visit the dining car if you would care to enjoy dinner with a view. You may also enjoy participating in such special events as paint and sip trips, beer tasting, and even costumed haunted Halloween trains.

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Essex Steam Train, Connecticut

You can peep the leaves of the assorted unspoiled fall landscapes around the Connecticut River Valley on the exceptional Essex Steam Train in Essex. You can also ride on a train pulled by a real steam engine. Up for even more adventure while checking out the fall foliage? Combine your train trip with a riverboat ride on the charming Becky Thatcher. 

Looking for romance on the amorous express? Book a dinner train excursion or even a special outing that includes wine and chocolate. Make a full day of it and schedule in time to explore the quaint villages of both Haddam and East Haddam too.

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Alaska Railroad Denali Star Train, Alaska

If you’re visiting Alaska, be sure to check out the fall foliage on the Alaska Railroad Denali Star Train. You can gaze at the lovely landscape and check off a bucket list visit to Alaska at the same time. The train travels from Anchorage to Fairbanks.

You will get a great view of a wide variety of quite colorful foliage through the wonderful dome car windows on this 12-hour train trip. If you plan your trip right and have a bit of luck with the weather, you might even be able to see both Denali and the world-famous Northern Lights as well.

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Mount Washington Cog Railway, New Hampshire

Journey to Bretton Woods. For it is here that you may book passage on the Mount Washington Cog Railway and see the view from 6,288 feet at majestic Mount Washington’s summit. This railway has been running for more than 150 years. 

This excursion is essentially a round trip three-hour tour (but don’t look for Gilligan). Here a pair of vintage authentic steam locomotives are given the opportunity to see not only five different states but also the Atlantic Ocean and even Canada. Following this fantastic foliage-finding outing, you can jump off and check out the visitor center at the mountain summit, check out the view from the observatory, and stroll through the interesting interactive weather museum.

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Mount Hood Railroad, Oregon

Situated approximately 60 miles east of the city of Portland in Hood River, is the popular Mount Hood Railroad. This railroad company offers a 22-mile journey through a colorful kaleidoscope of Oregonian fall foliage practically surrounding the snow-topped Mount Hood. The nigh-iconic Hood River runs through the Columbia River Gorge. It is there you will take in some of the best autumnal colors in the entire Pacific Northwest.  

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Napa Valley Wine Train, California

Ask yourself: Could anything be better than a scenic train ride to see all the lovely local fall foliage? If you are an oenophile, how about a scenic train ride to see all the lovely local foliage and wine as well? The latter is just what you can expect on this three-hour train trip.

Relax and enjoy the comforts of a rather luxurious vintage train transporting you back to the Victorian era as you soak up both the products and the landscape of Napa. Feeling peckish? Stroll to the dining car and partake of a “Napa-style, multiple course gourmet meal” with an impressive list of local wines. Be sure to book a seat in the popular two-level vista dome car to ensure you get the very best views of Northern California’s fall foliage.

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Amtrak’s Downeaster Route, Massachusetts To Maine 

Amtrak’s awesome Downeaster Route travels between Massachusetts and Maine to provide passengers with an exceptional autumnal show. Imagine riding the rails in an authentic vintage dome car dating back to the 1950s enjoying a unique panoramic leaf-peeping adventure and even being able to admire the awesome Adirondack Mountains to boot. Indeed, the window-covered train car generally joins the Adirondack route that runs from Montreal to Albany, where you will be able to see some superb views of the best fall foliage in all of upstate New York.

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Conway Scenic Railway, New Hampshire

All aboard! Climb on for a five-hour fall foliage trek on the Conway Scenic Railway leaving out of North Conway, You’ll be privy to some of the most scenic landscapes in the state. Be sure to pay special attention to the Crawford Notch pass of the White Mountains, which bursts bright orange, yellow, and red between late September into October.  

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Amtrak Vermonter, Vermont

This is actually a route that is available every day. Choose the right time and it will take you through some of the country’s most colorful and profuse fall foliage. Your journey begins in St. Albans not far from the Canadian border.

Mind you, what’s nice about this is you can actually climb aboard this train at any one of a total of 10 additional stops and ride it right through seven additional states to eventually stop in Washington, DC. Make a stop in Montpelier and watch people make maple syrup at a sugar shack or get off in Waterbury and check out the popular Cold Hollow Cider Mill where you can sample a hot, freshly baked cider doughnut right off the bakery’s treadmill. Experience the quaintness and enjoy the fall foliage in the hills of the Green Mountain State too.

There you have it, fellow train travelers, the 12 best fall foliage train rides in the USA. Hope you enjoyed the ride! 

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