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An Odyssey of 21 Days and Almost 19,000 km Connecting Europe and Asia, but Which Global Geopolitics Temporarily Put on Pause.
There is a primordial fascination in crossing continents by land, watching the world unfold slowly through the window. At the top of these great journeys is a mythical route: the longest train journey in the world. It is 21 days and 18,755 kilometers, starting from Portugal, crossing 13 nations, and arriving in tropical Singapore. However, what engineering made possible in 2021, geopolitics made impractical months later. This is the story of a dream of global connectivity that, for now, remains out of reach.
18,755 km Across 13 Countries
Mapping the route from Lagos to Singapore is drawing a line through an impressive diversity of cultures and geographies. The full journey would traverse 13 countries. The route would start in the city of Lagos, Portugal, continuing through Spain, France, Germany, Poland, Belarus, and arriving in Moscow.
From Moscow, the traveler would board the legendary Trans-Siberian Railway, crossing Russia until entering China, in Beijing. From the Chinese capital, the journey continues south, passing through Laos, Thailand, and Malaysia, until the final destination in Singapore. It is essential to understand that this is not a journey with a single ticket. It is a mosaic of connections that requires the purchase of tickets from various rail operators. Cities like Paris, Moscow, Beijing, and Bangkok serve as crucial transition points.
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The true catalyst for this route was the China-Laos Railway, inaugurated in December 2021. This infrastructure project was the “final link” that connected the Chinese railway network to that of Southeast Asia, making the odyssey a logistical possibility.
Why the Longest Train Journey in the World Is Not Possible Today?
The great irony of this route is that its vital artery was cut off almost at the moment of its conception. The essential link connecting Western Europe to Asia was the direct train service between capitals like Paris and Moscow. Without these trains, the journey fragments into two disconnected halves.
The main obstacle is the geopolitical disruptions resulting from the conflict in the Ukraine. In response to the invasion, direct rail services between Russia and many European Union countries have been suspended indefinitely. This made the European-Russian segment of the journey impractical. Interestingly, the fame of the trip grew exponentially just when it became impossible, transforming it into a modern myth.
Visas and Costs for Brazilian Travelers
Although the complete journey is suspended, planning for its segments requires attention to visas and costs. For a Brazilian citizen, the documentation is a mix of bureaucracy and convenience.
In the countries of the Schengen Area (Portugal, Spain, France, Germany, Poland), Brazilians are visa-exempt for up to 90 days, but the ETIAS travel authorization will be required. In Belarus and Russia, Brazilians also enjoy visa exemption for stays of up to 90 days. A significant ease is China, which beginning June 1, 2025, will have a mutual visa exemption agreement for stays of up to 30 days. In Laos, one must obtain a Visa on Arrival. In Thailand, the visa exemption is valid for up to 90 days. To enter Malaysia, in addition to the exemption, a Yellow Fever Vaccination Certificate and filling out the Malaysia Digital Arrival Card (MDAC) are mandatory. Finally, in Singapore, a stay of up to 30 days without a visa requires filling out the Singapore Arrival Card (SGAC).
Regarding the budget, the estimated €1,200 often cited online is overly optimistic. A more realistic budget, summing the lowest costs of each segment, would be between €2,000 and €2,500 just for transportation. A more comfortable journey could easily exceed €4,000 to €5,000.
The Experiences of Each Segment of the Route
Each segment of the Lagos-Singapore route offers a unique cultural immersion. The journey begins in the calm of Lagos, Portugal, and quickly enters Europe’s high-speed network.
The heart of the odyssey is the Trans-Siberian Railway, from Moscow to Beijing. It is a journey of nearly a week that redefines the perception of time and distance. Life on board has its own rhythm, marked by the hypnotic landscapes of Siberia. In China, the traveler experiences the prowess of modern engineering on high-speed trains to Kunming.
The newest segment, from Kunming to Vientiane, crosses the mountains of Laos on a modern bullet train. To proceed to Thailand, night sleeper trains offer a classic and memorable way to travel through Southeast Asia. The final segment, through Malaysia to Singapore, is the most fragmented, requiring multiple train connections or the simpler option of a direct bus from Kuala Lumpur.
Other Great Railway Odysseys in the World
For those seeking a transcontinental adventure today, there are epic and entirely feasible alternatives. One of them is the The Canadian (Toronto – Vancouver), a journey of 4,466 km that crosses Canada from east to west in four days. The route is famous for traversing the Rocky Mountains, but also for its significant delays. Another great odyssey is the The Indian Pacific (Sydney – Perth) in Australia. This trip of 4,352 km in four days links the Pacific and Indian oceans, with an experience focused on luxury, including meals and excursions.
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