World’s (hypothetically) longest train trip

This item appears on page 29 of the February 2022 issue.

On Dec. 2, 2021, a train connection between Kunming, China, and Vientiane, Laos, was completed. With that, it now is possible to travel from Lagos, on the southern tip of Portugal, to Singapore entirely by train (allowing for short treks between train stations in some cities).

When the shortest route is calculated, which still measures at least 11,654 miles, the trip includes 13 countries and requires multiple connections and travel visas. It is estimated that, with some required overnights while switching trains, the journey would take a minimum of 21 days.