Rail Journeys
Scenic routes, sleeper trains, and the practical rail connections that make overland travel work. Every review based on journeys I've actually taken - not press trips in complimentary first class.
Scenic Routes
The bucket-list journeys where the view is the point
8+Sleeper Trains
Overnight services - cabins, berths, and whether you'll actually sleep
5Practical Routes
Getting between cities by rail - the functional stuff
10+Rail Passes
Eurail, JR Pass, KiwiRail - when they're worth it and when they're not
4Booking Tips
How to book, when to book, and navigating terrible rail websites
3Featured Route
TranzAlpine: Christchurch to Greymouth
New Zealand's most famous train crosses the Southern Alps via Arthur's Pass. But is the Scenic Plus upgrade worth double the fare? A frank assessment after taking both classes.
Latest Route Reviews
View all routesCoastal Pacific: Christchurch to Picton
Hugging the Kaikoura coast with whale-watching territory out the window.
Northern Explorer: Auckland to Wellington
The full length of the North Island in a day. Epic or endurance test?
Caledonian Sleeper: London to Scotland
Britain's overnight train - cabins, service, and whether you'll sleep.
London to Southampton for Cruise Departures
The connection every cruise passenger needs. Timing, luggage, and which train.
Cairo to Luxor Sleeper
Africa's most famous sleeper. The reality vs the romance.
Paris Gare du Nord to Gare de Lyon
The Eurostar connection everyone gets wrong. How to actually do it.
Routes I've Covered
Every route linked to its review - add routes as they're published
Rail Intelligence
Strategic guides for getting the most out of rail travel
Is the Eurail Pass Worth It in 2026?
A cost breakdown across 5 different trip types. Sometimes yes, often no.
Rail PassesJapan Rail Pass: The Complete Guide
7, 14, or 21 days? Green car or ordinary? What the JR Pass actually covers.
Rail PassesHow to Book European Trains Without Losing Your Mind
National sites vs aggregators vs Trainline. Where to actually buy tickets.
BookingThe KiwiRail Scenic Pass: A Buyer's Guide
All three New Zealand scenic trains on one pass. How to plan the routing.
Rail PassesBeyond the Rails
Flight Reviews
Most rail journeys start with a flight. See the cabin reviews for getting to the starting point.
Browse flight reviewsComplete Journeys
See how rail legs fit into bigger multi-modal trips with flights, ferries, and buses.
Browse complete journeysDestinations
Where to stay and what to expect at both ends of the route.
Browse destinations