Trains offer a fascinating blend of technology, engineering, and sheer scale. From massive freight carriers to opulent passenger journeys, these high-tech marvels connect continents, move industries, and push the boundaries of what’s possible on rails. Here, we look at 17 of the longest, heaviest, and most remarkable trains that embody the spirit of modern rail transport and give us a glimpse into railways’ global impact.
17. Train 3143: The Iron Giant
Australia’s Train 3143, run by BHP, is a freight legend built for hauling iron ore. This behemoth hauls 682 wagons, each 33 feet long and 11 feet high, stretching nearly 4.6 miles—that’s the length of 24 Eiffel Towers end-to-end! With a total weight of over 100,000 tons, it takes eight diesel locomotives and 50,000 horsepower to move this Iron Giant across 171 miles of the Australian Outback. This 10-hour journey clocks in at 16 mph and moves a jaw-dropping 990,000 tons of ore.
16. Union Pacific‘s Big Boy: A Classic Titan
Union Pacific’s Big Boy steam locomotive first rolled out in 1941, bringing power and design to American rails. Weighing 600 tons, the 132-foot-long engine generated 6,200 horsepower, allowing it to carry 3,600 tons over rugged Utah and Wyoming terrain at 55 mph. Only 25 Big Boys were built, with one, the 4014, making a grand return in 2019 after restoration—a living tribute to America’s railway history.
15. Union Pacific IDBF8: The Record-Breaker
Union Pacific’s IDBF8 train holds the record for the longest assembled by the company, stretching 18,061 feet (over 3 miles) with 295 double-stacked containers and weighing in at 5,000 tons. This freight train journeyed from Texas to LA in 2010, but its massive size caused some logistical issues, leading to concerns over safety. It remains a record-breaking feat, though not a routine route.
14. The Ghan: A Luxurious Journey
The Ghan takes travelers across Australia in nearly 3,600 feet of luxury, covering 1,851 miles from Adelaide to Darwin. First running in 1929, this 2,300-ton train takes passengers on a unique Outback journey in comfort. Early days were challenging, requiring frequent repairs, but today’s Ghan is all about luxury and adventure, making it a bucket-list experience.
13. The Rhaetian Railway: Scenic Splendor
For stunning views, the Swiss Rhaetian Railway doesn’t disappoint. In 2022, it set a record with a 6,200-foot narrow-gauge passenger train with 100 coaches, hosting over 4,550 passengers through the Swiss Alps. This train covered five Empire State Buildings’ worth of length and offered a leisurely 22 mph scenic journey.
12. Sapsan: Russia’s Speedster
Russia’s Sapsan isn’t just fast—it’s the country’s fastest train, hitting speeds of up to 155 mph over a 700-mile route from St. Petersburg to Nizhny Novgorod in 8 hours. With a 20-car configuration, this 1,600-foot electric express can handle temperatures down to -50°C, showcasing Russian engineering’s speed and endurance.
11. BNSF: The Freight Powerhouse
BNSF operates one of America’s largest freight rail networks, with trains averaging 6,900 feet. Its longest train, stretching 2.2 miles and hauling 458 wagons, made a record journey in 2009. BNSF’s approach to longer trains cuts fuel use and maximizes efficiency, with some stretching over 12,000 feet, representing a shift in U.S. freight logistics.
10. The Kiss Train: A Two-Story Marvel
Europe’s Stadler Kiss stands out with its two-story design, 11-foot width, and 17-foot height, capable of holding up to 1,000 passengers. In 2023, a special 40-car Kiss train rolled out at nearly 1,600 feet, a model set to arrive in the U.S. soon, bringing with it a distinctive and space-efficient ride.
9. Train du Désert: A Unique Experience
Mauritania’s Train du Désert hauls iron ore across the Sahara over 1.8 miles of rugged terrain with 210 wagons. It’s not just freight-only; daring tourists sometimes hitch a ride on open-top wagons for a firsthand look at desert landscapes, though they face extreme temperatures and sand exposure.
8. Indian Pacific: Crossing the Continent
Australia’s Indian Pacific spans 2,888 feet and crosses the continent from Sydney to Perth in 65 hours. This luxurious train features 16 accommodation cars, but temperature swings in the Outback challenge its braking systems, making it a remarkable example of long-haul rail travel.
7. Ringling Brothers Circus Train: A Historic Journey
In 2010, the Ringling Brothers Circus moved its entire show across the U.S. via two trains, each stretching 6,100 feet and weighing 750,000 tons. Despite its closure in 2017, the circus train remains a nostalgic icon of traveling entertainment on wheels.
6. Autohaul: The Robotic Train
Australia’s Autohaul is a 1.5-mile autonomous train hauling 240 wagons of iron ore over 170 miles. Operating without human drivers, this 40-hour journey represents a new era in fully autonomous rail technology and a massive step toward robot-driven transportation.
5. Rail Grinders: Keeping Tracks Smooth
Essential for maintaining track quality, the Loram RG400 is the world’s largest rail grinder at nearly 700 feet. Operating at 20 mph, it smooths out tracks with grinding stones and uses water pumps to keep surfaces cool, ensuring smoother rides and safer tracks.
4. The Ore Corridor: A Freight Giant
South Africa’s Ore Corridor by Transnet moves 60 million tons of iron ore annually. Its largest train in 1989 stretched over 4.5 miles, weighing 79,000 tons, combining electric and diesel power to handle tough terrains.
3. Vale’s Iron Ore Trains: A Brazilian Marvel
Brazil’s Vale transports 110 million tons of iron ore annually, with trains stretching up to 2 miles and 330 wagons. These heavy-duty trains bring both economic value and logistical challenges, including noise and environmental impact concerns for local communities.
2. Netherlands Railways: A Celebratory Train
For its 150th anniversary, Netherlands Railways ran a 5,600-foot, 70-car train, demonstrating its rail prowess. This journey marked a proud moment for Dutch rail history and showcased the skill of Dutch engineers and train operators.
1. SheshNaag: India’s Longest Freight Train
India’s Sheshnag, measuring 1.7 miles and over 23,000 tons, became a symbol of innovation during the COVID-19 pandemic, utilizing reduced passenger train schedules. This lengthy train shows the impressive scale of India’s freight capabilities.
