Riding the Rails in the U.S. and Other Places

Here are ways to research and contact selected railways around the world. Telephones and Internet sites are listed, if available.

United States

Alaska Railroad

(907) 265-2300

https://www.akrr.com

Amtrak

(800) USA-RAIL (872-7245)

https://www.amtrak.com

Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad: This old-time train winds through spectacular canyons in the remote wilderness of the 2-million-acre San Juan National Forest.

(888) 872-4607

https://www.durangotrain.com

Grand Canyon Railway: From Williams, Ariz., this historic train travels across 65 miles of northern Arizona before arriving in the heart of thenational park’s historic district at the Grand Canyon Depot.

(800) 843-8724

https://www.thetrain.com

Napa Valley Wine Train: A three-hour, 36-mile excursion from Napa to St. Helena and return.

(707) 253-2111 or

(800) 427-4124

https://www.winetrain.com

Africa

Linkrail Africa: Links to railroads throughout Africa.

https://www.link-rail.com/africa

Rovos Rail: Luxury train travel on elegant, restored trains.

https://www.rovosrail.com

Australia

Rail Australia

(310) 643-0044

https://www.railaustralia.com.au

Canada

BC Rail Passenger Services

(604) 986-2012

https://www.bcrail.com

VIA Rail Canada

(888) VIA-RAIL (842-7245)

https://www.viarail.ca

Europe

BritRail

(877) 677-1066

https://www.britrail.net

Eurostar: High-speed passenger train linking London, Paris and Brussels.

011-44-20-7928-5163

https://www.eurostar.com

Rail Europe: For travel throughout most European countries.

(877) 456-RAIL (456-7245)

https://www.raileurope.com/us

Railtrack Online Journey Planner: A booking and information service.

011-44-20-7557-8000

https://www.railtrack.co.uk

TheTrainLine.com: Information on train times and tickets on mainland routes in Britain. You can book and pay online.

https://www.thetrainline.com

UK Railways: An Internet site with links to and information about rail lines in the United Kingdom.

https://www.rail.co.uk

France

Train a Grande Vitesse: French high-speed railroad.

https://www.tgv.com

Italy

Italian State Railways

(800) 248-7245

https://www.fs-on-line.com

India

Indian Railways

011-91-11-578-2636-4244

https://www.si-india.com/railways.htm

Israel

Israel Railways

011-972-3-577-4000

https://www.israrail.org.il/english/travel/travel.html

Japan

Japan Rail

(212) 332-8686

https://www.japanrail.com

Mexico

Mexico Rail Travel: Train explores picturesque Copper Canyon.

(800) 666-4778

https://www.palmsmexicoinsurance.com/canyon.htm

Helpful Web Sites

TrainWeb: A general information and link service for rail travelers and train buffs.

https://www.trainweb.com

Railroaddata.com: Links to major train lines around the world.

https://www.railroaddata.com/rrlinks/PassengerTrains/