Mighty Trains

KiwiRail's scenic journeys through New Zealand may appear serene to passengers, but to the conductors and engineers who keep these tour trains running, it takes hard work and nerves of steel. Embark on two odysseys through the country's northern and southern islands, past treacherous fault lines, active volcanoes, and dizzying heights. Visit epic landscapes, including "Hobbiton", home to the "Lord of the Rings" and "Hobbit" movies, as well as the site of the most devastating rail disaster in New Zealand's history.

Embark on a South American adventure across punishing terrain and up the Northern Andes. This three-day expedition aboard Ecuador's Tren Crucero travels from the Pacific city of Guayaquil to the capital city of Quito and through such treacherous landmarks as the Avenue of the Volcanoes and the Devil's Nose. See what it takes to keep this luxury railway train running through dense jungles, busy cities, and multiple climate zones.

One train. One driver. 3,000 tons of timber a day. Timber hauling is big business for Sweden's economy, and it takes a mighty train and some strong-willed men and women to pull it off. Hop aboard the Hector Rail's new fleet of high-capacity wagons as it transports massive payloads of timber to a state-of-the-art pulp mill. From slippery tracks and steep hills to wild animals and winding tunnels, drivers face plenty of challenges on their 12-hour journey.

The Rocky Mountaineer takes passengers on a spectacular two-day journey into the heart of the Rocky Mountains. As guests travel through untamed wilderness across British Columbia, into Alberta, and back again, they're treated to panorama vistas and gourmet cuisine from the train's award-winning executive chef. With tickets costing up to $2,500, the pressure is on for all 76 staff members—as well as maintenance teams working behind the scenes—to give passengers a five-star rail experience.

For centuries, the Maharajas ruled the principal states of India and lived in opulence. Now, passengers boarding the Maharajas' Express tour train are about to receive some royal treatment of their own. Embark on a 1,700-mile rail expedition unlike any other on Earth. This eight-day adventure whisks guests to the country's most exotic sites, from the Taj Mahal to Karni Mata Temple, on a mighty train that has luxury built into every room, meal, and outdoor excursion.

When it comes to speed, few trains in Europe can match Spain's AVE 103. Whisking passengers from Madrid to Barcelona in just two and a half hours, it can reach a top speed of 217 MPH. Discover the technologies and the infrastructure that support this lightning-fast wonder, meet the people who operate it, and get a sneak peek at the new fleet of high-speed trains in development.