overland travel asia to europe

How to Travel Overland from Europe to Asia by car, bike and train – The 3 Best Travel Routes

How to travel from Europe to Asia without flying? What is the best direction to travel overland from Europe to Asia? This guide gives you a detailed overview of all the possible routes you can take if you want to hitchhike, cycle or drive from Europe to Asia by land or travel from Europe to Asia by train. You’ll find information on ferries, borders, visas, and how to deal with possible obstacles along the way.

Editor’s note: You’ll find many 2022 updates throughout this guide. I try to keep up as much as I can with these fast-changing global situations. In case you have new updates that haven’t been added to this post, let me know about them in the comments below so I can update accordingly.

Planning a big overland trip requires preparation. And flexibility.

I often had to change my initial plans and routes when I was hitchhiking and traveling from Europe to Asia without flying. The biggest challenge was dealing with closed borders and difficulties in getting visas.

Some countries like to change their visa regulations on a regular basis so you have to adjust your plans accordingly (yes China, I’m talking about you).

Others don’t allow you in their country unless you’re part of a tour group. Iran, for example, doesn’t like Canadians, Brits, and US citizens traveling independently and Turkmenistan is just suspicious of any other nation in the world.

A few countries (like Pakistan and Russia) only issue a visa when you apply for it in your home country and/or give you a very limited time to enter the country between the time the visa is issued and your arrival (e.g. you only have 3 months to enter China from the moment you’ve got your visa).

This isn’t really a problem if you’re taking airplanes but it becomes tricky when you’re hitchhiking, cycling or driving from Europe to Asia and you want to take the time to explore the countries you’re passing through instead of rushing towards your destination.

And let’s not forget about 2020… Land borders are now finally reopening but each country has its own set of extra entry requirements.

So what’s the best way to travel from Europe to China and/or Southeast Asia without too much hustle, bustle and fuzzle?

I’ll give you an overview of all the possible routes on how to hitchhike/cycle/drive/take the train from Europe to Asia, including border and visa obstacles and possible solutions.

Disclaimer: This posts might contain affiliate links, meaning that if you make a purchase through these links, I may earn an affiliate commission. Thank you for helping to support this website!

TABLE OF CONTENTS

1. Traveling in Europe by land (and sea)

1.1 visas and border crossings in europe.

As a European citizen, you can travel as much and as long as you want in all the countries of Europe. You have the privilege of not needing a visa, not even for the European countries that are not part of the European Union or the Schengen area.

This also means that, if you pass a border checkpoint, you just have to show your passport or national ID card and you’re free to go.

To travel to and in Europe as a non-European citizen , you’ll need a Schengen visa. This visa allows you to stay 90 days in countries that are part of the Schengen area .

The European countries that are not part of the Schengen area will allow travelers holding a Schengen visa to enter and stay in their country for 90 days. This means that you could actually stay for 6 months in Europe (or longer).

I’ll give you an example:

Let’s say you’re traveling from Spain to Turkey by land. You’ve already stayed for 60 days in the EU and are about to enter Croatia .

Croatia is part of the EU but a non-Schengen country, which means that you’ll receive a visa on arrival at the border (after showing you have a Schengen visa) that allows you to stay 90 days in Croatia.

Once you leave Croatia, you still have 30 days on your Schengen visa to travel in the Schengen countries.

Just be aware that the Schengen visa only allows you to stay 90 days in a period of 180 days.

If you decide for example to spend 90 days in Croatia and another 90 days in Albania (also a non-Schengen country) before entering Greece (which is a Schengen country), your Schengen visa will be expired by then and you’ll have to apply for a new one.

→ Make sure to apply for a multi-entry Schengen visa when traveling around Europe !

I tried to explain all of this as clearly as possible. Even as a European citizen I find this whole Schengen – non-Schengen stuff a bit confusing!

Here’s a website that gives you more detailed information about it and it also tells you how and where to apply.

So whatever travel route you take in Europe, as long as you have a multi-entry Schengen visa , you shouldn’t encounter any problems at the borders.

My whole hitchhiking journey from Ireland to Turkey went very smoothly, even for my hitchhiking partner who’s a Canadian citizen. We only had to hurry to enter Turkey once we were in Greece because his visa was running out.

1.2 Driving and cycling in Europe – travel routes

Resources for driving in Europe:

• Driving in Europe –  Requirements and Tips
• Driving in Europe – Checklist
• European Roadtrip Ideas   by Wandering Bird
• 20 Best Road Trips in Europe by Skyscanner

Resources for cycling in Europe:

• EuroVelo : 15 long-distance cycling routes across the whole European continent
• Tom’s Bike Trip : How to prepare yourself for a long bike trip

1.3 Travel in Europe by train

Europe has a great international railway network, including international high-speed trains like Eurostar connecting the UK with mainland Europe .

Here are 2 in-depth guides on how to travel across Europe by train:

• A Complete Guide to Train Travel in Europe by the Savvy Backpacker
• A Beginner’s Guide to Train Travel in Europe by The Man in Seat 61

1.4 Ferry routes and crossings in Europe

When you’re cycling or driving from Europe to Asia, you might want to save some time by skipping a part of the overland journey and take a ferry instead.

Here are some ferry companies that offer different European ferry routes:

• OK-ferry : ferry routes to different destinations of the Mediterranean Sea
• Direct Ferries:   numerous option for ferries in and around Europe

We took a ferry from Ireland to France and from the mainland of Greece to several Greek islands .

2. Europe – Asia Border Crossings

There are 3 different ways to travel across the European-Asian border and make your way towards the East.

2.1 Traveling from Europe to Russia

• Update 2022:
• Due to the current war, you can’t travel from Europe to Russia by land . I’ll leave this section be for now but I recommend skipping it and scrolling to 2.2 Travel from Europe to Turkey.

This is the road less taken if you’re traveling towards Asia as it’s not always that easy to obtain a tourist visa for Russia. You could also opt for a transit visa, which is easier to get but it will only allow you 10 days in Russia (not ideal if you’re cycling).

1) How and where to apply for a tourist visa for Russia

If you’re from Latin America, South Africa, Georgia, Central Asia or any of these 45 countries,  you’ll get a  free visa on arrival that allows you to stay 30 to 90 days in Russia, depending on your citizenship.

Travelers from North America, Europe, Africa, South Asia, and Australia will have to apply for a Russian tourist visa in the Russian consulate or Russian embassy in their home country. 

To apply for a tourist visa for Russia, you’ll need:

• a Letter of Invitation (LOI) ,
• a visa application form that you’ll very likely have to fill in online
• passport with 2 empty pages valid for 6 months after arrival in Russia
• photocopy of your passport
• passport picture
• Travel Insurance for Russia (only for citizens of the EU)
• iVisa is a reputable online passport & visa service that offers  Tourist Invitation Letters (LOI) for Russia .  They can also help you with the whole visa application process to receive the Russian tourist visa.

What if you’re already on the road but you still want to apply for a tourist visa for Russia?

There are only a few countries, such as Canada and the US , of which the citizens can apply for a Russian visa outside their home country.

If you’re a citizen of Europe, Australia, etc, you could always send your passport home and aks a friend or a family member to do the application for you. However, this is risky and not something I’d recommend as your passport might get lost in the mail. It’s also illegal in most countries to travel without having your passport with you.

2) How and where to apply for a transit visa for Russia

You can easily apply for a Russian transit visa in any country that has a Russian consulate or embassy.

A transit visa allows you to stay up to 10 days in Russia. To apply for this visa, you need:

• proof of onward travel like transportation ticket from Russia to the next destination or, if you travel by car, car documents and a print-out of your planned route
• proof of valid visas for the countries from which you enter and exit Russia

Here’s more detailed information on how to apply for a transit visa for Russia.

3) Cycling or driving from Europe to Russia

The best way to travel from Europe to Russia is via the border with Latvia, Estonia or Finland as they all belong to the EU, which means less hassle.

Avoid going from Ukraine into Russia as they were at war with each other and there are still some rebel-held zones in Southeastern Ukraine and Crimea, which you shouldn’t cross at all!

You can also enter Russia via Belarus, but you’ll have to apply for a visa to enter Belarus by land as you can only obtain a free visa on arrival if you arrive by plane. Check the visa policy for Belarus   here . 

The Way to Russia is a great resource for if you want to travel to Russia by car, motorcycle or hitchhiking.

Plan your trip to Russia well in advance. It’s the largest country in the world and even if you get a 90-day tourist visa, you’ll have to drive a lot if you want to cross the country within a decent time frame.

Also, keep in mind that winter isn’t the best time to travel through Russia (especially if you’re cycling or hitchhiking!!). Prepare yourself well!

4) Traveling from Europe to Russia by train

Here are 2 fantastic resources if you want to travel by train from Europe to Russia:

• How to travel by train from London to Moscow & Russia   by The Man in Seat 61
• The Best Train Routes to Russia by The Way to Russia

2.2 Traveling from Europe to Turkey

The most popular way to travel from Europe to China and Asia is by going through Turkey. 

Update 2022 : The following land borders with Turkey are currently open:

• Greece to Turkey at Kastanies–Pazarkule and Kipi–İpsala
• Bulgaria to Turkey at Kapitan Andreevo–Kapıkule, Lesovo–Hamzabeyli and Malko Tǎrnovo–Aziziye
• Turkey to Georgia via Sarp, Türkgözü and Aktaş
• Turkey to Iran at Bazargan-Gürbulak and Sero-Esendere

1) Turkey Entry Requirements

Visa for turkey.

Citizens from Latin America, Central Asia, New Zealand and certain European countries (for the complete list, look here ) receive a free visa on arrival that allows them to stay up to 90 days in Turkey.

If you’re a traveler from North America, Australia, South Africa, South Asia, and following European countries (for the complete list, look here ) need to apply for an e -visa.

It’s super easy and straightforward to apply for the e-visa online and once you receive it, you’ll be allowed to travel for 30 up to 90 days in Turkey. This is plenty of time to cross the country (although, we overstayed our Turkish tourist visa with 6 months , but that’s a different story…)

Turkey Test and Vaccination requirements:

Passengers over the age of 12 must have a document showing a negative COVID-19 test result to enter Turkey. This must be a PCR test taken in the last 72 hours before entering the country or a rapid antigen test taken in the last 48 hours.

If you have a vaccination certificate showing the last dose was given at least 14 days before arrival, then you don’t need a negative COVID-19 test result.

2) Driving or cycling from Bulgaria or Greece to Istanbul

If you’re cycling or driving from Europe to Istanbul and beyond, the easiest and most straightforward way is crossing the land border with Greece in Ipsala or with Bulgaria in Edirne .

You might encounter a lot of security checks at both land borders as many refugees try to enter Europe from here.

3) Taking the train from Europe to Istanbul – the ‘Modern Orient Express’

Does ‘Murder on the Orient Express’, the famous detective novel by Agatha Christie,  ring a bell?

Throughout history, there are many referrals to train travel in Europe on the Orient Express route. The route started in Paris, went across Vienna and ended in Istanbul.

Nowadays, you can still travel by train along the Orient Express Route:

• Read how Naomi from Probe around the Globe followed this famous historical train route from the Netherlands to Istanbul .
• The Man in Seat 61 wrote a comprehensive guide on how to travel by train from London to Istanbul

4) Taking the ferry from Greece to Turkey

When we were hitchhiking from  Europe to Turkey , we took a ferry from Rhodes, one of the Greek islands,  to Marmaris, a port in Turkey. If you like traveling by boat, I’d definitely suggest you take this route.

Here’s a ferry connections route map between Athens, the Greek islands and the ports in Turkey. You can book tickets for the ferry online, in a travel agency in Athens or on one of the islands.

Read: The 13 Best Places to visit in Turkey

5) From Turkey to Georgia

2022 Update: You need to present either  a vaccination certificate or a certificate with a negative PCR test result , no later than 72 before entering Georgia.

The easiest way to travel from Turkey to Georgia is by crossing the border at Sarpi on the Black Sea Coast .

Reading Tip: Georgia Travel Guide: 1 9 u s e f u l things you should know before you go

6) Taking the ferry from Bulgaria to Georgia

There’s also the possibility to skip Turkey and take the ferry from the port of Varna in Bulgaria to the port of Batumi in Georgia. Check the ferry schedule here .

3. Traveling from Europe to Central Asia

There are a few different routes to travel from Europe to Central Asia by land, some easier and more accessible than others.

I’ll focus on one main route as it’s currently the best possible direction from Europe to Asia as most land borders on this route have reopened.

1) From Georgia to Azerbaijan

2022 Update: You must have a vaccination certificate stating you are fully vaccinated or a recovery certificate with a QR code  and a negative PCR test result taken within 72 hours before arrival in Azerbaijan.

You can enter Azerbaijan  with an e-visa (since 2017!) which allows you to stay for 30 days in the country. If you’re planning on staying longer than 10 days in Azerbaijan, you’ll have to get registered !

If you want to travel by train, there’s a daily train leaving from Tbilisi (Georgia) to Baku (Azerbaijan) . 

* Note : If you also want to visit Armenia, know that they aren’t the best buddies with Azerbaijan. Definitely avoid going through the disputed region of Nagorno – Karabakh because you can be sure that you won’t be allowed into Azerbaijan at all! If you decide to go through that region, make sure that you have your stamp on a separate piece of paper.

There are also no open borders between Armenia and Azerbaijan so you’ll have to return to Georgia first before entering Azerbaijan or you can go through Iran (see route A).

You can expect annoying questions from the Azerbaijani border controls concerning your visit to Armenia (they will ask if you visited Nagorno – Karabakh) but they will allow you in.

Read: Everything you need to know about traveling in Azerbaijan

2) From Azerbaijan to Kazakhstan by boat

2022 Update: You need to present either  a vaccination certificate or a certificate with a negative PCR test result , no later than 72 before entering Kazakhstan.

You can cross the Caspian Sea from Baku in Azerbaijan to Aktau in Kazakhstan by ferry, which costs around $80. It’s more expensive if you travel by car. 

This ferry doesn’t have a fixed schedule but it leaves at least once every 3 to 7 days.

Read my Comprehensive Guide with everything you need to know about taking the boat from Azerbaijan to Kazakhstan . 

3) From Azerbaijan to Turkmenistan by boat

2022 Update: Turkmenistan remains closed for foreign travelers.

Turkmenistan is a pain concerning visas and independent traveling. You can only enter the country on a tourist visa if you’re part of a tour group. If you just want to apply for a transit visa , there’s no guarantee you’ll get it. The rejection rate is 50% and they love to play games.

Applying for a transit visa is like playing the lottery. I also heard stories of couples that applied for the transit visa and while one of them got the visa, the other person got his application rejected.

I’m super curious about this country but it’s not worth the hustle. Oh, and you can’t get any visa during the month of September, due to an important festival in Turkmenistan.

4) Traveling overland in Kazakhstan

Citizens from the European Union, Canada, USA, Australia, New Zealand, Japan, Israel, Malaysia, Saudi Arabia, Singapore, South Korea, Azerbaijan, Uzbekistan, Tajikistan, Turkey, the United Arab Emirates, Russia, Armenia, Georgia, Belarus, Kyrgyzstan, Moldova, and Mongolia are eligible for a  free tourist visa upon arrival .

Citizens from non-visa-exempt countries  need to apply   for an   e-Visa  

Find more information about traveling and driving in Kazakhstan in my  Travel guide to Kazakhstan .

If you want to travel around Kazakhstan by train, read the following guide on How to travel by train in Kazakhstan .

Reading Tip: The 26 most beautiful places in Kazakhstan

You have 30 days to cross Kazakhstan into the following countries:

5) Traveling overland in Uzbekistan

2022 Update: You must present either  a negative PCR test result no later than 72 before entering Uzbekistan or proof of vaccination .

Uzbekistan is now issuing free visas on arrival to citizens of more than 30 countries, including citizens of the European Union. With this free visa, you can stay up to 30 days in the country.

Travelers of countries who still need a visa for Uzbekistan can now easily apply for an   e-visa.  You can read all the details in my Travel Guide to Uzbekistan . 

The easiest way to get around Uzbekistan is by train. Here’s a guide on how to take the train in Uzbekistan .

Reading Tip:  Visit the best places in Uzbekistan with these 3 travel itineraries.

6) Traveling overland in Kyrgyzstan

You can easily enter Kyrgyzstan from Uzbekistan and/or Kazakhstan by bus. Kyrgyzstan doesn’t have a proper railway so the best way to get to and around Kyrgyzstan is by (mini)bus or shared taxi.

Here are some guides that can help you:

• How to get from Tashkent (Uzbekistan) to Kyrgyzstan by bus
• How to get from Almaty (Kazakhstan) to Kyrgyzstan by bus

Kyrgyzstan has the most liberal visa regime in Central Asia and offers a free visa on arrival to these nationalities . 

I have many comprehensive guides and useful travel information about Kyrgyzstan:

Find everything you need to know about traveling in Kyrgyzstan (best places to visit, itineraries, practical info,…) in Traveling in Kyrgyzstan – The Ultimate Travel Guide

7) Traveling overland in Tajikistan

2022 Update: There’s still no clear news about whether or not the land borders of Tajikistan have reopened.

You can enter Tajikistan via Uzbekistan or   Kyrgyzstan . More info about the border crossings here .

Tajikistan offers now a free visa on arrival for most nationalities, except when you’re from one of these countries .

Tajikistan is a mountainous country so there are no trains or big buses here. You’ll have to travel around by shared taxi, a public minivan, or your own vehicle.

If you have the time, don’t skip the Fann Mountains and the  Pamir Highway !

Read all my guides about Tajikistan in Traveling in Tajikistan – The Ultimate Travel Guide

4. From Turkey or Central Asia to South-East Asia

1) how to travel overland from central asia to china.

2022 Update: China closed its borders again to foreign travelers

Oh, dear China, how moody art thou!  

While it used to be possible to apply for a visa for China in different countries in Central Asia, they’ve recently changed their visa regulations. It’s currently extremely difficult to obtain a Chinese tourist visa in Central Asia .

Remember that the rules change all the time so you better check the Caravanistan forum for recent updates.

I had a sparkle of hope that I could apply for a Chinese visa in Tbilisi (Georgia) but they are now only issuing visas for residents of Georgia.

The only solution is to send your passport home (there we go again) and ask someone to apply in the Chinese embassy in your home country (unless you’re from Germany, then you have to be physically present to apply for the visa).

Here’s what you need to apply for a Chinese visa .

If you managed to get a visa for China, you can enter China from Kyrgyzstan or Tajikistan.

If you want to travel from Kyrgyzstan to China , you can cross the borders at the  Irkeshtam Pass  or the Torugart Pass.

You can travel from Tajikistan to China across the  Qolma Pass .

If you want to drive in China, know that you can’t do this independently. You can only drive with your own car or motorbike in China if you’re part of a tour group or have a personal guide, which is very expensive.

The best solution is to find a group of travelers who also want to cross China by car or motorbike and split the costs. You’ll also need to apply for a Chinese driving license.

Click here   for more information.

2) From Europe to India by land (Myanmar – Thailand)

A lot of people dream of traveling overland from Europe to India. This is also the route we first had in mind. We wanted to travel overland from Europe to Thailand across Iran, Pakistan, and India.

It looks like an easy road on the map but it doesn’t come without any obstacles. This route is also not possible to travel by train.

1) From Turkey to Iran

2022 Update: Iran has reopened its land borders. Aside from a visa, all travelers over the age of 12 are required to provide proof of full vaccination . You also need a negative PCR test taken within the last 72 hours before arrival in Iran, unless it has been at least 14 days since the second dose of a two-shot vaccine (or the single dose of the Johnson & Johnson/Janssen vaccine).

The shortest way to travel from Turkey to Iran is by crossing the Gurbulak – Bazargan border or the  Esendere – Siro  border.  Find all the information about the  Turkey-Iran border crossing here . 

Iran issues visas on arrival but only if you arrive by plane . If you travel overland, you still have to apply for a tourist visa at an Iranian embassy.

However, the whole visa situation changes constantly so for the most recent updates concerning the Iranian visa, check out the updates on Caravanistan .

The best place in Turkey to apply for a tourist visa for Iran is at the Iranian embassy in Ankara .

You could also travel from Turkey to Iran across  Georgia   and  Armenia . Both countries offer free visas on arrival to many nationalities (check the visa policy for Georgia and Armenia visa policy ) and are definitely worth a visit!

2022 Update: The borders between Georgia and Armenia are open. For both countries, you need to present either  a vaccination certificate or a certificate with a negative PCR test result , no later than 72 before entering the country.

Read: 15 Amazing Places to Visit in Georgia

If you travel across Georgia and Armenia, apply for an Iranian tourist visa at the consulate of Iran in Batumi (Georgia).

Only citizens of the UK, US, and Canada can’t travel independently to Iran. They need to be accompanied by a tour guide at all times. But… there’s a way around it.

You could enter Iran via the Armenian border where the border controls are known to be less strict. Alex from Lost with Purpose wrote how she entered Iran independently as a UK citizen .

2) From Iran to Pakistan

Update 2022: The land borders between Iran and Pakistan are currently closed. Updates concerning these borders are very welcome in the comments below!

Crossing the Pakistan – Iran border is possible but a bit tricky.

This border crossing is very long and known to be a dangerous area. That’s why you can only cross with an armed escort. Read the border crossing report by Lost with Purpose  and check for updates on Caravanistan .

Pakistan was our second obstacle. You can only apply for a Pakistan visa  in your home country or country of residence. Europeans and Canadians can get a visa on arrival if they arrive by plane and are part of a tour.

Just like with the Russian visa you can try to send your passport to someone in your home country and ask him/her to apply for the visa in the Pakistan embassy of your country.

Know that you’ll be without a passport for a while and you should check the regulations of the country you’re in whether or not it’s illegal to travel there without a passport.

If you are able to obtain a visa for both Iran and Pakistan, it means that you can enter India without too much hustle.

3) From Pakistan to India

Update 2022: There was only one Pakistan – India border where foreigners could cross but this one still seems to be closed now . Updates concerning this border are very welcome in the comments below!

There is one Pakistan – India border that is open only for foreigners.

You can obtain an e-visa for India but only if you arrive by plane. If you want to enter India by land, you’ll have to apply for a regular tourist visa in an Indian embassy .

You can apply for a 6-month tourist visa on your way to India. I’ve heard that the embassy in Pakistan is quite a hassle but you can try to apply for one in Tehran (Iran).

Other options are applying for an Indian visa in Central Asia (Uzbekistan, Kyrgyzstan,…) but that means you’ll have to make a huge detour and you need to be aware that the visa starts from the date of issue, not from the date of entrance !

4) From India to Myanmar and Thailand 

2022 Update: Myanmar will reopen its borders to international tourists on 17 April . Find the current Myanmar entry requirement s here .

If you’ve finally managed to travel from Europe to India (congrats, let me know if you’ve done it in the comments!!), you might want to continue your journey toward Southeast Asia.

The only way to reach Thailand or Laos is to cross Myanmar (aka Burma).

This is also tricky! You can enter Myanmar from Thailand on an e-visa but there are some mixed reports on whether or not it is possible to enter Myanmar from India. You’ll also need a special permit to travel overland in Myanmar.

Nobody said that traveling by land would be easy, eh?

Alright, one last route:

3) from Central Asia to South East Asia without traveling to China

2022 Update: This route is currently not possible as a) it’s not possible to travel to Russia at the moment due to the war and b) most countries on this route are closed to foreign travelers.

This route is the longest way to travel overland from Europe to China and South East Asia but it’s the best chance to get a visa for China while you’re traveling and make it to Southeast Asia.

1) From Kazakhstan to Mongolia

There is no direct border between Kazakhstan and Mongolia so you’ll first have to travel across a small part of Russia. 

You’ll need to apply for a 2-day Russian transit visa  in Almaty or Nur Sultan . 

If you’re not cycling or driving your own vehicle, you can take the train to cross the distance between Kazakhstan and Mongolia but you have to buy these tickets in advance as proof for your transit visa.

You’ll also need to apply for a Mongolian visa (30 days) at the embassy of Mongolia in Almaty or Nur Sultan. 

2) From Mongolia to Russia 

After visiting Mongolia, you’ll have to apply for a new Russian transit visa (try to get 10 days) in Ulaanbaatar (Mongolia) to enter Russia.

To travel from Russia to Asia without taking any flight, you’ll first have to go all the way to Vladivostok in Russia. 

The best way to get there from Mongolia is by train. You can book the train tickets for the Trans-Siberian train from Ulan Ude to Vladivostok (Russia) online .

3) From Russia to South Korea by ferry

There’s weekly one ferry that goes from Russia to South Korea, operated by DBS Ferry company. 

The ferry leaves in Vladivostok (Russia) and arrives about 22 hours later in Donghae (South Korea). You can book online tickets for this ferry  here . 

South Korea offers a free visa on arrival for many countries.  Check here   to see if you need to apply for a visa in advance or if you can get a free visa on arrival. 

You should be able to apply for a Chinese visa at the Chinese embassy in Seoul. Find out  here   what you need to apply for a Chinese tourist visa. 

4) From South Korea to Japan by ferry

There are a few ferry lines connecting South Korea to Japan.

Here is a fantastic and very comprehensive guide about taking the ferry from South Korea to Japan, including the various ferry routes, costs and practical travel information. 

Japan offers a free visa on arrival to many countries.  You can also try to apply for a Chinese visa at the Chinese embassy in Tokyo. 

5) From Japan to China by ferry

There is currently one ferry route running between Japan and China. The ferry leaves from Osaka and arrives 46 hours later in Shanghai. You can check the schedule  here . 

Once you’ve made it to China, you can easily continue your journey toward Vietnam, Laos and Thailand.

If you’re going on a long journey like this, you should get good travel insurance! Here are the 3 best and most affordable travel insurance companies for long-term travelers!

I hope this post has been very useful to you!

If you’re planning to embark on this long overland journey or you’ve traveled this route or parts of it and you have extra information, useful guides, or stories, please share them in the comments below! Feel free to contact m e if you have any questions!

More Useful Resources:

• The Ultimate Travel Guide to Turkey
• The Ultimate Travel Guide to Georgia
• The Ultimate Travel Guide to Azerbaijan
• The Ultimate Travel Guide to Kazakhstan
• The Ultimate Travel Guide to Kyrgyzstan
• The Ultimate Travel Guide to Uzbekistan
• The Ultimate Travel Guide to Tajikistan

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68 thoughts on “how to travel overland from europe to asia by car, bike and train – the 3 best travel routes”.

Hi, the EU part needs updates.

Croatia is in the Schengen now, and the map has a truckload of mistakes, not just related to new Schengen countries but also some EU members, while UK that has left is stil there.

Hi Goran, I know this post needs some updates but just haven’t gotten round to it yet. It’s on my to-do list 🙂

wow ! Absolutely amazing in depth content and information. soo soo inspiring and soo confusing but very very exciting. Good luck on your travels everyone here.

Thanks Steve!

Hi Cynthia, I thoroughly enjoyed your article :How To Travel Overland From Europe To Asia.” I was searching the internet to see if there are still British tour companies offering inexpensive (camping) travel from Indonesia to India or Turkey in a convoy of old British army trucks. Didn’t find any, but found your fascinating accounts of Asian travel. I traveled from Melbourne, Australia to England over a period of about 8 months in 1979. Hitchhiked up the Australian coast; flew to Bali; ferries, trains and deck-class voyages through Java, Sumatra, and Thailand; flew to Katmandu; trekked in Himalayas; flew to India; traveled by old Mercedes bus from New Delhi to Iranian border where bus and German owners were detained by Afghani police for smuggling hashish; detained by revolutionaries in Tehran after overthrow of the Shaw but before the American embassy was taken hostage; by bus to Istanbul, and then on to Munich; hitchhiked to Stuttgart, where I stayed and worked for a few weeks; hitchhiked to Frankfurt; took train to Amsterdam and ferry to London. Whew! Great trip!. I’m glad to see young folks doing similar travel in this changed world. Good luck to you, and thanks for supporting economical, independent international travel.

Hi Paul, wow, you also traveled very extensively overland! Thanks for sharing your story!

Hi. I was just wondering how you’re able to afford staying on the road throughout all this. Is it something you’ve been saving up for, for years, or is it working while travelling? Also what way do you think would be the best way for beginners. Hitchhiking always seems a bit sketchy, because you don’t know who you might encounter, however it’s also the cheapest way i can imagine.

Hi Nicolas, in the early years of my nomadic life, I worked along the way and combined it with a lot of volunteering work . Then I was an online teacher while setting up a business. Nowadays I have a full-time income coming from my business. Hitchhiking requires having trust and a strong intuition. I never had a bad experience (even as a woman alone) and I rely a lot on my intuition (always follow that gut feeling) :). I’m sharing more info about the how’s of my nomadic life here .

Great research. Thanks for sharing. I was considering travelling from Europe yo Asia by motorhome. Have you come across anybody that has done this? Thanks

No, I haven’t met anyone traveling by motorhome yet. The closest thing were people traveling by van. I could always bring you in touch with some of them if you like.

Thanks for this nice clear overview of options! I’m seriously considering cycling from the Netherlands to Australia. So far Iran and Pakistan seem to be the biggest hurdles. Apart from political turmoil, mostly because I have to apply for the visa from my home country and then cycle over there before it expires. Are there any known solutions to this problem?

Hi Robin, one solution that other cyclists did was to send their passport home and let a trusted family member/ friend apply for the visa and then send you the passport back. I know it’s not an ideal solution… I also met cyclists who had 2 passports so they could apply for the visa with one passport while still having another one on them while abroad. Hope this helps?

Thanks for your reply Cynthia, I will definitely consider this option.

Nice work. I see many of the responses are pre covid. not too many to date reports. I have a friend who just got a blood clot in her leg in Greece and needs to get home to Thailand. She can’t fly in this condition for 7-9 months. So, we are looking at how she can do it overland and when you see these maps in Sept.2022 you realize just how messed up things are in these area of the world. pakistan is in rough shape. iran? China? best war/covid/weather issues there doesnt seem to be a clear answer if it can be done right now. I like your Turkey-Iran-Pakistan routing through Myanmar and home but it sounds like Iran is a tough one for Canadians (which she and I are). A tour guide to whisk us through the country…..? Looking forward to reading more on that but again things are very strange at the moment everywhere so any 2019 information is right out the window I would think. Great post as many have said. I hope some people can add some things here. Back in the day we would go to Lonely Planets Thorntree for up to date info around the world from travellers and you know what? It might be interesting to see if it survived all these years. It was a got to at the turn of the century (wow that sounds old). She has an interesting challenge ahead of her.

It’s still going to be challenging to make the overland journey from Greece to Thailand at this point. I’m not sure how the situation is in Myanmar and yes, you can’t travel independently through Iran as Canadian citizens, but you might find a way around that. I hope you find a solution! Best wishes

thank you, Cynthia! very helpful. i’m also planning to travel from Baku to Kazakhstan by ferry this June.

Wow!! I never post comments but this article is hands down one of the best and most in depth things I have ever had the joy to read!!! Thank you so so much for putting in the time and effort to create this article!

Thank you Russel! And thank you for commenting 😀 It’s really lovely to hear your feedback!

Great job on all this. What about a ship like a cruise ship

I haven’ t been on a cruise ship yet so this is unknown territory but it might be possible

This is a very interesting! thanks for sharing these great articles, good luck

Thank you 🙂

Thanks for sharing this great information

My pleasure 🙂

I want to ask that, what I need to aware to ensure my safety, since I heard that traveling through Central Asia is dangerous, which several people lost their lives there, and what equipment and clothings I should bring and wear when I want to cycle through Central Asia to Europe, starting in China? Also, I need to stop to eat when I get hungry and stay at a hotel when I got really dirty and want to find a place to rest for a while. These all need a large amount of money, so how can I bring them ? Can I use credit cards? Can I use the atm there? I am confused 😕 as a starter. Overall, thanks for your inspiring article.

Hi Adrian, I’m curious to know where you’ve heard that Central Asia is dangerous? If you go trekking unprepared in the mountains by yourself, then I’d say, yes, that would be dangerous in any country in the world 🙂

My tips: don’t cycle through Central Asia in winter. Ideally, you’re there between the end of May and end of September. Hostels and homestays in Central Asia are cheap, you can get a bed in a hostel for $5 -$6 a night, you can eat at local restaurants which are also very cheap. You can take out money at the ATM’s in the big cities in Kazakhstan and Kyrgyzstan. If you’d cycle through Uzbekistan, get cash out at Tashkent (the capital city). You can also exchange money at the banks in Tashkent (Uzbekistan) and Dushanbe (Tajikistan).

I hope this helps. Let me know if you’d have more questions! Wishing you a great and safe journey ahead!

so great website for me. thanks for sharing these great articles with us

Thank you Mino! 🙂

Awesome blog, thankyou for this, really helpful and inspiring 🙂 I am wanting to make the route 3.2, but then enter India or Nepal from China. do you know if this is possible? I am also wondering how much such a journey would cost, how much would route 3.2 cost approx.? Thankyou in advance,

Hi Anne, thanks for reading our blog and I’m happy to hear it’s inspiring! I don’t think it’s possible to enter Nepal from China. It’s possible to go from China to India or from China to Pakistan as I know some people who’ve done it. The costs depend on the way you travel. Are you going to travel by public transport, with your own vehicle (car, bike, motorbike), are you camping or spending most nights at a hostel,…? Let’s say that you were to travel from Central Asia to China overland, and you travel by public transport and spend every night at a hostel, I’d count on an average of US$30 per day (food not included). I hope this helps!

China is running rail through Tibet that will go into Kathmandu, I know they started awhile ago but not sure when it will be finished.

That would be exciting!!

Thank you so much for this, I’m dreaming of driving one of these routes with my dog which of course adds another layer of complexity, do you know of anyone that has traveled overland with a pet?

Thank you! Sophia

I know some people who have traveled with their pet. You need to check with the vet so your pet has a passport and all the documents and vaccinations required!

This is a very interesting ! I look forward to seeing your stories and photos along the path you follow. You have passed through some interesting areas!

Thank you Tina 🙂

Thanks for sharing this informative blog hope soon you will post something about india thanks again for such valuable post

Hi, once we make it to India (and we’d love to travel there one day), we’ll definitely write about it! Happy to hear you like the blog!

Good post! I travelled from Dublin to Varanasi almost 10 years ago, all overland. Amazing trip, but not an easy one, especially because of Pakistan (I was there when Mr. Bin Laden got caught). Anyway, great article. I’m in SEA now and planning my return to Europe next year. I will try to drive all the way through the route I once did by train/bus. Take care!

Oh wow, that journey must have been even more challenging than it is now. Nowadays it’s rather easy to get most of the visas but it must have been quite something 10 years ago 🙂 How was it to travel through Pakistan when Bin Laden got caught? How was the atmosphere? Good luck with your overland return to Europe! It will be interesting for you to make a similar journey all these years later!

This is probably the best informative post on hitchhiking! Amazing and inspirational story!

Thank you Amber! Are you going on a big hitchhiking trip soon?

I’ve tried to be a nomad and it’s fun. It’s hard at first but when you get the hang of it, everything becomes just fun.

Hi Martha, that’s very true! Every change in your life or habits require some adjustment but like you say, once you get the hang of it, it’s fun! 🙂

Just a quick heads-up on the paragraph “the only solution is to send your passport home (there we go again) and ask someone to apply in the Chinese embassy in your home country (unless you’re from Germany, then you have to be physically present to apply for the visa). Here’s what you need to apply for a Chinese visa.” -> there are a number of agencies handling visa applications for German citizens. I live in China (as a German) and get frequent visits from friends and family, and none of them live in Frankfurt (consulate location) or Berlin (embassy location), and none ever had an issue getting a visa. We are using a service called 1A Visum, but there are a number of others around.

Thanks for the update Chris! This will definitely be useful for German citizens!

With this new information about hitchhiking there, we are now considering of going there too

Hi, you can hitchhike all the way from Europe to Central Asia. You still can’t apply for a Chinese visa in Central Asia (you’ll have to do this in your home country). If you have a visa for China, you can hitchhike all the way to South-East Asia. If not, you’ll have to go through Russia and take a ferry to Korea or Japan or you’ll have to fly from Kazakhstan or Kyrgyzstan to Cambodia or so.

Excelent article! very useful. Now I know that Im not th unique that want to travel and explore by hiking and cycle method through long distances. Thanks!

Hi Ignacio, thank you!! And yes, you’re not alone!! If you’d make this overland trip, you’ll meet many like-minded travelers along the way!!

Dear authers, wanderers,

Great page to start planning for my trip over land to India for next year. I like the size you are thinking in, i mean, in this post you are planning half/whole continents instead of which place to visit whitin a coutry. Anyway… I am planning on the most direct route, which is also known as route A. Would like to do that one up untill India. So I like to start my trip in 8 to 10 months, and take about 7 to 8 months to reach the pakistani-Indian border, hitchhiking from the Netherlands. These numbers are still rather flexible though, is there any country or particilar part I should plan around, concerning the climate? For example.. hitchhiking around Iran in those and those months are way to hot, or visiting the mountains in Pakistan is unduable in those and those months. Any other advise on things I should plan or organize now and not in half a year.

Cheers, A Dutchie

Hi Thijs, I’m happy to hear that this post is useful to you. You’re up for an amazing overland adventure!! You should definitely keep the seasons in mind, summer and winter are at the same time like in the Netherlands but it’s way hotter or colder in Iran or Pakistan 🙂 It can get very hot in Iran so I think late summer, early autumn would be the perfect time to go there but keep in mind that, if you want to travel through the mountains in Pakistan, you should go there before or after winter otherwise certain roads won’t be accessible and it will too cold anyway to go there in winter. Remember that you need to apply for your Pakistani visa in the Netherlands and I don’t know how much time you have to enter Pakistan from the moment you have your visa. Crossing the Iran – Pakistan border and the Pakistan – India border is also another challenge so make sure you’re well-prepared for those (safety, visa,…) Enjoy the preparations of this trip and feel free to contact me if I can help you with something!

Hi Cynthia, I am gratefull for your reply, it feels like a warm welcome. 🙂 So… For now, I decided to aim for crossing Iran-Pakistan border in April. So I can check out the mountains in Pakistan in April/May. I know these borders are a challange on their own, that’s why I am already preparing now. I do have considerable amount of travel experience, so hopefully everything will be fine. Yeah… So considering the pakistani visa, i’m chatting with Alex from Lost with purpose to figure out my best strategy.

All the best from Uni library in Bonn. Thijs

I think that you’re choosing the right season for going to the mountains in Pakistan. Alex is the expert on traveling in Pakistan so I’m sure she’ll be able to give you loads of information about the visa and border crossings! Enjoy your preparations (they’re also part of the journey 🙂 ). And who knows, we might cross paths! That would be really cool! All the best from Morocco! 🙂

Loved your article, it is helpfull! We will head in a year from now on an owerland trip with 2 small kids (1.5yo and 3.5yo than) so will follow a safer route that keeps the budget. Your route seams food but not all the part is possible with a vehicul. We will figure it out of we go part of the way on wheels and part of it witjout and what would we do with a vehicul.. Still lots to plan 🙂 Thanks for all the info!

Hi Morana, what a great idea to make such an overland adventure with your children! The route from Europe over Georgia/Armenia/Iran or Azerbaijan to Central Asia is very safe and beautiful! If you have any questions or need help with planning your journey, don’t hesitate to contact us! Wishing you all the best!!

Hi Morana, I am planning to go from Spain to Thailand in a couple of years when our kids are bit more grown up. We would like to go with an Autocaravan. Please send me some info if you first try it. My email is [email protected]

Nice pictures. I like your blog. You share the information is very helpful. It is very supportive and useful post. I would like to visit the post once more its valuable content. Thanks!

Hi David, thank you so much! Are you planning on making an overland journey soon?

Very good article. I prefer traveling overland like you you are a happy couple. good luck

Thank you! <3

really love this block. very informative post. really love the story.

Thank you Hiroshi! Glad to hear you enjoyed this post!

Nice read but there is some information which is not correct, I hitchhiked all over Uzbekistan and it is allowed. The police/army/guards at roadblocks will even stop cars for you to help you getting a ride 😉 I really loved Uzbekistan and the people there. Also Croatia and Cyprus are EU countries, but indeed not in the schengen zone. Maybe also good to know for people is that if you want to hitchhike in Tajikistan on the Pamir highway (Which I highly suggest) you will need an extra permit which costs extra money. You can either apply in Dushanbe or online with the E-visa.

Hi Paul! Thanks for pointing this out! There was indeed a misunderstanding and some confusion about Uzbekistan and I adjusted it in the article. I came across the info that one has to show tickets from the bus/train when exiting the country. But that is only for night transportation. With this new information about hitchhiking there, we are now considering of going there too 🙂 Thanks for the extra info about the Pamir Highway! Did you hitchhike all around Central Asia? What was your best experience?

yes exactly

This is a super useful guide, well done! I’m so excited to see your stories and photos of the route you laid out. It goes through some fascinating regions!

Thanks Alex! After puzzling our route together I thought I could help a lot of people who want to do a similar journey with this guide (including your super useful articles!!). We’re very curious and excited about the upcoming route!

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Home » Budget Travel » The ULTIMATE Guide to Overland Travel (2024)

The ULTIMATE Guide to Overland Travel (2024)

It is absolutely without question that my best travel journeys to date have been overland.

Some were on motorbike, others were by way of a cardboard sign on the side of the road, and I have visions of future journeys that involve a big old school bus traversing the lands between Europe and Asia.

Overland travel is inspiring, and it is undoubtedly the best way to hit the road, especially as a backpacker looking to save money and dig deep into countries and cultures. While social media may have you thinking that you need to spend tens of thousands of dollars on a tricked out 4×4 to become an overlander, I’m here to completely dispel that myth.

Sure, van life and Land Rover Defenders are certainly a type of overlanding, but they’re not the end all be all.

Overland travel can be as simple as sticking out your thumb and hitchhiking, or using trains and shared taxis to get from one place to another. But regardless of the rig you choose, I guarantee you the experience of coasting along wide open plains at your own pace, sharing meals of yak yogurt with nomads, and getting to pitch your tent (or park your ride) just about anywhere will be absolutely worth it.

But still, I totally understand that it can all be intimidating. So let’s set the record straight with this ultimate guide to overland travel – where you’ll see that this is very much a “do as you like” adventure.

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What is Overland Travel?

While you most likely already know the literal definition – traveling by land AKA avoiding flights – there’s a lot more to overland travel than just what’s in the name.

Overland travel – whether it be by foot, by bicycle, by rail, by van or whatever method you choose – is an art in and of itself. Closely intertwined with my other favorite form of budget backpacking – slow travel – overlanding allows you to get to know the places you visit far more deeply than a bunch of flights ever could.

Overlanding is TRULY where the journey matters even more than even the destinations themselves. It’s what gave me some of the best moments of my life, something I know virtually all of my favorite adventurers would agree on when reflecting upon their own journeys. 

And once you get started, I promise you you’ll only want to dig deeper and deeper into what it means to become an overlander…

Why YOU Should Overland

Before we REALLY get into this, I want to make something clear.

Overland travel doesn’t HAVE to be an odyssey. While it is for many travellers – like my journey from the UK to Papua New Guinea – you can travel overland without crossing a single international border.

The thing is, there are no rules to this type of travel. There’s no right or wrong way to become an overlander. You don’t need a tricked-out Land Rover Defender, you don’t need a van, you don’t need a bicycle. Hell, plenty of inspiring adventurers have embarked on incredible journeys with nothing but their backpack, a sign, and a stuck-up thumb.

So that, my friends, is one of the reasons WHY you should try overland travel: it’s truly for everyone and anyone.

But beyond that, in all my years on the road, it’s this type of travel that’s kept me addicted to life on the road. It’s absolutely not the most comfortable, but it will teach you the most about the world, and about yourself too. 

Overland travel will push you to your limits, and really make you work for each and every view and experience you attain.

For some – like cyclists – that work may be physical. For others, it may be mental: such as moving past introverted tendencies to travel by hitchhiking or dealing with driving in brand-new countries with insane motorists.

It allows you to experience life on the ground to the fullest: minute by minute, mile by mile.

Ways to Travel Overland

This is no one-size-fits-all all method of travel, as there are so many ways to overland. I’ve even seen people do it completely by foot or on something as crazy as a unicycle.

But the following are the most common, and popular, ways to get around on the ground: 

While I am not a cycling fan myself, those who have done it have nothing but incredible things to say about bikepacking – which is essentially overlanding with a bicycle strapped with a whole lot of stuff. Travelling by bicycle gives you the chance to slow down and see more than virtually any other way of overlanding.

For one your speed (most cyclists don’t do more than 70km per day, depending on the terrain) will allow you to take in just about every village and turn – you’ll get to camp in places far off the tourist trail and meet an incredible lot of locals.

But moreover, cycling is as simple as it is cheap: you don’t need to worry about fuel or engine oil, it’s significantly easier to repair issues, and spare parts don’t tend to weigh that much. It’s also a hell of an accomplishment: unlike all the other forms of overland travel aside from walking, you’ll be physically putting in work every single day.

By Motorbike

As much as I love hitchhiking, traveling by motorbike truly ignites a passion that I have rarely found in other methods of exploring. The feeling of crisp mountain wind on my face as I coast through surreal scenery is one that just doesn’t get old, and it’s certainly something I’d like to try out for longer periods.

The one thing to keep in mind though is that start-up costs will not be cheap. Good bikes that can actually make it across continents are not cheap, and you’ll also need to buy extra tires, tons of fluids, and other parts that likely will not be available in the places you intend to ride.

But still: it’s worth it. You get the benefits of cycling without the intense struggle, and you’ll be able to maneuver in places where cars cannot. You’ll be able to carry a lot more than a bicycle could, and it will still be cheaper than any van or 4×4.

By Van/Your Own Vehicle

Perhaps the most OG form of overland travel is with your own car: whether it be a van, a 4×4 or an old ambulance, I’ve seen adventurous souls carving their own paths in virtually every type of rig you could imagine.

With the popularity of vanlife these days, I’m sure you’ve thought about or at least heard about this craze. I mean, the upsides are many. Your home is with you at all times, you can carry so much more stuff, and you can design your ride exactly as you like. For many, the process of building their house on wheels is just as special as the trip itself.

But there are negatives too: many countries require a carnet de passage that often requires a hefty deposit, repairs can be super expensive, and it’s a whole lot of responsibility. But if you’re determined to make it happen, this is undoubtedly the most comfortable and adventurous way to travel overland, as you can go just about anywhere and won’t be as limited by weather.

By Hitchhiking

My overland hitching journey from UK to Papua New Guinea may not have been completed, but it certainly brought me some incredible (and life-changing) travel memories that I’ll hold on to forever.

Exploring overland by way of the thumb is not for the faint of heart, or for those lacking patience. But it will bring you closer to strangers and teach you more about the world than any other type of travel. When you’re in a vehicle of any kind (even a bicycle) it somewhat separates you from locals: you’re self-sufficient, right?

But when you’re relying on the kindness of random folks to help you see the world, it opens up doors you didn’t even know were in sight. It leads to unexpected family dinners in local homes, to long chats alongside crackling fires, and to hours spent in random places you would have never visited otherwise. Hitchhiking will change you for the better if you let it, and all you need to get started is a smile, a sign and a stuck-up thumb.

Overland Travel Tips

My top travel tips for making your adventure as smooth as it can be…

1. Do your visa research 

While most Westerners are privileged to be able to enter many countries without a visa, you can’t just roll up everywhere. Places like Pakistan, Vietnam, India, and Azerbaijan still require e-visas in advance, and China (often a pain for a lot of overlanders) has a set of very specific rules that usually requires applying for a sticker visa from your home country.

Make sure you read up on every destination you plan to overland through to ensure you don’t find yourself caught out in no man’s land. Sometimes visa rules can change abruptly too, so it’s key to stay on top of them.

2. Bring a LOT of Spare Parts 

I cannot stress this enough: if you’re travelling by way of ANY vehicle, it is absolutely essential that you have a good amount of spare parts in tow. Many of the best places to overland are NOT known for their equipment, which means you could potentially be caught out far, far away from civilization.

Spruce up your rig before heading out into super remote areas, and prepare for the unplanned. It’s far better to be a bit overloaded but have everything you need for a mishap than to travel light and become stranded.

3. Don’t forget the little things

You won’t realize how much you need a laundry bag, an eye mask or a good headlamp until you’re stuck in the middle of nowhere with none of the above to be found.

For little things like these, it’s definitely worth it to double up on your supply. You never know when something can get lost or break on the road. 

4. Bring a first aid kit 

Whether you’re walking, cycling, or traveling in a jacked-out 4×4, the need for a first aid kit remains. You never know when you might need it, but when that time comes, you’ll be incredibly happy you added it to your packing list.

While these honestly aren’t that cheap these days, it’s worth it to splurge on a large, well-stocked one that will actually last you a decent amount of time. If you have any favorite OTC medicines, I highly recommend hoarding them before you head out: pharmacies out in the wild leave much to be desired. 

5. Go slow 

The art of slow travel goes hand in hand with overlanding, but sometimes it can be easy to fixate on the destination rather than the journey.

But unless you have a hard deadline to meet, take it easy out there. The whole point of overlanding is to experience the route, not just each individual destination.

Take some rest days where you do nothing but take it all in. Perhaps dive into some journaling, or park yourself at a nice lake or even a beach. The road has infinite pleasures to indulge in. 

6. Download Maps in Advance

Even if you’re well prepared with a local SIM card, there will undoubtedly be places without service somewhere along your journey.

Unless you have a paper map like the kind I used to travel with back in the day, get all your necessary navigation downloaded and ready for use when you find yourself with a solid data or Wi-Fi connection.

7. Use Google Translate or Dictionaries 

While English speakers are pretty privileged in that we can get by in most of the world, most does not mean everywhere. Take Central Asia for example where Russian rules – you’re going to need some assistance.

While learning a bit of the language in advance is certainly helpful, Google Translate’s offline abilities have truly saved me many times, and it’s a free app you should definitely download. The old-school dictionary method is useful too, especially if you plan to spend time in one place or region for a while. 

Overland Travel Packing List

While your specific adventure packing list may look different depending on your method of overlanding, these are a few universal expedition items that anyone will need on the road.

Osprey Aether 70

• Features: Stow-On-The-Go™ trekking pole attachment >
• > External hydration sleeve in backpanel
• > New IsoForm? CM™ hipbelt

ORIA Combination Lock

• Features: 2 pack : set includes 2 zinc alloy 4-digit re-settable combination travel locks >
• > Offers 10,000 combinations
• > Small volume, light weight, fit through the holes of a lot of suitcases

World Travel Adapter

• Features: Input socket: Euro, USA / Japan, Australia / China, United Kingdom (UK version not in Switzerland) >
• > Retractable plugs: Euro, UK, USA / Japan, Australia / China
• > Charge a laptop and two usb devices at once

• Features: Higher resolution display (300 ppi) – with twice as many pixels >
• > Built-in adjustable light – read day and night
• > A single battery charge lasts weeks, not hours

MacBook Pro

• Features: 2.3GHz dual-core Intel Core i5 processor with Turbo Boost up to 3.6GHz >
• > 8GB 2133MHz LPDDR3 memory
• > 128GB SSD storage

Where to Start Overland Travel

You can certainly overland anywhere: from somewhere as simple your home state/province to any country that calls to you, but overall I’d say these are the best places for a truly epic overland travel journey.

Central Asia

The 5 Stans are some of the most adventurous places left on this planet, and they’re home to some of the most mesmerizing roads at that. As of 2023, it’s easy for Western passport holders to travel through all of them (save Turkmenistan), and each one (Tajikistan, Uzbekistan, Kazakhstan and Kyrgyzstan) has something incredible to offer.

Public transport is also expensive and lacking in most of these locales, which makes overlanding that much more valuable.

All four Stans are all interconnected, safe, and essentially a big old playground for overlanders. Do not underestimate the size of this region though: I’d recommend blocking out at least 3 months to get a real feel for what it has to offer.

South/Southeast Asia

Ah, South and Southeast Asia . Home to some of my favourite countries in the world that have made the most indelible marks on my travels and my life.

India, Pakistan, Nepal and the infamous Banana Pancake trail (Thailand, Laos, Cambodia and Vietnam) are perfect places to give overland exploring a try.

Public transport is widespread, and you’ll get a feel for what it’s like to cross borders. But of course, having your own vehicle will make things even more accessible and give you access to rural areas most do not get to see.

When I rode a rickshaw around India , I found myself incredibly off trail in places that had never even seen foreigners before.

Every year, thousands of Europeans head East to Asia in their own cycles, 4x4s or by way of hitchhiking. And while the journey from Europe to Asia is absolutely epic, you can also opt to travel within the continent too.

With so many countries to check out, it may be the easiest (though certainly not the cheapest) place in the world to overland. Border crossings are simple, and so many countries are interconnected, that it’s a breeze to spend months moving about.

For Brits, Americans and other non-EU nationals, it’s key to be aware of the 90-day visa rule within the European Union. Luckily, there are some fantastic countries out East that you can visit once your time is up.

Many van lifers take to the wide open roads of the United States , with 49 to choose from (discounting Hawaii) and the ability to head north into Canada, I can see why this massive country has become so popular in the world of overland adventuring.

Personally, the USA is not at the top of my bucket list for many reasons, but if you’re already living there and want to get a feel for overland travel, incredible landscapes and opportunities await. Just note that public transportation and hitchhiking are definitely not recommended, as the former barely exists and the latter is not safe .

So van lifers, this is your time to shine. I know many folks who have fixed up relatively cheap vans and set out to see virtually all the states in the Union. If you have limited time or money, definitely focus your energy on the West Coast . That’s where you’ll find all the national parks and the scenery that makes the country worth exploring.

Getting Insured BEFORE Hitting the Road

Regardless of where or how you plan to overland, you should definitely sort some solid travel insurance before leaving home.

ALWAYS sort out your backpacker insurance before your trip. There’s plenty to choose from in that department, but a good place to start is Safety Wing .

They offer month-to-month payments, no lock-in contracts, and require absolutely no itineraries: that’s the exact kind of insurance long-term travellers and digital nomads need.

SafetyWing is cheap, easy, and admin-free: just sign up lickety-split so you can get back to it!

Click the button below to learn more about SafetyWing’s setup or read our insider review for the full tasty scoop.

Final Thoughts on Overland Travel

I hope I’ve now convinced you that your next trip should be an overland one. Ditching flights and committing to crossing borders and provinces on your own wheels (or by way of hitchhiking) will take your travels to entirely new heights.

You’ll have experiences that aren’t possible if you’re jetting about between places, and you’ll get to know each country and region like never before.

With so many ways to make it happen, from cycling to van life to even public buses, overland travel is something that is truly for everyone and anyone.

So what are you waiting for – get to planning and get the hell out there.

Made it this far? You get 15% OFF to book a place to stay ! Offer valid exclusively for Broke Backpackers 😉

Will Hatton

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Will is a freaking trooper!!! I retained great advises from this articles like: Little things we dont think about, hoard your otc in advances, travel by train, buses, mini vans, bike, download your map is a great one when you out of wifi!! Visas if we go to china or india, google translate a must have and to talk t locals and meet people on the journey, enjoy the journey more than the destination, and to buy a kindle to read if no internet, i myself always have been wanted to explore asia and reading this give me ideas on how to get there cheaper and to see the best of all places.

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How to travel from Asia to Europe by land

An overland trip from Asia to Europe can either be the adventure of a lifetime or it can (quite literally) be as easy as walking across a bridge. Below we will first look at the hard option but if, after reading that, you realize you do not have the time or the money we will conclude with a much easier (but no less interesting) alternative.

Can one take a train from China to Europe?

The answer is yes. You can take the Trans Siberian Express from Beijing in China to Mongolia. From there, it makes its way to Irkutsk in Russia. The next leg of your journey will be from Irkutsk to Moscow. Once you have explored this great city you can easily get a train to Berlin in Germany and from there to London.

A huge adventure awaits travellers who are planning to embark on this unforgettable train journey. The Trans Siberian is a one-of-a-kind experience that you will remember for the rest of your life. You will pass through landscapes and meet people that you would otherwise never even have known existed.

How much does a ticket on the Trans-Siberian from China to London cost?

Buying a 2nd class ticket for the 10-day journey from Beijing to London directly from the Russian Railroads will cost just over $1000 USD (depending on inflation and exchange rates). This price does not include hotel accommodation, food, or the cost of visas, so you will have to factor in those as well.

How long will the total travel time between Beijing and London be?

The first part of the trip from Beijing to Moscow will take at least 7 days. The second part, from Moscow to London, will take a minimum of 3 days. The total travel time, therefore, is 10 days – provided everything goes according to plan.

The total time of 10 days is provided that you remain on the direct route and never get off the train to do some exploration of your own, which most travellers might prefer to do.

When booking a ticket, you should make sure to take this into account. The train tickets work much the same as flight tickets, i.e. you book for a specific day on a specific route. Once you have left the train, you can not board it again with the same ticket a week later.

The Train From Beijing to Moscow

This section of the journey has various options but we highly recommend the route from Beijing to Ulaanbaatar, Irkutsk, and then on to Moscow. The train trip via Mongolia is not only the shortest but also the most spectacular.

Please be aware that there are major differences between the different carriage classes.

The Train From Moscow to London

One possible option is to take the train from Moscow to Paris and from there to London. The first leg of this journey, however, goes through Belarus, so you will have to apply for a visa before the time. The trip involves only a single change of train, which is why it is somewhat more pricey but a lot more convenient. A first-class ticket for this trip will cost around $500 USD. The price of a 2nd class ticket is about $300 USD.

Another option is to take the train from Moscow to Warsaw and from there to Cologne, Brussels, and finally on to London. This alternative does, however, involve several train changes – and it also goes through Belarus, so many travellers may require a visa to transit.

Cycling from China to Europe

If a long train trip is not your cup of tea, another incredible adventure will be to cycle from the East to the West, provided that you have the time because this journey will take you around one year to complete. Transport costs will be negligible but of course, you have to budget for accommodation, sightseeing, and food.

Not only will this be a great adventure, but you will also seldom be alone. Surprisingly many people nowadays do this journey on a bicycle or motorbike. In our view, long-distance cyclers are the true adventurers because there are so many things that can go wrong and it requires much more planning than e.g. a train journey.

How long will it take to cycle from China to Europe?

It will to a large extent depend on how fit you are, the type of bicycle you have, and how the weather and the road conditions could impact your trip. Cycling 15,000 km in a year will mean that you have to cover around 40 km per day. On the way, you will cross multiple borders and cycle across two continents.

The route you choose will also play a significant role because it will determine how many visas you are going to need and how many border crossings there will be. If you are able and willing to spend a year of your life on the road, however, you are virtually guaranteed of having an unforgettable experience.

The first part of the trip: Cycling through China

It will take an average cyclist about 3 months to cycle from East to West China. The 4.000 kilometre / 2.500 mile journey can be done at any time of the year. The majority of people will cycle 62 miles (100km) on an average day. The rest of the time is used for resting and sightseeing.

However, this of course depends on the route you will take through China and what you would like to explore on the way. Tibet is a popular destination – but it is in the far south of China whereas Beijing lies in the North. It is of course quite easy to take your bicycle with you on the train – so if you ever become somewhat bored with the landscape or you would like to explore an out-of-the-way destination, it’s quite easy to break away from the main route for a day or more.

It is important to be aware that you will normally have to apply for a visa before arriving at a new country’s border. If you apply for a visa outside of your own country you will most likely be given one that is valid for 3 months. This might or might not be enough for your individual purposes. Keep in mind that its validity often starts on the day on which the visa was issued. Luckily it’s often possible to extend a visa in major cities, so make 100% sure to plan for these ‘visa stops’ when you are planning your journey.

The second part of the trip: From China To Istanbul?

The 2nd section of your China-to-Europe trip will be from the Chinese border to Istanbul in Turkey. This will take an average cyclist around 7,5 1months to cover. This includes the time it will take to cross the mountains of Central Asia and to explore the Pamir Highway, the old favourite among experienced over-landers.

You can visit the caravanistan.com website for more details on travelling across Central Asia. This will be one of the most difficult to navigate in terms of visa requirements. The mountain passes here will typically be closed during the winter months, so you have to plan your trip in such a way that you will arrive there during the summer.

The final section of your unforgettable journey: From Istanbul to London

An average cyclist will take around 90 days to travel by bicycle from Istanbul to London. The 1800-mile/3.000-kilometer journey follows European Routes 6 and 15. It is best to do this trip around the end of spring.

If you are a Westerner, the trip across Europe will feel a lot more familiar than that through Western China for example. Leaving behind the mountains of Central Asia and cycling through the EU you will start feeling less like a tourist and more like a local. If you are from Asia, however, the reverse will be true. Prepare yourself for many linguistic challenges.

To save money and to keep your budget within reasonable limits, you can always make use of websites such as couchsurfing.com and warmshowers.com where you will find people who are prepared to provide you with a place to sleep for free. This is also a great way to save money and learn more about European culture and food. Gradually the cultures will start to shift and before you know it you will find yourself in London.

The easier alternative: Crossing from Asia to Europe by walking across a bridge

Istanbul, the biggest city in Turkey and also the 5th-biggest city on earth in terms of population, is viewed by many people as European. The reality is, however, that this metropolis actually occupies both Europe and Asia. Istanbul’s western (European) part is only separated from its eastern (Asian) part by what is known as the Bosporus Strait – a fairly narrow waterway of 31km that forms a connection between the Sea of Marmara and the Black Sea and also serves as a natural boundary between Asia and Europe.

These two sides are connected by two suspension bridges: The Fatih Sultan Mehmet Bridge (also often referred to as the Bosporus Bridge II) and the Bosporus Bridge. Although many tourists never visit the Asian side of Istanbul because the European side is where the majority of the city’s historical buildings are located, all you have to do to cross from Europe to Asia and back to Europe is to walk across these two bridges and back.

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How to Get to Europe without Flying

How to get to Europe without flying? In this guide, we’ll explore flightless ways of reaching Europe from America, Africa, and Asia.

Can you travel to Europe without flying? Yes, you can! In this guide, we’ll go through different ways of reaching Europe without taking to the skies.

I have previously written similar guides for reaching Europe. This time around, we are exploring routes in the opposite direction.

• How to Take a Train from Europe to Asia (+ More Flightless Routes)
• How to Travel from Europe to Africa without Flying
• How to Travel from Europe to America by Ship

In the first section of this guide, I will talk about how to get from America to Europe without flying. In the middle chapter, we’ll navigate flightless routes from Africa to Europe. And finally, we’ll go through different overland routes starting from Asia.

As you go through this guide, you’ll see that traveling to Europe without comes with challenges. If you do decide to fly, please consider donating 10% of your ticket cost to an environmental nonprofit. Carbon offsetting isn’t very effective, so it’s better to support effective charities suggested by Giving Green instead.

How to Get from America to Europe without Flying

See also: How to Travel from USA to Europe by Ship

Taking a Transatlantic Cruise to Europe

When you think about flightless ways of reaching Europe from America, a transatlantic cruise might be the first option to come to your mind. It is indeed possible to take a transatlantic cruise to Europe. At the time of writing, I found over 200 transatlantic cruises from America to Europe.

The cheapest cruises from the United States to Europe start at around $1100-1500 for a cabin, including meals. For example, a 7-day voyage from New York to Southampton on the luxury cruise ship Queen Mary 2 starts at approximately $1400. 

However, if you avoid flying for environmental reasons, you should note that cruises may actually produce significantly more CO2 emissions than flights .

Sailing Across the Atlantic

See also: How Long Does It Take to Sail the Atlantic?

It is possible to sail from America to Europe, although reverse journeys are more common due to the favorable trade winds . To begin a transatlantic sailing journey, it is popular to head to Bermuda or the Caribbean first.

According to Life of Sailing , an eastward crossing of the Atlantic takes around 4 weeks. This includes a week of sailing to Bermuda, two weeks or more from Bermuda to the Azores, and another week from the Azores to the coast of Portugal.

Even if you don’t own a sailboat or a yacht, you can hitch a ride on a boat across the Atlantic. Websites such as Crewseekers and Find a Crew connect captains with individuals willing to work as crewmates in exchange for the voyage.

Yacht clubs in harbors may also have notice boards for those seeking a boat or a crew. While many captains prefer crewmates with experience, it is not always necessary.

Taking a Cargo Ship from America to Europe

See also: How Long Does It Take a Cargo Ship to Cross the Atlantic?

Is it possible to travel on a cargo ship? Yes, it is! Even though I haven’t crossed the Atlantic on a cargo ship, I did travel from New Zealand to California on a freighter during my mostly flightless 2-year trip around the world .

On average, traveling on a cargo ship costs $100-150 per day. A transatlantic journey typically takes around 10-15 days, resulting in a total cost between $1000-3000. Popular freighter travel companies include Cargo Ship Voyages , Slowtravel , Voyages en Cargo , and Freighter Travel (NZ) , which I personally used.

At the time of writing (Fall 2023), the COVID pandemic restrained the amount of cargo ship cruises available. Still, there are some freighter routes available. Here are a few examples:

• New York, USA, to Southampton, England – 7 days, ~$1000
• Miami, USA, to Algeciras, Spain – 11 days, ~$1400
• Mariel, Cuba, to Rotterdam, Netherlands – 3 weeks, ~$2900

Traveling from Africa to Europe without Flying

Routes between europe and africa.

Europe and Africa are separated by the Mediterranean Sea . The most narrow passage between the two continents is the Strait of Gibraltar . At its narrowest point, Europe and Africa are only 13 kilometers (8 miles) apart.

In the northeast, Africa is connected by the Sinai Peninsula land bridge to Asia. But even though it is possible to cross a land border from Egypt to Israel, political instability in the region makes continuing from Israel to Europe by land almost impossible .

Luckily, the Mediterranean Sea offers several crossing points between Europe and Africa. It is also possible to travel to enter Europe from other parts of Africa as a passenger on a cargo ship.

How to Get to Europe without Flying from Africa

There are plenty of ferry connections from Africa to Europe. For example, there are multiple daily ferries from Morocco to Spain . A ferry from Tanger Med in Morocco to Algeciras in Spain can take as little as 90 minutes and cost $20-30. You can also take a ferry from Tunisia to Italy in 18-30 hours for $50 or more.

A ferry connection from Cyprus to Alexandria in Egypt reopened in 2019. However, the route closed due to the COVID pandemic and hasn’t been reopened since.

Freighter travel is also possible, although the options are limited. From what I’ve seen, cargo ships that cross the Suez Canal don’t allow embarking in Africa. I also haven’t discovered any cargo ships that would take passengers from East Africa to Europe across the Canal.

In the past, there were more freighter travel options from Africa to Europe, but COVID has narrowed the options. At the time of writing, I could only discover routes from South Africa to Northern Europe. For example, a freighter voyage from Cape Town to Rotterdam (Netherlands) takes 27 days and costs approximately €3500.

Flightless Travel from Asia to Europe

Overland routes from asia to europe.

Finally, we will explore how to get to Europe without flying from Asia. As the two regions form the continental area of Eurasia, it comes as no surprise that there are many overland routes from Asia to Europe.

In the past, the Trans-Siberian and Trans-Mongolian railways were the easiest ways of traveling from Asia to Europe without flying. However, the current political situation has made these routes inaccessible for most people. The classic Hippie Trail is mostly off-limits for similar reasons.

Luckily there is some good news for overland travelers too. In early 2023, China resumed issuing tourist visas , making overland travel across the country possible once again.

One can travel across China and cross its western border to Kazakhstan. Steve from thetrip goeson.com has done this route several times, and he has written a guide for the overland crossing from China to Kazakhstan . After reaching Kazakhstan, you can navigate through Central and West Asia towards Turkey, the Black Sea, and Europe.

From Asia to Europe by Sea

Though not very popular, it is also possible to take a ship from Asia to Europe. For sailors, there are two possible routes : sailing around Africa via the Cape of Good Hope, or sailing across the Suez Canal from the Red Sea to the Mediterranean.

Both of these routes require plenty of time and effort. While the Suez Canal can be crossed in a day, sailing around Africa on the Cape Route takes weeks. This guide offers some information about sailing around Africa.

Despite the shorter duration, the Suez Canal route comes with its own challenges. Here is one entertaining story about the challenges of sailing the Suez Canal.

Perhaps surprisingly, there are more options for freighter travel from Asia to Europe than the other way around. From what I’ve seen, some container ships leaving Europe do a counterclockwise loop in the Indian Ocean, heading to Australia first before returning along the coast of Asia.

Here are few example cargo ship routes from Asia to Europe:

• Colombo (Sri Lanka) to Gioia Tauro (Italy) – 16 days, ~$2000
• Singapore to Barcelona (Spain) – 21 days, ~$2700

How to Get to Europe without Flying – A Summary

Can you travel to Europe without flying? In this guide, we have explored various flightless ways to travel from different continents to Europe. 

Dozens of transatlantic cruises serve between America and Europe. However, cruises can produce significant CO2 emissions. Sailing across the Atlantic is also an option, with journeys lasting about 4 weeks. Traveling on cargo ships is also possible, with costs ranging from $100-150 per day.

It is possible to travel from Africa to Europe by ferry. Popular routes head from Morocco to Spain and Tunisia to Italy. Political factors limit overland travel through the Middle East. If you want to travel from Africa to Europe on a cargo ship, South Africa is the best place to start.

Lastly, we explored overland routes from Asia to Europe. While Russia remains inaccessible for most people, China has resumed issuing tourist visas, allowing overland travel through the country. Sailing from Asia to Europe is also an option, either around Africa’s Cape of Good Hope or through the Suez Canal.

Whether by sea, rail, or road, there are many ways of reaching Europe without flying. All these options come with their own benefits and challenges – and they all offer opportunities for everlasting memories.

Tell Me More!

Arimo Travels is a sustainable travel blog by Arimo, a mostly traveler from Finland. The site focuses on sustainable travel guides and randomness.

Terrific reporting, Arimo! I love that you’ve carved out a specific, sustainable, travel niche with this website. A great resource for long haul travelers seeking lower impact and more unique experiences!

Thank you Glenn! 🙂 Yes, it’s been fun to keep this platform evolving, and I really like the way it is now.

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How to Get to Spain without flying? In this guide, we explore ways of reaching Spain by land and sea.

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BIG TRIP SMALL BACKPACK

The world is big, you don't need that much luggage.

Getting from China to Europe Overland

Going from China to Europe (or the other way around) travelling through Central Asia is one of the world’s great overland journeys, and for good reason. It can seem like a daunting undertaking, but vast deserts, huge inland seas, and the romanticism of following in the steps of famous silk road travellers makes it worth the effort.

This guide outlines the major decisions or forks in the road along the way. I started from China, but if you wish to travel in the reverse direction you can start at the bottom and work your way up. As for travelling within a country, you can look more closely at the detailed guides for the cities along the way, for example, getting around in Uzbekistan. 

You should use this guide mostly for figuring out which way you want to go. All the directions at the forks have advantages and disadvantages, but they will affect the next steps of your journey as well, so you should consider the overall journey when making a decision. A slightly more convenient border crossing might lead to some issues down the line. I have mostly focused on borders and paths in Central Asia since the distances involved are quite large and the transportation networks in each of the countries fairly disconnected. Travelling within a country like China, or using the European railway network, will seem quite easy by comparison, so I have left that out of the guide. 

Let’s go!

Getting out of China (2 options)

Northern Route: Urumqi, China to Almaty, Kazakhstan. From Almaty you can travel onwards either through Kazakhstan exclusively, or go to Kyrgyzstan from Almaty. 

Advantages: Can be done entirely with public transportation. Urumqi is much more accessible from Beijing with high speed train. Almaty has some cool attractions and is a fairly international city. 

Disadvantages: Increases the total number of borders if you are just going to go to Kyrgyzstan anyway. You end up quite far north if you want to go through Uzbekistan. 

Southern Route: Goes from Kashgar, China into Kyrgyzstan. This option involves another choice of two routes, a northern and a southern option. Northern goes through the Torugart Pass, which requires hiring a vehicle and guide. We did this route in 2018 – click here to read about it. You will end up in Naryn which is the middle of Kyrgyzstan. The Southern route via Irkeshtam is convenient to go directly onwards to Osh. 

Advantages: You can cut straight from China to southern Kyrgyzstan, which can shorten the trip, especially if you are going to travel on to Uzbekistan. Kashgar provides a much more authentic representation of Xinjiang than Urumqi, and the train journey to get there is very scenic. 

Disadvantages: The Torugart Pass route is costly as you have to hire a guide. There are reports that the Irkeshtam Pass is not so scenic, mostly just flat desert. 

Three Ways through Central Asia

Which one you pick will likely be closely tied to how you leave China. 

Kazakhstan to Caspian Sea: From Almaty, work your way through Kazakhstan to Aktau on the other side of the country. This should be workable with Kazakh trains. Of course you will make better time because you stay within one country, but you will see less of Central Asia. 

Kyrgyzstan to Uzbekistan, on to Kazakhstan and Caspian Sea: This route takes you through Kyrgyzstan, and enters Uzbekistan via Osh. It can be used with any of the China exit routes above, whichever one you pick will just determine how much travel there is to do to get to Osh. From Osh you will go to Tashkent , then travel through Uzbekistan, across the border to Aktau. This is the route I selected, and while it requires many borders, there is no need to get any visas for most western passports, and allows you to visit Uzbekistan. 

Uzbekistan to Turkmenistan and the Caspian Sea: This third route is the same as above until you get to Bukhara, Uzbekistan. Then you will cross the border into Turkmenistan, and cross Turkmenistan. It is a huge hassle to get a visa for Turkmenistan, as a tourist visa requires you to book a tour, and the transit visa is only valid for 3-5 days. The visa also costs between 50 and 100 USD. This route can only be suggested for those who really really want that Turkmen passport stamp and are immune to bureaucratic hassle. It might be better to wait for Turkmenistan to follow the lead of other neighbouring countries, and simplify their visa procedure.  

Across the Caspian Sea

There are two main options to get across this body of water: getting a ride on one of the cargo ships going across, or flying. Flying is by far the most convenient, an Aktau to Baku flight will cost around 100 dollars and take 1 hour. Flights are scheduled and reliable. If you need one (most western passports will) you should get your E-Visa for Azerbaijan in advance, leaving a few days for processing. Request it online here.

For those looking to take the ferry, the ASCO company seems to be the most reliable at carrying passengers to Baku from both Turkmenistan and Kazakhstan. You should note that there is no fixed schedule, so you may have to call and be in contact with the company on a fairly regular basis. The ports are also located a long way out of town on both ends of the journey, so some money should be budgeted for transportation. 

A third option can be to avoid the Caspian Sea, but this requires travel through both Turkmenistan and Iran. 

Baku to the Black Sea

Once you arrive in Baku the trip will get a lot easier, at least until you get to the Black Sea. There is a direct rail link between Baku and Tbilisi, Georgia , and many minibuses make the journey between the capitals. It is quite easy to get around in Georgia, thanks to its extensive train and minibus network. 

Across the Black Sea

There are three options for getting past the Black Sea. Of course there is flying, which is most convenient from Tbilisi with flights available to Kiev and Istanbul.

You can take the ferry from Batumi, Georgia to Odessa, Ukraine or Varna, Bulgaria. I personally chose this option because the ferries are fairly frequent and seem more reliable than the Caspian Sea boats. Here is more information on how to organize that journey.

The third option is an overland route, crossing from Georgia to Turkey and then going overland from there to Bulgaria and Europe. 

Arriving in Europe

If you have chosen the ferry option, you will arrive in Odessa or Varna. From Odessa you can travel onwards into Moldova, Romania, and wherever else you want to go from there. I would suggest stopping off in Tiraspol for a day as you travel from Odessa to Chisinau. After that, you’re in the European train and aviation network, so getting where you need to be should be straightforward and economical.

For those wishing to do the journey the other way, start from here and read up. As you can see, most of the big decisions come at the forks or options that I have identified above. 

And there you have it, an overland (or mostly) journey from China to Europe!

About the author

Related posts, almaty, kazakhstan, to bishkek, kyrgyzstan by minibus, what to do in bukhara, uzbekistan, 5 things to do in osh kyrgyzstan.

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Train travel UK & Ireland...

Train travel in europe..., train travel in asia..., train travel in africa..., train travel in america..., train travel in australasia, through central asia by train.

The most usual (and easiest) route from Europe to China is via the classic Trans-Siberian Railway , shown in blue on the map below.  But there is another route now open to foreigners, the so-called Silk Route via Kazakhstan, shown on the map in yellow.  Let's be clear, if you want to travel between Europe and China, the main Trans-Siberian route is faster and easier to arrange, both in terms of visas and train tickets - for a start, just one Trans-Siberian train will get you all the way from Moscow to Beijing.  The Silk route will take a little more thought and organisation, with more visas, train tickets and stopovers to arrange.  However, this page will explain routes, train times, costs and how to buy tickets.  You can also use trains to reach Central Asia from Europe and Moscow.

Important update 2024 :  All trains between western Europe and Russia are suspended, originally due to Covid-19, now due to the war in Ukraine & sanctions.  Travel to Russia is no longer advisable.  International trains between the Stans and China are also remain suspended since the pandemic.  This route is currently not viable.  Nor is a route via Iran feasible, given the difficulty in getting visas.

London - Moscow

You can travel from London to Moscow by train, for times, fares, how to buy tickets and Russian visa information, see the London to Russia page .  Direct sleeper trains run to Moscow from Paris, Vienna, Prague, Warsaw, Berlin, Budapest, Helsinki and many other cities, go to this page and select your starting city, then select Moscow .  You will usually need a Belarus transit visa as well as your Russian tourist visa, see the visa section on the Russia page . 

Trains to Russia were suspended due to Covid-19 and remain suspended due to sanctions .

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Moscow - Almaty & Astana (Kazakhstan)

Trains link Moscow with both Almaty and Astana in Kazakhstan.  A direct train links Moscow with Astana every 2nd day.  The time-honoured direct Moscow-Almaty train Kazakhstan was sadly discontinued in June 2017 (nobody knows what RZD is playing at here), but it's still possible to travel between Moscow and Almaty with a change at Saratov as shown below.  Or you can travel from Moscow to Astana then Astana to Almaty, which may be better.

The best place to confirm days of running & times, including times of border crossings (and therefore entry dates for visa purposes) is at the Russian Railways site www.rzd.ru .

The Saratov times shown above are Moscow time.  Local time is one hour head of Moscow time. 

UPDATE:  After decades of running to Moscow time, from 1 August 2018 trains are shown in local time on Russian timetables, usually with the difference from Moscow time shown in brackets, for example (MCK +5) .

Train 7 & 8:   Kupé (4-berth) and platskartny (open plan berths).  There are no 2-berth sleepers.  Southbound, train 8 departs Saratov on even dates (2nd, 4th, 6th etc of each month).  Northbound, train 7 departs Almaty also on even-numbered dates.  The train passes from Russia into Kazakhstan, but briefly transits another part of Russia before re-entering Kazakhstan.  However, it is reported that you just need single-entry visa for Russia to travel on this train.  Multiple-entry visas are not required for this.  In fact, this Kazak visa question may have been resolved completely, as Kazakhstan has removed the need for UK & some other nationalities to get a visa from 2014 onwards -please check the latest Kazak visa situation.  Moscow to Almaty is 4,017 km in total.

Train 17:   A Russian domestic firmeny (quality) train with spalny vagon (2-berth), kupé (4-berth) and platskartny.

Trains 83 & 84:   Train 84 leaves Moscow's Kazanski station on even-numbered dates (2nd, 4th, 6th etc of each month).  Train 83 leaves Astana on even-numbered dates.  The train has kupé (4-berth sleepers) & platskartny (open plan dormitory cars) plus restaurant car.  There are now no 2-berths, but you can book 4 tickets in a 4-berth to have sole occupancy for one or two of you.  Moscow to Astana is 3,105 km.

Fares:   Moscow to Astana costs around £247 in kupé.

How to buy tickets:   You can book train travel in Russia, including this train, through several reputable Russian agencies, including:

You can make arrangements for trains, hotels and tours in Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan through local agencies such as www.tourasia.kz .  You will need Russian tourist visa for this journey (by all means double-check, but at the time I write this Kazakhstan no longer requires UK & some other nationals to get a visa.  For information on Russian visas, see the visa section on the Russia page .

What are the trains like?

Moscow-Almaty better via Astana than direct?   Traveller Chris Nuttall suggests going Moscow-Almaty via Astana:  "I travelled from London to Almaty (Kazakhstan) and back last autumn (2009). On the return journey I travelled via Astana and as a result made the journey from Almaty to London in under 5 days, about 13 hours quicker than using the (then) direct train from Almaty to Moscow.  I departed Almaty 2 station at 19:28 on the daily Talgo overnight train to Astana (train number 1/2) and travelled in Platskartny which consisted of 4 berth compartments, the same as the 'Tourist class' on the Spanish railways own Talgo sleeper trains, rather than the usual Russian semi-open carriages.  According to my sister, who lives in Almaty and has used this train on a number of occasions, this service has a reputation for arriving punctually, unlike many other trains in Kazakhstan.  I then used train 83/84 to Moscow as shown on your site.  As well as being quicker and giving me the opportunity to explore Astana for a few hours, this route only crosses the Russia / Kazakhstan border once. I know you mention that only single entry visas are required for train 7/8, but I couldn't find further information on this, so my chosen route gave me added peace of mind."

Moscow - Bishkek (Kyrgyzstan )

A train called the Kirgizia links Moscow with Bishkek in Kyrgyzstan, with 4-berth sleepers & restaurant car.  No 2-berth sleepers.

The best place to confirm days of running & times, including times of border crossings (and therefore entry dates for visa purposes) is at the Russian Railways site www.rzd.ru

Fares: Moscow to Bishkek costs £295 in 4-berth kupé.

How to buy tickets:

Moscow - Tashkent (Uzbekistan)

There is a train running 3 times a week from Moscow to Tashkent in Uzbekistan.  This is the Uzbekistan , with Spalny Vagon (2-berth sleepers), kupé (4-berth sleepers) and platskartny (open plan dormitory car) plus restaurant car.  The train passes from Russia into Kazakhstan then it enters Uzbekistan.

The best place to confirm days of running & times, including times of border crossings (and therefore entry dates for visa purposes) is at the Russian Railways site www.rzd.ru . 

Fares:   Moscow to Tashkent costs around £415 in 4-berth kupé or £461 in 2-berth spalny vagon.

Visas:   You will need a Russian tourist visa and Uzbekistan tourist visa for this journey.  For information on Russian visas, see the visa section on the Russia page .  By all means check the latest Kazak visa situation but at the time I write this Kazakhstan no longer requires UK & some other nationals to get a visa.

You can make arrangements for trains, hotels and tours in Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan through local agencies such as www.tourasia.kz or www.advantour.com .

Travellers' reports

Traveller Jeff Mortelette travelled Tashkent to Moscow in 2016:  " The boarding arrangements were crazy.  We arrived an hour early and made our way to the security check.  There were tons of people pushing to get in.  I think there was another train leaving right before us, so a lot of people were trying to get on that train.  We waited in line for about half an hour before we realized we needed to start pushing our way to the front if we wanted to catch the train.  We finally got through with about 10 minutes to spare and hustled to the platform.  We got on our car with a few minutes to spare.

The train left Tashkent at 18:50.  About half an hour later we spent 80 minutes at the border while Uzbek border patrol went though.  They had me open some bags and answer some questions about where I was going and why.  They spoke no English.  We went for 20 more minutes and did the same thing with the Kazak border control.  It was pretty similar when we left Kazakhstan/entered Russia.  We only entered Russia once. 

On the train there were a few power sockets.  One at each end and one in the middle, but none in our cabin.  A nice feature is each car had shot water dispenser people used for noodles or tea.  We also had one employee of the train assigned to each car and ours was really helpful, especially when crossing borders.

There was a restaurant car that served Uzbek staples:  plov, lagman, and dumplings.  In addition sometimes people would go by our cabin and sell the food the restaurant cooked.  My friend and I got two bowls of plov and scopula beers for around $7.  It was pretty good for plov, but there was not much variety.  We paid in Kazak Tenge, but you could also pay in som or rubles.  It would help to not carry big bills;  I couldn't use my 10,000 Tenge note.  In addition to he food on the train, many stops of at least 20 minutes had places you could buy food.  Mostly crackers, potato chips, candy bars, water and soda, and uncooked ramen noodles.  Each car of the train had a place where you could get hot water that many people used for tea and ramen noodles.  In Samara, we could find more food for sale:  cheese, bread, sausage.  In general the closer we got to Moscow the more choices we had when we stopped."

Tashkent - Samarkand - Bokhara - Urgench (for Khiva):  See the Uzbekistan page

For train service within Uzbekistan, linking Tashkent, Samarkand, Bokhara & Urgench, see the Uzbekistan page .

Tashkent - Almaty

There is now a train every few days between Tashkent and Almaty, using a modern Talgo train.  You can buy tickets at tickets.kz .

Almaty & Astana (Kazakhstan) - Ürümqi (China)

Direct train twice a week.

Two trains per week link Almaty in Kazakhstan with Ürümqi in China, one using the original route through Druzhba/Alashankou, the other via the new much shorter route through Horgos/Altynkol.  One train per week carries through cars Astana-Ürümqi.  One set of carriages is Kazak with 2-berth and 4-berth sleepers, the other set Chinese with modern air-conditioned soft class 4-berth sleeper compartments and hard class open-plan bunks.  A Kazak restaurant car runs Almaty to the border, and a Chinese restaurant car runs from the border to Ürümqi.  If you use this route, please let me know !

Update:  International trains to/from China remain suspended due to Covid-19.

One train is operated by Kazakhstan Railways, the other by Chinese Railways.  Astana is now also known as Nur-Sultan.

Which station in Urumqi?   There are two main stations in Urumqi, plain Urumqi which opened in 2016 just northwest of the city centre ( see map ), and Urumqi Nan ( see map ) which is the original Urumqi station, south of the city centre, and confusingly called plain Urumqi until 2014.  These trains use the new Urumqi station.  Urumqi has an unofficial local time 2h behind normal Chinese time, but the times shown above for Urumqi are all the official Beijing time zone used by the railways.

Check your train times & dates carefully as times and days of running have changed regularly over the years, and there is much conflicting information online depending where you look .  You can get more definitive info at the Kazakhstan Railways online timetable at epay.railways.kz but you need to be clever with cutting and pasting Cyrillic place names алматы for Almaty and урумги for Urumqi.

Fares:   Almaty to Ürümqi costs around £123 in 4-berth or £138 in 2-berth.

How to buy tickets:   You can book these trains for westbound journeys at www.chinahighlights.com/china-trains (click International Train from China above the journey planner) for westbound journeys.

Traveller's report

Traveller Tom Earwaker reports:   "Departure was 23:14 on Monday 14/10/19, Beijing time.  Note that there's an unofficial local time in Urumqi, 2 hours behind Beijing, but train times are all in Beijing time. The train had around 10 carriages, I only counted about 18 people getting on! I had a 4-berth compartment to myself up to the border crossing and there was a nice German couple in the next compartment.  It was an old train, but clean and comfortable, with bedding and hot water provided.  Got to the China side of the border around 9am where security checked passport, looked around compartment and asked some questions about reason for travelling, where we went in China, etc. Got off the train 09:30 with luggage, more questioning (about purpose of visit, my job, and whether I liked China!), luggage search and they took fingerprints.  They also looked though the photos on my phone for quite a while and the books on my kindle.  It was quite thorough, but they weren't unfriendly about it.  Back on the train and left the station around 11:00, reaching the Kazakh side of the border at 11:20 (09:20 Kazakh time) There was 1.5hr of security checking passport, checking bags, questioning and waiting, all carried out on the train. Then we had to get off the train for another 1.5hr and wait at Druzhba station while they changed the wheels over.  There was a small cafe at the station serving typical Russian/Kazakh food (Borscht, Samsa, Plov etc.) and I was able to exchange Yuan for Tenge at the station's convenience store (also a bank nearby with similar exchange rate).  We left at 12:40 Kazakh time, and the train very quickly filled up over the next few stops. Arrived in Almaty 2 station at 05:50 next morning (16/10/19)."

Ürümqi - Xian - Beijing

All these trains have soft & hard sleepers and most have a restaurant car, see the Train Travel in China page for general information about trains in China.  There are other trains available between Ürümqi and Xian and between Xian and Beijing, see the Train Travel in China page .

Fares: Ürümqi to Beijing costs around RMB 901 ($146) in soft sleeper or RMB 566 ($92) in hard sleeper, if bought at the station.  Ürümqi to Xian costs around RMB 768 ($124) in soft sleeper.

You can check times & buy tickets at www.chinahighlights.com/china-trains .  Not all trains are shown here!

* Trains Z179/Z180 use Beijing main station, not Beijing West.

Planning your trip

Probably the best way to plan a trip like this is to start by reading up on all the possible routes, trains and stopovers, then plan out an itinerary and budget using a simple table or spreadsheet:  How to plan an itinerary & budget .

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Round the world overland

• 1 Understand
• 2.1 Arranged voyages round the world
• 2.2 Shorter tours
• 2.3 On your own
• 2.4 General considerations
• 5 Buses and overland safari trucks
• 6 By small craft
• 7 Trans-Africa overland routes

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Overland travel or overlanding refers to a journey performed without the use of flights. This may include:

• Travel to relatively distant or inaccessible points (such as the Australian outback ) with vehicles designed to be capable of off-road use.
• Cross-continental travel without flights or boats – a famous historical example being Marco Polo's first overland expedition in the 13th century from Venice to the Chinese court of Kublai Khan.
• Round-the-world travel using sea travel between continents and road or rail travel ashore, in the Around the world in 80 days tradition.

Since the 1960s overlanding has been a popular means of travel between destinations across Africa , Europe , Asia (particularly India ), the Americas and Australia . In the 1960s and 70s, thousands of young westerners travelled the "Hippie Trail" through the Middle East to India and Nepal . See Istanbul to New Delhi over land .

Travelling around the world has been a goal for many intrepid explorers ever since humans suspected that the world was round. Ancient Greek mathematicians calculated that the world was round (and despite common myth today, was believed round throughout the Middle Ages as well) and speculated on how to follow it all the way. The first persons generally acknowledged to have made this trip were the survivors of Ferdinand Magellan's crew . After three years under sail, one ship safely returned. With the widespread deployment of locomotives and steamships in the late 1800s, Jules Verne predicted a trip around the world in eighty days to be feasible by land and sea. A pair of rival New York City journalists made the trip in 1889 in 72 and 76 days respectively.

These days, it is easy to buy a number of flights that take you around the world , but many people choose not to fly. One reason is that air travel is an intensely polluting form of transport. Another is that the joy of travelling is the journey itself and the many places and experiences that come from passing through countries rather than flying over them.

Many people plan to travel around the world without using air transport by using a combination of sea, rail and road, although generally it is almost impossible not to include some air transport on the way, due to the cost of covering the oceans and for political reasons in some parts of the world.

In a nutshell: the very minimum requirements for a trip like this are several months of time, good health and, tens of thousands of US Dollars.

Get around/itineraries

Arranged voyages round the world.

There are a limited number of arranged overland trips around the world. In practice these trips are cruises circumnavigating the globe from port to port, therefore a more describing name for them would be "over seas". Some travel agents arrange places on freight ships going around the world, the rest on regular cruise ships . These usually last about 100 days, and prices begin at USD 15,000.

A few cruise ship lines package a "world cruise" as a single bundle, with duration typically 110–120 days. These trips typically run once annually.

Shorter tours

Originally overland tours catered to young travellers who were happy to "rough it" and travel in large groups. Since then, the overlanding industry has evolved and now there are arranged trips for all kinds of travellers. In Africa, for example, there are wide range of tours designed for different types of travellers, including families and senior travellers, with primitive as well as quite luxury accommodation and services.

There are many overland tour companies that provide a converted or purpose-built truck or bus and a tour leader. On these guided overland tours the group travels together overland for a period of weeks or months either with their own vehicles or with the provided one.

The tours marketed as overlanding are often quite long, such as six weeks from Kenya to South Africa. A twenty-six weeks tour from London to Johannesburg like in the old days is hard to find nowadays, though, and the itineraries are usually planned in detail, leaving little to improvisation.

On your own

A possibly cheaper and definitely more adventurous way is to combine scheduled intercity bus, train and boat connections to go around the world – or to go all the way by yacht . You could also use any land vehicle, such as a bike, motorcycle, car, or even travel on foot. You plan your trip from scratch and set your own schedule. This will mean a lot more planning than, e.g., flying round the world through ten cities. Remember that your itinerary will very likely include places far off the beaten track and far away from everything. Consult the articles for each of the countries you plan to travel to in order to learn about the connections and travel conditions.

General considerations

Crossing from Europe to Asia or vice versa can be done relatively easy – you can take a train from most major European cities to Moscow and travel by the Trans Siberian to Beijing , Vladivostok and places along the route. Another relatively straightforward train route is from Moscow to Urumqi . Travel through Central Asia or the Middle East is possible but requires more visas and more changes of buses and trains. The security situation also tends to be worse, as many countries in the region are or have been embroiled in violence. The fabled Hippie Trail overland from Europe to India came to a screeching halt when Iran had a revolution and the Soviet military invaded Afghanistan in 1979. The on-going Syrian Civil war is a major obstacle to all travel in the region, as is visa trouble should you enter Israel.

The Pacific Ocean is by far the greatest obstacle to completing a circuit around the world overland; There are no ferries between either Indonesia or New Zealand to Australia, nor are there any sort of regular services from Asia or Australia to the thousands of islands in Polynesia . Further north the Bering strait between Russia and Alaska doesn't have any scheduled traffic crossing it either. Moreover there are no roads on either side of the Bering Strait and a special permission is required to enter Chukotka on the Russian side. This means you either have to shell out more money than a plane ticket on the cruise ships that do cover this route – Japan to Alaska is the most economical option – or opt for the option more in the spirit of such a journey: freighter travel (or trying to combine yacht hitchhikes ). New Zealand, which maintains loose associations with a number of small islands in the Pacific, sometimes allows people to join on the semi regular freight routes supplying these islands, but natives are always given priority, and securing a spot on these trips are not trivial, and requires much perseverance. If you want to cross as many longitudes as possible by land but are willing to fly if absolutely necessary, things get a little easier. Coming from Asia, you can get across the Indonesian islands by ferry and overland to the easternmost of Papua New Guinea. From there you can fly to New Zealand, via Australia if you wish. The North Island reaches all the way to 178°E. From New Zealand you can fly via Hawaii to Anchorage , Alaska from where you can backtrack by ferry to Dutch Harbor-Unalaska , located at 166°W. Alaska is connected by ferry and road to Canada and the Lower 48 .

Traffic over the Atlantic is much more frequent than over the Pacific. Cunard Line's proud historical ocean liners still ply the route between Southampton and New York, and are much more economically feasible than the Trans-Pacific cruises. Some cruise ships spend the summer in Europe and the winter in the Caribbean and offer affordable "re-positioning cruises" across the Atlantic. Lots of freighters cross the Atlantic between Europe and the Americas and journeys on these can be arranged through several agencies. Additionally, quite a few sailors cross the Atlantic in their own vessels for fun (see Hitchhiking boats to tag along with one). If you can get from North America to Iceland , you can take Smyril Line's weekly ferry from Seyðisfjörður to Denmark on the European mainland. Headstrong, experienced travellers with a very loose timetable could attempt to cross the North Atlantic on fishing vessels – Greenland to Iceland is, while in no way easy, possibly doable. But unless you use a cruise ship as ferry or charter small craft, there is no practical way to cover the strait between Canada and Greenland. It may be possible to hire experienced Inuit to cross the strait on dog sleighs during the winter and hopefully to continue by coastal vessels.

Perhaps surprisingly, another obstacle is the Darién Gap : a small 160-km stretch of dense marshy jungle, made even more dangerous by guerrillas fighting in the area, between Panama and Colombia. Yes, this means there are no roads between Central and South America , there are no ferries covering the gap either, but backpacker traffic is so heavy that there is a fairly organised line of private vessels operating between Cartagena and the Portobelo Area or Carti in Panama. Blue Sailing [ dead link ] have regularly scheduled boat departures for the journey between Carti in Panama and Cartagena in Colombia. It is also feasible to walk along the Caribbean coast line, but unless you have experience in such journeys, this is not something you should take lightly. From Europe, you can go by freighter to Montevideo and some ports in Brazil and some of the cruises in the Caribbean also include ports in Venezuela .

Northern Africa can be easily visited from Europe. However, if you want to travel further south overland you need to cross the Sahara desert, which is a challenging task. You could travel along the west coast, passing through several countries that require visas from almost all foreigners. The easier route would be in eastern Africa, sample routes include Cairo to Nairobi overland and Alexandria to Cape Town by train and bus . Rail transportation and paved roads are uncommon, therefore getting around can be challenging and take time. Also, inform yourself about the situation in the areas you plan to travel through – sadly infectious diseases , armed conflicts and crime are prevalent in much of Africa. Finally, to get out from anywhere in Sub-Saharan Africa your alternatives are to either backtrack north to get to Europe or Asia or fly. Crossing the Indian ocean by boat is dangerous because of pirates, at least unless you take a very southerly route.

Australia and the rest of Oceania require flying if you aren't going by freighter or by an irregular and expensive Trans-Pacific or RTW cruise. While most Indonesian islands are connected to each other by ferry and western Indonesia has several connections to the Asian mainland, there are no scheduled ships between Asia and Oceania. It is possible to arrange a ride from South-East Asia to Australia by working on a sailing boat . Depending on the captain, experience may not be essential, but definitely helpful.

Hitching a ride on a cargo-ship between East-Timor and Darwin is not possible. There is a lack of information on the Internet about this. Even though it looks like the two are the closest points on a map, the shipping companies want nothing to do with passengers. It is not out of any legal considerations, travelling as a passenger is perfectly legal, they just do not want the hassle of the paperwork. This is taken from first-hand experience at Dili port and numerous face-to-face conversations with company reps and port officials. Dili marina is also pretty quiet and not as busy as Bali marinas are. Avoid East Timor if your intention to attempt a crossing to Darwin.

A hypothetical route into Australia, not spoken about much is via the Torres Strait Islands (Disclaimer, this was not attempted by the writer but was researched extensively). Separating Daru , Papua New Guinea and Thursday Island is approximately 150 km of water. While no commercial boats connect them, it is legal for Torres Strait Islanders to freely travel between the Torres Strait Islands (Australia) and PNG. You could hire a captain to sail between the two, or kayak it yourself between Daru and Saibai Island .

The main difficulty is reaching Daru from Indonesia as it may involve traversing the entire PNG coastline to reach it. It may be possible to reach Daru from Merauke but you may not be able to cross the border into PNG from here ( seems to hint there is, but check with official sources). It is possible to cross the border at Jayapura on the north-side of Papau but reaching Daru may be very difficult as it would involve many many ferry rides to reach even Port Moresby . Air travel is the primary means of travel between towns and cities in PNG.

Overall getting from one continent to another in the Southern Hemisphere is in practice an option only if you have your own boat .

In 1907, a car race from Beijing to Paris was arranged, and in 1936 two drivers from Prague drove around the world in 97 days . There are two ways to drive around the world: you can buy and sell vehicles along the way (or rent for at least some stretches), which means that you can fly over difficult and dangerous regions and avoid the hassle and expense of shipping your vehicle. If you drive the same car around the world you will have to drive all the way and arrange with freighters to take the car at least over the Atlantic and the Pacific. Driving around the world means you will need various documents in addition to your passport and visas such as an international driver's license, Carnet de Passage , documents concerning the car's insurances and in some cases even a local driver's license (or a local driver)! Weblogs where RTW drivers share their first hand experiences include My Overland Adventure Transworldexpedition , The world by road and Vw vagabonds . Many other examples of Round the world travel by vehicle (Overlanding) can be found on Overland Sphere [ dead link ] .

At 9,288 km (nearly 6,000 miles), the Trans-Siberian Railway is one of the longest overland journeys in existence, taking seven days to reach Vladivostok from Moscow , and providing an alternative to air travel for journeys between Europe and Asia. The Chinese, Russian and other governments are discussing a high-speed (around 320 km/h or 200 mph) line on this route. Europe itself has a comprehensive rail network .

The Indian Pacific Railway , completed in 1970, links Sydney and Perth in Australia. Covering 4,343 km over 4 days, the railway includes the longest stretch of straight railway line in the world.

In the USA Amtrak can carry you overland from New York across the continent to San Francisco on the Pacific Coast and back and forth across the continent using different routes, just a part of their 21,000-mile (34,000-km) train line system, Canada's Via Rail offers similar services; see Rail travel in Canada and Rail travel in the US .

The introduction of Japan 's high speed railway , Tōkaidō Shinkansen, in 1964 changed the face of rail travel. The railway has carried more than 4 billion passengers and its new N700 series trains are capable of 300 km/hr. France's TGV ( train à grande vitesse or high speed train) attains similar speeds, making it faster than air travel for many journeys. Germany was the first European country to respond to the TGV and for a short time, a German ICE held the speed record for trains before the TGV got it back. Today Spain has the longest HSR network in Europe and fast trains crisscross the Benelux, southern England, Germany, Austria, Switzerland, Italy and even Turkey. China has the longest HSR network and is still building more, see High-speed rail in China . More networks are either planned or under construction, slashing travel times to never before seen levels.

Buses and overland safari trucks

The Silk Road historically connects the Mediterranean with Persia and China . Today the route refers to overland journeys between Europe and China, taking either the northern route – through Russia and Kazakhstan to Urumqi or Xi'an in China – or the southern route – through Turkey , Iran , and Pakistan to India and perhaps beyond. These routes are still popular today, with companies such as Oasis Overland and Odyssey Overland offering tours on the southern route.

By small craft

Nowadays circumnavigating the globe by yacht is not the feat it was a hundred years ago – even teenagers have done it solo. But it still requires solid ocean sailing experience, there is much that can go wrong, and there is little help available on the ocean. For some introduction, see Cruising on small craft .

Hitchhiking boats is possible. Hundreds of sailing boats cross the oceans every year (although quite few do all the Pacific). Waiting in busy ports like Grenada, Madeira or Panama can help. Talk to boat owners, be friendly, helpful, and approachable. Something may turn up. The Internet is also a useful resource, there are many websites that match crew with short-handed skippers. They might just be going the right way.

Trans-Africa overland routes

Some of the longest and more traditional overland routes are in Africa. The Cairo to Cape Town route covers more than 10,000 km, usually following the Nile River through Egypt and Sudan, continuing to Kenya, Tanzania, Malawi, Zimbabwe, Botswana and Namibia along the way. From the mid-1980s, the closure of the Aswan-to-Wadi Halfa ferry between Egypt and Sudan, and instability in Sudan, northern Uganda and Ethiopia, made the journey impossible. The Cape to Cairo and Cairo to Cape Town route has again become possible and increasingly popular both with commercial overland trucks carrying groups of 20 or so paying passengers as well as independent travellers on motorbikes or with 4WD vehicles. See Alexandria to Cape Town by train and bus .

The traditional Trans Africa route is from London to Nairobi, Kenya and Cape Town, South Africa. The route started in the 1970s and became very popular with small companies using old Bedford four wheel drive trucks carrying about 24 people each, plus lots of independents, normally run by groups of friends in 4x4 Land Rovers heading out of London from November to March every year. The usual route was from Morocco to Algeria with a Sahara desert crossing into Niger in West Africa, continuing to Nigeria. This was followed by a month-long journey likened to Joseph Conrad’s “Heart of Darkness” through the forests of Zaire (now Democratic Republic of Congo), surfacing into the relatively modern world in Kenya via Uganda. From Kenya the last leg was south through Tanzania to either Zimbabwe or South Africa.

This route has changed dramatically due to border closures and political instability creating no-go zones. The route has reversed itself somewhat over the last few years, with trucks now crossing from the north to the south of Africa, closely following the west coast all the way from Morocco to Cape Town with the biggest change in the route being made possible by the opening of Angola to tourism. The journey then continues through Southern and East Africa from Cape Town to Nairobi and on to Cairo. For the coast of West Africa, there is even a bike trail .

The 2 month long Cape Town to Kenya Overland routing is extremely popular due to the diversity experienced along the route. The range of cultures, fauna and flora experienced allows for a traveller to experience remote regions in Africa yet still allow for a more manageable length of time. Due to the logistics in East and Southern Africa it allows you to travel to areas which are difficult and expensive to access independently.

In Southern Africa the most popular route is Cape Town to Victoria Falls (around 3 weeks long). Companies have trucks leaving almost daily starting the route in Cape Town, South Africa. The Cape to Vic route takes travellers through Namibia, Botswana and ending in either Zimbabwe or Zambia.

These days, overland journeys explore most continents; the only one not yet regularly travelled is Antarctica.

A few companies offer overland expeditions from the UK to Australia. Originated by Exploratory Overland Expeditions in 2006, the expedition is marketed as the longest trans-Asian overland journey available.

The longest overland expedition of any kind is run by African Trails ; their London-Cape Town-Istanbul journey (43 weeks) remains the classic overland expedition for die-hard travellers. Though the longest combination of trips is 50½ weeks run by Dragoman from Helsinki, Finland to Cape Town, South Africa via Russia, China, Middle East, following the Nile and to Kenya and on to southern Africa.

• Freighter travel
• Round the world flights
• Bus travel – one likely mode of transport
• Tips for rail travel – another likely mode of transport
• Around the world in 80 days – for the most famous itinerary

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Overland Companies

Compare top-rated overland tour operators, book your ideal trip and set off on an unforgettable adventure

Embark on an Overland adventure

If you’re craving an epic, off-the-beaten-track adventure, look no further than an adrenaline-pumping Overland truck tour. No matter what country you choose to explore—whether it’s Tanzania , Botswana or Australia —the journey is always as exhilarating as the destination.

Best overland tour operators

After reviewing traveller feedback on all overland tour operators, our Travel Experts have hand-selected ten of the top companies with the best ratings across the board. Acacia Adventure Holidays takes the top spot in terms of excellent reviews.

Overland tour specialists

Boasting expertly crafted itineraries that take travelers to some of the most remote and incredible corners of the planet, a life-changing experience with these industry-leading overland tour operators is guaranteed. Oasis Overland — With tours ranging from 13 days to 30 weeks in Africa, Central Asia and more, traveling with Oasis Overland makes for an unforgettable experience Madventures Travel — Specializing in true expeditions and once-in-a-lifetime experiences, Madventures Travel organizes trips for the most adventurous travelers Infinite Adventures –- Taking travelers to the heart of the Alaskan wilderness, this small local company is perfect for anyone who loves the outdoors

Best overland tour operators by destination

If you’ve already decided where you want to go, check out our list of overland tours categorized by continent, or take a look at the top-rated operators below.

Top destinations for Overland tours

• Southern Africa (192)
• East Africa (102)
• Botswana and Namibia (47)
• Kenya and Tanzania (42)
• South Africa, Zimbabwe and Botswana (33)
• Botswana and South Africa (27)
• South Africa (26)
• Namibia and South Africa (26)
• Namibia (25)
• Tanzania (25)
• Botswana (22)
• South Africa and Zimbabwe (17)
• Uganda (12)
• Tanzania and Uganda (12)
• Namibia and Zimbabwe (8)
• West Africa (6)
• Morocco (5)
• North Africa (5)
• Far East (5)

Australia/Oceania

• Australia (14)

Latin America

• South America (10)

What you need to know about Overland tours

How comfortable is an overland truck, and where do i sleep.

This will differ depending on the company you travel with, but you can generally expect comfortable coach-style seating, lockers for your personal items and air-conditioning. As for accommodations, you’ll likely be sleeping in a tent (provided by the tour company) for the majority of your trip. If you’d prefer to sleep in a hotel or lodge, explore our full range of Overland tours and use our filters to search for trips with accommodation types that suit you best. 

How often do you have access to wifi? Is it easy to keep your electronics charged?

If you’re heading into remote or areas off the beaten path, your access to wifi will likely be limited, which is the perfect opportunity to disconnect and live in the moment! Alternatively, you can contact your mobile service provider prior to your trip to check if they offer mobile data in the destinations you’re traveling through. You’ll have access to charging facilities at most campsites, with the exception of wild camps, so consider packing a power bank.

Why do prices differ so much between companies?

The cost can vary depending on a range of factors, including your destination of choice, the length of your trip and your inclusions on tour. Luckily, TourRadar has hundreds of Overland truck tours suited to every budget.

Why should I book with TourRadar?

Booking with TourRadar comes with a lot of benefits: access to a large selection of trusted tour operators, 24/7 customer support, flexible booking and payment options and thousands of traveler reviews!

Top-rated Overland Truck tours

Botswana and Falls Overland: Wildlife Walks & Safari Drives

Alaska Adventure - 20 Days

Southern Africa Encompassed: Bush Camps & Wildlife Spotting

Alaska Denali Expedition - 12 Days

Kenya Wildlife Safari

The Absolute Safari

Kenya and Tanzania Overland Safari - 14 Days

Serengeti Trail

5 Day Kakadu Katherine Litchfield 4WD Adventure (Camping)

Journeys: Explore Kruger National Park National Geographic Journeys

Current deals on overland trips.

Best of Uganda Gorilla, Chimpanzee And Wildlife Safari

Once-in-a-Lifetime Gorilla Experience

Gorillas, Game Parks & Beaches

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120 reviews

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Chameleon Safaris Namibia

106 reviews

G Adventures

13,507 reviews

Acacia Adventure Holidays

279 reviews

Intrepid Travel

8,772 reviews

On The Go Tours

2,143 reviews

World Expeditions

260 reviews

Autopia Tours

142 reviews

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Encounters Travel

898 reviews

National Geographic Journeys with G Adventures

269 reviews

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198 reviews

Absolute Africa

161 reviews

Adventure Tours Australia

102 reviews

Nepal Hiking Pvt. Ltd.

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Exciting Africa Holidays

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Fri 23 Aug 2024

2024 newspaper of the year

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The extra costs Brits must pay to go on holiday in 2025

 from the controversial new €7 etias visa to enter europe to increased tax on plane seats, these are the fees you’ll face when going on holiday next year.

Britons are set to face a raft of extra charges when they travel in 2025, thanks to the introduction of environmental taxes, the new EU visa waiver and a rise in passenger duty.

The European Union has announced that from spring next year, British citizens travelling to 30 countries in Europe will have to pay €7 (about £6) in order to enter due to the introduction of the European Travel Information and Authorisation System (Etias) visa waiver .

But travellers will also face new “green levies” when travelling with certain airlines due to new rules being brought in by the EU – as well as certain tourist charges being introduced in some of the most popular destinations.

In addition, the previous Conservative government announced that air passenger duty – a tax on flights out of UK airports – will increase from 1 April.

i reported on Tuesday that as a result of Brexit, British passport-holders attempting to enter Europe from next year are at risk of being turned away at airports and ports if they do not hold a valid visa waiver.

Etias is on course to launch six months after the delayed EES – the Entry/Exit System for travel to Europe – which the EU has confirmed will launch on 10 November.

As well as the cost, which could add up for large families or groups travelling together, there are concerns that the existence of Etias could make it near-impossible to take a last-minute trip, even those for serious reasons, like visiting a sick or dying relative.

Luke Petherbridge, the Travel Association’s (ABTA) director of public affairs, told i : “We expect that most people will get their Etias application processed fairly quickly, so don’t believe it will be a barrier for people getting away.

“Although the Etias will be a new requirement for travel to many European countries, we don’t believe the system will lead to major problems.”

He added that ABTA is aware of fake websites offering the visas and urged travellers to only apply through the official website once the scheme launches.

Britons without new €7 EU visa face being turned away at airport in 2025

Naomi Leach, deputy editor of Which? Travel , advised people to apply for the Etias as soon as it officially launches, in order to be prepared.

While the EU says that “most applications will be processed within minutes”, it advises that the turnaround time is likely to take up to 96 hours, meaning that travellers who have failed to apply in time risk being turned away at check-in.

“If you’re someone who is likely to travel at short notice – perhaps for business or because you have family abroad – then applying for a waiver as soon as the scheme is introduced could give you added peace of mind,” Ms Leach said.

Once approved, Etias will be valid for three years, or until someone’s passport expires, whatever happens sooner.

Travellers with specific time constraints should be “very wary of third-party sites promising to fast track applications for a fee, and should also ignore unsolicited calls or messages inviting them to apply”, she warned.

What other fees will UK travellers face in 2025?

As part of his final Spring Budget in April, former chancellor Jeremy Hunt announced another increase in air passenger duty – the tax that passengers 16 and over must pay when flying from the majority of UK airports.

The Labour Government has yet to comment on reversing this change and it is not clear if it will be mentioned by Chancellor Rachel Reeves in her October Budget statement.

If the increase does come into force it will be applied from April 2025, and will likely rise by predicted inflation for the tax year 2025-26, with the price of short-haul flights set to increase by £2 per seat and the cost of long-haul flights to rise by 11 per cent.

From 2025, Virgin Atlantic is to begin adding a “green levy” to airfares, said to help cover the cost of using sustainable aviation fuel (SAF).

That airline will join a growing number of carriers who have recently introduced such environmental surcharges, including Lufthansa and Swiss.

From 1 January, passengers flying with these airlines will be faced with a charge of anything between €1 and €72 (around 85p to £62) on flights departing the UK, EU, Norway and Switzerland, depending on the type of trip.

Virgin has yet to reveal pricing for its own surcharge and it’s expected to not cover all journeys until 2030, when it is fully rolled out.

It comes after the EU challenged airlines flying through member countries to use at least 2 per cent SAF in their jet fuel, starting in 2025 and rising to 70 per cent in 2050.

In the UK, airlines must use a minimum of 2 per cent SAF in their planes by 2035, rising to 10 per cent by 2050.

Industry experts predict that ticket prices will continue to rise, as more airlines begin to add environmental surcharges to cover the fuel requirement.

Charges for visitors to popular tourist spots

Following this year’s scheme by Venice officials to charge tourists to enter the iconic city only having a small impact on reducing crowds, prices will almost certainly be raised come 2025.

Authorities introduced the charge in April after Unesco warned that the 30 million tourists who visit Venice each year could see its “status as a World Heritage property… in jeopardy”.

It saw every visitor to the city charged €5 (£4.25) and ran for a total of 29 days, ending in July. It is expected that the charge will be brought back during the busy tourist season next year too.

From 1 January, tourists will also be charged to visit Tenerife under a new “eco-tax” as part of the island’s new tourism strategy.

While the exact amount has yet to be determined, it will apply to all of the island’s most famous protected sites, including the famous Mount Teide volcano.

The move comes after protesters demanded changes to tourism on the island. They’ve been calling for the introduction of a general tourist tax and a moratorium on building new hotels and tourist accommodation.

Authorities say the income generated by the “eco-tax” will be ploughed back into the upkeep, maintenance and improvements of the protected open spaces.

Airport charges at Heathrow to be cut

In March, the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) announced the good news that Heathrow airport’s passenger charges for the next two years could be cut by 6 per cent.

The CAA says it will likely adjust the caps on charges it previously set for 2025 and 2026 following a “re-examination” of a decision it made in 2023.

The potential U-turn came after the Competition and Markets Authority ordered the CAA to reconsider some aspects of its choice.

These airport charges are usually paid by airlines but tend to be passed on to passengers in air fares.

In 2022 and 2023, the average charge per passenger was £31.57, and that figure was forecast to be £25.43 this year.

If the CAA’s U-turn does go ahead, average charges per passenger would be cut by around £1.52 to £23.72 in 2025, and by £1.58 to £23.70 in 2026.

Visa discounts for Brits in Asia

It’s also good news for the hundreds of thousands of British tourists who head to Thailand each year.

The popular Asian nation recently announced it will grant visa exemption for nationals of 93 countries and territories.

Up from 57 countries previously allowed, visitors – including UK citizens – will now be allowed to stay in Thailand for tourism purposes and short-term business engagements for a period not exceeding 60 days. Previously, travellers were only allowed to stay for 30 days at a time.

Under the new rules, those on 60-day visas can also extend their stays at the immigration office for a further period not exceeding 30 days, for a one-off charge of about £42.

Thailand has also introduced a digital nomad visa which will allow holders to stay for up to 180 days per entry and is valid for five years.

Following those joint announcements, holiday provider Travel Republic told i that Google searches for “travel to Thailand” have seen a 94 per cent uplift in the past month, alongside 21,000 searches for “flights to Thailand”.

“The introduction of the destination Thailand visa and increase in the visa exemption period for British citizens offers greater flexibility and convenience for Brits looking to extend their stay and explore the beauty of the country,” Gemma Brown, head of product at the provider, said.

“An additional 30 days of travel for casual tourists visiting Thailand allows for a more relaxed experience, giving travellers more time to enjoy the rich culture and beautiful landscapes at a leisurely pace.”

In April, Bhutan officials announced that individuals intending to visit the kingdom are no longer required to present travel insurance along with their visa application.

While the government hopes tourists will possess travel insurance as a precautionary measure, the Covid-era rule should make the South Asian country a more appealing prospect for intrepid travellers.

That’s not all, a visit should cost significantly less, too, after Bhutan reduced its sustainable development fee charged to all visitors.

In 2022, the country raised the fee from £50 to £154 a night for each adult visitor.

Following disquiet among tour operators and those travelling, Bhutan has now cut that figure to £77 for each adult per night and £39 for children, with under-sixes not paying anything.

All visitors are required to apply for a visa online – a new, more technologically advanced system – which will cost around £30.

Both the visa requirement and the per-night fee will remain in place throughout 2025 and there are no plans to raise either of those figures in the near future.

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Butterfield Overland National Historic Trail

Butterfield Overland Trail Auto Tour

Missouri • arkansas • oklahoma/texas • new mexico/arizona • california.

As Waterman Ormsby wrote, traveling by stagecoach across the Great Southwest was a grand adventure:

“To many Americans who travel for pleasure this route will be a favorite.

…they can travel by comfortable stages, stopping at such interesting points as they may choose for rest, and enjoying many opportunities for viewing the beautiful, the wonderful, and the sublime products of nature, which are well disposed along the entire distance.”.

The Butterfield Overland Stagecoach Trail is a fun road trip to the Old West that includes the Gateway Arch, San Antonio River Walk and California Wine Country.

Discover Your Pioneer Spirit…

1) St. Louis – I-70 and I-44. Many Butterfield Overland Stage customers would come to St. Louis by riverboat to take a stage to Tipton and begin their Western adventures. Today’s visitors can learn all about the Gateway to the West at the Gateway Arch National Park .

2) Jefferson City  – US 54, US 63 and US 50. An imposing statue of Thomas Jefferson is outside the Missouri State Capitol.  Nearby at Trailhead Plaza are the statues of Lewis and Clark. Inside the capital is the  Missouri State Museum  and a Thomas Hart Benton mural.

3) Tipton  – US 50. The northern launch point for the Butterfield Overland Stagecoach. Today’s visitors can step back in time at the  Maclay House which served as Union Army headquarters for General John C. Fremont during the Civil War.

4) Springfield  – US 65 and I-44. The  History Museum on the Square features six main galleries in the historic downtown area.

5) Silver Dollar City – US 76/265. See an authentic Concord Stagecoach that once traversed the Butterfield Trail. For train buffs, nothing beats a ride on the Frisco Silver Dollar Line Steam Train . Silver Dollar City features over 40 memorable, thrilling rides for kids of all ages and sits atop Marvel Cave , Missouri’s deepest cavern. The park showcases 100 resident craftsmen who bring to life America’s craft heritage. Silver Dollar City’s White Water park features 13 acres for cool, splashing fun.

6) Branson – US 65 and 76. 76 Country Boulevard is lined with theaters offering live performances with a mix of music, magic and endless excitement. Dolly Parton’s Stampede is a fun-filled family dinner theater with a cast of 32 horses, trick riders, music and country-style food. Shepherd of the Hills features inspiring live performances, dining and outdoor recreation. Track Family Fun Parks has three high-rise tracks, bumper boats, mini golf, laser tag and more. Bigfoot Fun Park offers breathtaking thrill rides, a multi-level maze and an 8D immersive gaming experience. Other great attractions include the Hollywood Wax Museum , Ancient Ozarks Natural History Museum , Promised Land Zoo and the Showboat Branson Belle paddlewheel riverboat.

For more information on Missouri communities, museums, and attractions located on or near the Butterfield Overland Trail, go to: visitmo.com .

Back to Top ➤

7) Eureka Springs – On US 62. Tucked away in the Ozark Mountains, Eureka Springs is a hidden gem filled with culture and charm. Whether you’re seeking a relaxing artsy getaway or an adrenaline-filled mountain biking adventure, there is something for everyone. The Victorian aesthetic of the downtown area–which is included on the National Register of Historic Places–pairs perfectly with the town’s contemporary offerings, like world-class entertainment at The Aud and eateries that range from craft breweries to fine dining. You’ll also find one-of-a-kind shops, boutiques, fine art galleries, craft emporiums, spas and museums. Eureka Springs provides a wide variety of outdoor activities for enthusiasts of all skill levels. From 1,610-acre Lake Leatherwood City Park to Blue Spring Heritage Center (the largest spring in Northwest Arkansas) visitors seeking water activities can swim, fish, kayak, canoe and stand-up-paddleboard. Ziplining, horseback riding, golf, and hiking also round out the options for open-air fun. For those seeking a more curious adventure, one of Eureka Springs’ daily historic Ghost Tours may be the perfect fit. There’s even an annual event at the Crescent Hotel –often called America’s Most Haunted Hotel –dedicated to paranormal investigations. Eureka Springs has a great collection of seasonal events, such as numerous Diversity Weekends , Mardi Gras Celebrations , a May Festival of the Arts and the Ozark Folk Festival , which celebrates its 75th year in 2022. For information on all Eureka Springs events, visit eurekasprings.org .

8) Springdale – On I-49 and US 412. A good place to start your visit is downtown Springdale where the streets are owned and loved by the artists, craftspeople, antique lovers, baristas and brewers who live and thrive here. Visitors can step back into the Ozarks’ early days at the Shiloh Museum of Ozark History that includes six historic buildings with exhibits focusing on the people who shaped Northwest Arkansas. History buffs will also want to get an up-close look at two remarkably intact Civil War battlefields that are nearby. The Arkansas and Missouri Railroad offers a memorable train tour over the Boston Mountains and into the Arkansas River Basin in refurbished antique passenger and parlor coaches. Visitors can also enjoy a bird’s-eye view of the Ozarks with helicopter tours from Fly ARH . The Ozark Highlands Nature Center is a great place to discover the secrets of the natural world. For Mountain bikers, Fitzgerald Mountain offers 11 miles of scenic trails ranging from kid-friendly beginner trails all the way to breath-taking double-black diamond trails. For sports lovers, Arvest Ballpark is the home of Northwest Arkansas Naturals baseball team, Parsons Stadium is the home for the Rodeo of the Ozarks , and the Jones Center is the Midwest’s premier family recreation and meeting place. Visitors will also want to sample the delicious dining and scenic vineyards in the area. For more information, go to: explorespringdale.com .

9) Little Rock – Located at the crossroads of I-30 and I-40. Scenic Riverfront Park includes many of the area’s museums and is the place for outdoor events near downtown Little Rock. The nearby River Market Entertainment District features a variety of restaurants, hot local bars and unique shops. The Little Rock Central High School National Historic Site honors where nine Black school children entered the previously all-white school in 1957. The National Historic Site’s Visitor Center has interactive displays and is on the U.S. Civil Rights Trail . The Arkansas State Capitol showcases Arkansas granite, six bronze doors, and three Tiffany’s chandeliers. The Capitol grounds include the inspiring “Testaments” Civil Rights sculpture and the Vietnam Veterans Memorial. The Historic Arkansas Museum celebrates the state’s diverse culture and heritage in six galleries with art and artifacts. The museum also features an interactive children’s gallery and a theater. The William J. Clinton Presidential Library and Museum is a world-class cultural center with exhibits, programs and events offering a unique perspective of the 42nd President. The Museum of Discovery Donald W. Reynolds Science Center is Arkansas’ premier science center and features 90 hands-on exhibits. Visitors can’t miss the colorful Little Rock Murals , Little Rock Sculpture Tour , or the Big Dam Bridge , the longest pedestrian and bicycle bridge in North America. Go to: littlerock.com .

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• Eureka Springs City Advertising and Promotions Commission eurekasprings.org
• Springdale Chamber of Commerce explorespringdale.com
• Little Rock Convention and Visitors Bureau littlerock.com

OKLAHOMA AND TEXAS

10) Tahlequah – US 62 and OK 82 . After the Cherokee people were forced from their homes in 1836 and walked over 5,000 miles on what has been called “Trail of Tears,” Tahlequah became the capital of the Cherokee Nation in 1841. Today, the Cherokee Nation is alive and well and welcomes visitors the world over. Historic Downtown Tahlequah has the oldest Main Street in Oklahoma dating back to 1842 and is today a great place to explore Cherokee history and unique shopping and dining experiences, including the Cherokee Nation Gift Shop . The Cherokee National History Museum is located inside the renovated Cherokee National Capitol and features immersive exhibits and augmented reality experiences. The Cherokee Heritage Center offers exhibits, cultural workshops, and year-round events. The Cherokee National Prison Museum , built within the 1875 prison grounds, has exhibits on Cherokee crime and punishment, law and enforcement, and overviews of famous outlaws. The Cherokee National Supreme Court Museum is in the original 1844 courthouse building that today showcases the history of the Cherokee judicial system, written language, and the evolution of Cherokee journalism. Tahlequah is also the perfect launch point for adventures on the scenic Illinois River . Float trips, RV and primitive camping are available through many outfitter companies along the scenic Illinois River. Great hiking trails and the chance to view wildlife in natural settings can be enjoyed at the Sparrow Hawk Primitive Area , Tenkiller State Park , and the J.T. Nickels Preserve . Sequoyah State Park offers boating, fishing, lodging, horseback riding, and dining. For more information, go to: tourtahlequah.com .

11) Durant – US 69 & 75. Conveniently located 90 miles north of Dallas on Highway 75 and 150 miles southeast and south from both Oklahoma City and Tulsa. Durant, the Magnolia Capital of Oklahoma, offers small-town charm with a main street that offers a variety of restaurants, pubs & breweries, murals, Magnolia Mile Art Alley, and a unique shopping experience. While shopping on Main Street, take a walk back in history at one of our best-kept secrets, The Three Valley Museum . Once your downtown tour is complete, head out to  Fort Washita Historic Site and Museum , which was first opened to protect the Chickasaw and Choctaw Tribes, then later served as a supply depot for confederate troops. Durant is alive with Native American heritage and is proud to be the headquarters of the Choctaw Nation . The Choctaw Casino and Resort is a AAA Four-Diamond entertainment destination. The casino and resort include a family-friendly pool and an exclusive, adults-only pool. The Magnolia Festival in Durant is one of the largest events in south-central Oklahoma. Festivities begin the weekend after Memorial Day at the Choctaw Event Center. Durant is the gateway and just a few minutes from beautiful Lake Texoma where visitors can enjoy camping, fishing, exploring, nature and hunting. For more information, visit discoverdurant.com .

12) San Antonio  – At the crossroads of I-35 and I-10. The  Alamo Mission  founded in 1718 was the site of the 1836 Texas Revolution. Currently undergoing a multi-year, multi-phase restoration, today, the 4.2-acre complex features interactive tours and exhibits, reenactments and the scenic Alamo Gardens. A short walk leads to the world-famous  San Antonio River Walk , a 15-mile urban waterway surrounded by great restaurants, historic districts and great shopping. San Antonio Missions National Historical Park , which along with the Alamo is the first  UNESCO World Heritage Site  in Texas, includes Spanish Mission compounds built in the 18th Century.  Market Square  is a three-block outdoor plaza offering visitors the sights, sounds and flavor of Old Mexico. The  San Antonio Museum of Art  displays ancient Egyptian, Greek and Roman art, while the  McNay Art Museum  specializes in 19th and 20th Century art. The  Briscoe Museum of Western Art  houses art and artifacts reflecting the history of the American West. The  Witte Museum  is dedicated to telling the stories of Texas from prehistory to the present.  SeaWorld San Antonio  provides unforgettable marine life encounters, a water park and thrill rides.  Six Flags Fiesta Texas has coasters, a water park and nightly entertainment that includes fireworks.  Go to: visitsanantonio.com .

13) Fort Worth  – At the crossroads of I-35W and I-20. Just off the Butterfield Overland Trail route. The American West comes alive with the twice-daily longhorn cattle drive down the streets of  Fort Worth’s National Historic Stockyards District .

14) Abilene – On I-20, US 83, and US 277. Visitors to Frontier Texas ! can experience the Texas frontier between 1780-1880 with exhibits that portray the chaos of a buffalo stampede, a deadly card game, Buffalo hunters, Comanche warriors, explorers, and pioneers. Frontier Texas! also features the Abilene and Forts Trail Visitor Center with free visitor information and a General Store with Texas-themed gifts. The Texas Forts Trail includes six historic frontier forts in the area, including Fort Phantom Hill , built in 1851 where today’s visitors can feel like they are stepping back in time as they stroll the ghostly remains of three original buildings, more than a dozen chimneys, and the remains of other fort buildings. The 12th Armored Division Memorial Museum provides the dramatic perspective of World War II from the men who helped liberate the concentration camps. The Grace Museum is housed in the historic Grace Hotel building that today features the best of Texas art past, present, and future. The Grace Museum is one of 24 stops on Abilene’s Historical Downtown Walking Tour . Abilene is also the Storybook Capital of America® where visitors can enjoy the largest public collection storybook characters in the country including at the Adamson-Spalding Storybook Garden . Visitors can also enjoy outdoor recreation at Abilene State Park and at many city parks that include cool splash pads for kids. Abilene has plenty of award-winning great restaurants and a Texas-sized selection of cuisine to choose from. Go to: abilenevisitors.com .

15) Fort Stockton – On I-10. The Fort Stockton Visitor Center is a great place to start your visit and get directions. The center features a miniature replica of the Comanche Springs, train caboose, pump jack, and metal silhouettes of cowboys in various poses. Visitors get a feel for the Wild West days at the Annie Riggs Memorial Museum . Housed in the original adobe from the early 20th Century, the museum features thirteen rooms filled with original artifacts that also tell the story of a bloody chapter in Pecos County’s history. Visitors experience the Old West at Historic Fort Stockton . The original Guard House and three Officer’s Quarters can be seen on self-guided driving tours. The fort’s original site also includes two reconstructed Enlisted Men’s Barracks, Kitchens and the original Parade Ground. The U.S. Army built the Old School and Telegraph Office to house a Western Union telegraph office on one end and a one-room schoolhouse at the other end. The Old County Jail was built in 1883 and today features the original holding cell and 20th Century cell blocks. For a fun and unique “selfie” of your visit, nothing beats Paisano Pete , the second largest roadrunner statue and the most photogenic bird in Texas! Downtown Fort Stockton offers a mix of retail stores, services, government offices, banking, and restaurants. The downtown area also hosts street festivals, summer farmer’s market, and several “Sip, Shop and Stroll” events each year. For cool, kid-friendly fun, there is the Matthew Quiroz Splash Park . For adults there are a number of Old West-themed saloons and tasing rooms. Go to: visitfortstockton.com .

• Tour Tahlequah tourtahlequah.com
• Discover Durant discoverdurant.com
• San Antonio Convention and Visitors Bureau visitsanantonio.com
• Abilene Convention and Visitors Bureau abilenevisitors.com
• Fort Stockton Convention and Visitors Bureau visitfortstockton.com

NEW MEXICO AND ARIZONA

16) Las Cruces  – I-10.  The  Mesilla Village Plaza  is a well-preserved historic square surrounded by adobe buildings, galleries, shops and restaurants.

17) Willcox  – I-10. The  Chiricahua National Monument  features 17-miles of day-use trails to awe-inspiring rock pinnacles and diverse wildlife. The Butterfield Overland Trail passes through  Fort Bowie National Historic Site . Visitors can learn about the conflict in the late 1800s between the U.S. Army and the Chiricahua Apaches at the visitor center.

18) Tucson  – I-10. Explore a unique blend of Mexican, Spanish Colonial, Wild West, and even modern aerospace history in Arizona’s second-largest city. Visitors can follow the Anza Trail south along I-19 to discover  Tubac Presidio State Historic Park  and the beautiful  Mission San Xavier del Bac , built in the 1700s by Spanish missionaries.

19) Phoenix  – I-10 and I-17. Arizona’s capital city is a showcase of modern art, ancient culture, and vibrant nightlife. The world-renowned  Heard Museum  showcases Native American culture and art and has live performances. Half a mile south, explore an extensive collection of classic and contemporary art at the  Phoenix Art Museum , or go north to see over 8000 instruments from around the world at the  Musical Instrument Museum . In nearby Scottsdale, Old West history is displayed at  Western Spirit: Scottsdale’s Museum of the West .

20) Yuma – I-10. Yuma is a great destination for those seeking sunny, outdoor adventures. Yuma’s unique Western heritage is on display at the Colorado River State Historic Site  that once served as the U.S. Army Quartermaster Depot from 1864 to 1884 for all southwestern military posts. The beautiful 10-acre park includes five buildings from the depot’s earliest days. The  Yuma Territorial Prison State Historic Park is a fun stop for both western history buffs and ghost hunters.

21) Palm Springs – On I-10. An easy drive from Los Angeles, San Diego and Las Vegas, Greater Palms Springs is Southern California’s most storied resort oasis, with nine cities— Palm Springs , Desert Hot Springs , Cathedral City , Rancho Mirage , Palm Desert , Indian Wells , La Quinta , Indio and Coachella —each offering its own blend of experiences. Famed for its relaxed lifestyle, the destination is a unique combination of escape, adventure, inspiration and recreation with dramatic mountain views, endless sunny skies and natural wonders in all directions, including Joshua Tree National Park . Offering a celebrated art, culinary and festival scene, Greater Palms Springs features luxurious resorts and boutique hotels, world-class spas, championship golf, and year-round attractions and events, such as the Palm Springs International Film Festival , Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festiva l, The American Express golf tournament , BNP Paribas Open Tennis Championship , Modernism Week , Stagecoach County Music Festival , Desert X , BMW Performance Driving Experience and many more. Beginning in 2023 the Men’s Senior PGA Tour will bring the Galleri Classic tournament to Greater Palm Springs. Getting to Greater Palm Springs is easier than ever, with more than 34 nonstop and 500 connecting cities to Palm Springs International Airport. Open-air, the terminal creates a relaxing blue-sky reception by day and a dramatic starlit reception by night. For more information go to: visitgreaterpalmsprings.com .

22) Temecula – Off I-15 and US 79. Just a short distance from Los Angeles and San Diego, Temecula Valley Southern California Wine Country is home to nearly 50 wineries. The Temecula Valley is ideal for growing grapes and creating award-winning premium wines. Visitors can choose from a variety of wine tours that can include safe travel by mini-coaches, air-conditioned shuttles, horse-drawn carriages, electric bicycles, or luxury vehicles. The Temecula Valley Museum presents exhibits and displays portraying historic periods that shaped the history of the Temecula Valley. Exhibits depict key stories, including the Pechanga Band of American Indians, the Mission San Rey period, and the coming of the stagecoach and railroad. The museum also features an interactive room for children and a playground in a picturesque park. Kids of all ages can discover science through play at Pennypickle’s Workshop – Temecula Children’s Museum . Historical Vail Headquarters has preserved what we know as the only urban segment of the Butterfield Stagecoach trail that once carried mail across the country and transported miners during the gold rush. This shopping-dining park experience includes displays and plaques that give a glimpse into its past. The rich history and culture of Temecula Valley is on display year-round. Live music is a given at most wineries in the summer, and Old Town Temecula has performances all year. Nearby Pechanga Resort Casino also offers great entertainment and gaming. Go to: visittemeculavalley.com .

23) San Bernardino County – Calico Ghost Town Regional Park – Located just east of the Barstow junction at I-15 and I-40 in Yermo, Calif. At Calico Ghost Town visitors can feel like they are in the days of the Old Wild West. This historical landmark silver mining town has been restored to its 1880s boomtown beginnings with a few original buildings, mining artifacts, shops & restaurants, hiking, off-roading and camping. Our annual events include California Days, Calico Days and Ghost Haunt and compliment the camping and RV experience, with cabins and full-hookups.

In San Bernardino County, visitors can also take the Rim of the World Scenic Byway to “the Alps of Southern California” and San Bernardino National Forest . The Byway encompasses parts of Highways 138, 18 and 38, connecting popular forest attractions including Big Bear Lake , Lake Arrowhead , Lake Gregory Regional Park , and Cajon Pass . The California Theatre of the Performing Arts is a restored 1920s vaudeville and movie palace that today presents plays, musicals, and concerts by the San Bernardino Symphony. The San Bernardino History and Railroad Museum is housed in the 1918 Santa Fe Depot and includes a 1910 recreated railroad station with many historic artifacts. The Original McDonald’s Site and Museum displays one of the world’s largest collections of McDonald’s memorabilia, merchandise, and souvenirs. Joshua Tree National Park is just a one-and-a-half-hour drive east from San Bernardino. Nearby, Black Rock Canyon offers campsite reservations and scenic hiking trails. The San Bernardino County Museum , in Redlands, is a regional museum with exhibits and collections in cultural and natural history for all ages. Tour the Victor Valley Museum in Apple Valley and discover exhibits about the cultural and natural heritage of the High Desert. Visit sbcounty.gov/museum for more information. Visit parks.sbcounty.gov for more information about all of San Bernardino County’s Regional Parks, its fishing activities and camping amenities.

24) Bakersfield – Off I-5 and on CA 99, 58 and 178. Belly up to the bar and sample the local brews on tap on the Bakersfield Brewery Trail , where you will find their quality sets them apart from the national brands. Pose at some of Bakersfield’s most unique spots when you explore the Bakersfield Selfie Trail , including the only shoe-shaped building in America with shoelaces. Explore the Bakersfield Museum Trail , a 15-mile route connecting the city’s four main museums: the Kern County Museum where you will can visit the restored childhood home of country music legend Merle Haggard; the California Living Museum (Bakersfield Zoo) , featuring many endangered California animals and plants in natural settings; the Buena Vista Museum of Natural History & Science where you can explore the world of fossils and dinosaurs, and the Bakersfield Museum of Art , where a diverse variety of paintings and sculpture by California and international artists await you. Visitors can enjoy the all-American Bakersfield Sound at Buck Owens’ Crystal Palace featuring the country music star’s memorabilia, a restaurant and a live country music performance theater where top acts perform today. Other dining choices in the city include the largest collection of Basque restaurants in the nation, seven eateries that Guy Fieri featured on his “Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives,” and many others regularly noted in the national food press. And work off that genuine grub with our many outdoor choices, such as the Kern River Parkway Trail with more than 30 miles of scenic bike trails and whitewater rafting tours on the Kern River. Go to: visitbakersfield.com .

• Visit Greater Palm Springs visitgreaterpalmsprings.com
• Visit Temecula Valley visittemeculavalley.com
• San Bernardino County/Calico Ghost Town sbcounty.gov/museum parks.sbcounty.gov
• Visit Bakersfield visitbakersfield.com