 Cyberfolks Friendly Guided Web Site Tours
All Aboard!
Host
Valter Aguiar
Railroad trains may seem part of the past for some people. But for many, they are not. In various parts of the world, trains
are a fast and reliable means of transport. This is particularly true in Europe, the U.S. and some parts of Asia.
Some railroad trains have even become a tourist attraction on their own. Facilities offered by these trains may equal those
of five-star hotels. People from all corners of the world may go there just to take the trains – regardless of where they take
you!
You can now visit these special trains without leaving you're the comfort of your home – via the Internet. Come with us and
visit some of the most famous railroads in the world. You may check timetables and book tickets. If you happen to have a
friend traveling now, you can even see if that train is due on time or if it's running late. Or - like the author - you can just
watch and dream of... the day in the future when you will be able to make that trip!
AmTrak
The official site of the U.S. railroad shows schedules of all trains and has a special section for ticket reservations. Even
low-tariff promotions are included, to suit all kinds of travelers. Besides AmTrak news, you can also check the status of all
trains during a single day: you just have to enter the cities of start and destination, and choose from the available trains. Very
smart features and simple to use!
Compagnie de Wagons Lits
This is the official site of the French company responsible for... The Orient Express! On this virtual trip to Istanbul, you can
learn the whole history of Compagnie de Wagons Lits and the railroad itself, with photos dating from the 19th Century. Stop
at the site's shop and buy a souvenir of the famous train. Stories, curiosities and events promoted by Cie. De Wagons Lits
are also included in the site.
The Trans-Siberian Railway
Unofficial site of the coldest railroad in the world. Besides the complete route and photos, it includes a number of tips for
travelers - and lots of tips are needed for this long, long journey where temperatures can reach minus 20º C in the winter, or
even lower! Take your coat when visiting this site, and be careful not to freeze your hard drive!
Rail Page Australia
This site is more dedicated to the memory of railroads in Australia, including photos of stations, locomotives and passenger
cars. But current timetables are also included, to allow visitors to plan their trip to the country.
Official Blue Train Page
The Blue Train, crossing South Africa, is the most famous African railroad and is considered one of the most comfortable
ones in the world. The official site shows the history of the Blue Train, facilities offered by travelers, the covered routes
and a travel guide. Also, check out the South African Railways Information Page
(http://www.ru.ac.za/departments/iwr/staff/daf/sartrain.html) for more data on South African trains - it even includes a
mailing list for rail fans in South Africa.
Byun Byun Shinkansen
Do you know what "Shinkansen" means? It is the Japanese name for... the bullet train! Check the site for news of the bullet
train, a map of lines and routes and all details of the types of bullet trains developed in Japan. It even includes prototypes
and complete technical data of each locomotive, with photos. Top speeds are, of course, also included, together with
statistics and tips for visitors.
TGV Page
As we are talking of speed... This is the unofficial site of the French TGV. Check top speeds and compare them with the
Japanese bullet train. The site shows in detail the special techniques used for the construction of TGV lines, as well as the
signaling system used by this very special French train. The history of TGV, with photos and technical details of all its
generations, and the plans for the future are also available. Only wine and cheese are missing...
Hungarian Steam Locomotives at the Hungarian National Museum
Some people prefer fast and modern trains. Others prefer the old locomotives to remember the past. If you belong to this
latter group, this site is for you. There you will find nice photos of steam locomotives used in Hungary, with the history of
each one. It is perfect for your moments of nostalgia.
Latin American Railways Association
For one reason or another, railway systems are not as reliable in Latin America as in other parts of the world. But the Latin
American Railways Association has its own Web site, from where you can reach the sites of most railway companies in the
continent. Interesting checking, just don't forget your Spanish/Portuguese dictionaries when visiting the offered links.
EuroStar
We could not close this trip without mentioning the site - although an unofficial one - of one of the most popular and
commented trains in the past few years: EuroStar, the railroad that links Paris and Antwerp to London, via the Channel
Tunnel. Check the site for stories of the first trip of the train, or the timetables and train connections to Cologne (Germany).
Even ticket rates are available! You will also find links to metro sites in the three European capitals linked by EuroStar and
much more.
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