10 largest countries in the world that do not have trains

By TravelWiseMar 4, 2024 13:43 PMNews
Share:
10 largest countries in the world that do not have trains
These countries do not have a single train or railway station. Source: Pixabay

Trains have been carrying passengers since 1804. However, even today, not all countries on the planet can boast of their own railroad line and their own railway stations.

The reason for this may be various factors, ranging from poverty to the impossibility of running flights due to natural circumstances. The Daily Express has a closer look at these countries and why they do not have their own train stations.

Libya. The railroad has not been functioning since 1965. Further attempts at restoration and construction were suspended in 2011 as a result of the civil war.

Chad. This Central African country has a poorly developed infrastructure. Although plans for the possible construction of a railroad were considered in 2012, no action was taken in this direction.

Niger. Although the country has only one domestic railroad from Niamey to Dosso, it uses the railroad lines of Benin and Togo to transport goods from the coast to its border.

Somalia. There was an Italian railroad in the country, the Mogadishu–Villabruzzi, which was built in the 1910s. However, it was dismantled in the 1940s.

Central African Republic. The country had a railroad in 2002 from Cameroon to the capital of the CAR. Currently, there is no railroad in the country.

Yemen. The country has no railroad. Currently, the government has relevant projects and is considering the possibility of building new infrastructure.

Papua New Guinea. The country is limited in its plans by its mountainous terrain. In addition, there is no road connection to other major cities in the country's capital, so locals travel most of the way on foot.

Oman. There are no main railways here, but there are plans to build them. In addition, Oman has a small tourist train that can take you to the Al Hoota Cave complex in 4 minutes.

Iceland. Although there were proposals to build a line between Keflavik and Reykjavik, there are no railways in the country.

Bhutan. Before 1961, there were no roads in the country at all. Currently, Bhutan has only 8,000 km of roads and 2 airports.

Earlier, TravelWise reported on the peculiarities of travelling by a rail that was recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Top Articles
Top 10 reasons for flight cancelation by airlines: a clear algorithm of actions to get compensation

Top 10 reasons for flight cancelation by airlines: a clear algorithm of actions to get compensation

Oct 16, 2025 16:22 PM
Smartphone with eSIM logo surrounded by travel essentials like flowers, map, camera, and sunglasses

Where to Buy eSIM at the Best Price: A Full Review of Tariffs and Options

Aug 8, 2025 10:54 AM

No More SIM Swaps: The eSIM Travel Solution You’ll Actually Use

Aug 4, 2025 16:51 PM

Not Just a Suitcase: My Personal Checklist for Smart Travelers in 2025

Mar 3, 2025 18:00 PM
More News
AirAsia X Airbus aircraft in red livery climbing after take-off against a cloudy sky

AirAsia X Returns to London with Bahrain Stop

Feb 16, 2026 02:17 AM
Ryanair Boeing 737 aircraft in flight against a cloudy sky

Ryanair Urges Germany to Scrap Air Travel Tax

Feb 16, 2026 02:05 AM

Wizz Air Plants its Flag in Palermo

Feb 15, 2026 22:11 PM

British Airways Adds Madrid and Toulon as 50th Avios-Only Milestone

Feb 15, 2026 22:08 PM
Panoramic view of Turin skyline with Mole Antonelliana and Alps in the background

Ryanair expands Turin base for Summer 2026

Feb 15, 2026 21:55 PM
Palm tree overlooking clear blue sea and rocky coastline in Barbados

Dublin to Barbados returns for spring 2026

Feb 15, 2026 18:52 PM
Colourful townhouses in Poznań Old Town under blue sky

Ryanair adds three new routes in Poznań for Summer 2026

Feb 14, 2026 17:19 PM
Emirates aircraft operating Valentine’s Day themed flights

Emirates Adds Valentine’s Touches to Flights and Lounges

Feb 14, 2026 05:06 AM
Air Serbia aircraft in flight

Air Serbia Valentine’s Offer Brings Half-Price Companion Fares

Feb 14, 2026 04:53 AM

UK Airports Hit as Lufthansa Strike Cancels Hundreds of Flights

Feb 13, 2026 17:07 PM

Wizz Air Adds Easier Connections, But Transfers Stay Manual

Feb 13, 2026 16:54 PM
Lufthansa passenger aircraft flying above mountainous terrain

Germany Grounds Flights as Lufthansa Strike Hits Major Hubs

Feb 13, 2026 16:41 PM
People taking part in a quiet prayer gathering indoors

Quiet Space Lands at Leeds Bradford Airport

Feb 12, 2026 16:04 PM
SunExpress aircraft operating overnight service between Manchester and Dalaman

Midnight Departures Put Dalaman Closer to Manchester

Feb 12, 2026 15:55 PM
Interior of London Liverpool Street Station with platforms and trains

Liverpool Street Expansion Finally Approved After Years of Debate

Feb 12, 2026 15:42 PM

Glasgow–Hanover Flights Return for Summer 2026

Feb 12, 2026 15:39 PM

London–Kuala Lumpur Returns to Gatwick After 14 Years

Feb 12, 2026 02:56 AM
Coastal town overlooking the sea

Salzburg’s Summer Flights Get a 2026 Refresh

Feb 12, 2026 02:43 AM
Passengers socialising inside a vintage railway carriage in the 1930s

1930s Glamour Rolls Back on the Rails This Summer

Feb 12, 2026 02:37 AM
Historic street scene in central Bucharest

Stockholm Gains a Fresh Eastern Europe Link

Feb 12, 2026 02:24 AM
Crowd holding Italian flags during a demonstration

Italy Braces for Nationwide Aviation Strike on 16 February

Feb 11, 2026 20:41 PM
Stranded traveller sitting at airport with suitcase after flight cancellation

Cuba Flights Halted as Fuel Shortage Disrupts Winter Plans

Feb 11, 2026 20:38 PM

Iberia Tightens Luggage Checks With New Fines at Airports

Feb 11, 2026 19:05 PM

Frankfurt Gets a New Short-Haul Player

Feb 11, 2026 18:42 PM
Passengers boarding a Ryanair aircraft on the apron

Ryanair Flags OTA Price Gaps in February Survey

Feb 11, 2026 18:39 PM
Wizz Air aircraft on the apron during ground operations

Wizz Air Rolls Out Extra Space Without Changing Its Cabin

Feb 11, 2026 14:06 PM