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
Avanti West Coast staff member wearing a Santa hat beside a train

Avanti Christmas Tickets Released Ahead of Birmingham Rail Closure

Nov 4, 2026 12:56 PM
Shelves of Harry Potter wands displayed in a themed shop

London’s Biggest Harry Potter Shop Opens With a Knight Bus Inside

Nov 4, 2026 12:43 PM

Cardiff Rugby Trains Added as Return Queues Move

Nov 4, 2026 11:38 AM

Dubai Reveals Invite-Only Rewards for Returning Tourists

Nov 4, 2026 11:25 AM
Aerial view of Porto's colourful Ribeira waterfront along the Douro River

Ryanair Adds Porto and Brindisi as Klagenfurt Flights Surge

Nov 4, 2026 11:12 AM
Crowd at an Italian demonstration carrying flags and banners

UK Keeps Italy Protest Warning After Dropping Strike Notice

Nov 4, 2026 10:37 AM
Beirut marina with moored yachts and waterfront buildings

Beirut Flights Expand as Travel Warnings Remain

Nov 4, 2026 10:24 AM
Car and motorcyclist travelling through a flooded street

Storm Agneta Floods Rhodes as Tourists Told to Stay Indoors

Nov 3, 2026 11:11 AM
Discover Airlines aircraft taking off above the coast

Discover Airlines to Launch Frankfurt–Belize Flights via Costa Rica

Nov 3, 2026 10:49 AM

Groningen Gets New Nonstop Route to the Dolomites

Nov 2, 2026 23:45 PM

Eurowings Adds Five Routes, Including Two to Italy

Nov 2, 2026 23:12 PM
American flag flying above city buildings

Flying to the US? New Ebola Rules Start This Week

Nov 2, 2026 22:10 PM
Passengers boarding a Ryanair aircraft

Erasmus Students Keep Ryanair Discount but Lose Free Checked Bags

Oct 31, 2026 19:16 PM
Island Line train at Ryde Pier Head station beside the sea

Isle of Wight Trains Stop Today as Buses Take Over

Oct 31, 2026 18:53 PM
Person wearing a Guy Fawkes mask and black hood

Scammers Threaten to Cancel Cruises in Fake Payment Emails

Oct 31, 2026 18:48 PM

Zurich Airport's Skymetro Cut to One Tunnel for Six Months

Oct 31, 2026 18:35 PM

Montenegro Tightens Entry Rules for Five Nationalities

Oct 31, 2026 18:22 PM
Air Montenegro Embraer 195 aircraft parked on an airport apron

Air Montenegro Adds Five European Routes Before Christmas

Oct 31, 2026 18:17 PM
Downtown Orlando skyline overlooking Lake Eola Park

TAP Opens New Lisbon–Orlando Route for Florida Holidays

Oct 31, 2026 18:04 PM
Süleymaniye Mosque overlooking Istanbul's waterfront

Montreal Gets a New Istanbul Nonstop – and Asia Connections

Oct 31, 2026 14:31 PM
WestJet aircraft flying above snow-covered mountains

Eight Airlines Turn Flight Connections into City Breaks

Oct 31, 2026 14:29 PM
KLM aircraft parked at an airport gate, viewed through terminal windows

KLM’s First A350 Flies to Toronto - but Business Seats Stay Empty

Oct 31, 2026 14:16 PM

Nantes Gains New Flights to Egypt, Morocco and Cape Verde

Oct 31, 2026 14:03 PM

Ryanair Adds Málaga–Madrid Flights After Rail Shutdown

Oct 31, 2026 13:58 PM
Modern skyscrapers overlooking a waterfront in Dubai

British Airways Restarts Dubai Flights After Eight-Month Suspension

Oct 31, 2026 13:45 PM
Architectural rendering of The StandardX Times Square hotel entrance with theatre banners

New Times Square Hotel Plans a Free-Fall Ride

Oct 31, 2026 01:32 AM