WHAT EUROPE COULD LEARN FROM CHINA’S NEW SENIOR-FRIENDLY ‘SILVER TRAIN’ HOLIDAYS
Even as a lover of slow train travel, I admit that the experience isn’t always ideal for everyone – particularly those who may be a little slower on their feet.
The Bernina Express or the Royal Scotsman may be in a league of their own when it comes to comfort, but the average train trip across Europe is probably a different story. Whether it’s clambering those steep stairs to board in the first place, or navigating those pokey bathrooms on a bouncy stretch, trains are full of potential pitfalls for less agile travellers.
Of course, plenty would argue that the sheer romance of the overall experience makes up for the rougher stuff – and they may well be right for those of us who can take the occasional bumpy ride. But is there more we could do to make train travel more appealing to older passengers?
That’s exactly what’s happening in China, where the government is supporting rail operators to develop a whole new model of “silver trains” with carriages specifically designed for those more advanced in age. The aim is to give travellers all of those extra features they might need – like anti-slip rails in the corridors – to ensure the elderly can travel without incident.
It isn’t just about safety, but about providing a whole new model of luxury travel. As well as wider beds and bigger bathrooms, the trains will also be kitted out with special carriages for seated karaoke – an ever-popular pastime across much of east Asia – and late-night games of Mahjong. Some even have onboard medical staff, similar to an upscale retirement village.
Some silver trains are already running. Back in April, a BBC correspondent managed to travel on one, and was shown some of the special features in action. Watching their report, it’s hard to shake that conclusion that, even if you’re not of the age to appreciate the interior, the train looks much cosier than most of us have become used to on this side of the world.
The “silver train” initiative is regarded as a potentially powerful tool to unleash a wave of new consumer spending. The hope is that the model of “travel by night, tour by day” will mean that the passengers will be able to spend some of their coveted savings at towns and cities along the route.
The initiative comes at a particularly opportune time for the world’s second largest economy, which has struggled with a pronounced slowdown in discretionary spending – i.e. the fun stuff – in recent years. Couple that with a rapidly ageing population (with one in five people now aged over 60) and you can see why “silver spending” is so important.
Plenty of other countries are experiencing similar trends. But few have gone as far as the Chinese government, which has issued an official proclamation calling on more businesses to embrace the silver economy, which currently accounts for around $1 trillion per year (or 6 per cent of China’s overall GDP).
When it comes to train journeys, it helps that China has already undergone a rail revolution over the past 20 years, says Andy Eastham, from specialist trip-planners Wendy Wu Tours. “The government’s investment in high-speed and scenic rail lines has opened huge swathes of the country to tourism,” he says.
He points to the famous Qinghai–Tibet line – known as the highest railway in the world, with an altitude of over 5,000 metres – as one of China’s greatest offerings. “The journey is a marvel of engineering with onboard oxygen supply, wide windows and spacious seating that make it surprisingly accessible for older travellers.”
A particularly popular option for seniors, at least according to Chinese state media, is a two-week railway tour of the Xinjiang region on China’s western border. The Chinese State Council quotes one traveller enthusing about seeing the traditional architecture of the region, as well as walking through the ice and snow of the Tian Shan Mountains.
Admittedly, the latter might not sound like the most senior-friendly activity. But are there any lessons for Europe’s rail operators in the idea of devising railway tours and customising trains to attract older travellers?
If you speak to rail tour providers, they will tell you that the demand is certainly there. “We have seen a noticeable shift over the years, with the majority of our regular travellers now aged 70 and above,” says Maria Cook from rail journey experts Ffestiniog Travel.
As well as the ever-popular routes in the Swiss Alps, older travellers are also looking increasingly further afield: such as the New Zealand Grand Tour and the mountain railways of India.
Compared to the more established cruise industry, information on accessibility isn’t always so easy to find – but a quick search through travel forums and reviews may shine some light on the questions that may be on older travellers’ minds.
“Swiss Federal Railways is rated very highly by our travellers for the accessibility of their trains,” says Paul Conroy from flight-free travel specialists Byway.
Meanwhile, Eurostar, Deutsche Bahn and Hungary’s new MÁV intercity trains have been praised for their wheelchair-friendly features.
As for the future, and whether those specifically kitted out “silver trains” might one day make an appearance on the Alps, it would be silly to rule it out. With the sheer sums of money being invested in China’s domestic tourism industry (which is now catching up with the US), it’s inevitable some of their ideas will catch on elsewhere.
“Europe could certainly take some cues from China’s approach – not just in terms of speed and network coverage, but also in how stations and carriages are designed with accessibility, comfort, and clear signage in mind,” says Andy Eastham.
And with around 160 specialist “silver trains” due to be fully kitted out and in service by 2027, any enterprising rail operator in Europe should be able to find a suitable manufacturer who can do the work for them – not to mention plenty of potential passengers.
Silver trains: the best rail routes for older travellers in Europe
Highlights of the Glacier Express
Crossing the Alps on the Bernina Express has long been considered one of the most breathtaking travel experiences on the continent. Great Rail Journeys provides a mobility rating for all of its rail tours, placing this one at the more gentle end of the spectrum (walking elements are limited to 30 minutes, for example). £1,999pp; Great Rail Journeys
The Grand Tour France
Explore France’s most iconic and beautiful cities in a one-week itinerary, spending each night on a luxury train refurbished in the Belle Epoque spirit. The tour begins and ends in Paris, making it easy to connect to London via the Eurostar. From £7,200pp; Discovery Trains
The Italian Dolomites
True to the La Dolce Vita ethos, this itinerary is suitably leisurely, full of time to sit by the lake or soak up the sun in a charming Alpine village. The six-day itinerary typically contains alternate options for those who might not want to walk too much. From £1,094pp; Newmarket Holidays
San Sebastian to Santiago de Compostela
A week-long rail cruise along Spain’s northern coast is the very definition of slow travel, with the chance to absorb the full glory of the Basque Country and Galicia. The Transcantabrico train (aptly described as a hotel on rails) remains stationary at night, making for a more relaxing sleep. From £7,750pp; Transcantabrico Train
The Hogwarts route
Don’t be deceived by the Harry Potter reference: this five-night journey from London to Loch Ness is the perfect getaway for older travellers, with alternative options to avoid some of the more strenuous treks. Eco-conscious operators Byway Travel are also known for taking accessibility (and customer service) seriously. From £832pp; Byway Travel
2025-08-08T13:05:58Z
