Oh, The Places You'll Go
Amid growing concerns about the future of the planet, there have been calls to reduce our collective carbon footprint by taking fewer flights. Similarly, it isn't just train enthusiasts who are prioritizing this leisurely mode of transportation. Are trains really better than planes?
1. Scenic Routes
While air travel offers some truly breathtaking views—especially if you're over mountains or oceans—train travel doesn't keep those views at arm's length. Rail travel puts you right there for unforgettable, once in a lifetime experiences. Watching a grizzly bear with our morning coffee? Don't mind if we do.
2. Eco-Friendly
We should all strive to be more eco-friendly in our travel, as we only have one planet, and train travel is as environmentally friendly as you get (short of walking, of course). Rail journeys can also help you understand the importance of saving the planet when it's right outside your window.
3. Stretch Your Legs
If you're on the dreaded long-haul flight—even if you splurge on one of those first-class pods that folds down into a bed—you're basically chained to your seat. Sitting for too long can lead to tingly toes at best and blood clots at worst. Rather than doing yoga in the aisle, extended train journeys offer a variety of cars for you to explore: dining, lounge, and observation cars are all at your disposal.
4. Better Internet
If you're a cheapskate and don't want to pay for in-flight WiFi, first of all, you're in good company, second, you won't have this problem on a train. Many trains come with free WiFi, even if service can get spotty in rural areas. And, if you're going to marathon Lord of the Rings, you'll at least be able to hear it on the train without hurting your ears.
5. Better Value
There's no one-size-fits-all answer for whether rail or airfare is a better price. Generally speaking, however, trains are cheaper for shorter distances. If you're looking at a flight that's only a few hours, consider checking if there are train routes; you'd also save money on a hotel for an overnight trip.
veerasak Piyawatanakul on Pexels
6. Social Atmosphere
Train regulars are some of the nicest people you will ever meet, and many take trains for the purpose of making new friends. If you sit in the lounge or observation cars, don't be surprised if your seatmates strike up a chat. You'll also find that the staff, especially the stewards, are always up for a chat.
7. Further Amenities
Like we've said, trains offer several different cars for you to explore. You can take in the view in the observation car or head to the dining car if you're peckish between meals, but the different cars aren't all that trains have to offer. If you feel a little gungy on a cross-country journey, you can easily freshen up in an on-board shower.
8. Less Hassle
We're going to be honest here: even the shortest and simplest plane ride is a logistical nightmare. All those lines and scanners and endless delays make us want to have a Godzilla-level tantrum. With trains, you basically just have to weigh your luggage and confirm your seat.
9. Cozy Cabins
While we've already discussed the social aspects of train travel, not everyone who travels by rail is an extrovert. For introverts, returning to a solo (or shared) cabin will help you unwind before bed. And we mean bed as long journeys offer those.
10. Vintage Charm
Air travel may be the way of the future, but there's nothing wrong with a little retro charm. Sometimes all you need is to sloooow down and live in the moment. In today's day and age, flying is as unremarkable as driving, while taking a train feels like stepping into another world.
Now that lain down the tracks for our train argument, let's take to the skies
1. Speed & Efficiency
If you need to get somewhere fast or on a certain day, flying is almost certainly the better option than taking the train. Flying will get you to your destination much faster than a train.
2. No Mid-Flight Delays
While flights may be delayed before takeoff, once you're in the air you're there until landing. Train travel may be subject to delays in the case that the train company doesn't own the tracks themselves and must wait for freight trains to pass. Additional delays can arise from mechanical repairs.
3. Frequent Flyer Benefits
Don't get us wrong, national rail lines do offer rewards systems, but earning points is entirely dependent on taking the train. While we appreciate the rewards, we wish they were more accessible. You can earn frequent flyer miles at the grocery store.
formulanone from Huntsville, United States on Wikimedia
4. Connectivity
It's true that train travel can take you to smaller destinations that are farther from major airports, but if you want to see the world, you need to take a plane. Air travel literally opens up the entire world to you. Want to fly from Alaska to Australia? Go for it.
5. Safety
It's true that train crashes are relatively rare and that planes aren't immune to crashing. However, air travel has been named the safest mode of transportation basically since we perfected staying in the air during peace time. There isn't much to bump into when you have the whole sky.
6. In-Flight Entertainment
Yes, planes make you pay for WiFi, but unless you're flying Spirit Airlines, you have the luxury of free in-flight entertainment. You don't have to worry about downloading all your podcast episodes and you can check out that movie you never got around to seeing in theaters. Or you can watch the flight tracker.
7. A Bird's Eye View
Seeing the world from the cover of the clouds is an awesome experience in every sense of the world. It gives you a sense of scale that even the most scenic of train rides don't manage. Look up pictures taken over the Grand Canyon and get back to us.
8. Year-Round Service
Due to weather conditions and passenger demand, certain rail lines will only operate seasonally. You don't have this problem with planes. Short of delays to avoid hurricanes, you can take a plane anywhere on earth, anytime of the year.
9. Fewer Connections
Not only will a plane get you to your destination faster than a train, you'll have fewer stops along the way. Yes, you may have a layover or two, and that layover may be a couple of hours, but you won't have to hop from one rail line to another to get where you want to go.
10. Airports Offer More
Train terminals tend to be smaller than airports, which are major transportation hubs. As a result, airports offer more for you to see, do, eat, and buy (albeit at exhorbitant prices). It's the least they can do if they're going to insist we arrive 4 hours early for international flights.
