What are advantages and disadvantages of travelling by train

TOP 10 Advantages and Disadvantages of Train Travel

Many times the wrong train took me to the right place.
— Paulo Coelho

Sitting on a train on a sunny morning and reading a book, I came across Paulo Coelho’s quote which read as ‘many times the wrong train took me to the right place‘. I suppressed the binge to check out my ticket, whether I had boarded the right train and started wondering what I would find at my final destination, which might just turn out to be that magic right place. Would it be worth the long ride? Would I enjoy the journey more than the actual fact of getting there? Would I have fun with people travelling with me?

Like many other train passengers, I dived into my book and became totally focused on my reading. Strangely enough, it did not happen for a long time that I caught myself thinking that I was strangely curious to observe what other travel fellows were doing. I realized I wanted to strike a conversation with a perfect stranger about the places our train passed. God blessed me I wasn’t on one of those scenic trains, that take you to mind-blowing places and you can be lost for words to describe the beauty of the landscape outside.

Bernina Express, Switzerland.

‘Many times the wrong train took me to the right place. ‘ I was contemplating the meaning and wisdom of Mr. Coelho’s words some more time when my eye caught the image of a sweet, little girl staring out the train window. Her black hair was tied back with a green ribbon, her arms wrapped around the train railing next to her seat, her soulful eyes taking in everything around her. The image reminded me of the wondrous feeling I got as a child when my parents took us on vacation by railroad. The European trains offer a great variety of travel options.

Who of us can forget those feelings of anticipation, child-like enthusiasm and excitement as we stepped onto a train; the parents put away our luggage, dad taking out his newspaper, mom keeping busy with some knitting? My siblings and me would stare out of the window, admiring the changing views of the landscape as it swept fast and furiously past us.

«Look mommy!» The young girl suddenly said excitedly. «There is a windmill.» Her mother barely noticed; her fingers fervently typing away on her laptop. «Mmmmmm,» the mother mumbled, not taking her eyes from the screen. The mom looked so unperturbed with the girl’s excitement that it reminded me of my own disappointment with adults that I felt as a child. Why don’t adults take time to enjoy the precious feelings generated by sights, experiences and things around them? Being an adult now, I wonder whether we have lost our passion for life, for the beauty of nature. Why do we think small mundane things are not worthy of our attention?

«Oh wow!» I said aloud. The wisdom and inspiration of the moment hit me straight into the head. That very moment I put down the book I was reading, and focused my attention on everything around me. The sights, the other passengers, and the beauty of the countryside as it was passing by.

I noticed things I had not noticed in years taking the very same train. The feeling was incredible. I realized then that it was that feeling that you have when you are crossing a country, watching outside and seeing all that beauty accelerated, thinking about the past, the future, and of course the present, mostly when you travel alone. That sensation of sucking in the life around you, like a sponge, is more worthwhile than earning a million dollars. It’s as if the mind enters a state of appreciative meditation. As if you are able to grasp wisdom that has not been within your reach before.

I am thankful that from there onwards traveling by train became something I love doing, something I treasure and look forward to.

Highspeed train in front of Mount Fuji, Japan.

Traveling by Train

Each type of travel has its own advantages and disadvantages. Traveling by car gives you an opportunity to stop whenever you want, stay over for a night and follow your own time schedule. Trains do not offer the same flexibility, but they certainly have various other advantages.

TOP 5 Advantages of Traveling by Train

TOP 5 Disadvantages of Traveling by Train

Train at Sunset

Traveling by train can be paradise; while in some cases it can become hell. But do not worry, there is a solution for everything, and since there is not really something as the ‘wrong solution,’ we recommend not to get stressed out if your train ride is not going as planned. The wrong train can bring you to the right place after all.

P.S. If you don’t know the place, take out the PeakVisor app, have a look at the landscape around you and if there are mountains present, you will learn where you are in no time!

TRAVELLING BY TRAIN ADVANTAGES AND DISADVANTAGES

The Basics

Rail travel is one of the best (and most eco-friendly) ways to get around the world.

Pretty much any large city in the world is serviced by at least one railway line, along with countless local and commuter services.

Many of today’s trains still have historic names such as the Trans-Siberian Express or Sunset Limited, Blue Train or Orient Express and follow the same routes as their original namesakes.

Advantages of Train Travel

Trains allow you to travel in safety and comfort, and their old-wordly charm sets them apart from more mundane means of transport. They pollute less, rarely suffer from weather delays and won’t give you jet lag. You can talk to your companions, read a book, or have a snooze. If the scenery palls you might go for a stroll, have a meal in the dining car, make friends in the bar or watch a movie.

Even better from the backpackers’ point of view, trains are very cost-effective compared to other modes of transport, especially if you use an unlimited ticket, such as Interail (Europe) or North America rail passes.

It may also be a novelty, especially for families with children, who are usually fascinated by trains. It’s often easier to care for small children on a train than on a plane or car trip.

Some people go by train solely for the amazing views en route or relish the extra time it takes, giving them an interval alone on either side of a holiday or business trip.

Travel at Night

It’s a good idea to take a blanket or light sleeping bag, though, in case the air-conditioning becomes too much, and try to choose a seat away from the doors for more comfort. Alternatively, there are sleeping compartments, ranging from singles up to family size. These aren’t cheap, and usually need to be booked in advance, but you do get extra privacy and facilities (sometimes including a free meal) for around the same price as a bed in a hostel, depending on the line. Bed linen and blankets are provided here, and usually a complimentary tea or coffee in the morning.

Disadvantages of going by Train

Trains aren’t the fastest way to travel (except on the 150 mph Eurostar or Shinkansen Bullet Trains) and timekeeping can’t always be relied on, since many long distance and tourist trains operate on lines also used by other services and don’t always have first priority.

You also usually need to buy your tickets in advance to get a good deal, especially in expensive areas like Western Europe. Conversely, in smaller countries, trains might only run once every few days and may not stop directly where you want to go.

Recommended Special Journeys

Trains frequently go through spectacular scenery that is not easily or safely accessible by any other mean! Here are a few of our favorites:

The Trans-Siberian Railway

Possibly the most famous rail journey in the world, it links Moscow with Beijing, crossing the vast wooded wilderness of Siberia and the sands of the Gobi desert.

The Northern Line from Morden to Edgware

Cross London in style on its most the famous underground line, built back at the turn of the 20th century.

Bernina Express

This is the highest rail crossing of the Alps, helping to make it one of Europe’s outstanding train journeys. Where else can you travel from glaciers to palm trees in two hours?

The Zephyr

Often voted one of the world’s greatest rail journeys, it takes two days and nights to travel between Chicago and San Francisco, following America’s earliest transcontinental rail route across farmland, prairie, deserts, rivers and the Rocky Mountains.

The Cairo to Aswan Express

Back to basics, but nonetheless a great experience taking in the whole length of Egypt from the Mediteranian coast to Lake Nasser and the Sudanese border.

More comfortable than the bus, more fun than flying and more relaxing than a car trip, trains keep you in touch with the landscape and the civilized pace is ideal for sightseeing. Planes may be quicker for distances over 1,000 miles but involve lengthy security checks as well as tedious journeys to and from congested airports!

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Text 8.TRAIN ACCIDENTS

Although the vast majority of train accidents minor, any time a pedestrian or motor vehicle comes into contact with a moving train, the outcome is almost always tragic. Although the following statistic sounds unrealistic, the fact remains that a train accident occurs every 90 minutes in the United States. Below are some of the common types of train accidents:

• Collision with another train

• Collision with a motor vehicle·

• Accident due to mechanical failure/negligence (e.g. brake failure)

Railroad accident causes:

• Defective railroad tracks

Like other «carriers» (e.g. planes, buses) railroad companies must maintain strict safety standards and are ultimately responsible for passenger safety. But since many train accidents involve a government owned or operated company, claims must comply with specific guidelines including strict time constraints for reporting injuries and filing suits.

Arizona Train Accident Cases

Arizona railroad accident lawyer Sam Cullan, MD, and attorney Gene Cullan, MD, have handled many railroad accident cases. A railroad accident can be devastating, often involving catastrophic injury and death. In spite of the fact that railroad safety has been a concern since the late 1800’s, there are an alarming number of dangerous railroad crossings throughout the United States. Other types of Arizona

railroad accident cases a lawyer at attorney Sam Cullan, MD’s firm can help with include those involving defective equipment such as crossing lights and guards and derailments. In many cases the train crew may be pressured to meet deadlines and may speed through a community at an illegal speed. The crew may fail to sound the horn to warn the train is approaching. Though most railroad employees are very diligent hard workers, head on collisions may occur due to fatigue or drug use.

Railroad Accident Cases Involving Dangerous Crossings

Many factors need to be analyzed in evaluating whether a crossing is dangerous. One of the main concerns is whether the railroad company failed to maintain the crossing. In spite of federal and state regulations, many railroad companies have allowed vegetation surrounding the crossing to grow out of control thereby making it difficult for the motorist to see an oncoming train. Other crossings may be dangerous due to the angle at which the road and the track meet. The crossing may be too close to the road. The approach to the track may be obstructed due to the grade of a hill. It may be difficult to see the track in both directions due to a curve or the angle they intersect. Warning signs may be missing or inappropriately placed. The track and crossing (including roughness of track, foliage, and signage) may be in such disrepair that the track appears to be abandoned giving the motorist the impression that they do not need to look for a train. In some cases a railroad, city or county may have been ordered to make the crossing safer and failed to do so in timely fashion. If, due to a railroad company’s negligence, you or a loved one has been in an Arizona railroad accident, attorney Sam Cullan, MD, and lawyer Gene Cullan, MD, can help you get the fair compensation you are entitled to.

Railroad companies send teams to the scene of wreck immediately. When a railroad accident occurs, the Railroad Company immediately dispatches a team of investigators to the scene to protect the railroad company’s interests. Frequently, the Railroad Company is notified of the wreck before medical personnel, state patrol or other law enforcement officers are notified. Sometimes, the railroad’s team is on site before the state patrol or other local law enforcement officers have arrived or concluded their investigation.

It is essential that you quickly have the scene investigated by your own Arizona railroad accident lawyer. Attorney Gene Cullan, MD, has extensive training in accident reconstruction, and will work to insure that evidence is not lost, destroyed or tampered with. We cannot stress how important it is that the injured person’s family have a team of experts go to the scene of the train accident. Federal law requires trains be equipped with computers (known as «black boxes») that record data regarding the train. This includes but is not limited to speed, time,

Taking distance, train, locomotive throttle position, front and end brake pipe pressure, brake pipe reduction, horn and bell use. There are many types of computer data recorders being used. The information can be extremely important in analyzing why a train accident occurred. Expert testimony from a train accident reconstructionist is mandatory.

WHAT TO DO:

1. Comment on the following:

How frequent are train accidents nowadays? Why?

Render the contents of the text in short.

UNIT II

TRAVELLING BY AIR

Before you read…

Have you ever travelled by air?

Do you consider air travel more convenient than travelling by train? Why?

Text 1.AIRPORT

An airport is a facility where aircraft can take off and land. At the very minimum, an airport consists of one runway (or helipad), but other common components are hangars and terminal buildings. Apart from these, an airport may have a variety of facilities and infrastructure, including fixed base operator services, air traffic control, passenger facilities such as restaurants and lounges, and emergency services. The terms airfield and airstrip may also be used to refer to a facility that has nothing more than a runway.

Airports vary in size, with smaller or less-developed airports often having only a single runway shorter than 1,000 m (3,300 ft). Larger airports for international flights generally have paved runways 2,000 m (6,600 ft) or longer. Many small airports have dirt, grass, or gravel runways, rather than asphalt or concrete.

The longest public-use runway in the world is at Ulyanovsk-Vostochny International Airport, in Ulyanovsk, Russia. It has a length of 16,404ft.

Airports are divided into landside and airside areas. Landside areas include parking lots, tank, farms and access roads. Airside areas include all areas accessible to aircraft, including runways, taxiways and ramps. Access from landside areas to airside areas is tightly controlled at most airports. Passengers on commercial flights access airside areas through terminals, where they can purchase tickets, clear security, check or claim luggage and board aircraft. The waiting areas which provide passenger access to aircraft are typically called concourses, although this term is often used interchangeably with terminal.

The area where aircraft park next to a terminal to load passengers and baggage is known as a ramp. Parking areas for aircraft away from terminals are generally called aprons.

Both large and small airports can be towered or uncontrolled, depending on air traffic density and available funds. Due to their high capacity and busy airspace, most international airports have air traffic control located on site.

Customs facilities for international flights define an international airport, and often require a more conspicuous level of physical security. International airports generally have a complex of buildings where passengers can embark on airliners, and where cargo can be stored and loaded.

The largest international airports are often located next to freeways or are served by their own freeways. Often, traffic is fed into two access roads, designed as loops, one sitting on top of the other. One level is for departing passengers and the other is for arrivals. Many airports also have light rail lines or other mass transit systems directly connected to the main terminals.

Most international airports have shops and food courts. These services usually provide the passengers food and drinks before they get on to their flight. Many recognizable chain food restaurants have opened branches in large airports to serve often hungry passengers.

International areas usually have a duty-free shop where travellers are not required to pay the usual duty fees on items. Larger airlines often operate member-only lounges for premium passengers.

Airports have a captive audience, and consequently the prices charged for food is generally higher than are available elsewhere in the region. However, some airports now regulate food costs to keep them comparable to so-called «street prices».

In addition to people, airports are responsible for moving large volumes of cargo around the clock. Cargo airlines often have their own on-site and adjacent infrastructure to rapidly transfer parcels between ground and air modes of transportation.

The earliest airplane landing sites were simply open, grassy fields. The plane could approach at any angle that provided a favorable wind direction. Early airfields were often built for the purpose of entertainment. These aerodromes consisted of a grassy field, with hangar for storage and servicing of airplanes, and observation stands for the visitors.

Increased aircraft traffic during World War I led to the construction of regular landing fields. Airplanes had to approach these from certain directions. This led to the development of aids for directing the approach and landing slope.

Following the war, some of these military airfields added commercial facilities for handling passenger traffic. One of the earliest such fields was Le Bourget, near Paris. The first international airport to open was the Croydon Airport, in South London. In 1922, the first permanent airport and commercial terminal solely for commercial aviation was built at Konigsberg, Germany. The airports of this era used a paved «apron», which permitted night flying as well as landing heavier airplanes.

The first lighting used on an airport was during the later part of the 1920s; in the 1930s approach lighting came into use. These indicated the proper direction and angle of descent. In the 1940s, the slope-line approach system was introduced. This consisted of two rows of lights that formed a funnel indicating an aircraft’s position on the glideslope. Additional lights indicated incorrect altitude and direction.

Following World War II, airport design began to become more sophisticated. Passenger buildings were being grouped together in an island, with runways arranged in groups about the terminal. This arrangement permitted expansion of the facilities. But it also meant that passengers had to travel further to reach their plane.

Airports are required to have safety precautions in most countries. Rules vary in different countries, but there are common elements worldwide. Airport security normally requires baggage checks, metal screenings of individual persons, and rules against any object that could be used as a weapon. Since the September 11, 2001 attacks, airport security has been dramatically increased worldwide.

Outside the terminal, there is a large team of people who work in concert to ensure aircraft can land, take off, and move around quickly and safely. These processes are largely invisible to passengers, but they can be extraordinarily complex at large airports.

Air traffic control (or АТС) is system whereby ground-based controllers direct aircraft movements, usually via radio. This coordinated oversight facilitates safety and speed in complex operations where traffic moves in all three dimensions. Air traffic control responsibilities at airports are usually divided into two main areas: ground and tower.

Ground Control is responsible for directing all ground traffic in designated ‘movement areas’, except the traffic on runways. This includes planes, baggage trains, snowplows, grass cutters, fuel trucks, and a wide array of other vehicles. Ground Control will instruct these vehicles on which taxiways to use, which runway they will use (in the case of planes), where they will park, and when it is safe to cross runways. When a plane is ready to take off it will stop short of the runway, at which point it will be turned over to Tower Control. After a plane has landed, it will depart the runway and be returned to Ground Control.

Tower Control controls aircraft on the runway and in the controlled airspace immediately surrounding the airport. Tower controllers use radar to identify and accurately locate an aircraft’s position in three-dimensional space. They coordinate the sequencing of aircraft in the traffic pattern and direct aircraft on how to safely join and leave the circuit. Aircraft which are only passing through the airspace must also contact Tower Control in order to be sure that they remain clear of other traffic and do not disrupt operations.

Before takeoff, pilots usually check an Automatic Terminal Information Service (ATIS) for information about airport conditions where they exist. The ATIS contains information about weather, which runway and traffic patterns are in use, and other information that pilots should be aware of.

Many airports have lighting that help guide planes using the runways and taxiways at night or in rain or fog. On runways, green lights indicate the beginning of the runway for landing, while red lights indicate the end of the runway. Runway edge lighting is white lights spaced out on both sides of the runway, indicating the edge.

Along taxiways, blue lights indicate the taxiway’s edge, and some airports have embedded green lights that indicate the centerline.

Planes take-off and land into the wind in order to achieve maximum performance.

Air safety is an important concern in the operation of an airport, and almost every airfield includes equipment and procedures for handling emergency situations. Commercial airfields include one or more emergency vehicles and their crew that are specially equipped for dealing with airfield accidents, crew and passenger extractions, and the hazards of highly flammable airplane fuel. The crews are also trained to deal with situations such as bomb threats, hijacking, and terrorist activities.

Potential airfield hazards to aircraft include debris, nesting birds, and environmental conditions such as ice or snow. The fields must be kept clear of debris using cleaning equipment so that loose material doesn’t become a projectile and enter an engine duct. Similar concerns apply to birds nesting near an airfield, and crews often need to discourage birds from taking up residence. In adverse weather conditions, ice and snow clearing equipment can be used to improve traction on the landing strip. For waiting aircraft, equipment is used to spray special deicing fluids on the wings.

The traffic generated by airports both in the air and on the surface can be a major source of aviation noise and air pollution which may interrupt nearby residents’ sleep or, in extreme cases, be harmful to their health. The construction of new airports, or addition of runways to existing airports, is often resisted by local residents because of the effect on the countryside, historical sites, local flora and fauna. As well, due to the risk of collision between birds and airplanes, large airports undertake population control programs where they frighten or shoot birds to ensure the safety of air travellers.

The construction of airports has been known to change local weather patterns. For example, because they often flatten out large areas, they can be susceptible to fog in areas where fog rarely forms. In addition, because they generally replace trees and grass with pavement, they often change drainage patterns in agricultural areas, leading to more flooding, run-off and erosion in the surrounding land.

In the view of aforesaid we can come to the following conclusion that airports are very complicated and sophisticated but interesting phenomena in our life that on the one hand make our trips comfortable, convenient and exciting and on the other hand are considered an extremely dangerous business.

WHAT TO DO:

1. Give the Russian equivalents for the following words and word combinations:

Air traffic control, paved runways, parking lots, tank farms, access roads, clear security, air control density, customs facilities, land into the wind.

2. What is meant by the following words and word combinations? You may begin with:

-It’s a notion (word) by which…

It’s a thing (term) that…

Baggage claim, a ramp, aprons, light rail lines, a duty-free shop, cargo airlines, approach lighting, safety precautions, metal screening, adverse weather conditions, emergency vehicles, susceptible to fog.

3. Work with your partner. You could possibly ask each other in turn:

1) What kind of facility is an airport?

2) Do airports vary in size?

3) What do outside areas include?

4) What is a ramp?

5) Why are some airports towered while others are uncontrolled?

6) What are customs facilities for international flights like?

7) Are there any services to provide passengers with food?

8) What are landing sites like?

9) What is airport security like? Why has airport security been dramatically increased world wide of late?

10) What do potential airfield hazards include?

11) Why is the construction of airports often resisted by local residents?

Text 2.CHECKINGIN

The days of arriving at the airport three hours before your flight leaves to queue up for hours at the check-in desk are numbered. With so many different ways to check-in you don’t always have to spend time in line. However, with so many check-in options, it can be tough choosing the best method. Use this guide to find out the pros and cons of each method and to choose the one best for you.

Online check-in allows you to complete the process yourself on the airline’s website. Typically, this can be done between 24 hours and 90 minutes before the flight is due to depart. When you check-in online you’ll need to verify all your flight details, choose a seat if you have not already selected one, choose meals if applicable and confirm that you are planning to take the flight. Some airlines will then allow you to print out your boarding pass using our own printer; others will require you to pick up your boarding pass from a self-service kiosk at the airport. If you have bags to check-in there is usually a bag drop-off point in the airport. Bags will need to be dropped off here at least an hour before departure.

Pros: The quickest and easiest way to check-in, you can do it from the privacy of your own home or office, avoid queues at the airport, and save on time before you fly.

Cons: If the airline expects you to print the ticket yourself, you need access to a printer. Photocopies of boarding passes are not accepted. If travelling in a group, each passenger often needs to check-in individually.

Self-service kiosks are available for most of the large airlines in most of the large airports. Though you still have to get to the airport before you check-in, as you would at the desk, lines are normally shorter as the process is much quicker, and bags to check-in can be dropped at baggage drop point. You normally need to have an e-ticket or a paper ticket with a magnetic strip. The machine will often read your passport for you and ask you to select the destination of your flight. It should then automatically bring up the correct details. Kiosks are typically open between 24 hours and 90 minutes before a flight departs.

Pros: An efficient way to check-in at the airport. As kiosks open for flights many hours before check-in desks, lines are almost always shorter. If you live close to the airport, it’s also possible to check-in up to a day before your flight leaves. This can be particularly useful if you have a very early morning flight, for example. Cons: Not all airlines or airports operate self-service kiosks, and those that do may have restrictions. It is important to check with the airline before you plan on using this method, and check that it is available for your specific route as well. Some airlines will only let you use self-service kiosks if you are travelling with hand luggage only. Children travelling as unaccompanied minors are normally not allowed to use self-service check-in.

To check-in with your mobile, visit the airline’s website. Select check-in and retrieve your booking with our booking reference. Click on the «check-in» button and you’ll receive a SMS with a boarding pass. Bring this to the airport with you.

Pros: Makes checking-in a breeze.

Cons: If you forget your phone or the battery dies, you’ll need to dash to a computer or self-service machine (at the airport) to print out a boarding pass. As mobile check-in is in its early days, not all terminals are able to process these types of boarding passes.

The traditional method of check-in is to arrive at the airport (usually between three hours and one hour before the flight departs, depending on the airline and your destination) and get in line at the desk to receive your boarding pass and hand over your luggage. Check-in times are normally earlier for international flights, while some domestic routes may only require check-in 45 minutes before departure.

Pros: Human contact at the desk means that this is the least confusing option. If you’ve got any special requirements, you’ll need to check-in at the desk. There’s also a (very slight) chance that you may get an upgrade if you’re there in person. If you want to get bumped from your flight, then you’ll need to be there.

Cons: This can be the slowest and most tiresome way to check-in. If you’re unlucky, queues can be long, and there’s no option of arriving just before the flight leaves.

Some airlines offer very attractive options for check-in from certain resorts. Virgin Atlantic, for example, will let you check-in at some hotels in the Caribbean, from Downtown Disney in Orlando or at the airport train station in Hong Kong. Staff can check you in, give you a boarding pass and even take your bags to the airport. This is perfect if you want to spend a bit more time on the beach.

WHAT TO DO:

1. Give the Russian equivalents for the following words and word combinations:

to be due to depart, to verify all details, to be applicable, a bag drop-off point, the privacy of your own home or office, unaccompanied minors, booking reference, a boarding pass, to hand over your luggage, domestic routes,

2. Comment and expand on the following statement:

The days of arriving at the airport three hours before your flight leaves to queue up for hours at the check-in desk are numbered.

3. Answer the following questions:

1.What check-in options do you know? What are their pros and cons?

2. What are your seating preferences aboard a plane (window seat/aisle seat/bulkhead seat)?

3. What can reduce queuing during check-in procedure?

4. Do you agree that check-in options vary per airline?

5. Are there any advantages of booking tickets online?

6. Do you usually arrive in good time for your flight?

7. When can a traveller be decleared a no-show?

4. Describe a typical departure lounge using the English equivalents for the following:

Медпункт, комната матери и ребенка, терминалы, аптека, международные рейсы, зал вылетов, регистрация, стойки регистрации, медпункт, кассы авиакомпаний, почта, банкомат, информационная стойка, стойка для самостоятельной регистрации, паспортный контроль, таможенный контроль.

10 advantages of train travel

Posted on Last updated: October 8, 2021

Discover 10 advantages of train travel and why travelling by train is the perfect option for your next adventure.

Over the years we have travelled extensively through Europe and the UK by train and loved every minute of it. Both myself and my husband have an ever-increasing train journey bucket list and dream of travelling overland from Singapore to London one day.

So what are the benefits of using the railway and embarking on a train travel adventure? What advantages are there to travelling by train and why do we believe it is the best way to travel the world?

In this article discover 10 reasons to take the train for your next travel adventure.

10 advantages of train travel

It is eco friendly

In many ways taking the train is a more sustainable and eco-friendly form of transport than either cars or airplanes. They use 30% less energy than cars and 20% less than planes per passenger miles. (1) Throughout the world train operators are constantly exploring ways of making travelling by train a highly sustainable form of transportation.

Trains produce less noise, use less energy and are much more sustainable in terms of CO2 emissions so the green option will always be to take the train!

Your holiday starts the minute you board the train

No hanging around for 3 hours at the airport. Arrive at the train station and board your train! Even if you are on a sleeper service the check-in time is not as long or as unpleasant as the airport.

And whilst your vacation only starts when you step off the plane the train journey is part of the holiday! Sit back relax and enjoy the views. Instead of endless empty skies you can enjoy the passing countryside and beautiful views as you travel which is impossible when flying or driving and concentrating on the road.

It is a comfortable way to travel

This is one of my main reasons I take the train – it is so much more comfortable and spacious than driving or flying. Crammed into a metal tube in the sky with a few hundred other people with recycled air and limited leg room is my idea of hell.

On a train there are no seat belts – you can get up, walk along the carriages and often alight at stations along the way for a stroll. In some more luxurious trains there are parlour cars, dining cars and even cinemas available during your journey.

First class travel is often a cheaper option than a first-class plane ticket (of course there are exceptions to this when it comes to some of the world’s most luxurious rail journeys.)

Enjoy natural daylight through large windows made for viewing the passing sights. No small portholes with shutters and strip lighting on trains!

And if you travel with children the space and comfort of a train is always going to be more child-friendly than the cramped confines of a plane. Car journeys can be stressful too with bored kids constantly asking how far to go/how much longer.

Better food and drink options

On some train journeys (and definitely on the more luxurious options) food and drink can be fantastic. Dining rooms with china plates and silver cutlery is a vast improvement on airline food. (Though I hear that those who can afford first class air travel do experience this luxury!)

Even on regular train services restaurants or buffet cars will offer more variety than ever can be possible on a plane.

You arrive in the heart of the city

Most city train stations are situated in the centre of town. No transfers are necessary from airports which are often situated far out of town. Arrive in comfort and step off the train straight to your destination.

And with no car you are not contributing to the major traffic problems in most cities. Take an uber/taxi/tram with no worries about driving in the middle of an unfamiliar city or trying to park. Having seen the way they drive in Rome and Paris I would never consider it.

You can stay connected (wifi)

While some airlines are now introducing wifi options on some of their routes it is still not easy to stay connected when you are miles up in the sky.

The availability of wifi (or even the ability to use your own data) is not such an issue when you are on a train (though I know this will greatly depend on where in the world you are!)

It is a more sociable environment

I have always found train travel a more social experience than travelling by air. There were so many times on our backpacking holidays around Europe when people would strike up a conversation/offer food particularly when travelling with my daughter.

I have met some amazingly interesting people on trains – from the Mennonites who boarded our sleeper train in Seattle to the transvestite with pet poodle I shared a carriage with on a trip from Milan to Venice.

Great option for slow travel

If you don’t need to rush your trip then catching a train and enjoying a slower speed of travel to your destination is fantastic. This is how I dream of travelling the world – one train journey at a time. In fact, if there was a way to travel around the world totally by train I would be working towards that!

I know in these times of limited holidays slow travel is a luxury but if you have the time I say TAKE THE TRAIN!

27 Major Pros & Cons Of Train Travel

“I never travel without my diary. One should always have something sensational to read in the train.”

Oscar Wilde, Dramatist

Advantages & Disadvantages of Train Travel

Traveling by train has become quite popular over the past decade in many countries all over the world.

Train travel can be a convenient way to get around.

While it has many additional advantages, traveling by train also implies some problems.

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In this article, the pros and cons of train travel are examined in detail.

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Advantages of Going by Train

Traveling by train can be convenient

One advantage of going by train is that it can be quite convenient. You just have to sit down and can enjoy the ride.

You don’t have to focus on the traffic. Instead, you can just relax.

You may even take the opportunity to sleep for a while in order to recover and to recharge your batteries for stressful parts of your day.

Therefore, going by train can be considered to be more convenient compared to going by car since you do not have to focus on the traffic at all.

Good for shorter distances

Trains are especially good when it comes to shorter distances.

Up to a few hundred miles, trains are often the best transportation methods since those distances are often too short to make flying a viable option and you can reach your destination within a few hours by train.

Hence, for those short distances, train travel may be one of the best methods to get to your destination.

You can work while traveling

Another upside of train travel is that you can work while you are going by train.

For instance, if you are on a business trip and have to finish an important task in time, you may want to use your time on the train in an efficient manner in order to get as much work done as possible.

This will not be possible if you go by car or plane instead and therefore, going by train is great if you want to use your time on business trips in the most efficient manner.

You can answer phone calls

Through going by train, you can also answer important phone calls.

While this might also be possible if you go by car, it might not be possible in a plane since you will not be allowed to make a phone call during your flight.

Thus, if you have important calls in which you have to take part in, make sure to use a train or a car instead of going by plane.

Train travel is eco-friendlier than using your car

Also for our environment, traveling by train can be considered to be eco-friendlier compared to going by car or by plane.

Train travel implies far lower greenhouse gases and therefore, if you go by train, you can also slow down global warming to a certain extent.

You can socialize

If you go by train on a regular basis, you may also be able to meet many new people and socialize a lot.

While many of those connections may only be quite shallow, you might be able to find some serious business partners over time, which may significantly help you to bring your business to the next level.

Good for people with fear of flying

Some people are also afraid to use an airplane.

If you are one of those people, going by train might be a great alternative for you, especially for shorter distances where you would not save too much time by going by plane.

Can be cheaper compared to going by plane

Depending on your country and on the time you are traveling, going by train can also be much cheaper compared to going by plane.

While some plane tickets can be incredibly cheap, most of them are rather expensive and train travel may provide you with cheaper opportunities to get around.

You can avoid traffic jams

Another benefit of going by train is that you can avoid traffic jams.

If you go by car on a regular basis, chances are that you will get stuck in traffic quite often.

However, through going by train, you will not get stuck in traffic at all since train travel will be quite independent of car traffic.

Therefore, if you hate wasting your time in traffic jams, going by train might be a good alternative for you.

Good for commuting

Especially in countries where public transport connections are quite good, trains may also be a serious alternative to using your car for commuting purposes.

Especially for short distances, you might even be faster when going by train compared to using your car.

Reduction in stress levels

Since you do not have to worry about traffic jams and also do not have to focus on traffic, you may be able to significantly lower your overall stress level by going by train.

You may meditate or sleep a little bit and at the time you reach your destination, chances are that you will be quite relaxed and ready for the challenging tasks that may lie ahead of you.

May help improve our air quality

Since going by train implies less emissions from cars, also our overall air quality tends to improve.

Thus, if you want to make a positive impact on our air quality, you should leave your car in your garage and go by train instead.

Good for your health

Due to the reduction in stress levels and the overall better air quality that is implied by train travel, you may also be able to improve your overall health levels since you may be less likely to suffer from mental as well as from serious physical health issues.

You don’t need to worry about maintenance

Another advantage of train travel is that you don’t have to worry about maintenance issues.

For instance, if you go by car, you will need to attend a garage from time to time where mechanics can fix potential issues.

However, if you go by train instead, you don’t need to worry about any repairs or maintenance and you may have additional leisure time to spend on your hobbies instead.

Trains are relatively safe

Train travel is also considered to be relatively safe.

There are more accidents with cars than with trains and therefore, also your overall life expectancy might increase by going by train instead of using your car.

Some people enjoy traveling by train

For some people, going by train is also a quite enjoyable way to get from A to B.

Some people even make it their hobby to ride as many trains as possible.

Thus, if you are one of those people, you might definitely use trains instead of going by car or plane, at least for shorter distances.

Disadvantages of Train Travel

Trains can be unreliable

Apart from the many advantages of going by train, there are also some issues related to train travel.

One problem with going by train is that trains can be quite unreliable.

Depending on where you live, trains may be delayed or may even not show up at all.

Hence, if you live in a region where trains are quite unreliable, you might want to choose other transportation methods instead.

You may miss important appointments

If your train is late, you may also miss important appointments.

This can include important meetings at work or other important private appointments.

Therefore, when it comes to those important occasions, you may want to use your car instead if you think that this increases the chances to be on time.

May take you significantly longer compared to using a plane

Going by train may also be significantly slower compared to using a plane.

This is especially true when it comes to longer distances.

Therefore, in those cases, you may want to use a plane and not a train in order to save yourself plenty of precious time.

Not suitable for long distances

Especially if you want to travel long distances, trains may not be the right way to go since apart from the time you might be wasting, it can also be quite exhausting to stay on a train for many hours or even days.

Hence, if you plan to travel long distances, do yourself a favor and use a plane instead of a train.

Connections may be quite bad in some areas

Depending on where you live, the overall public transportation infrastructure may also be quite bad.

In such a case, you might have to wait quite a long time until the next train arrives or you may not even be able to get from A to B in a reasonable manner.

Trains can be quite crowded

Especially in the early morning, trains can also be quite crowded and you will not have too much room for yourself.

Therefore, if you suffer from claustrophobia, going by train during those times of the day might not be a good idea at all and you may want to use your car instead.

You may have to stand

During rush hour, trains may even be so crowded that you will not find a seat anymore.

In many cases, you might have to stand during the whole travel period and if you travel for a few hours, this might be quite exhausting and annoying.

May not be practical in rural areas

The connections in rural areas are often quite bad and therefore, relying on trains in those areas might not be a good idea at all.

If you live in one of those remote areas, you may want to use your car instead in order to save yourself plenty of time and nerves.

Trains might be more expensive than using your car

In many cases, going by train might actually be much more expensive than going by car.

This is especially true when you travel with your family since the costs for going by car don’t change if you have additional passengers, but the costs of going by train often multiply.

Thus, especially if you travel with your family, going by car might be a much cheaper alternative.

You will be quite inflexible

If you go by train, you will also be quite inflexible regarding potential detours.

For instance, if you want to make a detour and get some food from the grocery store on your way back from work, you can easily do so with your car.

However, if you go by train, it will be quite complicated to make detours since you might have to change trains and you may have to wait quite long for suitable connections.

Thus, if you are a spontaneous person who likes to change your mind quite often, going by car may give you more flexibility in this regard compared to going by train.

Limited space for your luggage

Depending on the train, you may also experience serious problems when it comes to storing your luggage.

Quite often, luggage storage spaces in trains are quite limited and you may have a rather hard time storing your luggage somewhere near to you.

Top 10 Train Travel Pros & Cons – Summary List

Should You Go By Train?

From the previous discussion, it becomes clear that there are many advantages and disadvantages of going by train.

Depending on your individual preferences, you have to decide by yourself if the pros of going by car outweigh the cons for you or not.

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About the author

My name is Andreas and my mission is to educate people of all ages about our environmental problems and how everyone can make a contribution to mitigate these issues.

As I went to university and got my Master’s degree in Economics, I did plenty of research in the field of Development Economics.

After finishing university, I traveled around the world. From this time on, I wanted to make a contribution to ensure a livable future for the next generations in every part of our beautiful planet.

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