You can relax or work
One of the nicest things about traveling on a train is that you can sit back and enjoy the ride. You can read, write, sleep, eat, etc… and you don’t have to worry about anything. If you’re working, you can get a LOT of work done while a train is in motion! I don’t often sit still while traveling, so sometimes a train ride can create a forced (yet needed) break from the hustle.
You don’t have to worry about parking/navigation etc.
Another great thing about taking the train is that you don’t have to park it! Finding parking when on a road trip can be stressful. Taking the train eliminates all of that drama. Many city centers can also be hard to navigate by car, and taking the train eliminates all the stress of trying to find your way in a new place. You just hop off and walk!
Can be very affordable
Depending on when & where you book your train, it can be a more affordable option. Although, in the United States train travel is often just as expensive as flying. I have noticed over the years that booking train travel in advance is much more affordable than booking last minute. Train travel to and from major airports can also often be more affordable than taxis or other options.
Frequently on time
Especially in Europe, train travel is a very timely process. It is very rare (beyond strikes) that trains do not run on or close to scheduled times. This takes a lot of the guesswork out of travel. It also makes train transfers pretty seamless.
Amazing Views
Many train rides have incredible views. If you’re driving, you’re not as free to stare out the window. There are many trains in places like Switzerland and Italy where there is incredible scenery for your whole journey, and the views are part of the experience itself.
Train stations are easy to navigate
Once you get the hang of it, train stations all over the world pretty much run the same way. You are able to check the board, find your train’s platform, and find your train. Individual train cars are labeled, seats are labeled, and you know what you’re getting. This straightforward and clean approach takes a lot of the stress out of travel that you may have with other types of transportation.
Location
Train stations in major cities are often near the center or close to some of the city’s main attractions, and there are usually multiple stations. This is much easier than an airport, which usually is quite a bit outside of the city. When you take trains, you can get right to the heart of where you want to be faster.
*Pro tip: It is also almost always cheaper to take a train from any major airport into the city than to take a taxi or ride share.
Baggage allowances are more flexible
Planes can be super stressful with the amount of baggage they let you bring on board, and make you pay for every little thing. Trains are far different. You are able to hop on with your luggage, and for the most part this isn’t an issue at all. Always be sure to check if there are baggage allowances on the trains you’re riding as I am sure it is possible, but far less likely than a plane, or even a bus.
Schedule options
Many times trains will run MULTIPLE times a day between major locations. You can choose to leave in the morning, midday, or afternoon. Having this flexibility allows you to travel the way that is best for you! There are also a number of trains that run overnight to different cities. This way you can fall asleep in one place and wake up in another without wasting any valuable day time in transit!
Better for the environment
Train travel is beneficial as it doesn’t cause as much pollution as most other forms of travel. It’s essentially a giant carpool and reduces the footprint you’re creating as a traveler.
Country Hopping (Bonus Tip!)
When you travel by train, especially in Europe, moving from country to country can be a lot easier than flying. Many countries within just hours of one another, and you can walk right to the train and go, instead of dealing with the hassle of a flight, airport, etc.
Below are some great sites I use for train travel. These are affiliate links which means that if you book through the links I earn a small commission at no cost to you! If you want to support all the time and effort that I put into this blog, this is a great and FREE way to do that! Thank you!