When becoming a Slow Traveller, the mode of transport you choose becomes a crucial factor in shaping your experience. Among the many options, the debate between taking the train vs plane often comes up. Which is the most efficient? Is one cheaper? Most importantly, which option fits your travel time and needs? These are all essential questions to ask when planning your journey, as the answers will likely influence how you get to your destination.
So, buckle up and let’s dive into the discussion of why you might prefer the train over plane travel.
When becoming a Slow Traveller, the mode of transport you choose becomes a crucial factor in shaping your experience. Among the many options, the debate between taking the train vs plane often comes up.
Which is the most efficient? Is one cheaper? Most importantly, which option fits your travel time and needs?
These are all essential questions to ask when planning your journey, as the answers will likely influence how you get to your destination.
So, buckle up and let’s dive into the discussion of why you might prefer the train over plane travel.
What Are the Benefits of Travelling by Train over the Plane?
First, let’s explore why taking the train might be a better option for you. In many cases, a train ride offers a more enjoyable and adaptable experience. While I firmly believe in Slow Travel and its many benefits, I admit that trains aren’t perfect for every trip, but we’ll get to that part later. So, what makes the train vs plane debate lean in favour of the train? Let’s take a closer look.
First, let’s explore why taking the train might be a better option for you. In many cases, a train ride offers a more enjoyable and adaptable experience.
While I firmly believe in Slow Travel and its many benefits, I admit that trains aren’t perfect for every trip, but we’ll get to that part later. So, what makes the train vs plane debate lean in favour of the train? Let’s take a closer look.
9 Reasons Why Trains Are Better Than Planes
Are you hesitating between train vs plane for your next trip? While planes are fast, trains offer a travel experience that’s hard to beat.
Here are nine reasons why trains outshine planes, from comfort and extra rewards to sustainability.
“A train journey is a moving meditation”
1/ Travel Centre to Centre
One major advantage of the train vs plane debate is convenience. Oftentimes, Airports are located far from city centres, a pain in the ass. Thus, reaching them is time-consuming and expensive.
No one enjoys the hassle of parking or lengthy transfers just to get to the airport. On the other hand, trains often drop you right in the heart of the city. Not only are many train stations beautifully designed, but they’re also incredibly accessible.
No need to plan extra time to reach your destination, you’re already there!
One major advantage of the train vs plane debate is convenience. Oftentimes, Airports are located far from city centres, a pain in the ass. Thus, reaching them is time-consuming and expensive.
No one enjoys the hassle of parking or lengthy transfers just to get to the airport. On the other hand, trains often drop you right in the heart of the city. Not only are many train stations beautifully designed, but they’re also incredibly accessible.
No need to plan extra time to reach your destination, you’re already there!
2/ More Leg Room, Comfort at its Best
Let’s face it, planes aren’t known for their spacious seating. In fact, cramming yourself into a small seat with limited legroom feels more like being trapped in a cage. When comparing train vs plane, trains offer significantly more legroom, and you can stretch, stand up, and walk around whenever you like.
Plus, no more toddlers kicking the back of your seat! The freedom to move makes the train experience much more enjoyable.
Let’s face it, planes aren’t known for their spacious seating. In fact, cramming yourself into a small seat with limited legroom feels more like being trapped in a cage. When comparing train vs plane, trains offer significantly more legroom, and you can stretch, stand up, and walk around whenever you like.
Plus, no more toddlers kicking the back of your seat! The freedom to move makes the train experience much more enjoyable.
3/ Skip the Long Security Checks
We’ve all experienced the frustration of interminable and stressful airport security lines. Even if you’re super organised and arrive hours in advance (aka your dad waking you up at 4 AM when your flight is six hours later) there’s still no guarantee you won’t get caught in a long queue.
In contrast, with trains, the security process is a light breeze. All you need to do is scan your ticket, and you’re good. When you choose train vs plane, waiting time is practically non-existent, usually just a few minutes!
We’ve all experienced the frustration of interminable and stressful airport security lines. Even if you’re super organised and arrive hours in advance (aka your dad waking you up at 4 AM when your flight is six hours later) there’s still no guarantee you won’t get caught in a long queue.
In contrast, with trains, the security process is a light breeze. All you need to do is scan your ticket, and you’re good. When you choose train vs plane, waiting time is practically non-existent, usually just a few minutes!
4/ Eco-Friendly Travel
Nowadays, sustainability is more important than ever. Opting for train vs plane means making an eco-conscious choice. Trains consume far less energy and produce significantly lower CO2 emissions compared to planes, making them the environmentally friendly option.
As more people adopt the Slow Travel mindset, the shift towards greener travel is becoming essential in the fight against climate change. Want to know how much CO2 your trip will save? Use tools like ADEME‘s carbon calculator to see the difference (examples below).
Nowadays, sustainability is more important than ever. Opting for train vs plane means making an eco-conscious choice. Trains consume far less energy and produce significantly lower CO2 emissions compared to planes, making them the environmentally friendly option.
As more people adopt the Slow Traveller’s Mindset, the shift towards greener travel is becoming essential in the fight against climate change. Want to know how much CO2 your trip will save? Use tools like ADEME‘s carbon calculator to see the difference (examples below).
5/ Pack Your Own Food
Have you ever been stuck on a plane with subpar food options or thrown away your dear flask at security? On a train, there’s no need to follow those annoying restrictions. Whether it’s a gourmet picnic or a simple homemade sandwich, you can bring your food and drinks on board.
Train vs plane? Trains win hands down when it comes to dining freedom. Want to host a mini grill party on board? Why not!
Have you ever been stuck on a plane with subpar food options or thrown away your dear flask at security? On a train, there’s no need to follow those annoying restrictions. Whether it’s a gourmet picnic or a simple homemade sandwich, you can bring your food and drinks on board.
Train vs plane? Trains win hands down when it comes to dining freedom. Want to host a mini grill party on board? Why not!
6/ Get Free Perks with Your Train Ticket
A hidden gem in the train vs plane comparison is the range of perks that come with your train ticket. Many rail companies offer discounts or free entry to top tourist attractions. For instance, Eurostar provides 2-for-1 tickets to museums and attractions in cities like Paris and London.
You can even enjoy discounts on museum passes in Venice and other European cities. When was the last time a plane ticket gave you that kind of bonus? Don’t think much. It never happened.
A hidden gem in the train vs plane comparison is the range of perks that come with your train ticket. Many rail companies offer discounts or free entry to top tourist attractions. For instance, Eurostar provides 2-for-1 tickets to museums and attractions in cities like Paris and London.
You can even enjoy discounts on museum passes in Venice and other European cities. When was the last time a plane ticket gave you that kind of bonus? Don’t think much. It never happened.
7/ Pets and Bikes Welcome
Travelling with pets such as cats; dogs, or kids (oops) or planning a cycling trip? The flexibility of trains makes this much easier compared to planes. With extra legroom and no turbulence to stress out your furry friends, trains offer a relaxed environment for pets and their owners.
Plus, many trains provide dedicated spaces for bicycles. No need to shell out big bucks to transport your bike. Just hop on and go! In the train vs plane discussion, trains are way more pet and bike-friendly.
Travelling with pets such as cats; dogs, or kids (oops) or planning a cycling trip? The flexibility of trains makes this much easier compared to planes. With extra legroom and no turbulence to stress out your furry friends, trains offer a relaxed environment for pets and their owners.
Plus, many trains provide dedicated spaces for bicycles. No need to shell out big bucks to transport your bike. Just hop on and go! In the train vs plane discussion, trains are way more pet and bike-friendly.
8/ Fly Less, Experience More
Right, so far you have decided to dive into the Eco traveller guide and fly less. That’s a great decision and I have more surprises to come. Another win for the train vs plane debate is the journey itself. While planes teleport you from point A to point B, trains allow you to witness changing landscapes, from countryside views to bustling cities.
The experience of watching the world pass by from the comfort of your seat adds an extra layer to your trip. By flying less and travelling more by train, you experience more. Then, the journey becomes part of the destination.
Right, so far you have decided to dive into the Eco traveller guide and fly less. That’s a great decision and I have more surprises to come.
Another win for the train vs plane debate is the journey itself. While planes teleport you from point A to point B, trains allow you to witness changing landscapes, from countryside views to bustling cities.
The experience of watching the world pass by from the comfort of your seat adds an extra layer to your trip. By flying less and travelling more by train, you experience more. Then, the journey becomes part of the destination.
9/ Bad Neighbour? Move Seats
We’ve all been there: stuck next to an annoying passenger or crying baby on a plane, with no option to move. On trains, the situation is much more flexible. Many train services don’t have assigned seating, meaning you can often switch seats if the one next to you isn’t ideal.
No seatbelt signs to tie you down, and a higher chance of finding a peaceful spot make trains a more comfortable option in this regard.
We’ve all been there: stuck next to an annoying passenger or crying baby on a plane, with no option to move. On trains, the situation is much more flexible.
Many train services don’t have assigned seating, meaning you can often switch seats if the one next to you isn’t ideal. No seatbelt signs to tie you down, and a higher chance of finding a peaceful spot make trains a more comfortable option in this regard.
When should you take a train vs plane?
The choice between train vs plane often depends on several factors, from distance and convenience to personal preferences and environmental impact. But when exactly should you opt for a train journey?
If your destination is less than 1000 kilometres away, and there’s a reliable train service available, that’s a great starting point. Whether you go for a high-speed train, a sleeper cabin, or first or second class, there’s usually a train option to suit both your budget and your travel style.
For a stress-free journey, where the travel experience becomes part of the adventure itself, choosing the train over the plane can make all the difference.
The choice between train vs plane often depends on several factors, from distance and convenience to personal preferences and environmental impact. But when exactly should you opt for a train journey?
If your destination is less than 1000 kilometres away, and there’s a reliable train service available, that’s a great starting point. Whether you go for a high-speed train, a sleeper cabin, or first or second class, there’s usually a train option to suit both your budget and your travel style.
For a stress-free journey, where the travel experience becomes part of the adventure itself, choosing the train over the plane can make all the difference.
Train vs Plane: Is Time Really a Factor?
One of the main arguments in the train vs plane debate revolves around travel time. On the surface, planes often seem faster, but is that really the case? While the flight time might be shorter, let’s not forget about the extra hours involved. You’ve got to travel to the airport, go through security checks, wait for boarding, and then after landing, there’s the baggage claim and getting from the airport to the city centre.
When you add up the entire journey from start to finish, the time difference between train and plane might not be as significant as you think, especially for shorter trips.
One of the main arguments in the train vs plane debate revolves around travel time. On the surface, planes often seem faster, but is that really the case?
While the flight time might be shorter, let’s not forget about the extra hours involved. You’ve got to travel to the airport, go through security checks, wait for boarding, and then after landing, there’s the baggage claim and getting from the airport to the city centre.
When you add up the entire journey from start to finish, the time difference between train and plane might not be as significant as you think, especially for shorter trips.
Why did I decide to exclusively choose train over plane?
A few years ago, I decided to stop flying. As I embraced a more sustainable travel lifestyle, the choice between taking the train vs plane became an easy one for me. The environmental benefits were one reason, but there were other advantages too.
Many train stations are architectural masterpieces. From the intricate carvings to the grand stone structures, they feel like open-air museums, offering a glimpse into the past. I’ve found myself mesmerised by the design and history that each station holds, something I’ve never experienced in an airport.
A few years ago, I decided to stop flying. As I embraced a more sustainable travel lifestyle, the choice between taking the train vs plane became an easy one for me. The environmental benefits were one reason, but there were other advantages too.
Many train stations are architectural masterpieces. From the intricate carvings to the grand stone structures, they feel like open-air museums, offering a glimpse into the past. I’ve found myself mesmerised by the design and history that each station holds, something I’ve never experienced in an airport.
I did take the plane too
Of course, there are times when flying is unavoidable. If you need to cross an ocean, or if your destination is far beyond the reach of train travel, a plane might be your only option if you don’t have the time to do otherwise (aka sailing). Back then, I’ve also flown to places like New York and Mexico, and between various European countries.
The important thing is to be conscious of the environmental impact of flying. It’s never too late to adopt a more sustainable approach to travel. While flying might still be part of your travel habits, taking steps toward a slower, more mindful travel style can make a big difference. Why not let today be the day you start embracing the slow travel mindset?
Of course, there are times when flying is unavoidable. If you need to cross an ocean, or if your destination is far beyond the reach of train travel, a plane might be your only option if you don’t have the time to do otherwise (aka sailing).
Back then, I’ve also flown to places like New York and Mexico, and between various European countries.
The important thing is to be conscious of the environmental impact of flying. It’s never too late to adopt a more sustainable approach to travel.
While flying might still be part of your travel habits, taking steps toward a slower, more mindful travel style can make a big difference. Why not let today be the day you start embracing the slow travel mindset?
Between Train vs Plane, Which one is your favourite?
And there you have it, the great Train vs. Plane showdown. Now that you’ve weighed up the pros and cons, which one will you choose for your next journey?
Whether the ease of a city-centre arrival, the eco-friendly comfort of train travel, or the luggage freedom, you have many reasons to choose trains over planes.
But the journey doesn’t end here. What’s next on your slow travel itinerary? Perhaps it’s time to explore more ways to make your trips sustainable, such as getting equipped with eco-friendly backpack brands.
Ready to trade airports for adventures on rails and discover more eco-conscious travel tips?
Bon voyage!
Wander with Purpose—Connect with Heart.
