photo: Dennis Ho / Flickr; CAU / Public domain/Train vs Plane; illustrative photo
Many people consider air travel the best option. They believe it’s the fastest and most efficient. But is that really the case?
No Need for a Taxi—Travel From City Center to City Center
Nowadays, it’s easy to find cheap flights for just a few euros. However, these are usually the most basic tickets, which only include a small backpack—nothing more. You may be thrilled to fly from Berlin to Paris for just a few euros, but in reality, the journey costs much more. Airports are often far from city centers, meaning additional transportation costs. These can be expensive, especially if you take an airport Uber or a taxi. With trains, you depart from one city center and arrive directly in another. No need for extra transport expenses.
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Overweight Baggage Fees? Not a Problem on Trains
Your ticket price isn’t the only cost of flying—there’s also baggage fees. As mentioned earlier, you can sometimes find return flights for as little as EUR 20, but you’re limited to a tiny backpack. Want to bring more? That means paying extra. On trains, there are no baggage restrictions. You buy a standard ticket (excluding first-class upgrades), and you can bring a backpack and a large suitcase—no hidden fees. While you may need to handle your luggage yourself, modern train carriages are equipped with storage areas for larger suitcases, so finding space won’t be an issue.
Enjoy the Ride Without Paying for Every Snack
Most airlines charge extra for everything, including food. If you don’t want to pay premium prices, you’ll need to book a more expensive ticket. At the airport, you wait for hours, and flights aren’t always short. Yes, you can buy food on board, but it’s expensive. Even a bottle of water at the airport can cost around EUR 3. On trains, you can bring your own food and drinks, and no one will take them away from you. You can even pack an entire extra bag filled with snacks, and nobody will care. If you don’t bring anything, many trains have dining cars or rolling minibars, offering affordable meals compared to airport and in-flight prices. Good food enhances the overall experience of the journey.
The Scenery You Miss on a Plane
On a plane, you might catch a stunning sunrise or sunset, but that’s about it. Train travel immerses you in the landscape—you can soak in the atmosphere of your destination before even arriving. You’ll pass by rivers, waterfalls, charming villages, and even historical landmarks like castles and churches. Plus, you might discover inspiration for your next trip just by looking out the window. Simply put, train travel has a soul.
Running Late? No Problem—Board Just Ten Minutes Before Departure
Time efficiency is another major advantage of train travel. Flying requires you to arrive at the airport hours in advance. Security checks take time, so getting there early is crucial in case something goes wrong. Typically, it’s recommended to arrive at least three hours before departure. If you don’t have a car, you must rely on public transport, which isn’t always reliable. For early morning flights, you may even have to spend the entire night at the airport.
With trains, this isn’t an issue. You can arrive just ten minutes before departure, and it won’t be a problem—there are no security checks. This means less stress, as airport security procedures can often be overwhelming and exhausting.
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