There are multiple modes of transportation available today to travel around Europe, but traveling by train versus traveling by plane is the most interesting.

However, which mode of transport is better? Read below to find out why.

Environmentally friendly

Air travel is now recognized as the fastest growing contributor to global warming. Avoiding airplanes when there are easy alternatives to travel is possibly the most important thing anyone can do to reduce their carbon footprint. Air pollution is drastically reduced by taking the train over the plane. In most European countries, train networks are extensive and services are frequent, so you can be eco-friendly without any sacrifice.

flexibility

Air travel typically means you need to secure your seat weeks, or even months, in advance to get a reasonable rate. Once you’ve secured your seat, it’s not easy to change your flights without paying a big fee. Although some trains require you to make seat reservations in advance, there is much more flexibility, especially if you need to change the time you want to travel.

No problem

Imagine taking a trip and not having to show up two hours early, wait in a long security line, measure your liquids and gels, or remove your shoes for an inspection. Welcome to the world of train travel. When you travel by air, more time and safety precautions are needed. Traveling by train usually means you can arrive 30 minutes early and walk straight to your platform with no problem.

Speed ​​- faster door to door

Air travel is known to be one of the fastest ways to reach your destination; however, this only takes into account the flight itself. How far in advance of your flight do you have to arrive to cross the long check-in and security line? If you have checked a bag, you must wait to collect it when you get to the other side; all this takes a long time. Unlike airports, at train stations there is no check-in or security lines, so you don’t have to be at the station hours before your trip. Most of the major train stations are located right in the heart of the cities they serve. Most of the time, when you take the train, you arrive directly at your destination. However, taking a plane, you could spend hours going to and from the airport.

Economic

Over the past decade, rail travel has become increasingly attractive to budget-conscious travelers. Although taking a plane to your destination is still an effective way to get to your destination, there are additional costs that we normally do not take into account. When considering your mode of transportation, you should add the additional cost of getting to and from the airport. This involves the cost of fuel and parking, or the airport bus or taxi fare. Neither of which is cheap.

Comfort

Unless you’ve paid for business class, your space is often restricted in an airplane seat. On a train, you can move more freely and have more legroom around your seats. During your flight, you must wait for the seatbelt sign to turn off before moving from your seat. However, on a train you move through the aisles, grab a bite or a coffee in the refreshment car and watch the world go by. A scenic train ride can even be a vacation. Most European trains also offer free Wi-Fi, something that still can’t be said for all airlines.

Train travel also allows you to travel comfortably with your beloved pet. Many pets are not suitable for air travel due to their health, age, or breed. Passengers on European trains can take dogs, cats and other small animals with them most of the time at no additional cost.

Taking all these factors into account, it’s easy to see how rail travel is becoming more and more prevalent today. Planes are convenient for taking you to countries miles away. However, if you are traveling in Europe or other areas with excellent rail transportation, traveling by train is the most efficient and comfortable mode of transportation.