In a world obsessed with speed, train travel offers something different—an experience that’s as much about the journey as the destination. There’s a magic to watching the world unfold outside your window, feeling the gentle rhythm of the tracks, and embracing a slower, more immersive way to travel. Here’s why train travel is one of the most rewarding ways to explore.
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1. The Scenery Is Unmatched
Unlike planes, where you’re staring at clouds, or highways, where traffic steals your focus, trains take you through landscapes you’d never see otherwise. Not having to navigate routes and traffic allows you to let go and enjoy the view.
Rolling hills, winding rivers, mountain passes, and charming villages come to life right outside your window. On routes like the Glacier Express in Switzerland or the Rocky Mountaineer in Canada, the journey itself is the highlight.
2. Comfort Beats Any Other Mode of Travel
Forget cramped airplane seats and stressful security lines. On a train, you can stretch out, walk around, and relax. You don’t even need to book first class (although it is nice) to enjoy the journey. Coach seating still offers comfortable seats and sweeping views.
Spacious seats, panoramic windows, and onboard dining create an experience that feels more like a moving lounge than just transportation. And if you book a sleeper train? It’s like having your own hotel on wheels.
3. No Stress, No Rush, No Expensive Tickets
Trains offer a smooth, hassle-free experience. No long airport security lines, no baggage fees, no turbulence. You simply arrive at the station, step aboard, and settle in. There’s no need to navigate confusing airport terminals or endure road trip fatigue—just pure relaxation from start to finish.
Train travel is often much more affordable than traveling by plane. That said, affordability depends heavily on distance and timing. Trains often provide the best value on routes under four hours, where high-speed rail competes directly with flights and avoids airport delays. But don’t forget the hidden costs of flying (seat selection, baggage fees, and airport transfers) that you don’t have with train travel.
4. City Center to City Center Convenience
Unlike airports, which are often miles from the city, train stations are usually right in the heart of town. You step off the train and within minutes, you’re exploring. No expensive taxis, no airport shuttles—just an easy transition from train to adventure.
This is particularly helpful for day trips to explore a nearby city. But it is also wonderful when you plan to stay and explore overnight. Just drop your baggage at your nearby hotel and you are ready to go!
5. Eco-Friendly Travel Choice
Trains are one of the most environmentally friendly ways to travel, producing far fewer carbon emissions than planes or cars. If you want to explore the world while keeping your carbon footprint low, rail travel is a sustainable and responsible choice.
6. Endless Possibilities for Exploration
From luxury overnight trains to scenic day routes, train travel adapts to every kind of traveler. Here are a few must-do journeys:
Glacier Express
Some of the world’s most famous rail routes cross spectacular landscapes. The journey aboard the Glacier Express carries travelers across the Swiss Alps between Zermatt and St. Moritz, winding through tunnels, deep valleys, and over dramatic viaducts.
Rail Europe
Europe’s rail network offers an entirely different kind of adventure—one defined by convenience and cultural variety. Travelers can glide from Paris to Geneva, continue on to Milan, and finish the journey in Venice, all by train. Another popular route connects Amsterdam, Brussels, and Paris, allowing travelers to experience three countries and cultures in just a few days.
Asian Rail Adventures
Asia offers equally unforgettable rail adventures. Japan’s famous Shinkansen connects cities such as Tokyo, Kyoto, and Osaka at remarkable speeds while maintaining exceptional comfort and efficiency. You can even take a bullet train to Mt Fuji
In Southeast Asia, trains link vibrant destinations like Bangkok and Singapore, creating a journey through jungles, small towns, and dynamic cities.
Rocky Montaineer to Banf
In Canada, travelers can experience the rugged beauty of the Rockies aboard Rocky Mountaineer, which offers breathtaking journeys from Vancouver into the heart of the mountains, including routes that bring guests to Banff. Along the way, passengers watch for wildlife, rushing rivers, and towering peaks as the train winds through some of the most dramatic scenery in North America.
The Canadian
Other legendary rail routes showcase the sheer scale of a country. The iconic The Canadian travels from Toronto to Vancouver, crossing forests, lakes, prairies, and mountain ranges on one of the longest passenger rail journeys in the world.
Classic USA
Even in the United States, classic rail routes showcase the country’s diversity. The California Zephyr travels from Chicago to San Francisco (via Emeryville), crossing the Great Plains, the Rocky Mountains, and the Sierra Nevada along the way. Meanwhile, the Coast Starlight hugs the Pacific coastline between Los Angeles and Seattle, offering sweeping ocean views rarely seen from the highway.
7. You Can Combine Train Travel With Other Trips!
A train journey doesn’t have to be a stand-alone form of travel. You can combine it with a tour, a city-stay, or as a pre or post cruise extension.
London to Paris (or Paris to London)
Going to London on vacation? The train between London and Paris is one of the most famous and convenient rail routes in Europe. Travelers take the high-speed Eurostar, which runs directly between the two capitals through the English Channel Tunnel.
The journey lasts about 2 hours and 16 minutes on the fastest trains in the world. During the journey, the train reaches speeds of up to 186 mph and spends about 35 minutes traveling under the English Channel inside the tunnel connecting Britain and France.
Post-Cruise Italy (or anywhere else)
An Italian rail journey after a Mediterranean cruise ending in Rome is one of the easiest and most rewarding ways to extend time in Italy. The adventure begins just outside the ship in the coastal town of Civitavecchia—Rome’s primary cruise port.
After disembarking in Civitavecchia, take a short shuttle or taxi to Civitavecchia Railway Station. From there, frequent regional trains run directly to Rome. The journey takes less than an hour. Once in Rome, take time to experience some of the city’s iconic landmarks. Walk through the ancient Colosseum, toss a coin into the Trevi Fountain, and wander through the historic streets toward the beautiful Pantheon.
High-speed trains will then connect you to Florence in about 1 hour 30 minutes. The train speeds through the Italian countryside before arriving right in Florence’s historic center. Take a few days and immerse yourself in Renaissance art at the Uffizi Gallery, see Michelangelo’s David at the Accademia Gallery, and stroll across the iconic Ponte Vecchio.
Continue to travel north from Florence to Venice on another high-speed train, taking roughly 2 hours. Trains arrive at Venezia Santa Lucia railway station, where you step directly onto the edge of the Grand Canal—one of the most dramatic train arrivals in the world. Wander through St. Mark’s Square, visit the magnificent St. Mark’s Basilica, and cross the historic Rialto Bridge. Don’t forget to take a romantic gondola ride while you are there!
River Cruise Extension
Like train travel, river cruises take you from city center to city center. Travelers ending a Rhine River cruise in Basel can continue their journey aboard the famous Bernina Express, one of Europe’s most spectacular rail experiences.
The journey begins with a train into the heart of the Swiss Alps, connecting to the Bernina Express route in Chur. From there, panoramic rail cars climb steadily through mountain valleys, alpine forests, and charming villages on the way to Tirano.
The train crosses the stunning Landwasser Viaduct, spirals through tunnels carved into the mountains, and climbs to the breathtaking Bernina Pass at more than 7,000 feet above sea level. Snow-capped peaks, glaciers, and turquoise alpine lakes create a constantly changing panorama outside the train’s oversized windows.
8. Time to Disconnect and Enjoy the Moment
On a train, there’s no pressure to constantly check your phone or rush to the next activity. You have time to read, journal, or simply watch the world go by. It’s a rare opportunity to slow down and be present in the moment.
Train travel brings back a sense of old-world charm. You can chat with fellow travelers in the dining car, sip coffee while gazing out at endless landscapes, or simply enjoy the quiet hum of the rails. There’s something nostalgic about train journeys—they slow time down and let you truly connect with the experience.
All Aboard for Your Train Travel Adventure!
Next time you plan a trip, consider skipping the plane or car and hopping on a train. You might just fall in love with the journey.
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