Train Travel Raises the Bar to Attract Travelers

America has train travel all wrong. Europe, Japan and China are not only revolutionizing the short-haul with train travel, they’re helping solve the climate crisis.

Train travel is back in vogue; except of course in the US. We have bumpy visions of travel by train, only to arrive at our destination groaning from time loss. Stateside we never truly experience travel by train. Backpackers have traversed Europe for years with rail passes in hand, hopping on and off well organized train travel schedules, enveloped in the local culture en route. Now that foreign train travel has set a world record (TGV at 357 mph), high speed train travel is cutting trip times in half. Throw in complimentary wine, wi-fi access and not nearly as polluting as short-haul flights, and the best kept secret in travel will soon be out.

What's so great about travel by train?
The unveiling of the ultra-luxe Eurostar from London to Paris made train travel an “experience” under the English Channel. Since then, business travelers have overtaken the Eurostar, spurring the addition of Brussels to the lineup, with more destinations on the way. Just about every EU country is following suit building high speed tracks, simplifying international train travel requirements, and even enlisting the likes of Philippe Starck, Christian Lacroix and the Ferrari designers to interior decorate. Yeah, you may have to kick in extra dough for high speed train travel and reserved seats, but foregoing the 2-hour airport security check-in makes it all worth it.

High speed travel by train in Asia is pushing the boundaries of time and travel. Japan’s Shinkansen ‘bullet trains’ have been reliably carting professionals and backpackers from Osaka to Tokyo at a sound 180 mph. Train travel in China is taking note, offering high-tech magnetic levitating trains from Pudong Airport to Shanghai (hitting 240 mph at its highest) and working on a Beijing to Shanghai route slated for early next decade. Even the French designed South Korea Trains eXpress have slated expansion from Seoul to Busan. Fantastic news for travelers looking for authentic experience outside of the city-central.

Why should I explore train travel?
Unlike airborne counterparts, when you travel by train you leave on time, keep your shoes on at check-in, and can actually get up and walk around. Gaze inquisitively at passing life, or talk to your fellow travelers for tips on the best dumplings in your destination. After you’ve returned from the dining car with a cocktail or sent an update email to your family back home, you realize that train travel offered the experience of travel itself. Rail passes force you to slow down and sink into the area in which you’re traveling. Not much to see—or do—packed like sardines at 36,000 feet.

How do I get the most out of train travel?
Rail passes have come a long way since the 17 consecutive day EurailPass. Now, you can pick and choose which countries you want to see and how long you want to be in each one. Dual rail passes and group discounts are readily available, so it’s important to ask. Same goes for train travel discounts associated with age. Keep in mind that you can’t purchase rail passes in Europe when you get there. You can, however, buy your rail passes in the US up to six months before your vacation. Economically speaking, buying rail passes ultimately mean cheap train travel. It can get expensive if you plan on seeing the country by buying one-off train travel seats. Planning ahead and buying rail passes before you go is the better deal. Can’t decide where you want to go until the last minute? Some countries offer the option to print your rail passes from your computer up to 10 minutes prior to departure. Train travel has finally entered the 21st Century.

Train travel to help save the planet?
It’s no secret that the planet is undergoing an environmental catharsis. However you choose to travel to your vacation destination, the problem is exacerbated. For many, it comes down to the comfort ratio of US train travel compared to its incredibly polluting short-haul counterpart (flights less than 2 hours). Our visions of train travel are mistakenly on par with bussing it. The reality is that overseas train travel is undergoing a rebirth in amenities, high speed options and a wholly different way to travel. Despite talks of building high speed tracks from San Francisco to Los Angeles (shortening the trip to 2.5 hours), the US is a long way from having the straight track infrastructure needed to support the luxuries train travel offers. Until then, travelers can do their part by ditching shorter flights, and opting for a more visceral travel by train experience.