Wednesday, August 17, 2011

Train or Plane Between European Destinations?

My travel bug has returned.  Actually it never left!  We are currently trying to plan a trip and trying to decide how we are going to migrate from each of our destinations.  This is my question that I proposed to myself...
 I have had the luxury of both modes of travel between my European destinations.  It's very important to look at the pros and cons of each method of travel. 
Airplanes are all about speed, so if you have a limited amount of time this is the most efficient method.  The Con to this is that it will be more expensive, and usually isn't worth it if your destination by rail is less than 4 hours away. Also, many people are more timid when it comes to flying...so fear can definitely sway a person's choice for travel. 
The positive's of travel by train is that they are less expensive, can be extremely efficient, and you have an ability to view the countryside.  High speed rail is obviously the way to go, with speeds up to 210 kph, I remember the train from Rome to Naples only taking an hour (huge selling point).  One of my must gratifying train trips was in Switzerland, where without being on a train, I would've never seen the beauty of Lake Geneva.
The Cons- Longer train rides can be extremely tedious.  I have done multiple overnight trains (Paris-Frankfurt, Paris-Madrid), and let me say...sleeping on them is not easy, typically being loud, hot, and uncomfortable depending on the train.
What do you think?  Do you have any personal experience to share?         

2 comments:

  1. Wow...my vote is for the train whether by day or night. One of my most memorable travels in Europe was the overnight train from Florence to Paris...what an adventure not to mention unforgettable...I had the time of my life...I didn't want to sleep. I suggest paying a little more for private cabin and bath this way you have breakfast and a shower when you arrive and can hit the ground running!! Nice post my friend!!

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  2. Born in Europe, I have always had a love affair with trains, the slower way to see and visit Europe if you have the time..There are so many options and I think it is the best way to visit a country.A great way to meet people of all sorts of walks of life and learn from other than travel brochures!

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