trains are awesome
In a theoretical way I knew trains were a nice way to travel. Like most people, I’ve heard the hype about European trains in particular – i.e. “You can go anywhere on them for like 10 euros!” Well, you can’t go anywhere and tickets cost more than 10 euros. But it’s true: trains here are awesome. Julien has always had a fascination with trains and liked to travel by train when possible, but I only discovered how great trains can be during this trip abroad. “But, Chelsea, trains seem old and slow. Unless I want to relive a day from the 1800s, what could possibly make them so great?!” I’m glad you asked...
Trains are comfortable.
My mom enjoying a comfy seat and generous table on our train to Paris.
Seating on the train is comfortable. Most importantly, seats on the train are much bigger and better cushioned than on planes, and they have way more legroom. Train seats also have great trays. I’m talking, space for your laptop, a drink, and your phone! As airline tray tables get smaller and smaller (way to go, Frontier), train trays feel like first class luxury!
Regional trains also have a dining car where you can order a quick snack, drink, or a whole meal. Unlike microwaved plane mush, train food is surprisingly tasty – the fresh omelet and potato soup en route to Poland were standouts. The added benefits of free wi-fi and the ability to stand up whenever you damn well please are icing on the cake of train comfort.
Trains are dependable.
Close call… Trains are so punctual that we realized we had gotten on the wrong one because it left 6 minutes earlier than we were expecting. We snapped this selfie once we realized that we had gotten super lucky and our train would pass at the next stop!
They’re not perfect, but they’re very dependable. We’ve had a couple train delays over the past year. Compared to the delays we’ve faced on flights, they’ve been minimal. The vast majority of our trains have departed and arrived on time to the minute. Yep, to the minute.
Trains are hassle-free.
Think of all the most annoying parts of plane travel. Now, imagine having none of those. That’s train travel. You might be wondering, what are the bag fees on trains? There aren’t any. Maybe you want to bring a giant duffel bag with extra clothes, full-sized bottles of lotion, and tennis racquets (you know, just in case, lol); it’s included in the cost of your ticket.
Our first impression of the Berlin Hauptbahnhof (Central Station) right in the heart of the city
Are there long, invasive security lines at the train station? Nope! Security at the train station – if there is any – is quick and straightforward, and it doesn’t involve undressing in public. Arriving just 20 minutes before your train departs will give you plenty of time to get through security and to your platform. Forget arriving 2 hours early!
Lastly, unlike airports, train stations are almost always centrally located. So you don’t have to factor in hours of extra time and cab fare to get to and from where you’re staying.
Trains give a sense of place.
There’s something truly enjoyable about arriving in a new place and feeling like you understand how you got there. I love soaking in the scenery and watching it change as we speed along in the train. From the olive orchards of Spain to the forests of Germany, landscapes give a sense of place even before you set foot in your destination.
The beautiful fields of olive trees in southern Spain
I realize that for overseas travel, planes are a must. Even with their drawbacks they’re the only reasonable choice, especially for someone who gets seasick at the mere thought of a boat. But until I need to get across an ocean, you’ll find me traveling by train. If you get the chance, I recommend you give them a try too!
