It’s true, trains are often slower than flying. And yes, depending on where you’re going, they can also cost a little more. And still, we’ll choose the train every time. It’s not just a way to get from Point A to Point B; it’s the whole experience. As cliché as it sounds, it truly is about the journey.
First, there’s the lack of airport chaos. No standing in long TSA lines or walking through endless airport terminals. No one is told to arrive 2 hours early, only to find themselves sitting or standing around at a crowded gate. You won’t feel like you’re being herded through lines or fighting hordes of people rushing to get to their gates.
On a train, you show your ticket, board, and find your seat to get settled in. The seats are bigger and actually recline. There’s plenty of space to stretch out, set your bag or backpack down in front of you, and not feel like you’ll get hollered at to stow it or tuck it under the seat. And if you book an overnight room accommodation, you’ll have complete privacy and even more room to relax. You can nap, sprawl out, and even enjoy your own bottle of whiskey or wine. Yes, they allow that in the private rooms. And, of course, the best part is just staring out the window for hours as the scenery slowly shifts.
Watching the Shifting Scenery
A huge part of why we love train travel is the long stretches of the country you can only truly experience by train. The scenery changes from forests, farmland, winding rivers, mountain passes, small towns, and big cities to wide-open plains that seem to stretch on forever. In the busy world we live in, there’s something special about having time to quietly watch the world roll by, completely absorbed in the scenery. Seeing the sun rise or set from the train, passing through a snow-covered landscape, is one of the most magical moments.
Meeting Interesting People
We’ve had some of the most interesting conversations with people we’ve met on trains. A couple from Paducah, Kentucky, who were also new empty nesters, a food journalist doing a piece on meals on long-distance trains, and a military soldier heading home to see family after a long period away. Another time, a woman on a train in the UK, who commutes by train, generously shared her recommendations for restaurants, places to go, and things to do in our destination city.
There’s something about the pace of train travel that invites connection. People are more relaxed, more open. You end up chatting in the dining car, sharing travel tales. You meet people you’d never have a chance to meet otherwise, and that’s a huge part of the charm.
Riding in Comfort and Ease
You’re not counting the hours, just waiting to get to your final destination on a train. Simply being on a train is entertaining. You have space to roam, to visit the observation car, the cafe car, or the dining car (and yes, the meals are actually good). Just being able to wander and stretch your legs is a huge bonus.
You’re not stuck shoulder to shoulder, squirming uncomfortably in your seat, and counting down the minutes until you land. Windows are big, and you don’t have to awkwardly peer over your seatmate’s shoulder to catch a view out the window or feel annoyed by the fact that your seatmate has decided to keep the blind closed during the whole ride. You’re free to move around, breathe, and settle into the rhythm of the ride.
Room for your Bags
When I think about traveling in comfort, I also think about what I need with me to stay comfortable. Trains are refreshingly generous when it comes to luggage. There’s far less scrutiny over bag size and weight, no anxiety about whether your carry-on will pass the test, or whether you’ll even find room to store it onboard. At some stations, you’ll have options to check your bags, while on board you’ll find dedicated luggage racks, often in several places of the train car. If you’re on a short ride, you can also hold your carry-on in front of your seat.
A More Ethical and Mindful Means of Travel
Train travel is one of the more environmentally friendly ways to cover long distances. Trains are far more fuel-efficient per passenger, produce fewer emissions, and require less energy overall. Choosing trains is an easy way to reduce your carbon footprint without giving up on goals to explore this beautiful world. For a deeper look, the article from CarbonClick provides a detailed overview of why trains are a greener choice for travel.
But it’s more than just the direct impact on the environment. Trains encourage a slower pace, sustainable tourism, and a deeper engagement with people and places you visit. It supports public infrastructure that makes travel more accessible to all, not just those who can afford an airline ticket. It’s a travel resource for everyday people commuting, visiting family, or moving across cities, states, or countries.
Train travel is also more accommodating for travelers with disabilities and mobility challenges. Stations are designed for accessibility and easy navigation. Staff at the station and onboard the train are available to assist passengers who need it. You won’t have to squeeze through narrow aisles, or rush to respond to boarding calls, or stress about cramming your luggage into cramped overhead bins. There’s time, space, and flexibility built into the train travel experience.
The Romance of the Rails
And the very best part of train travel is the nostalgia factor. There’s something so comforting about train travel that taps into our inner child, our sense of adventure, and curiosity. Ideas shaped by movies and stories involving rail travel: Harry Potter, Platform Nine and Three-Quarters, and meeting new friends as they all ride off to Hogwarts for the first time. Or a Wes Anderson film, where train scenes are perfectly framed, full of color, quirky characters, and conversations. When you step onto a train or into a historic station, it’s hard not to feel that cinematic romance.
There’s a kind of magic in watching the world pass by at eye level, with coffee in hand. A chance to daydream, play your favorite game, or finish the book that you’ve been waiting to find time to read. In a world obsessed with speed and efficiency, trains offer a rare experience. It’s a feeling that the journey itself is worth savoring.
So, tell us what parts of train travel you love most? We’d love to hear from you!