As airlines continue to cut services and increase hassles, some travelers are turning to the railroad. Noted for their efficiency in Europe, trains in the United States can be slow and inconvenient, making them impractical for many people. Nonetheless, train aficionados speak of the romance, scenic routes and friendly atmosphere on the train. The travel method you choose depends on your budget, vacation time and personal interests.


Train travel is almost always slower than flying, particularly in the United States. In the US, Amtrak owns the train cars, but rail freight companies like CSX own the rail lines. Therefore, freight trains have the right of way. Passenger trains sometimes make unexpected stops to allow freight trains to pass. Over the course of a cross-country trip, these stops can add up to delays of nearly a day. High-speed trains, abundant in Europe and Asia, can be competitive with air travel times, particularly when the time spent at the airport is figured into the full length of the trip.


At one time, train travel was consistently less expensive than air travel. Ongoing air fare wars and budget airlines changed the playing field in the 21st century. Since both train fares and air fares change rapidly, check into both when planning your trip.

If you plan to visit multiple destinations, train travel is generally less costly. For European travel, Eurail passes allow travelers to choose either a particular number of trips within a certain time period or a certain number of consecutive days of use. These passes allow flexibility to travel throughout Europe at a budget price. In the United States, Amtrak offers USA rail passes, which allow passengers to make a specific number of trips within a certain time period.

Boarding Experience

While railroad security is taken seriously, the atmosphere is different than that of the average airport. Depending on the train station, you will likely walk through a metal detector and present your carry-on bags for X-ray screening. Check-in consists of a brief ID check and choosing your time for dinner. Acceptable identification within the United States includes passports, passport cards or government-issued photo ID. Further restrictions apply for border crossings, and other nations set their own standards. Visit your railroad’s website shortly before your trip for updated information.

Airline security regulations continue to tighten in the United States and around the world. Expect to take off your shoes, present all electronics separately from your carry-on bags, and limit carry-on liquids to 3.4 oz containers. You may be required to undergo a full body scan or physical pat down. Explosives testing is randomly conducted.

Onboard Experience

Train cars are designed for long-distance travel, while most airplanes are designed for short hauls. Coach-class train seats generally recline fully, allowing passengers to sleep comfortably in their seats. Train passengers are encouraged to get up and walk around the train, visiting the dining and lounge cars, observation decks and other features. Air passengers are encouraged to remain in their seats at all times, except when using the restroom facilities.

Train travelers are generally friendly and outgoing and may congregate in the lounge cars for long periods of time. Smoking is not permitted on most trains in the United States, but smokers are permitted to step off the train at certain station stops for a brief break.

Sleeper cars are available on most overnight trains, providing a comfortable and private experience. Sleeper car passengers may be entitled to a free newspaper, bottled water and other amenities.


Most airlines have reduced or eliminated meal service, except on long flights. All trains, except those designed for short commuter routes, offer a dining car. Meals may or may not be included in train fare, depending on the package you select. Train meals are cooked on board and offer several options from which to choose. Vendor snacks are generally sold on both trains and airplanes.

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