Decisions, decisions. Sometimes, the hardest part about getting from A to B is actually how you’re going to do it. These days we have all manner of modes of transport to choose from, and how we pick the right one usually comes down to variables like cost, dates and times, comfort, distance and personal preference. However, if the world is your oyster and you’re free to select anything you desire, is there any better way to travel than by train?

We’re pretty sure after you’ve read this, you’ll be booking your next trip right away!

Cheaper Fares

Alright, so train travel might not be the cheapest mode of transport, certainly compared to buses, but it’s generally cheaper than flying, unless you find yourself packed in like sardines on a low-cost airline. All this is negligible anyway when you consider taking the train is a far more pleasurable experience than any other option. Adding a buck here and there for comfort and peace of mind is a no brainer. There are also no surprise charges on train travel like on most airlines these days, which make those initial airfares seem like a great deal, until you add on seat selection, luggage, food, and whatever else they can think of to charge passengers.

However, it’s still pretty cheap! Taking the train from Atlanta to Houston for example (which is quite a mammoth journey at 813 miles) is likely to set you back just over 100 bucks. On some routes, children can go free, and there are always discounts and offers available if you’re willing to put a bit of effort in. But saving a few pennies here and there is just a bonus really!

Comfort

We’ve said it before and we’ll say it again – there is no more comfortable way to travel than by train. Now obviously we’re not talking about comparing a rickety old carriage to flying business class, but these days most trains – particularly long distance – are fitted with all kinds of modern conveniences. There’s considerably more legroom than on a flight, and you’re generally not going to be packed in like sardines. The cabins are spacious and you can walk around and stretch your legs whenever you see fit.

But making a journey across the US from the comfort of a train carriage is highly recommended if you want to keep your stress levels to a minimum. Also, you’re far less likely to get travel sick on rail than you would bashing through turbulence on a flight, or swinging round twisty roads on a bus. The ride is usually smooth and quiet, allowing you to take in the views in style. For overall comfort, it is hard to beat train travel.

Routes and Schedules

You can go almost anywhere in the US via train, built long before we took to the skies in order to get around. There are loads of routes on offer departing at regular intervals, which has the huge advantage of being able to hop on and hop off. Unless it’s a particularly busy route, there’s no need to book months in advance as you regularly need to do when flying.

Of course, you’ll still need to be flexible with your own time, as the aforementioned Atlanta to Houston journey takes just under a whopping 35 hours! Long distance Train travel isn’t for those in a rush! But for those who can afford to take their time – it’s a relaxing and rewarding experience.

Taking in the Scenery

When you fly you’re most likely to see a lot of clouds, all from a tiny little peephole if you’re even lucky enough to have a window seat in the first place. Buses aren’t much better, as usually, someone’s head is in the way of a decent view. This is where train travel once again comes out on top.

Some trains even have a viewing carriage where you can practically see a 360-degree panorama as you speed towards your destination. But even if you’re not blessed with such a service, the scenery you can enjoy from your train carriage window can be breathtaking. Tracks are often laid through some truly unforgettable landscapes and routes, the likes of which you’d never see from an aircraft. Check out the Grand Canyon Railway as one example – but the US is filled with classic train journeys just crying to be explored! 

The Magic

Last, but by no means least, is an often-underrated reason for taking a particular form of transport, and that’s the actual magic of it. Few can doubt the powerful, uplifting effect that taking a train journey has on your body and soul – and we’re not talking about your daily commute to work on the metro! For some inexplicable reason, traveling by rail has an aura about it unmatched by almost anything else in the world.

You’re certainly not likely to feel the same when you’re trying to battle your way through airport security, or standing at a smelly, exhaust-filled bus depot. There’s nothing quite like being on a train platform in the moments before departure – especially if you’re traveling with a loved one. Try it the next time you decide to take a train journey in the US. There’s a reason it’s known as the romance of the rail after all!

Tickets Please!

We hope that’s whetted your appetite for traveling in the US (or anywhere for that matter) by train. It’s certainly reminded us how fond we are of railways, and how it is head and shoulders above any other mode of transport on almost every level. And don’t forget how much better it is for the environment – your carbon footprint isn’t nearly so large in a train carriage! Even after 200 years, we’re still in love with trains, and that engine shows no signs of slowing down anytime soon.