Is it better to travel by train or airplane in Europe? It’s common to hear comments like “the plane is faster” or “the train is more convenient” but when making a decision, there are many factors involved: time available, budget, locations to visit, etc.
If you want to travel around Europe for two weeks and see different cities that are far away from each other, the best option would be air travel. If you have no idea what places to visit or you’d like to small towns far away from the main European capitals then the train could be a good since it offers more flexibility. Here’s an overview of the two transport alternatives, presented in a pros and cons format.
1. Pros of traveling by plane in Europe
- Cover large distances in a short time. This is perhaps the main advantage of airplanes. You will be able to see a variety of places and cultures within a reasonably short period of time.
- Some airlines offer good deals. If you are constantly monitoring flight deals you can find very cheap flights and travel to many locations within a reasonable budget.
2. Cons of traveling by plane in Europe
- Airports are located far from the city center. Regardless of whether you use a low cost airline or not, the airport will most likely be on the outskirts of the city. Major airports have some advantage in being well connected by public transportation to the city center but smaller airports are not as fortunate.
- Delays and cancellations. More than one passenger has been confronted with either delays or cancellations when choosing to fly. These days, after the Covid-19 restrictions have been lifted in most parts of the world and travel demand is almost at 2019 levels, many airports are facing difficulties to cope with the high flow of passengers.
- Inconvenient schedules. If you plan to fly using low-cost airlines you better be prepared for flights at 6:00 am or 10:00 pm. These are very inconvenient times to leave or arrive at any destination.
- Deceiving fares. The “low-budget” airlines may not be so economical. If you add the price of the transfer to the airport plus the costs that you don’t realize exist until you are paying them, low cost airlines may not be so low cost when compared to other transportation options.
- Environment. Many airlines, specially low-cost ones such as Ryanair, do not like to talk about the reasons behind their cheap tickets: namely, that one of the reasons by the ticket is so cheap is because some of the costs are being borne by the environment.
3. Pros of traveling by train in Europe
- Wider set of locations. If you have plans to tour small towns in the middle of the mountains or in the middle of nowhere, chances are the only way to get there is by train and/or bus.
- Ease of ticket exchange. If you missed or have had a flight cancelled you know what it’s like to have it changed or hope to be assigned to the next one. Catching a later train is very simple and likely without much delay, especially in major destinations where one leaves every hour.
- You can have a bed to sleep in. Trains with beds are spacious and comfortable. On a plane, the only option to have something resembling a bed is to fly first class.
- Easy access. Train stations are usually located in the city center. If you get a hotel nearby you will only have to walk a block or two to get to your train. This is rarely the case with airports.
- Space. If you get tired of sitting you can stand up to stretch your legs, walk the whole train or just stand and look out the windows between cars without getting in the way or blocking the view of the person sitting next to you.
4. Cons of traveling by train in Europe
- Procedures when leaving/entering the EU. Eurostar, for instance, requests non-business class passengers arrive circa 1 hour before departure and clear the gates at least half an hour before. It can get crowded and queues can get long. Business class is given a bit more leeway.
- Luggage. On the train there are special compartments for large suitcases but the passenger must take those suitcases on and off the train. This could be an issue for the elderly or those with a physical impairment.
- The food is often expensive and of medium to low quality. If you didn’t have time to bring enough food and it’s a long trip, chances are you’ll have to overpay for something you won’t be thrilled about.
