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If you want to carry a lot of luggage, leisurely enjoy the scenery, and save time and money, it’s when travelers should choose the train, especially when abroad.
Everyone thinks that airplanes are faster than trains, so trains are only for those who have free time. In reality, many train travel routes take less time than flying. You can also bring more luggage and enjoy more scenery.
Time-saving
Many countries have developed high-speed train networks that allow travel between provinces and cities within a short time, ensuring safety and comfort. Contrary to the belief of many that flying is the fastest, in many cases, taking the train can actually save time.
For example, a traveler going from Busan to Seoul (South Korea) by train will take 2 to 3 hours depending on the schedule, while the flight takes only one hour. However, when flying, you need to arrive at the airport at least 90 minutes before departure, and after landing, you also need at least 45 minutes to disembark, collect your luggage, and exit the airport.
On the other hand, train stations are often very close to or located right in the city center, while most airports are located in the suburbs, resulting in longer travel times. Thus, to travel from Busan to Seoul (more than 300 km), it takes a total of 3-4 hours by train, while flying could take 4-5 hours. Moreover, trains these days are rarely delayed, and are not affected by weather, while flights can be delayed or canceled at any time.
View attachment 854
Seats and aisles on the train are quite spacious. Photo: Trịnh Hằng
Cost-saving
Train tickets aren’t always cheaper; some are comparable to business class on planes. However, it’s almost certain that on any route, the number of train ticket options will be greater than plane tickets. You can freely choose the time, departure station, type of seat, and sleeper bed that suits you. In some countries like China, there’s even a standing ticket class for interprovincial trains, costing just as much as a taxi ride in the city.
For example, flying from Paris to Bordeaux (France), you can choose several types of plane tickets ranging from 1.5 million to 5 million VND (flight time about 1 hour and 20 minutes), while train tickets have a wide range from 400,000 to 2.2 million VND (time on the train about 2-3 hours). Therefore, train tickets can be only half or one-third the cost of plane tickets, while the total travel time can be shorter than air travel.
Avoid complicated procedures
Air travel is the method of transport with the strictest security requirements concerning luggage, time, and documentation. All passengers and their belongings must pass through an x-ray machine; if you accidentally bring a razor, a fork, or some jackfruit in your carry-on luggage, you will have to leave them at the airport. Additionally, your documents must match exactly with the name on the plane ticket; even a minor typo requires a name change process.
When taking the train, many countries do have x-ray machines, but the regulations are much more lenient than those for airlines. Passengers can almost freely bring snacks, beverages, and personal items, as long as they do not pose a danger to themselves or others. In some countries like Japan, South Korea, or Europe, you might not even encounter any train staff during the journey, as it all relies on passengers' self-discipline: regarding timekeeping, check-in, and luggage. Thus, travelers need not be stressed about any procedures.
For most airlines, the regulations on weight, size, and quantity of luggage can sometimes be "restrictive" for travelers. However, when traveling by train, you can bring luggage much more freely, and even send along bicycles, motorcycles, cars, and pets.
Full facilities and comfort
Many people think that air travel is the "most luxurious," but today many train routes around the world even offer facilities that are much more comprehensive and comfortable than those on airplanes. For the same ticket price, the seating and legroom on trains are usually more spacious than on planes, with wider aisles that allow passengers to stand and move around freely at any time. On a train, there are also numerous restrooms and washbasins; some trains even provide free Wi-Fi, televisions in each compartment, and adjustable air conditioning at each seat.
On planes, you can hardly find a "dining area" or "coffee shop;" many flights do not serve food or beverages, and if they do, it must follow a fixed menu. On trains, you can find a wide selection of food, drinks, and snacks; some trains even have restaurant compartments, allowing passengers to eat while enjoying the scenery. The meal costs on trains are often much more reasonable compared to in-flight meals. For instance, high-speed trains in India serve meals for just 30,000-40,000 VND, and drinks for about 10,000 VND per person.
View attachment 855
Food on the train is abundant and cheaper than on airplanes. Photo: Trịnh Hằng
Easy ticket purchase
Airplane tickets are often a significant expense in the total cost of a trip, so many travelers spend weeks or even months "hunting" for cheap tickets, sometimes needing to buy from intermediary websites with the risk of encountering many issues. In contrast, buying train tickets is much easier, with ticket prices being less volatile and more options available, and payment methods are simple. Some countries even feature automatic train ticket vending machines at all stations where passengers can operate in just a few minutes like at an ATM.
Health assurance
Airlines have stringent health regulations for passengers, advising those with cardiovascular, neurological, respiratory conditions, individuals who have just undergone surgery, and pregnant women in their last trimester not to fly. Some passengers wanting to board a flight must have a doctor's certificate, bring their own medication, and sign a waiver relieving the airline of responsibility.
But if traveling by train, the health regulations are much more relaxed, posing fewer adverse effects, and any medical emergencies are easier to handle. Therefore, many travelers choose trains for better health assurance and a more relaxed mindset.
Everyone thinks that airplanes are faster than trains, so trains are only for those who have free time. In reality, many train travel routes take less time than flying. You can also bring more luggage and enjoy more scenery.
Time-saving
Many countries have developed high-speed train networks that allow travel between provinces and cities within a short time, ensuring safety and comfort. Contrary to the belief of many that flying is the fastest, in many cases, taking the train can actually save time.
For example, a traveler going from Busan to Seoul (South Korea) by train will take 2 to 3 hours depending on the schedule, while the flight takes only one hour. However, when flying, you need to arrive at the airport at least 90 minutes before departure, and after landing, you also need at least 45 minutes to disembark, collect your luggage, and exit the airport.
On the other hand, train stations are often very close to or located right in the city center, while most airports are located in the suburbs, resulting in longer travel times. Thus, to travel from Busan to Seoul (more than 300 km), it takes a total of 3-4 hours by train, while flying could take 4-5 hours. Moreover, trains these days are rarely delayed, and are not affected by weather, while flights can be delayed or canceled at any time.
View attachment 854
Seats and aisles on the train are quite spacious. Photo: Trịnh Hằng
Cost-saving
Train tickets aren’t always cheaper; some are comparable to business class on planes. However, it’s almost certain that on any route, the number of train ticket options will be greater than plane tickets. You can freely choose the time, departure station, type of seat, and sleeper bed that suits you. In some countries like China, there’s even a standing ticket class for interprovincial trains, costing just as much as a taxi ride in the city.
For example, flying from Paris to Bordeaux (France), you can choose several types of plane tickets ranging from 1.5 million to 5 million VND (flight time about 1 hour and 20 minutes), while train tickets have a wide range from 400,000 to 2.2 million VND (time on the train about 2-3 hours). Therefore, train tickets can be only half or one-third the cost of plane tickets, while the total travel time can be shorter than air travel.
Avoid complicated procedures
Air travel is the method of transport with the strictest security requirements concerning luggage, time, and documentation. All passengers and their belongings must pass through an x-ray machine; if you accidentally bring a razor, a fork, or some jackfruit in your carry-on luggage, you will have to leave them at the airport. Additionally, your documents must match exactly with the name on the plane ticket; even a minor typo requires a name change process.
When taking the train, many countries do have x-ray machines, but the regulations are much more lenient than those for airlines. Passengers can almost freely bring snacks, beverages, and personal items, as long as they do not pose a danger to themselves or others. In some countries like Japan, South Korea, or Europe, you might not even encounter any train staff during the journey, as it all relies on passengers' self-discipline: regarding timekeeping, check-in, and luggage. Thus, travelers need not be stressed about any procedures.
For most airlines, the regulations on weight, size, and quantity of luggage can sometimes be "restrictive" for travelers. However, when traveling by train, you can bring luggage much more freely, and even send along bicycles, motorcycles, cars, and pets.
Full facilities and comfort
Many people think that air travel is the "most luxurious," but today many train routes around the world even offer facilities that are much more comprehensive and comfortable than those on airplanes. For the same ticket price, the seating and legroom on trains are usually more spacious than on planes, with wider aisles that allow passengers to stand and move around freely at any time. On a train, there are also numerous restrooms and washbasins; some trains even provide free Wi-Fi, televisions in each compartment, and adjustable air conditioning at each seat.
On planes, you can hardly find a "dining area" or "coffee shop;" many flights do not serve food or beverages, and if they do, it must follow a fixed menu. On trains, you can find a wide selection of food, drinks, and snacks; some trains even have restaurant compartments, allowing passengers to eat while enjoying the scenery. The meal costs on trains are often much more reasonable compared to in-flight meals. For instance, high-speed trains in India serve meals for just 30,000-40,000 VND, and drinks for about 10,000 VND per person.
View attachment 855
Food on the train is abundant and cheaper than on airplanes. Photo: Trịnh Hằng
Easy ticket purchase
Airplane tickets are often a significant expense in the total cost of a trip, so many travelers spend weeks or even months "hunting" for cheap tickets, sometimes needing to buy from intermediary websites with the risk of encountering many issues. In contrast, buying train tickets is much easier, with ticket prices being less volatile and more options available, and payment methods are simple. Some countries even feature automatic train ticket vending machines at all stations where passengers can operate in just a few minutes like at an ATM.
Health assurance
Airlines have stringent health regulations for passengers, advising those with cardiovascular, neurological, respiratory conditions, individuals who have just undergone surgery, and pregnant women in their last trimester not to fly. Some passengers wanting to board a flight must have a doctor's certificate, bring their own medication, and sign a waiver relieving the airline of responsibility.
But if traveling by train, the health regulations are much more relaxed, posing fewer adverse effects, and any medical emergencies are easier to handle. Therefore, many travelers choose trains for better health assurance and a more relaxed mindset.
