Cross-country travel is incredibly common across the US regardless of the reason, whether it is for a vacation or for work. When travelling across the states, you have several options: you can either choose to travel by train, plane, bus or simply drive yourself. Obviously, all of the options have their own merits and drawbacks. However, a lot of people simply discount travelling by train, but it is arguably one of the better choices, let’s take a look.
The train ride from Nice, France to Monte Carlo, Monaco
Allows More Movement
One of the biggest advantages of travelling by train is the freedom of movement. Obviously, when travelling by bus or plane, you have to remain seated for the most part, which can get pretty uncomfortable. Depending on the type of train that you are travelling on, you are likely to be able to move about more freely, which stops your joints from becoming stiff and is simply more comfortable.
More Amenities To Take Advantage Of
Truthfully, this is likely to depend on the train. However, if you choose to travel long distances by train and it is built for this purpose, then you can get a cabin, which will have a bed for you to relax in. There is also often a dining car and even a bar, which you can enjoy throughout your journey. When travelling shorter distances on a less equipped train, you still often have access to Wi-Fi, tables, bigger seats and even power outlets too.
Trains Are More Scenic
Most of the time, train tracks tend to be built in the most direct route between two places; they don’t follow the same roads that other vehicles would have to take. This means that they often go through rural areas, and you get to see parts of the US that you probably wouldn’t see otherwise. They usually offer truly stunning views that can really help to make the journey far more enjoyable than it would otherwise be.
Sleeper Trains Are More Comfortable
If you book a ticket on a sleeper train, then you will get access to a cabin with a proper bed. This means that you can actually get a good rest when travelling and you can arrive at your destination more refreshed than you otherwise would be. This is not possible when travelling by bus or plane – unless, of course, you spring for first class, although this is usually very expensive and not accessible for most people. Sleeper trains can also be expensive, but they may not be as expensive as first class, depending, of course, on the train and the destination.
Travelling By Train Is Better For The Environment
It is hard to travel today without thinking about the environmental impact. Travelling by bus, car, or plane is harsher on the environment because more fuel is used per passenger than a train would use. Truthfully, sailing, biking, and walking are better than the environment than a train is, but they are not always a particularly realistic option.
Trains Are More Reliable And Consistent
Trains are constrained by traffic in the same way that other forms of transport are. They can be adversely affected by the weather, but for the most part, they tend to be pretty reliable. The frequency of the train service also means that you can choose a time that is more convenient for you rather than having to rearrange your schedule to make a flight. For example, the Amtrak from NYC to Boston runs multiple times a day, and you can find tickets for it on Wanderu.
The Luggage Allowance Is Bigger
When travelling by plane or bus, you have to follow pretty similar luggage regulations, which are limited to two bags, for the most part, one that is stowed within the plane or under the bus and the other which you are allowed to take as carry-on. However, when travelling by train, you tend to have a bigger luggage allowance, especially when travelling long distances. There is often a luggage car which can house your luggage and cargo, which does make it easier if you need to bring a lot of stuff with you.
Travelling By Train Is Often Quicker
This will largely depend on where you are traveling to. In some instances, traveling by train is the quickest option. This is because, as mentioned above, trains travel the most direct route between two points, and some trains reach incredibly high speeds, faster than buses can go at the very least. It does depend on whether or not there are many stops along the way too.
Be Mindful Of The Downsides
It is important to mention the downsides to train travel as well to ensure that you have the full picture. Obviously, it depends entirely on the journey. Firstly, train travel can be pricey, especially if you spring for a cabin or a sleeper train. They are often more expensive than bus tickets, although they may still be cheaper than flying. Train lines are also often more limited in access than other options simply because not every town or village has a train station, but the same can be said for planes, although almost every place will have a bus stop.
Trains are similar to planes in that they have fewer departure times than a bus would have. Sometimes, the ride on a train can get a little bumpy when traveling over older parts of the track. This can also mean that they are louder on occasion, too, which can make them more annoying, especially if you are trying to relax or rest. Trains are also more highly in demand than the bus, which can mean that tickets sell out more quickly, although this again does vary depending on the route and the train line too.
In Summary
Traveling by train is a great option for cross-country travel in the US. There are a lot of benefits – as evidenced above. However, in the end, it really does come down to you. Consider your destination and your timescale when choosing your mode of transport. There are also likely to be a number of personal factors that will come into play, like a fear of flying and your budget too.