Rediscovering the train for European travel
Affordable and easy to book, with room to work and fabulous views during the journey. Let’s find time for rail
Long-distance train travel is not only enjoyable, but also allows me to be more productive
Although my travel patterns have been fairly consistent over many years, of late I have found myself using trains, particularly in Europe. Almost without exception, these journeys have been efficient and enjoyable experiences. Of course I criss-cross Great Britain and use Eurostar services, but I also use the Frecciarossa high-speed rail in Italy, ICE trains in Germany and the Benelux Union, AVE rail in Spain and the TGV in France, as well as sleek new trains in the Baltic and Scandinavian countries. Flying is possible on quite a few of these routes, but these train journeys have reminded me that long-distance train travel is not only enjoyable, but also allows me to be more productive.
THE HEART OF THE MATTER
The big advantage of rail over air is that it transports you from city centre to city centre, eliminating much of the journey segmentation experienced when flying airport to airport. The post-9/11 aviation routine of getting to airports well in advance, the drill of snaking through security, waiting to board, queuing to depart, waiting to land and then queuing again to leave the terminal all interrupts the journey, stealing potential work time. The stress builds with each hurdle, often resulting in the passenger feeling frazzled and exhausted on arrival at the destination.
With fewer interruptions, and with high-speed rail covering far greater distances than previously, I find the stress is greatly reduced, I can use my time effectively and I have space in which to work. Facilities on these inter-city, high-speed European trains now cater for business travellers. Many offer USB and multi-point charging sockets at each seat, and free high-speed wifi that actually works. Food and beverage options have improved dramatically, and many railway stations are adding lounges to relax in prior to boarding the train with complimentary food and drink, newspapers and workstations. Many of the fares – especially in continental Europe – are excellent value for money, even in the premium cabins and, unlike some budget airlines, on-time performance records are fairly good.
The internet and mobile applications have played their part in my increased use of rail. Technology now allows e-ticketing (even for complex itineraries across several countries), advance seat assignments, and even platform numbers and delay notification provided in advance. Booking systems via bahn.com, sncf.com, raileurope.com or trainline. eu has made booking easy and quick, even for journeys booked at short notice.
Putting practical issues aside for a moment, I think the most impressive part of my recent rail journeys has been the views – be it Latvia or Italy, France or the UK, lakes, oceans, mountains or plains, there have been some truly memorable sights. Apart from nipping across the Alps or some billowing clouds, when was the last time you saw an amazing vista from a small aeroplane window?
Looking towards the future, it was with great interest that I read details of the Amadeus Rail Innovation Forum 2017, held in June in Prague. The forum discussed the possibilities for a European-wide deregulated single rail market, where competition would be available on any route, operated by any provider. Known as the 4th Railway Package, the goal is to emulate the Open Skies arrangement in European aviation, but in railway form, aiming for a launch in or around 2020. There are many gaps in legislation that would need to close in order to achieve this, but they are not insurmountable. Creating one unifying safety authority would top the list, followed by a drive for common rail gauge, signalling and power usage. It would require 100 per cent participation of all EU nations, avoiding nationalist protectionism. It could lead to a better deal for the traveller, especially on key routes, as competition could and should exist between different operators. Who knows, we might even see the creation of an Easyrail.
While I still fly frequently, I don’t rule out rail, even for some longer trips. After so many positive experiences, I’ll happily stick with letting the train take the strain, in my premium wide seat, enjoying decent legroom, in a wifi-enabled quiet carriage with picture windows revealing some of the world’s finest scenery as it slips past.