There was a time not so long ago that train travel was the only way to travel Europe; planes were prohibitively expensive and only used by businessmen.
Obviously this has all changed with the arrival of budget airlines. Super low fares, some as low as a euro, now make plane travel the obvious choice.
Or does it?
Tips for getting around Western Europe by plane & by train is an LA Times article which tackles the modern day euro-conundrum: train or plane?
To answer this question, Journalist Jane Engle went on assignment, traveling through four countries in four days using a combination of budget airlines and high speed trains. I wasn’t too surprised with the eventual outcome of her journey; planes are better for long distances, trains are better for shorter ones.
The problem with many budget airlines, she learns, is that they normally fly into smaller airports that are usually further from the city center and more expensive to get to. In addition, there are the security lines to deal with as well as getting to the airport an hour early. Trains, on the other hand, simply pull into the center of town, and you’re there!
Giving the option, I personally will always opt for train travel; it’s more scenic and relaxing and is part of the journey itself; plane travel is nothing more than transportation.