10 reasons to travel by train

1 Adventure

Train journeys and adventure go together like strawberries and cream. They're magical, they're mysterious, they're romantic and they whoosh through countryside you would never normally get to see. You never quite know what you're going to see or who you're going to meet, an excitement that no other form of transport can match.

2 Encounters with strangers

Cars are solitary, planes are cramped, ferries give you sea sickness ... not the ideal mix to make new friends. Trains are different, people just seem so much more friendly, with conversations struck up, travel stories shared, knowing smiles when you grind to a halt (only on UK trains, of course), getting a round in at the bar, chatting to other people's kids.

3 Environmentally friendly

Cars and planes create 74% of Europe’s transport CO2 emissions, whereas the entire rail network adds up to less than 1%. We know that it is not realistic for people to just stop using planes, but it is possible to reduce our plane travel and consider other options. Trains emit seven times less CO2 than planes, which makes it well worth booking a train holiday more regularly.

4 Comfort and relaxation

Come on, admit it, you can't call plane seats comfortable or relaxing - unless you're going first class, of course. On trains, the seats are wider, you can stretch out your legs, there's no turbulence, just a peaceful, chugging motion. You can book a table seat too.

5 Scenery

There's something special about the landscape from a train window, which can be a destination in itself. Railways are built through some of the world's most beautiful places, taking in stunning coastal views, villages, castles, mountains, lakes, forests... The train races past people out and about, stopping for passengers to get on and off, giving you a momentary glimpse into the lives of others.

6 Convenience and flexibility

The rail network is vast, with trains running regularly from multiple destinations. In Europe, trains are fast and reliable, offering a fantastic alternative to the busy roads and airports. You don't always need to make a reservation, you can often just turn up, buy a ticket and hop on board. There's no need to wait for hours in a line to have your bags checked or your body scanned, so you can arrive just before the train is due.

7 Luggage

Not only can you pack what you like, but you're also not going to lose your luggage! Unlike on a plane, you are responsible for putting it and taking it off, meaning you are not going to find your luggage has gone to Buenos Aires instead of Budapest. Just don't forget it when you get off!

8 Door to door

Airports are so inconveniently placed, sometimes miles away from your final destination, meaning expensive taxis. Train stations are usually right in the heart of a town or city, meaning you have arrived when you get off. Enough said!

9 Travelling with children

With more space to move about and the freedom to pack more things to do, it's a lot easier and less stressful to travel with children on a train. Some train operators allow children to travel for free up to the age of four if they share a seat with an older passenger.

10 Stop whenever you like

You can break up your journey by scheduling stops in different destinations. Lunch in Lyon? Stopover in Nice? You can't get off a plane mid-journey, so make the most of being in charge of how you travel.