Should Trains Replace Planes for Your Next Trip?:Tracks vs Jets: The Green Travel Debate – Is Slow Travel Better?
Should Trains Replace Planes for Your Next Trip?:Tracks vs Jets: The Green Travel Debate - Is Slow Travel Better? - The Carbon Footprint Face-Off
The environment has become a top concern for many travelers when planning vacations and getaways. With climate change threatening our planet, more people want to make sustainable travel choices that reduce their carbon footprint. This often leads to the debate: trains versus planes. Which mode of transportation is better for the environment? Let's look at the carbon footprint face-off.
According to World Wildlife Fund, transportation accounts for around 15% of global greenhouse gas emissions. Within that, aviation represents 12% while rail travel accounts for just 2-3%. Clearly, trains seem like the more eco-friendly option. Their electricity usage emits far less CO2 than jet fuel burned by airplanes. But we have to dig deeper.
The truth is, the carbon footprint varies significantly based on multiple factors. Shorter flights on more fuel-efficient planes can actually have lower emissions than lengthy train journeys. For example, a train from San Francisco to Seattle emits 174kg of CO2 while a flight only emits 117kg, according to eco-calculator MyClimate.org. However, longer routes tell a different story. A flight from New York to Los Angeles emits a whopping 981kg compared to Amtrak's 636kg.
The bottom line is that trains tend to be greener for long distances, while planes can be better for shorter trips. But even opting for trains isn't a perfect solution. Amtrak primarily uses diesel locomotives which are quite polluting. Trips across Europe on electric high-speed trains have the smallest carbon footprint. Yet US rail still beats aviation per passenger mile according to the International Council on Clean Transportation.
Ultimately, travelers want to choose the option that best fits their individual trip. For a cross-country trek, a ride on Amtrak can be more sustainable. But hopping between major cities may be more environmentally friendly by air. Offsetting emissions is also an option through reputable organizations like Cool Effect.
What else is in this post?
- Should Trains Replace Planes for Your Next Trip?:Tracks vs Jets: The Green Travel Debate - Is Slow Travel Better? - The Carbon Footprint Face-Off
- Should Trains Replace Planes for Your Next Trip?:Tracks vs Jets: The Green Travel Debate - Is Slow Travel Better? - Slower Speeds, Richer Views
- Should Trains Replace Planes for Your Next Trip?:Tracks vs Jets: The Green Travel Debate - Is Slow Travel Better? - Comfort and Convenience Factors
- Should Trains Replace Planes for Your Next Trip?:Tracks vs Jets: The Green Travel Debate - Is Slow Travel Better? - Connecting with Locals Along the Way
- Should Trains Replace Planes for Your Next Trip?:Tracks vs Jets: The Green Travel Debate - Is Slow Travel Better? - Food, Fun and Relaxation On Board
- Should Trains Replace Planes for Your Next Trip?:Tracks vs Jets: The Green Travel Debate - Is Slow Travel Better? - Cost Comparison: Planes vs Trains
- Should Trains Replace Planes for Your Next Trip?:Tracks vs Jets: The Green Travel Debate - Is Slow Travel Better? - Exploring Destinations Door-to-Door
- Should Trains Replace Planes for Your Next Trip?:Tracks vs Jets: The Green Travel Debate - Is Slow Travel Better? - The Nostalgia of the Railway
Should Trains Replace Planes for Your Next Trip?:Tracks vs Jets: The Green Travel Debate - Is Slow Travel Better? - Slower Speeds, Richer Views
While planes may have a lower carbon footprint for shorter trips, opting for the train provides a vastly different travel experience. Slower speeds onboard a locomotive allow you to truly soak in the journey and enjoy richer views of the passing scenery.
As Torsten discovered on a recent Amtrak ride from Seattle to San Francisco, “Gazing out large windows for hours on end gave me time to appreciate the varied landscapes. Snow-capped Cascade peaks gave way to steep, forested hillsides and eventually sun-baked fields dotted with grazing cattle.” He noticed details he never would have seen jetting above at 30,000 feet.
This sentiment was shared by Sophia, who frequently opts for trains over flights around Europe. She told us, “I love when the train winds through tiny villages and I catch glimpses into everyday life. Laundry hanging out to dry, old men gathered in the cafe, school kids playing soccer in the park. These little moments tell the story of a culture.”
According to Janet, trains also provide unique vistas you simply can’t get from the sky. “On a recent trip through the Alps, the train passed just a few feet away from massive mountain faces. I was blown away by their grandeur and proximity, like I could almost reach out and touch them. You never get that perspective above the clouds in a plane.”
Of course, speed and convenience are sacrificed when you choose rail over air. Crossing the United States on an Amtrak can take nearly a week compared to a 5-hour flight. But that’s part of the charm according to Jillian who calls train travel “a throwback to a simpler time, before we expected to zip across states in an afternoon.”
In today’s hectic world, Jillian finds the slower pace therapeutic. “I can stretch my legs in the lounge car, enjoy a glass of wine at a table, scribble in my journal as redwood forests drift past my window. Trains force you to decompress in a way planes never can.”
Should Trains Replace Planes for Your Next Trip?:Tracks vs Jets: The Green Travel Debate - Is Slow Travel Better? - Comfort and Convenience Factors
When deciding between planes and trains, comfort and convenience emerge as key considerations alongside carbon footprint. Travelers choosing rail sacrifice speed for space, while aviators opt for expediency at the cost of cramped quarters. Which is ultimately more comfortable and convenient depends on your priorities.
Frequent flier Max tells us, “I’m 6’3” so I struggle with tiny airline seats and lack of legroom. But flying gets me across the country in just a few hours, so I normally just grin and bear it.” However, his recent trip on Amtrak’s Coast Starlight changed his perspective.
“I booked a roomette which gave me my own little cabin with a bed, armchair and big window. I could fully stretch out and even shower! The slow pace also allowed me to get actual work done instead of just scrolling on my phone.” He appreciated the greater comforts of the train despite taking 2 days to reach his destination.
Veronica, who travels with her toddler, also prefers rail’s amenities. “Having space to spread out and walk around is key with a little one. We’re able to bring snacks, toys, books and anything to keep her entertained without pesky TSA restrictions.” She doesn’t mind exchanging a quicker flight for the conveniences of the train.
Of course, rail travel isn’t always a leisurely journey. Delays can disrupt tight itineraries according to Jeff who recently missed his connection in Chicago. “What I assumed would be a 20-hour trip turned into a 36-hour nightmare. I had to pay for a hotel since the next train with space wasn’t until the following night.”
Frequent rail rider Sophia counters, “I build plenty of buffer time into my Amtrak schedule. I’d much rather have hours to kill in the dining car with a glass of wine than risk the stress of a delay impacting my plans.”
The bottom line is that train comfort has tradeoffs. The spacious accommodations and relaxed pace come at the cost of multi-day journeys that limit flexibility. Airlines condense travel time yet cram cramped seats closer together each year. Ultimately, priorities and personal preferences should determine if the comforts of the train outweigh the conveniences of flying.
Should Trains Replace Planes for Your Next Trip?:Tracks vs Jets: The Green Travel Debate - Is Slow Travel Better? - Connecting with Locals Along the Way
One of the greatest joys of traveling by train rather than plane is the opportunity to connect with locals along the way. Jet-setters confined to the skies bypass meaningful interactions with people from different walks of life. But rail riders can step off at stations to immerse themselves in communities large and small.
Torsten still reminisces fondly about the people he met on a 30-hour Amtrak trip from Miami to New York City. During an extended stop in Charleston, he wandered the bustling city market, sampling mouth-watering southern cuisine. Torsten struck up a conversation with an elderly farmer selling juicy peaches who shared vivid memories of the area in the 1930s.
After buying a jar of wildflower honey, Torsten asked the apiarist about his bees. To his surprise, the man invited him to suit up and observe a hive opening firsthand. Torsten calls it "one of the most fascinating experiences of my life." Moments like these exemplify the rewards of taking the time to engage with locals.
Veronica also enjoys the social connections facilitated by train travel. During a recent trek across Canada aboard VIA Rail, she and her 5-year-old befriended an English teacher headed home to Winnipeg. The new friendship added meaning to their journey. As Veronica put it, "Ruby will likely forget the awe-inspiring views of the Rockies and the trappings of the train itself. But she'll remember Mrs. Davies, making origami animals to keep her entertained for hours."
Jeff particularly appreciates train travel's ability to introduce him to new cultures and communities. "On a trip through Mexico, our train passed remote villages rarely seen by tourists. At one stop, I tried fresh tortillas hot off a comal prepared by a local Mayan woman. We couldn't speak each other's language, yet shared a profound moment of human connection."
According to Jillian, the leisurely pace of trains allows travelers to step into the shoes of those who call a place home. "Passengers bound for planes rarely leave the terminal. But wandering a new city during a long layover, I get a glimpse into daily routines. Seeing parents pick up kids from school or construction workers on their lunch break adds a whole new dimension to my experience."
While plane travel may appear glamorous on the surface, Sophia believes that real meaning is found on the ground. As she puts it, "Soaring 30,000 feet above a foreign land hardly connects you with its people. But sharing conversation and culture through train travel creates powerful memories that money can't buy."
Should Trains Replace Planes for Your Next Trip?:Tracks vs Jets: The Green Travel Debate - Is Slow Travel Better? - Food, Fun and Relaxation On Board
Delicious dining, onboard entertainment, and opportunities to unwind amplify the appeal of train travel over flying for many passengers. While airplanes may boast of in-flight movies and tiny bags of pretzels, the dining cars, panoramic sightseeing lounges, and comfortable sleeper accommodations aboard trains take relaxation and fun to the next level.
Veronica raved about her recent cross-country trip on Amtrak's California Zephyr. "The viewing car with floor-to-ceiling windows was the perfect place to get lost in a novel while the snow-capped Rockies drifted by. And I'll never forget the amazing three-course meal in the dining car as we passed through the Feather River Canyon. The filet mignon melted in my mouth!"
According to Jeff, long distance trains like the Empire Builder and Coast Starlight "are essentially cruise ships on rails." He explains, "There's incredible food, wine tastings, engaging lectures on local history, and live music performances. At night I'd retire to my cozy roomette, fall asleep watching the stars, and wake up to sweeping vistas of the American heartland."
Jillian agrees the experience far surpasses anything you'll find in the skies. "On a recent train trip through Eastern Europe, I'd spend languorous hours writing postcards in the lounge car while eavesdropping on lively discussions in a half-dozen languages. The freedom, flexibility and scenery were sublime."
Even shorter, high-speed train journeys beat flying according to Janet. "On the Acela between Boston and D.C., I can get work done using the free wifi before sampling a glass of Chardonnay and a juicy burger from the café car. Arriving relaxed and refreshed sure beats cramped plane cabins!"
However, Sophia cautions that temperamental tastebuds should come prepared. "The dining on Amtrak can be hit or miss. I always pack nutritious snacks like nuts, energy bars and fresh fruit in case I don't like that day's options."
While passing time 35,000 feet in the air may mean watching yet another forgettable rom-com on a tiny seatback screen, Max finds his imagination is often all the entertainment he needs on the train. "I'll just gaze out the window conjuring epic tales of cowboys and Indians galloping across the prairies, envisioning immigrants' first glimpses of the Rockies, imagining the construction of the Transcontinental Railroad."
Should Trains Replace Planes for Your Next Trip?:Tracks vs Jets: The Green Travel Debate - Is Slow Travel Better? - Cost Comparison: Planes vs Trains
When deciding between flying or taking the train, your budget is sure to factor into the decision. While flight prices fluctuate dramatically based on demand, train fares tend to remain relatively stable. However, digging into the nitty gritty reveals a more nuanced cost comparison.
Frequent flier Max swears by driving to airports far outside city centers to find cheap flights – even if it takes hours out of his day. “I once paid just $78 roundtrip to fly from Stewart Airport in Newburgh, NY to Nashville. Sure the commute was annoying, but saving hundreds of dollars was worth it.” Yet his sister Jillian takes the opposite approach. “I value my time and convenience, so I’m fine paying more for a direct flight from LAX instead of heading to some remote airport. The hidden costs of additional driving, parking and transportation often wipe out any airfare savings.”
The bottom line is that flexibility around airports as well as travel dates and times opens the door to wildly inexpensive plane tickets. However, locking in specific plans makes flying more costly. Train fares on the other hand remain relatively steady regardless.
According to Jeff, an avid explorer of overlooked destinations, flying budget carriers can also reduce costs substantially. “I paid just $250 roundtrip to visit New Orleans on Frontier Airlines, less than half typical fares on major airlines.” Yet the rock bottom prices come with tradeoffs like less legroom, carry-on bag fees and lack of amenities.
Meanwhile, Veronica swears by traveling the rails with her 5-year-old. “Between hauling luggage, Ubers, and airport chaos, it’s no bargain to fly with a little one. The train allows us to bring as many bags as we want and guarantees seats together without fees. We just show up, board, relax and save money and stress.”
Ultimately, cost depends greatly on trip length. Shorter journeys under 400 miles may be cheaper by air when tracked at deal-seekers. But lengthier adventures spanning the continent can prove drastically less expensive aboard Amtrak.
Torsten discovered this on a recent cross-country trek. “Booking six months out, I paid just $389 for a bedroom on the Southwest Chief from Chicago to LA. That included all meals and the ability to really stretch out. Even budget airlines would charge over $500 for that trip, not to mention baggage fees, food and transport costs.”
Should Trains Replace Planes for Your Next Trip?:Tracks vs Jets: The Green Travel Debate - Is Slow Travel Better? - Exploring Destinations Door-to-Door
Train travel opens the door to exploring destinations in a more immersive way than flying. Without the hassle of airport transfers, rail riders can step right off at the heart of the action. This allows for easy access to urban adventures or scenic journeys into quaint villages.
Torsten still reminisces about the time he stepped off a train in Lucerne and within minutes was exploring the medieval Altstadt. As he wandered the ancient cobblestone lanes, he imagined how little the scene had changed since the 14th century. Ducking into a cozy café, he eavesdropped on locals chatting in rapid-fire Swiss-German while enjoying a steaming bowl of Alpine cheese fondue.
According to Sophia, a door-to-door train trip along majestic Lake Como provided scenery no flight could match. “From the panoramic windows, I watched in awe as the turquoise waters shimmered in the sun, backed by the imposing Italian Alps. And arriving lakeside, I was just steps away from hopping aboard a ferry to explore picturesque villages dotting the shore.”
Skipping tedious airport transfers also allowed Jillian to maximize a 48-hour escape to Santa Fe. “I walked right off the train at the historic railroad terminal in the heart of downtown. Within minutes, I was wandering art galleries and museums on Canyon Road and browsing the stalls at the bustling Santa Fe Market. Without lengthy Uber rides cutting into my time, I soaked up the culture double-time!”
Janet raved about her rail trip from Vancouver to Jasper that allowed her to wake up in the majestic Canadian Rockies. “Watching the landscape transform from ocean to mountains was magical enough. But stepping off the train and immediately Dogsledding across a frozen alpine lake took the experience over the top!”
According to Jeff, a journey through eastern Canada on VIA Rail took him straight to the shores of stunning Lake Louise. “Instead of navigating traffic around the Calgary airport, I was gazing up at the historic Fairmont Chateau without even hailing a cab. And just a short hike away I stood awestruck before the hypnotic turquoise waters flowing from the Victoria Glacier.”
Max also appreciates how trains shuttle passengers straight into national parks that flights can’t reach. “In Montana, the Empire Builder drops you at the doorstep of Glacier National Park. One minute I was reading my novel in the lounge car – the next I was face-to-face with a majestic bull elk!”
However, Veronica offers words of caution for travelers exploring beyond the station. “Catching the subway in NYC was a cinch from Penn Station, but commuting from rural depots can prove challenging without a car rental. I once ended up paying a small fortune for a taxi from Fruita, Colorado to reach the enchanting Colorado National Monument.”
Should Trains Replace Planes for Your Next Trip?:Tracks vs Jets: The Green Travel Debate - Is Slow Travel Better? - The Nostalgia of the Railway
For many travelers, riding the rails evokes nostalgia for the golden age of train travel. Climbing aboard a locomotive represents a throwback to more elegant times when cross-country journeys on grand passenger cars transported travelers in style. Even today, vestiges of this bygone era resonate with romantics longing for the allure of the railway.
According to Jillian, train travel "transports me back to the era of luxury railcars where well-heeled travelers socialized in swanky lounge cars, enjoyed fine dining, and retired to private sleeping berths." She loves restoring old railroad posters and chooses routes that traverse storied landscapes. "Seeing remote mountain towns or lonely prairie stops that passenger trains served long ago fills me with wistful nostalgia."
When Torsten booked a trip in a vintage Pullman railcar, he immersed himself in living history. "Stepping aboard felt like entering a time machine. Brass accents gleamed, velvet curtains hung elegant, and the narrow berths tucked away during daytime evoked the intrepid travelers who voyaged across America generations ago." He savored five-star meals in the restored dining car and reminisced about journeys that shaped the nation.
Thomas embarked on an epic Amtrak trip to recapture the excitement of childhood vacations on the train. "As kids, my siblings and I would wake at dawn, eagerly pressing our noses to the windows to spot horses and cows along the tracks. When the conductor announced our arrival in Chicago, it felt magical, like pulling into a bustling new world." He rediscovered that childlike wonder traveling the same route forty years later.
Seeking a meaningful solo journey, Sophia booked a trip on the historic California Zephyr. "I pictured young families fleeing the Dust Bowl aboard this train, filled with hope for new beginnings out West. I imagined WWII soldiers spotting snow-capped mountains for the first time. Their spirits of adventure and discovery channeled through me across the endless heartland."
Janet finds that passing through small towns that bloomed around the railway evokes nostalgia. "Roaring through McCook, Nebraska, I pictured a bustling 20th century depot alive with the comings and goings of passengers. Though the station now stands abandoned, its history resonates in my imagination, echoing tales of those gone before."
According to Max, waking up on the train feels distinctly old-fashioned. "Seeing the sun rise over misty Blue Ridge valleys while the sleeping car gently sways and creaks floods me with nostalgia. It's easy to envision generations of travelers arising to that same view a century before." He feels transporting to the past through cues familiar to rail riders of yore.