I've spent 160 hours traveling by train. It's the best mode of transportation for 4 simple reasons.
As more Americans book Amtrak rides, BI's reporter says traveling by train is the most comfortable, reliable, and sustainable way to get around.
Joey Hadden/Business Insider
- After spending 160 hours on the rails, I think trains are the best mode of transportation.
- From North America to Europe, I've found trains more comfy and reliable than flights and cars.
- Traveling by train is also one of the most sustainable ways to get around the world.
More than 24 million travelers have taken an Amtrak train since October 2023, The Wall Street Journal reported in July. That's 18% more than the previous year, putting the US train company in a position to transport a record number of travelers in 2024.
For me, it's easy to see why more Americans are opting for train travel.
I have taken a lot of flights and road trips throughout my life, but three years ago, I dabbled in the world of railroads and never looked back.
After spending 160 hours traveling more than 5,000 miles in various classes with Amtrak in the US, Via Rail in Canada, and several train lines in Europe, I've found that it's the most comfortable and reliable way to get around sustainably.
Now, traveling by train is my preferred method of transportation, from short trips to overnight rides.
Joey Hadden/Business Insider
I like to be conscious of the environmental impacts of my travels. When it comes to transportation, sustainability experts told me that traveling by train is more sustainable than flying.
In the US, Amtrak has reported that taking trains over flights reduces a traveler's carbon emissions by 72%. In Europe, Eurail has reported that traveling by train contributes between 66% and 75% less carbon than driving or flying.
Joey Hadden/Business Insider
While my train journeys haven't had a perfect track record, I've experienced the fewest and shortest delays while traveling by train. Most of my rides have departed and arrived on time. And on rare occasions, I've experienced delays up to two hours long.
This is nothing compared to the countless delayed flights I've experienced in recent years. Delays between an hour and 24 hours later than the original departure time have almost made me miss family events. The uncertainty of whether I'll get to my destination on time makes me anxious every time I fly.
Over the past couple of years, trains have also proven more reliable than road trips for me, thanks to traffic jams that have resulted in longer drive times.
Joey Hadden/Business Insider
In my experience, train seats are typically larger and more comfortable than plane or car seats. I also find that upgrades are more affordable on trains than on planes, so I've been able to ride in first and business class in large, plush seats.
When it comes to overnight rides, I think a bunk on a sleeper train is much easier to sleep on than a passenger seat in a car or economy seat on a red-eye flight because I can lie down completely.
Joey Hadden/Business Insider
In addition to being a comfortable, sustainable, and reliable mode of transportation, traveling by train has given me unparalleled views of the world, with landscapes changing every second.
Being stuck on a train for long periods of time also forces me to sit back and do nothing, which I don't often prioritize in my daily life.
So I know I'll keep traveling by train whenever possible.