There are definitely pros and cons to trains and planes, and today, we’ll break down both before your next trip to Europe.
For many first-time travelers in Europe, it can be exciting to travel by train. The train system in Europe is set up very nicely, and you can get just about anywhere on the continent relatively quickly on a train. But is it more convenient than hopping on an airplane and flying from country to country? There are definitely pros and cons to both, and today, we’ll break down both before your next trip to Europe. Read on to learn more!
Is Your Trip Open to Both Planes and Trains?
First, are you really open to either mode of transportation? If you have to get between two distant cities and you are pressed for time, flying definitely makes the most sense. However, if you need to get between two distant cities and you are not pressed for time, then either method can work. But there are still some things you need to consider while traveling.
What’s the Travel Time of Your Trip?
How long will it take you to fly or ride between your desired cities? When calculating the time spent on a plane, add up the time to get to the airport, time for security and check-in, flight time, time for bag retrievals and customs, and time to get to your city. A flight from Paris to Berlin may only last two hours, but you will need to be at the airport an hour early, and it takes about an hour to get to and from both of these airports. Thus, a flight’s total travel time will be around five hours minimum. Flight delays easily make this longer. Calculating the time for a train trip is a little bit easier: how long will it take to get to the station, and how far in advance do you want to arrive? Do you need to be early to pick up tickets, or do you already have them? In many cases, the train stations will be located in the center of both the departure and arrival cities.
To learn more about each mode of transportation in Europe, give AESU a call today!
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