The Allure of Train Travel: Personal Journeys and Experiences

Train travel has long been a passion of mine, a unique mode of transportation that allows for a different kind of journey than the traditional plane or car. My experiences and encounters with train travel have spanned numerous countries, with some of my longest journeys including a transcontinental trip from Vladivostok to London via various railway stops.

Why I Love Train Travel

There are several reasons why I prefer train travel. Firstly, it often provides a relaxing and comfortable experience. The interior layouts of many modern trains allow for a variety of activities—whether it be napping, working, enjoying the passing scenery, visiting the dining car, or even sleeping in a berth or a private compartment. I have even enjoyed the luxury of taking a shower on board trains during my travels.

On the other hand, car travel can be rather cramped, and airline travel often feels disorienting and less personal. Moreover, I do not own a car and do not hold a driving license, which only adds to the appeal of train travel for me.

Personal Train Journeys

One of my favorite train journeys is along the distinctive RhB livery of the Bernina line in Switzerland, where a passenger train ascends the southern slope. This journey offers not only scenic beauty but also an intimate and more leisurely way of traveling compared to car or plane.

My local railway station offers regular interurban journeys to nearby towns and cities, which I use for business trips to London, UK. These rail journeys are not only faster but also provide a more efficient alternative to road travel. Additionally, some train journeys offer outstanding scenery, making the journey just as memorable as the destination itself. Favourites include the Bernina line in Switzerland, the Settle-Carlisle line in the UK, or crossing the US Rockies on Amtrak’s California Zephyr.

Volunteering and Special Train Journeys

I also have the privilege of working as a volunteer on the Keighley Worth Valley Railway in West Yorkshire, UK. This heritage railway is well-known for its role in E Nesbitt’s The Railway Children. As a volunteer, I help to operate both steam and diesel trains, as well as participate in special events such as beer festivals and festive train runs leading up to Christmas. These occasions are always highly anticipated and well-received.

High-Speed Train Journeys

High-speed train travel is perhaps one of my greatest personal highlights. Powerful electric trains can whisk passengers at speeds of up to 320 km/h, utilizing state-of-the-art technology and dedicated infrastructure. I particularly love the Japanese Shinkansen and French TGV high-speed trains, renowned for their historical significance and pivotal role in high-speed rail development.

In September 2023, I had the opportunity to experience the TGV from Bordeaux to Paris, using the new section of the high-speed line. This journey is one of the world's fastest timetabled intercity train services, with a non-stop 580 km journey taking just 2 hours and 4 minutes. Stationed at Bordeaux Saint-Jean station, I was thrilled to board a double-decker TGV in the newer InOui livery, ready for a speedy and efficient journey.

Train travel remains my preferred mode of transportation, offering a blend of comfort, relaxation, and stunning scenery that is hard to match with other forms of travel.