by Erika Gamba
In her article, “4 Trains, 5 Cities: A Whirlwind European Odyssey”, Laura Rysma explains all the advantages of train travel as an alternative to flights. For instance, she affirms that “In Europe, especially, train travel is surging as an environmental alternative to short-haul flights” (Laura Rysma).
To support her argument, she describes her two-week journey, during which she visits different European cities, all connected by trains. She describes numerous details of her adventure, including her travel from Milan to Stockholm, stopping in Zurich, Berlin, and Copenhagen.
She begins by offering practical advice, such as booking at least a month or two in advance for better prices and food quality. Moreover, she mentions how she relied more on tips from friends who lived there rather than focusing only on typical monuments. Her first stop is in Milan, where she talks about her day around the city. She then describes Milan’s Centrale station, with both admiration for the fascinating architecture and anger for the modern ads and LED screens. On her way to Zurich, she tells us about a spotless Swiss train, where at least she enjoys the Italian and Switzerland landscapes. She then travels from Zurich to Berlin on a less impressive train. Again, the experience is compensated by scenic views. From Berlin to Copenhagen, she enjoys a peaceful ride. She explores a clean and bike-friendly city. Her last stop was then Stockholm, which she reached with a five-hour train ride. She enjoys the city and its cultural sites. She ended this journey with a budget flight home to Italy. Rysma emphasizes her discomfort with air travel by affirming, “Yet even in my flight-mode zombie state, I was dreaming about my mostly seamless train odyssey, about the landscapes I’d seen and the illuminating cities I’d briefly been a part of.” (Rysma)
Like Laura Rysma, I also find it very important to choose an environmentally friendly option when traveling. Moreover, I really appreciate the unique experience offered only by train journeys. Growing up in Italy, I traveled by train all my life, which allowed me to understand this way of transportation even more. Rysma and I seem to agree that travel is not about reaching a destination, but instead, it is about the journey itself. Whether to enjoy breathtaking landscapes or to connect with local culture.
However, while I appreciate Rysma’s enthusiasm for train travel in Europe as an alternative to flying, I believe it is essential to consider some significant challenges that can affect the experience. I have personally encountered many issues, which I believe could strongly impact traveler’s comfort and convenience.
The first important concern is the very limited availability of food services on many European trains, especially regional ones. Unlike long-haul flights, which usually offer meal services, many regional trains offer only basic vending machines, and even those are not always available. This can become a serious challenge for families with many kids, who may not have had time to buy food before boarding, assuming there are food options on the train. While not having food might be manageable on a two-hour trip, it becomes a serious issue on longer cross-country journeys.
Moreover, if I reflect on my own travels, I remember a trip from Turin to Andorra, a coastal town in Liguria. The train was so overcrowded due to overbooking that there were not enough seats for everyone. Although I had found a seat at one of the earlier stops, I chose to stand for two hours to allow a mother and her child to sit. Unfortunately, even the train hostess couldn’t resolve the problem once the passengers boarded already. I found that experience unacceptable and very frustrating. Sadly, this experience is not an exception. Overcrowding is a widespread issue in European train travel. It is often due to the increasing passenger demand, outdated infrastructure, and scheduling conflicts. These challenges can lead to delays and a less pleasant travel experience. (Hassan)
Delays are another significant concern. Italy’s railway network, for instance, is known for its late-running trains. In January 2025, Italy’s deputy premier and transport minister faced calls to resign after continuous issues within the country’s rail network, impacting numerous passengers. The problem is worse because most passengers use trains daily to go to work in the countryside. (Balmer)
It is essential to consider that delays do not happen just in Italy but in different countries as well. For example, it often happens with high-speed trains, which connect countries in Europe. Nicole Gelinas, in her article on European rail travel, describes her delayed journey from Cologne to Hamburg and argues that travelers often tolerate these inconveniences because they expect them. She states, “Turns out, one reason high-speed rail ‘works’ in Europe is that its customers will put up with inconvenience and uncertainty that Americans would never tolerate” (Gelinas). I believe this inconvenience could be prevented by informing travelers regarding certain challenges of train travel. In this way they could be more conscious about their travel choices.
While train travel in Europe offers many benefits, such as the opportunity to experience scenic landscapes and environmentally friendly choices, it is crucial to acknowledge these challenges. Travelers should be aware of potential discomforts such as limited amenities, overcrowding, and delays when considering train journeys. Improving the railway infrastructure and services could enhance the overall experience, making train travel a better and more comfortable alternative to flying.