Add This Budget And Eco-Friendly Method Of Transportation To Your European Itinerary

When it comes to public transportation, Europe is leaps and bounds ahead of many parts of the world, including the United States. Throughout the European continent, mass transit is easy, accessible, and affordable. For Americans traveling abroad, train travel is the ideal way to explore. You can easily hop between major cities, and even visit multiple countries without the hassle of going to the airport, or renting a car.

There are even options for the type of train you take. High-speed trains connect major cities and are often the easiest and fastest way to get from one place to another, reaching speeds of over 200 miles per hour. The Eurostar high-speed train can take you from London to Paris in just over two hours — which is faster than flying because you don't have to pass through the same level of security as you do at airports. In most cases, you don't even need to have a reservation. You can buy your ticket from a kiosk when you arrive at the terminal (though a last-minute fare might be more expensive). Regional trains, while slower, can take you almost anywhere in Europe, with plenty of stops in quaint villages and towns in between the larger cities. Scenic trains offer an incredible way for travelers of all ages to experience some of the most beautiful landscapes throughout the continent. If you're in the process of planning the perfect European vacation, consider taking the train.

Traveling by train is so much more comfortable than traveling by airplane. Once you experience the difference, it will transform how you travel. Spacious train terminals with loads of shopping and dining options make waiting for your train a fun experience. Some of Europe's train stations are iconic historic buildings with beautiful architecture. King's Cross Station in England, Antwerpen-Centraal in Belgium, Estación de Atocha in Spain, and Gare do Oriente in Portugal are a few of the most impressive. Before your train arrives, you can swing by a bookstore for some reading material or pop into a cafe for a pastry and latte to enjoy during your trip. It's totally permissible to bring your own food and drinks onboard the train with you.

Once you board the train, you'll be able to relax in a spacious seat with much more legroom than standard economy seats on airplanes. Many of the seating areas have tables, and most come equipped with power outlets to charge your devices. The food that's available on trains is much tastier than airplane food, and the carts come around every so often. First class train tickets sometimes include meals and snacks, especially on the scenic trains. If you're taking a long-distance rail trip, consider booking a night train where you can reserve a private sleeper car or bunk bed for ultimate comfort. You can bring luggage, bicycles, and even pets along with you on the train as well.

What's even more amazing about train travel is that it is infinitely more environmentally friendly than other forms of transportation. Trains emit 65 to 75% less carbon than cars and airplanes. Sustainable tourism is a growing trend, and if you're looking to reduce your carbon footprint while traveling, trains are a great option. The CO2 emissions from train travel are three to four times less per person, respectively, than when you drive or fly. New state-of-the-art trains use significantly less energy and are able to transport hundreds of people to a destination at once. They also reduce noise pollution. If you're interested in seeing the environmental impact of your train trip, the EcoPassenger website can help you calculate it.

While recent studies have shown that traveling by train is the more expensive option in Europe because of some craft budget airlines, there are plenty of ways to save money on train tickets. If you're planning a vacation with multiple different destinations on the itinerary, it can still be the more affordable option. Tourists can purchase a Eurail Global Pass that allows for unlimited train travel for a period of time. The cheapest option is a Flexi Pass for four days of unlimited train travel within a month, for the price of $229. You can also opt for a continuous pass, starting at $386 for 15 days in a row of unlimited train travel. With these options, the travel possibilities are endless.