Great train journeys

There are all sorts of reasons why travelling by train is better than other modes of transport and 25 years ago we set out to prove how great train journeys are. We have become the UK’s number 1 provider of holidays by rail and as far as we’re concerned travelling by train looks better than ever. As well as unrivalled views, opportunities to relax and the efficient service, travelling by train is also one of the most environmentally friendly ways to holiday.

We decided long ago that a car journey was a less than ideal way to start holiday. There are the traffic jams, having to stop just to get a drink of coffee or to stretch your legs and constantly being appalled at how poorly some drivers behave on the road. Great train journeys are about relaxing as you travel, having the freedom to let your thoughts wander or even doze off as you make your way across the countryside.

Great Train Journeys and the Environment

There is also flying as an alternative to our great train journeys. It is an extremely practical way to cover great distances in short amounts of time even if it can be stressful. But when you are flying you don’t get the views you have from a train, you can’t see the corn billowing in the fields as you pass, the leaves swaying on the trees, or the lonely houses on the mountain side. The other major downside to flying is its effect on the environment.

Travelling by either car or by plane produces a similar amount of carbon with long haul flights being more efficient than making the same journey by car. Unfortunately a plane’s emissions are at a high altitude where they have a more drastic effect on the environment. When you see the figures it is easy to see how great train journeys are. Travelling on the Eurostar from London to Paris generates less than 10% of the carbon of the same journey by plane making the train not only the most civilised way to travel but also the kindest on the environment.