Planes Vs. Trains
Planes vs. Trains: The Best Way for Families to Travel Across Europe
Traveling across Europe as a family is an adventure in itself. The continent is connected by a vast network of high-speed trains and budget airlines, both offering unique benefits and challenges. For many first time visitors, the idea of gliding through the countryside on a scenic train ride sounds romantic, while others see the efficiency of hopping on a plane as the key to maximizing their time.
But when it comes to real world travel logistics, especially with kids in tow, does train travel actually hold up against the convenience and affordability of flying? To answer this, let’s break down two real-life European travel scenarios and see which method truly comes out on top.
Scenario 1: Paris to Rome
Picture this: Your family just spent a few magical days exploring the streets of Paris, indulging in fresh croissants and wandering through the Louvre. Now, it’s time to head south to Rome, where gelato and ancient history await. The question is, do you take the train or fly?
Taking a train from Paris to Rome is possible, but it’s far from efficient. A direct train route doesn’t exist, meaning you’ll need to make at least one transfer, usually in Milan or Turin. Even with high speed rail, this journey takes around 11 to 14 hours, a full day of travel. Sure, the seats are comfortable, and there’s plenty of space to stretch out, but keeping kids entertained for that long without Wi-Fi or structured activities can be challenging. Not to mention, the price for a family of four can easily reach €600-€800 if tickets aren’t booked far in advance.
Now, let’s compare that to flying. Budget airlines like Ryanair and easyJet offer nonstop flights from Paris to Rome in just under 2 hours. Even with airport security and boarding, the total journey time is rarely more than 5 hours. The best part? Tickets can be found for as little as €30 per person, meaning a family of four can make the trip for under €150.
The time savings alone make flying the clear winner, but when you add in the cost difference, it becomes an easy choice. A day spent in transit on a train could instead be spent throwing coins into the Trevi Fountain and devouring authentic Roman pasta.
Scenario 2: Berlin to Barcelona
Berlin’s museums and vibrant energy have given your family an amazing experience, but now it’s time to trade city life for the Mediterranean sunshine of Barcelona. The challenge? These two cities are over 1,500 km apart, and figuring out the best way to get there is crucial for keeping everyone happy.
Let’s start with train travel. There’s no direct route from Berlin to Barcelona, so this journey requires multiple transfers, often through Paris or Mannheim. The total travel time? A minimum of 14 hours but often closer to 18-20 hours, depending on layovers. Night trains can make the trip a bit more manageable, but sleeping on a train with kids isn’t always the restful experience parents dream of. Ticket prices, even on discount fares, often exceed €500 for a family of four.
On the other hand, budget airlines like Vueling and Ryanair operate nonstop flights from Berlin to Barcelona in just 2.5 hours. Factor in getting to and from the airport, security, and check-in, and you’re looking at a 5-6 hour total journey. The real kicker? Flights can often be found for €40-€70 per person, meaning the whole family can travel for under €300, and sometimes even less if booked in advance.
When comparing the two options, it’s easy to see why families overwhelmingly choose to fly. A full day of train travel with kids, multiple transfers, restless hours onboard, and the cost of meals just doesn’t compete with a quick, direct flight that gets you to your next adventure faster and cheaper.
The Verdict: Why Air Travel Wins for Families
While train travel in Europe has its place, particularly for short, scenic trips within a country, when it comes to covering long distances efficiently, air travel is simply the better choice for families. The biggest argument in favor of trains is comfort and the ability to move freely during the journey. However, when weighed against the drastically shorter travel times, lower ticket prices, and the reality of traveling with children, planes come out ahead.
Many first time European travelers assume that trains are always the better option because of the romanticized idea of gliding past castles and rolling hills. But in reality, train tickets for long distances are often more expensive than flights, require longer travel times, and in many cases, don’t offer a direct route.
For Western families looking to maximize their time, air travel allows for more sightseeing and less time in transit. Instead of spending an entire day traveling from Paris to Rome or Berlin to Barcelona, flying gets you there in just a few hours, meaning more time exploring, relaxing, and making the most of your trip.
So, while a scenic train ride through the Swiss Alps might be a fun experience to include in a European itinerary, when it comes to getting from one major city to another, the choice is clear: families should fly.
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