When was the last time you traveled by train?

Question

What factors influence you to use, or not use, trains to travel to places? In your country (for our global friends) how well is the train system set up?

Answer 1

Never really because they don't run through my part of town sorry.

Answer 2

it's been a while. for vacations it's nice if you have time. it's a land cruise ship. you can walk around. go to the bar observation deck dinning car or just sleep. but is a slow way to travel because of all the stops at least here in the us midwest.

Answer 3

Canada train system is the best in Ontario. Western Canada not so good bus is better. Like the bar car on the train. Canada question is my profile and I boinked head to activate today.

Answer 4

Every day to and from work, from Higashimatsuyama to Tokyo.  Public transportation is great in Japan.

Answer 5

The railways have a problem - transit railways are rented from material moving railways.  They pay a fee for the time they want to use it, and so if a material mover wants the rail for a certain time, it isn't available to rent to a transit company.  This makes rail transit VERY improbable for all but commuter systems.  Also, it's only feasible for urban areas at best.  

Europe is great for rail usage, as it has a small landmass for the population base, same with India, for example.  

The last time I traveled by train was 19 years ago.  I loved it, but it's the past, not the future - barring MAJOR changes.

Answer 6

I've used Amtrak on many long trips because I'm scared to death of flying. It was quite comfortable and almost fun, despite the longer travel time.

I still prefer driving; I love road trips - travelling down off-beat roads and stopping at strange places. I have a map that marks old Route 66, which I have traveled sections of on many of my trips between Oklahoma and California. I like to stay at campgrounds too...I even have this special tent thing that converts my car into a mini-camper.

I've also been on the train at Silver Dollar City...where they stop the train in the middle of the ride and a bunch of actors pretend to be train robbers, if that counts. :)

Answer 7

One year ago. I end up on a train about every three years, which is equal to my plane trips. For land travel, I prefer trains. I have always enjoyed Amtrak, and was very satisfied with British rail. Train use is generally contingent upon how much time I have, and how much money I would lose by not flying.

Steam train excursions with the grand-kids are great fun too.

The problem with trains is time, the problem with airlines is hassle and cost, and the problems with car travel is time, wear and tear on the vehicle,  and the need to keep awake enough to drive safely amongst other idiots.

Trains and boats, if you have time, are the preferred method. You get to walk around, go to the bar, and meet people.

Can't wait 'till airships make a come-back....

(Soccergirl's comment is hot-- the Pacific Coast Starlight route was one of the most beautiful in the US... though my favorite was the White Pass and Yukon. On rail, you just get to see things up close, and a beautiful train-ride is a worthwhile journey.)

Answer 8

I used to use the light rail train system to get to work before I started biking all the way.  The last time I did that was about 4 months ago.  I don't take long-distance trains, because the system in the USA is pretty pathetic.

I also took the train several times when I was in Italy on my honeymoon.  Most of Europe has a great train system.  Very convenient.  I wish we had something like that in the states.

Answer 9

We took a train from New York to Colorado for vacation in 1998.  I was cheaper than flying and with a broken ear drum flying would be very painful for my mom. I the US we have a pretty good train system. It runs through just about every city that has an airport.

Answer 10

I traveled by train from Chigaco to St. Louis a few weeks ago. Its easier because I dont have a car.. but I dont like riding on trains, they stop a lot, and its pretty bumpy sometimes, which kind of scares me. I think the train system is pretty well set up, I just dont like that they stop so much... you think they would do a better job of keeping track of who is on the tracks at what time, lol

Answer 11

never.  we don't have trains in the midwest

Answer 12

I traveled by train 4 years ago. It was cheaper and faster to go by train than it would have been to drive the 300 miles. I think that the train system is set up well because it was easy to use, and I got to my destination quickly. I went from Santa Barbara to San Luis Obispo and back.

Answer 13

must be about 30 years ago by now

Answer 14

i traveled by train only once in my life which was 2 years ago they're not popular nowadays.

Answer 15

A few weeks ago while i was visiting Russia...we went from St. Petersburg to Moscow

Answer 16

I have never been on a train, unless the monorail at disneyland counts as a train, or thunder mountain. I havent been on a train that takes you to a different state/city/country. I heard a rumor that they were making the fastest train in the world to go in a triangle, Phoenix Arizona-Las vegas-Los Angeles, If that is true the train will go over 380mph, I will be going to vegas every weekend! I live in america, the train system is insane here, tracks to every state etc...but mostly used for freight.