Travel by train

Posted by William, 28th February 2024

Our mindset

As part of our aim to provide responsible walking holidays, High Point Holidays are keen to offer our clients a real alternative to air travel to our destinations in Europe. 

In addition to being better for the planet in terms of global warming, train travel also provides a relatively relaxed journey in Europe. And now that the high speed connections are finished from London right through to many parts of France, the journey times are not that different from flying when waiting times are included. 

The exact figures with regards to greenhouse emissions for different forms of transport are disputed. You only have to visit a few of the websites who calculate carbon emissions and footprints to see the variations. There are of course factors that vary from journey to journey such as passenger numbers, the type of train and plane, the distance of the trip etc. In general for a trip from London to Lyon in France, the levels of CO2 emmitted are roughly five times as much for plane versus the train. A car is only competitive with a train, in terms of emissions if there are 4 people in the car (based on a medium sized car). 

High Speed Trains

The train also offers a more relaxing experience than the plane, especially on the continent with efficient high-speed links. No check-in desks, luggage collections, huge airports and standing in endless queues. The train offers you a journey that feels part of your trip, as you look out on the range of landscapes passing you by. 

Most of our destinations have a highly developed high-speed rail network within their countries; therefore, we favour the train in most journeys between cities. Take place in comfortable seats, let the hills before your eyes or even spend this precious time to sleep! But a train journey can be a real source of enjoyment. For example, the French high-speed train TGV has WiFi access and a bar carriage in most of its trains! At a speed of 320km/h (199 mph), time flies by and soon you'll reach another one of your destinations.

Some train rides even offer a unique experience, such as the beloved Jacobite Train in the Scottish Highlands, reminding us of the Hogwarts Express, Harry Potter's train to his wizard school. Another unique British train ride is the one offered by the Caledonian Sleeper, connecting London to Edinburgh and Inverness at night! Board in one city and wake up in another while enjoying a night in a comfortable cabin.

Even between countries, the train is the ideal means of transportation, thanks to European companies such as Eurostar, connecting London, Paris, Brussels, Amsterdam, Cologne, and several other cities on the way.National companies have also been developing new international lines in the last few years, and it is now possible to reach Milan from Paris or Barcelona from Lyon.

Although, we are happy for our clients to make use of the low-cost flights across Europe, we want to offer our clients, the train as a comfortable and more environmentally friendly alternative. So why not take the train (where practical) and arrive fresh and raring to go on our guided and independent walking holidays in Europe.