Train vs Plane: Why Slow Travel is the Future of Tourism

Introduction

In a world where time is money, most travelers still choose planes as their fastest route to adventure. But in 2025, a surprising shift is taking place. More and more people are swapping crowded airports and jet lag for the comfort of train journeys. Known as “slow travel”, this movement is more than just transportation—it’s a philosophy. It’s about savoring the journey, minimizing environmental impact, and reconnecting with local culture.

At TravelWagons, we explore why slow travel is not only trending but shaping the very future of tourism.

1. The Rise of Slow Travel

Slow travel doesn’t mean laziness—it means depth. Instead of rushing through five cities in five days, slow travelers spend more time in fewer destinations. This shift mirrors the rise of wellness tourism and sustainable travel we’ve covered in our Top Travel Trends in 2025.

• More authentic connections with locals
• Less stress and fewer logistical headaches
• Reduced carbon footprint

Travelers are realizing that the quality of the journey matters as much as the destination.

2. Trains vs. Planes: The Environmental Factor

One of the biggest reasons trains are winning travelers’ hearts is sustainability. Aviation accounts for nearly 2.5% of global CO₂ emissions, while trains emit up to 90% less per passenger on comparable routes.

• Planes: Fast, convenient, but high-emission.
• Trains: Slower, but greener and more scenic.

Countries like Norway and Sweden are investing heavily in high-speed rail as part of their sustainable tourism strategies. (See our guide: Sustainable Tourism in Norway).

3. The Scenic Advantage: Travel as an Experience

On a plane, the most you’ll see is clouds. On a train, every seat is a window seat. From the fjords of Norway to the rolling hills of Tuscany, trains turn travel into a visual feast.

Some of the world’s most iconic train rides include:

• The Glacier Express (Switzerland) – linking Zermatt and St. Moritz
• Oslo to Bergen (Norway) – fjords, waterfalls, and mountain passes
• Bangkok to Chiang Mai (Thailand) – cultural landscapes of Southeast Asia

🔗 Related read: The Most Scenic Train Rides in the World

4. Comfort and Space: A Different Kind of Luxury

Air travel often means cramped seating, turbulence, and queues. In contrast, train journeys offer:

• Spacious cabins
• Ability to walk around
• Dining cars with regional cuisine
• Less strict baggage rules

In Europe, overnight sleeper trains are experiencing a renaissance, offering a mix of comfort, privacy, and affordability.

5. Time Efficiency: The Surprising Truth

Many assume planes are always faster. But when you factor in airport check-ins, security lines, boarding delays, and transport from airports located miles outside city centers—trains often match or even beat flight times on short and medium routes.

For example:

• Paris to London: 2 hrs 30 mins by Eurostar vs. ~4+ hrs by plane (including transfers).
• Rome to Florence: 1 hr 30 mins by high-speed rail vs. 3–4 hrs by air.

Slow travel doesn’t always mean losing time—it can mean using time better.

6. The Future: High-Speed and Luxury Rails

Governments are investing billions into rail infrastructure. By 2030, Europe plans to double its high-speed rail network, while Asia continues to dominate with advanced systems in Japan and China.

Luxury options are also expanding:

• Orient Express La Dolce Vita (Italy, 2025 launch)
• Belmond Royal Scotsman (Scotland)
• Eastern & Oriental Express (Thailand, Malaysia, Singapore)

Slow travel doesn’t mean sacrificing luxury—it often enhances it.

7. A Cultural Movement, Not Just Transport

Choosing trains over planes is becoming a statement. Just as veganism is about more than diet, slow travel is about values. It’s a push against mass tourism, over-tourism, and superficial travel.

In destinations like Greece or Italy, slow travelers are boosting local economies by staying longer, dining locally, and exploring beyond tourist hotspots.

🔗 Related read: Things to Do in Greece

Conclusion: Why the Future Belongs to Slow Travel

The future of travel is not only about speed—it’s about meaning. Planes will always have their place, especially for intercontinental travel. But for regional and cultural tourism, trains are reclaiming their role as the ultimate way to experience the world.

In 2025, choosing slow travel is more than a choice of transport—it’s a choice of lifestyle. It’s about living in the moment, being mindful of the planet, and making every journey part of the story.

At TravelWagons, we believe the train is not just transportation—it’s the future of tourism. 🚆✨