Why Travelers Are Rethinking Air Travel and Boarding Trains Instead in 2025

Author: Georgia Konidari

Edited by: Amanda Kay

After a series of high-profile fatal crashes, some travelers are turning to trains over planes in 2025, despite air travel remaining statistically one of the safest modes of transportation. This significant shift is due to rising airfare, environmental issues, and a number of airline accidents in the recent past.

Rising Prices of Airfare

Air travel has become increasingly expensive, with prices in January 2025 being 12% higher than January 2024. Hopper also predicts airfare will increase by 19% in May and 12% in June 2025. The rise in operational costs and demand for services explains this increase. Hence, individuals are looking for more economical alternatives, and train travel is becoming popular as a viable option.

Adding to the frustration, budget airlines offer minimal compensation for delayed flights. “I was recently flying home from Orlando on Avelo and high winds were making many flights be delayed,” shares Alicia at Travels With the Crew. “The 3 Avelo flights before us were delayed or cancelled and my flight took off 6 hours late. When I got home I opened my email to find a $25 voucher for my next flight. Meanwhile, American had the same delays and their vouchers were for $60 at the airport. It does pay to fly the bigger carriers.”

Environmental Issues

Sustainability is becoming increasingly more important to travelers. Rail transport is a more environmentally friendly mode of travel than flying, with lower carbon emissions. For example, the railway system market is expected to grow from 33.92 billion in 2024 to 35.93 billion in 2025, with increased investment in sustainable transportation infrastructure.

Aviation Safety Concerns

Various recent aviation incidents have also influenced this change in traveler behavior. Reports of plane crashes have raised safety concerns, and travelers are becoming hesitant about the mode of transportation they use.

Investment in High Speed Rail Networks

Given these factors, significant investments are being made in high-speed rail infrastructure.

According to the High Speed Rail Alliance, the United States currently has two high-speed lines under construction. Amtrak is on a mission to change, with plans to boost its capital spending by 50% in 2025 to modernize its fleet and infrastructure in order to meet historic ridership growth.

Canada is planning a new high-speed rail project called Alto, which will link Toronto and Montreal with a 186-mile-per-hour train in under 3 hours. The $2.75-billion project aims to make train travel more competitive with air travel while being more convenient and sustainable.

In Europe, Eurostar has observed a record-breaking 19.5 million passengers board its trains in 2024, the highest in the company’s history. This increase is linked to the Paris 2024 Olympic Games, which represents a 5% growth compared to summer 2023.

Popular Train Routes

The Eurostar is one of the fastest ways to travel between London and Paris and a good alternative to air travel. “With check-in times as short as 30 minutes and a journey of just over two hours between London and Paris, Eurostar is faster than flying and without the hassle of airport security and boarding delays,” shares Sotirios Vertsetis of World Wild Schooling.

The West Highland Line in Scotland offers spectacular views of the Scottish Highlands, including the Glenfinnan Viaduct, which has been made famous by the Harry Potter movies.

Amtrak’s Northern Rail Experience takes passengers on a scenic journey between beautiful American cities such as Chicago and San Francisco on some of its most iconic trains, the Empire Builder, Coast Starlight, and California Zephyr.

Tropical train routes are also becoming popular for travelers looking for scenic railway experiences. Sri Lanka’s Kandy to Ella journey offers views of lush tea plantations, while the luxurious Eastern and Oriental Express carries passengers between Singapore, Malaysia, and Thailand.

Sleeper Trains

Sleeper trains are making a comeback, which is convenient for overnight trips.

European Sleeper offers night train routes across Europe with two itineraries, Brussels to Prague year-round and the seasonal Brussels to Venice. With the European Sleeper Pass for unlimited travel, night trains provide a sustainable way to explore Europe.

Venice Simplon Orient-Express is a luxurious vintage-style train that began running in 2024. It has 11 lavishly decorated carriages with deluxe cabins and restaurants with fine dining. Itineraries include iconic destinations, such as Rome, Venice, and Florence, as well as other European destinations.

Britannic Explorer is a luxury sleeper train that will start in July 2025. The first sleeper train in England and Wales will cover destinations like Wales, Cornwall, and the Lake District. Operated by Belmond, like Venice Simplon Orient Express, the train will have 18 elegant cabins and a bar with curated botanical cocktails.

 

 

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This post was previously published on Wealth of Geeks.

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Photo credit: iStock

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