Train V Plane

Flying around Britain might seem like an ultra modern way to travel. For example, it only takes 1 hour to fly from London Stansted to Edinburgh. But is it really that great?

The poor old train takes several hours to get to the Scottish capital from London King’s Cross. For the time conscious, the choice seems obvious. Fly.

But in reality, both in terms of cost and overall time, it isn’t always the case. Railways, after all, are found right in the heart of our towns and cities, meaning you don’t necessarily have to pay for further transport; buses, taxis etc.

But the plane can really bog you down. Unless it is a keenly contested route, coach/train companies charge a lot to get to airports. And after you’ve been ripped off by them, you go through the very drawn out process of check-in, security and finally – waiting for the plane. And it’s true what they say, the airport authorities like to get you to the airport early so you can spend your left over currency on pretend-discount perfume.

What am I saying here? I’m saying that if you book in advance, the train can be a much more pleasant and speedy experience than the plane. One of the main advantages is that you settle in for the entire duration (usually), you don’t get on a bus, then check-in, then go through security, then wait to board the plane – and then do much the same at the other end. With a train, you get on, sit down and you get some genuine quality time with yourself – whether it’s reading, writing or just vegetating as you watch the British countryside flash past.

Don’t forget the train.