Rail or Wheel? Comparing Bus and Rail Travel

For many travelers, trains and buses are the only feasible modes of transportation in certain parts of the world. But which is the better mode of transportation? The answer, not surprisingly, is not an easy one and can depend oftentimes on the country you are in as well as your itinerary. The following are some common things to consider:

How Long Does It Take?

This is obviously the important one. Train travel is in most areas faster than taking a bus, especially when it comes to the high-speed bullet trains that are commonplace in Europe and Japan. But on the other hand, buses give you greater flexibility in that you are not restricted to train stations, and they are able to drop you off at any point providing that it is along the bus route. And since bus routes tend to follow highways and commonly traveled roads, they can provide for a more direct path to where you are going, which can compensate for more frequent stops. Train delays also tend to last longer, pending large extraordinary circumstances on buses, which can really throw you off of your schedule!
(Picture: London Tube "Mind the Gap", one of the many warnings - May 2008)

So if you are planning on traveling form city to city you are generally best off using a train, but if you’re trekking in more rural areas, bus travel can be more reliable. Additionally, if you travels take you across borders, it’s good to note that it generally takes trains a longer time to pass border inspections, especially if they are subjected to a cargo check.

Comfort/Amenities

One of the traditional appeals of train travel has been that it the most luxurious form of travel. And it’s true that train travel can be the most comfortable way to travel, as today’s trains offer food and drinks, as well as more space, and in some cases sleeper cars. Buses generally offer none of these things, although some companies offer wireless internet or in-ride movies, and are beginning to provide more space for briefcases, backpacks, and other forms of luggage. But if you really want to stretch out, train travel is the way to go.
(Picture: Close quarters are often the norm on some buses - Europe 2008 on a Contiki Tour)

Safety

In some areas, taking either mode of transportation makes it feel as if you’re taking your life into your own hands. Buses, in the hands of the wrong driver and driven on shoddy roads, can be rollover death trap, while trains traveling over poorly laid tracks are always at risk of suddenly derailing.

But the chances of such accidents happening are very rare, no matter where you are. In fact, the biggest risk when it comes to traveling by bus or rail is of having your things stolen. One would think that you be more at-risk of having your things stolen on a bus, as it has tighter quarters. But petty robberies happen more frequently on train rides, as thieves can simply board on one stop, do their dirty work, and get off on the next stop instead of buying a pass for the whole ride, which they would be required to do for most bus trips.

These are just a few broad pointers that should hopefully help you determine which method is best for you. Trains can offer the best in amenities, and some rail trips are an experience not to be missed. But in some cases, buses can get you where you are going more safely and more conveniently. Whatever you do, make sure to plan in advance so you can figure out what the easiest method can be. And remember, sometimes it’s more about the trip than the destination!

The next post in this series [expected early May, 2009] will detail some of the costs associated with bus and rail travel in the countries I am planning on visiting.

Posted in: Planning,Refinement,Transportation