6 train journeys that are faster (and way more fun) than flying
Think flying is the quickest way to travel? Think again. By the time you’ve battled traffic to the airport, queued at security, waited at the gate, and squeezed into a cramped seat, you could already be halfway across the country by train.
Rail travel isn’t just faster door-to-door - it’s greener, comfier, and a lot more fun. You can stretch out, snack freely, watch the world roll by, and even stop off along the way. Best of all, trains take you straight to the city centre, so your adventure starts the moment you arrive.
Here are six incredible train journeys across the UK and Europe where the train beats the plane.
UK train journeys that outrun the plane
London → Manchester
🚆 2h 10m | ✈️ 3h 15m
Skip Heathrow faff and hop on a direct train from Euston. You’ll pass the Peak District and arrive in Manchester ready for music, football, or a proper pint.
London → Newcastle
🚆 3h | ✈️ 3h 10m
It’s a tie on time, but the train wins for views. You’ll sweep past York, Durham, and the North Sea before rolling into Newcastle’s city centre.
London → Edinburgh
🚆 4h 25m | ✈️ 4h 30m
One of the UK’s most scenic rail routes. Think castles, cliffs, and coastal panoramas - all ending at Waverley Station, right beneath Edinburgh Castle.
Flight-free travel to Europe
London → Brussels
🚆 2h | ✈️ 4h
Eurostar whisks you under the Channel and into Brussels without the liquid bans or baggage drama. One tram later and you’re at Grand Place with a waffle in hand.
London → Paris
🚆 2h 20m | ✈️ 4h 20m
Paris without the airport stress? Yes, please. From St Pancras to Gare du Nord, it’s croissant o’clock before you’ve even had time to miss the plane.
Vienna → Budapest
🚆 2h 40m | ✈️ 4h
Glide through Austria and into Hungary in under three hours. No airports, no delays - just wide seats, buffet cars, and countryside views.
Why choose trains over planes?
🌍 Lower carbon footprint – better for you, better for the planet.
🚉 City-centre to city-centre – no taxis, no transfers.
😌 Stress-free travel – no baggage restrictions or endless queues.
🪟 Scenic views – from rolling hills to alpine lakes, the journey is the adventure.
Whether you’re planning a quick UK getaway or a grand European adventure, trains often outpace planes, and they always outshine them. Next time you’re tempted to book a flight, check the rail timetable first. You might just find the journey is the best part of the trip.
Thanks for reading!
One Tree Travel 🌳
