Transportation while traveling takes up a huge chunk of your travel budget on a trip, especially if you are moving around an area. Train travel is not feasible in the United States, but it is an extremely popular way of transportation in other countries. But that doesn’t mean that train travel is the best option. Consider these pros and cons before deciding which option is best for you.

Traveling by Train Pros

Convenience. Train travel can easily get you from one locale to another with ease. Simply, pay for your ticket, hop on and enjoy the ride until you arrive at your next destination.

Price. Train travel is fixed in the cost. A ticket can cost $1 to $100 or more depending on the distance and class of your ticket (first class costs more but has nicer amenities). In most cases, train travel will cost less than if you were to rent and purchase gas on your own.

Relaxation. The highlight of train travel is everyone gets to sit back and relax. Stare out the window, read a book or sleep, it is all up to you! Instead of focusing on driving, you can focus on relaxing.

Traveling by Train Cons

Limited locales. Unfortunately, traveling my train limits your destinations. Trains generally only visit popular towns, which can make it very difficult if you are traveling to a lesser known location.

Overcrowding. Some trains will pack in travelers beyond the actual seats. This leaves travelers clamoring for seats and storage space. Too many people make it difficult to relax and even more difficult to get off the train when your stop is up.

Renting a Car Pros

Flexibility. Renting a car will allow you to stop whenever and wherever you want to. You go by your schedule and what you want to see. Bring on smaller locales, late night traveling and hopping in the car on a whim.

Packing. Your own car will allow you to stow away your luggage safely and easily without the fear of it getting lost. Plus, you will never have to worry if your luggage is getting broken into when you are not looking. This generally will allow you to pack more because you will not have to carry everything all at once.

Renting a Car Cons

Cost. The flexibility of renting a car will cost you. But if you have the money to spend and you favor the ease of being your own master, renting a car could be the best option for you. However, penny pinchers can find that renting a car (if you include the cost of gas, cleaning fees and insurance) it will be almost double than riding a train.

Inconvenience. While renting a car gives you flexibility, it really can be an inconvenience. Many big European and Asian cities are not made for cars, especially more historic towns. Driving is generally more aggressive than in the United States. And do not forget about parking. That cost alone will add significantly to your overall cost.

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