- Western Europe operates a series of TGV double-decker trains that connect places like France and Germany.
- These trains can reach speeds of up to 186 miles per hour and are often more convenient than air travel.
- Recently, I had the opportunity to travel on the TGV from Frankfurt to Paris, and it made me realize how far behind the US is in terms of high-speed rail.
For the second time this year, I opted for a European high-speed train to Paris instead of a flight from a neighboring country.
To my surprise, my February trip from Amsterdam sparked an online debate about rail travel, thanks to a viral Twitter post highlighting the difference in perspectives between Americans and Europeans.
Being from north Florida, where high-speed rail is uncommon, I was thrilled with the experience despite its ordinary nature in Europe.
After experiencing it again in June, this time on the French-operated TGV InOui from Frankfurt, my opinion remains unchanged – US rail companies like Amtrak pale in comparison.
While Amtrak isn’t terrible and has provided me with comfortable rides from New York to Boston, delays and poor cleanliness of cars and stations are common.
Moreover, the US has only a few high-speed routes available, making it unlikely to develop a robust rail network like Europe or Japan in the near future.
Nonetheless, it’s still worth dreaming. Some companies, like South Florida’s Brightline high-speed train, are striving to make a difference.
As I patiently await rail innovations at home, I can continue to enjoy them abroad. Let me share my experience of traveling in first class on the 186-mile-per-hour TGV train from Frankfurt to Paris for $100.
Denial of responsibility! VigourTimes is an automatic aggregator of Global media. In each content, the hyperlink to the primary source is specified. All trademarks belong to their rightful owners, and all materials to their authors. For any complaint, please reach us at – [email protected]. We will take necessary action within 24 hours.
