I've spent more than 100 hours riding the rails in the US and Europe. Here are 8 differences I noticed between train travel in each place.

Joey HaddenDec 17, 2022, 17:59 IST

The author boards trains in the US and EuropeJoey Hadden/Insider

I've taken Amtrak trains around the US — from business class to sleeper cabins.
I also recently spent two weeks traveling by train in Europe for the first time, in various classes.

I've traveled by train in the US and Europe, in coach, business, and first class, along with private and shared sleeper cabins. I've noticed many key differences between rail services in each place, from booking to the ride itself.

The author sits in trains in the US and Europe.Joey Hadden/Insider

I've traveled by train in the US and Europe, in coach, business, and first class, along with private and shared sleeper cabins. I've noticed many key differences between rail services in each place, from booking to the ride itself.

In the US, I've always purchased one individual train ticket per ride. But in Europe, I bought one train pass that allowed me to ride four trains without an additional fee, and overnight trains with a small, discounted surcharge.

Tickets on US and European trains.Joey Hadden/Insider

In the US, I've always purchased one individual train ticket per ride. But in Europe, I bought one train pass that allowed me to ride four trains without an additional fee, and overnight trains with a small, discounted surcharge.

In the US, boarding trains is easy and straightforward. But in Europe, I found the process to be more confusing as I had to board a specific car to ensure I'd reach my final destination.

Train platforms in the US and Europe.Joey Hadden/Insider

In the US, boarding trains is easy and straightforward. But in Europe, I found the process to be more confusing as I had to board a specific car to ensure I'd reach my final destination.

In my opinion, seats on European trains were more comfortable than those I've experienced in the US.

Business class seats on US and European trains.Joey Hadden/Insider

In the US, I've only seen personal trash cans inside private sleeper cabins. But in Europe, I noticed that first and business-class seats had them at each seat.

Trash cans on trains in the US and Europe.Joey Hadden/Insider

I also noticed that, unlike US trains I've taken, European trains typically have high-tech touches like touchless doors and information screens to preview upcoming stops and a map of the route.

Inside a US train car (L) and an informative screen on a European train (R).Joey Hadden/Insider

I also noticed that, unlike US trains I've taken, European trains typically have high-tech touches like touchless doors and information screens to preview upcoming stops and a map of the route.

European trains seemed to be faster and bumpier than those in the US, in my experience.

Views out the window on US and European trains while they're moving.Joey Hadden/Insider

I've stayed in overnight sleeper cabins in the US and Europe. The trains I experienced in the US were private sleeper cabins, while in Europe, I booked shared rooms with other travelers.

Sleeper accommodations in the US and Europe.Joey Hadden/Insider

I've stayed in overnight sleeper cabins in the US and Europe. The trains I experienced in the US were private sleeper cabins, while in Europe, I booked shared rooms with other travelers.

Tickets for sleeper trains in the US and Europe both include breakfast, but I thought that trains in the US provided larger, more well-rounded meals than in Europe.

Breakfast served on US and European trains.Joey Hadden/Insider

I don't think train travel is better in the US or Europe. They're just different.

The author travels by train in the US and Europe.Joey Hadden/Insider

We spent 225 cumulative hours on trains around the world, and these disappointing photos show what rail travel is really like

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I've spent more than 100 hours riding the rails in the US and Europe. Here are 8 differences I noticed between train travel in each place.

I've traveled by train in the US and Europe, in coach, business, and first class, along with private and shared sleeper cabins. I've noticed many key differences between rail services in each place, from booking to the ride itself.

In the US, I've always purchased one individual train ticket per ride. But in Europe, I bought one train pass that allowed me to ride four trains without an additional fee, and overnight trains with a small, discounted surcharge.

In the US, boarding trains is easy and straightforward. But in Europe, I found the process to be more confusing as I had to board a specific car to ensure I'd reach my final destination.

In my opinion, seats on European trains were more comfortable than those I've experienced in the US.

In the US, I've only seen personal trash cans inside private sleeper cabins. But in Europe, I noticed that first and business-class seats had them at each seat.

I also noticed that, unlike US trains I've taken, European trains typically have high-tech touches like touchless doors and information screens to preview upcoming stops and a map of the route.

European trains seemed to be faster and bumpier than those in the US, in my experience.

I've stayed in overnight sleeper cabins in the US and Europe. The trains I experienced in the US were private sleeper cabins, while in Europe, I booked shared rooms with other travelers.

Tickets for sleeper trains in the US and Europe both include breakfast, but I thought that trains in the US provided larger, more well-rounded meals than in Europe.

I don't think train travel is better in the US or Europe. They're just different.