Travel

European Train Travel: A Journey Through Past, Present, and Future

Published

1 year ago

March 1, 2025

RTX

A recent Interrail adventure across seven European countries has shed light on the highs and lows of modern train travel, revealing both the comforts and inconsistencies of rail networks across the continent.

From the luxurious panoramic carriages of Switzerland’s Glacier Express to the graffiti-covered trains of Germany, the disparity in rail services underscores the challenges facing Europe’s rail industry. While some countries excel in passenger experience, others struggle with outdated infrastructure and inconsistent amenities.

A Look Back: 200 Years of Rail Travel

This year marks the 200th anniversary of the Stockton and Darlington Railway in northern England—the first time passengers traveled en masse by train. In those early days, third-class passengers endured open-air carriages, exposed to the elements and the soot from steam engines.

Rail travel has evolved significantly since then, with the introduction of sleeper cars, dining services, and modern comforts. For those eager to experience train travel as it once was, heritage railways like Britain’s Great Central Railway offer a glimpse into the past, complete with steam engines, traditional compartments, and even waiting rooms with open fireplaces.

Meanwhile, Germany’s Wuppertal Schwebebahn, the world’s oldest electric suspension railway, showcases a different kind of rail innovation. Here, passengers board carriages suspended beneath a single track, demonstrating how train technology has taken many forms over the centuries.

The Reality of Modern Rail Travel

For today’s travelers, the train experience varies dramatically depending on location. During an Interrail journey spanning the Netherlands, Austria, Switzerland, Germany, Belgium, France, and the UK, the quality of train services ranged from cutting-edge efficiency to frustrating disrepair.

Switzerland and the Netherlands: High standards, clean carriages, family-friendly spaces, and reliable service. Swiss Intercity trains even feature onboard playgrounds and board games to keep children entertained.
Germany: A mixed experience, with graffiti-covered carriages, worn-out interiors, and inconsistent station facilities.
France and the Netherlands: Double-decker trains maximize space, a solution that could benefit more European networks.
Seat Reservations & Extra Fees: While Interrail passes cover most journeys, some trains—like Eurostar and the Glacier Express—require additional reservation fees, which often correlate with superior service.
WiFi & Charging Points: Still inconsistent, particularly on local and regional trains.

While modern trains offer conveniences unimaginable to passengers 200 years ago, service quality remains uneven across Europe.

What’s Next for Train Travel?

As Europe shifts towards more sustainable transportation, sleeper train services are making a comeback. However, the current state of overnight travel leaves much to be desired. A journey from the Netherlands to Innsbruck highlighted cramped compartments with limited privacy and comfort—a far cry from the luxurious night trains of the past.

To address this, rail companies are investing in new designs:

Austria’s Skoda Group is developing double-decker sleep cubicles to improve passenger comfort.
Alstom’s DreamSuite concept features lie-flat seats with privacy screens.

Security is also a growing concern, with luggage thefts on the rise. While Japanese bullet trains offer lockable storage, European trains still rely on open racks. Some travelers bring their own cable locks, but rail networks need better-built security systems.

Making Trains the Preferred Choice

For rail to become a truly viable alternative to cars and planes, the passenger experience must improve. Innovations in hydrogen-fueled trains and increased service reliability are essential, but passengers must also want to travel by train.

Norway’s investment in long-distance FLIRT NEX trains—with reclining seats, family-friendly compartments, ample luggage space, and onboard bistros—reflects this shift. As project manager Sille Svenkerud Førner put it,

“The train should not only be a transport stage but also an experience and a place where you like to be.”

Europe’s future in rail travel depends not just on faster, cleaner trains, but on creating an experience that makes people choose the tracks over the skies.

Travel

Middle East Authorities Warn Against Sharing Footage of Iranian Strikes on Social Media

Published

16 hours ago

March 1, 2026

Web Reporter

Authorities across the Middle East are cautioning residents, citizens, and visitors about sharing images and videos of Iranian retaliatory strikes, citing security risks and potential legal consequences.

Authorities have restrictions around sharing such images for security purposes and to prevent the spread of fake news. Social media has been flooded with footage from influencers and tourists showing missile interceptions and other military responses in the region. Officials warn that posting such content could reveal the locations of defensive installations or provide information that may aid future attacks.

The concerns are not unique to the region. Similar rules are in place in Ukraine, where the ongoing conflict with Russia has prompted authorities to limit the circulation of footage from conflict zones.

In Bahrain, two people were arrested on February 28 for posting live footage of strikes on social media. The Ministry of Interior said anyone filming, posting, or reposting videos from the scene could face legal action. “This constitutes a legal violation that could harm security and public order,” the ministry stated on X.

Kuwait’s Ministry of Interior issued comparable guidance, asking citizens to refrain from filming missile interceptions or authorities carrying out their duties. The ministry said such content could cause public anxiety, disrupt security operations, and spread inaccurate information. Legal measures will be taken against anyone sharing rumours or misleading news.

Qatar’s Ministry of Interior emphasized avoiding the circulation of images or videos of the aftermath to prevent legal liability. The Dubai Media Office issued similar advice, urging residents to rely on official sources for updates.

Authorities stress the importance of following verified channels for information. Bahrainis can access updates through @moi_bahrain and @bna_en, while UAE residents should refer to @DXBMediaOffice and @ADMediaOffice. Qataris are advised to follow @QNAEnglish and @MOI_QatarEn, and Kuwaitis can check @kuna_en and @Moi_kuw. Jordan and Saudi Arabia have also set up official accounts for timely updates, including @PetranewsEN, @moi_jor, @Spa_Eng, and @MOISaudiArabia.

Several embassies are providing updates to their citizens who register with them. International news outlets such as Euronews are also offering live coverage, with bureaus in Doha and Dubai running continuous updates on their website.

Officials emphasize that following these guidelines protects public safety and ensures accurate reporting during a period of heightened regional tension. Authorities warn that disregarding the rules could carry serious legal consequences, highlighting the need for vigilance and restraint when sharing information online.

Travel

Ryanair Ranks Last in Which? Airline Satisfaction Survey as Jet2 and Singapore Airlines Lead

Published

3 days ago

February 27, 2026

Web Reporter

The consumer group surveyed more than 5,500 travellers about their recent flying experiences. Ryanair finished at the bottom of the short-haul table with an overall customer score of 55 percent. It received two stars for booking, boarding, customer service and cabin environment, and just one star for seat comfort. One respondent described the aircraft as “dirty” with “awful” seating.

Ryanair was awarded three stars for value for money, behind competitors including Jet2, Lufthansa, TUI and Aer Lingus. More than a third of Ryanair passengers reported that something went wrong during their journey.

Wizz Air also ranked near the bottom with a score of 59 percent. Customers cited poor communication during delays and weak customer service. The airline said the survey relied on a small sample of 259 respondents, compared with the 12 million passengers it carried on UK flights in 2025, and noted improvements in punctuality and satisfaction over the past year.

easyJet scored 67 percent overall. While its punctuality has improved and cancellations have declined, it received two stars for customer service, seat comfort and cabin environment. A spokesperson said the airline’s pricing model allows customers to pay only for what they need, with around 40 percent choosing to travel with the basic fare.

Which? said budget airlines often advertise low headline fares but charge additional fees for cabin baggage and seat selection. The group recently prompted a ruling by the Advertising Standards Authority over cabin bag pricing. “Many other passengers fly with them because of the enticingly low headline fares,” said Which? Travel editor Rory Boland. “But ridiculously expensive charges for baggage and other add-ons mean they are no longer guaranteed to be the cheapest option. Fly with anyone else, if you can.”

At the top of the short-haul ranking was Jet2 with 76 percent, praised for reliability. British Airways scored 72 percent, earning four stars for customer service. According to the Civil Aviation Authority, 74 percent of its flights departed on time in the latest period, up from 65 percent a year earlier.

For long-haul travel, Singapore Airlines led with 81 percent, followed by Emirates at 80 percent and Virgin Atlantic at 79 percent. Singapore Airlines and Virgin Atlantic both received five stars for customer service, with passengers praising cabin comfort and attentive staff.

In contrast, Aer Lingus ranked lowest among long-haul carriers with 65 percent, while several US airlines, including Delta Air Lines and United Airlines, were placed near the bottom of the table.

Travel

AirAsia X to Relaunch London-Kuala Lumpur Route With Bahrain Stopover

Published

2 weeks ago

February 15, 2026

Web Reporter

AirAsia X’s revived route between London Gatwick and the Malaysian capital will now include a stopover in Bahrain, the airline confirmed. The low-cost long-haul carrier is set to resume flights between London and Kuala Lumpur this summer, offering travellers a new connection via the Middle Eastern hub.

From 26 June 2026, passengers will be able to fly between Gatwick and Kuala Lumpur International Airport with a layover in Bahrain. Stopover times will range from 90 minutes to two hours, bringing the total journey to approximately 16 and a half hours.

The airline has announced promotional fares booked before 22 February for travel between 26 June and 30 November starting at €85 one-way. However, current ticket searches show the lowest available fares for this period at around €185 one-way from London to Kuala Lumpur.

AirAsia X has been steadily expanding its long-haul network. In mid-November, the airline introduced a direct service between Istanbul’s Sabiha Gökçen International Airport and Kuala Lumpur, a flight taking roughly 10 and a half hours.

The London route marks a return to Europe after more than a decade. AirAsia X previously operated direct flights from London and Paris Orly to Kuala Lumpur, but these were discontinued in 2012 due to rising jet fuel prices, higher taxes, and declining demand. Since then, the airline’s leadership, including CEO Tony Fernandes, expressed interest in restoring European services, with plans gradually materialising over the past few years.

Fernandes, now CEO of Capital A, AirAsia’s parent company, described Bahrain as a “strategic hub” for the airline’s European operations. “This is a defining step in the next phase of AAX’s growth,” he said. “Bahrain as our strategic aviation hub allows us to connect Asia with the Middle East and Europe more effectively while creating a scalable platform for future growth. Looking ahead, we will deepen partnerships with airports, tourism authorities and industry stakeholders to unlock new demand corridors.”

The airline has not disclosed which additional European destinations it may target next. Currently, AirAsia X serves around 150 destinations, covering cities in Australia, China, India, Japan, South Korea, and Uzbekistan, reflecting its wide-reaching network across Asia and beyond.

The relaunch of the London-Kuala Lumpur route with a Bahrain stopover signals AirAsia X’s renewed commitment to long-haul operations in Europe, combining affordability with strategic connectivity. For travellers seeking low-cost options on intercontinental flights, the route offers a competitive alternative to traditional carriers, while providing access to the growing Gulf aviation hub.