Living Planet What’s really holding back train travel?
Sep 5, 2025
Mark Smith, a train travel enthusiast and creator of seat61.com, shares his passion for rail journeys and the advantages they hold over flying. He discusses how trains can significantly cut travel emissions and offer a more authentic experience. Mark reflects on the struggles of navigating fragmented ticketing systems and how airline subsidies hinder rail investment. The duo explores the emotional nostalgia tied to train travel, the growing global interest in rail, and why convenience often sways travelers towards cars and planes.
AI Snips
Chapters
Books
Transcript
Episode notes
Long Multi-Train Journey For Love Of Rail
- Mark Smith described a four-day, eight-train journey from London to Estonia that costs about €420 compared with a three-hour flight for €21.
- He values the experience, scenery and human connections that train travel provides over speed or price.
Life Event On The Orient Express
- Mark recalled getting engaged on a multi-day Venice Simplon-Orient-Express trip through the Brenner Pass.
- That trip helped cement his lifelong passion for rail travel and storytelling about trains.
Long Trips Drive Most Travel Emissions
- The London–Tallinn trip emits about 110–140 kg CO2 by train versus ~380 kg by plane, a 70–75% reduction.
- Long-distance trips make up a small share of journeys but cause the majority of travel emissions, so modal shifts matter greatly.
