AviationGeeks.com - Train vs. Plane - Are High-Speed Trains a Serious Threat to Airlines?

With all the security and hassles at the airports it´s no surprise that trains have become an increased competitor to airlines. With the arrival of high-speed trains in the U. S., Germany, China, Spain, India, and other countries, short legs (2-4 hours) take no longer in trains than they do in aircrafts. 

The Boston – New York leg (305 km, 190 mi) takes as little as 3 hrs in train, while it takes 1 hr and 25 minutes in an aircraft. But, keep in mind that the Pennsylvania Rail Station is more conveniently located that JFK Airport and you don´t have to go through the tight security when travelling with trains. Passengers travelling with airlines have to show up at the airport 2 hours before the flight while there are no such rules at rail stations. So, the total time it takes to travel from Logan to JFK is about 3.5 hrs, which is about the same that it takes in trains. If passengers are travelling to downtown Manhattan, they will arrive at a more convenient location with the rail system.

The price of an Amtrak ticket from Boston to New York is $49 in coach and $111 for a business class on the 3 hr 25 minutes train ride. For economy seat, the cheapest price of a Delta ticket for the same route is $108 (plus $21 for taxes), while AA charges $99. So, the prices are similar between rail and airlines. The fairs all had the same date, a month from now.

The Paris – Frankfurt leg (943 km, 586 mi) takes 3 hrs and 50 minutes, while it takes only 1 hr 20 minutes to fly. But adding the 2 hours at the airport, in addition to the times it takes you to travel trough the heavy traffic around Charles De Gaulle Airport it comes out about the same. The prices are similar, although, it´s usually a little cheaper to travel with the train.

Majority of domestic routes have been affected by the new high-speed train in China. China Southern Airlines has experienced considerable (up to 30 to 40 percent) drop on routes were the high-speed trains are competing. China Southern Airlines and Air China have had to cut prices to compete with the new rail system. The Chinese government plans to have 18,000 km (11,185 mi) rail system with trains reaching over 250-350 km/h (155-217 mi/h) by 2020.

Photo copyright: Tim De Groot

There are several other examples of high-speed trains making life difficult for Airlines. One such example is in Spain, which is on track to have the most extensive high-speed train system in the world. Spain plans to have 90 percent of the population within 50 km of the next bullet trains station by 2020. Iberia has already had to cut price and decrease capacity on many routes due to competition from high-speed trains.

Obviously, the high-speed trains are a threat to aviation especially on shorter routes. With trains passengers have much greater seat-pitch, it´s easier to stand up to stretch your legs and trains are all around more comfortable method of travel. In addition, trains have a better on-time performance and better safety record.