Trains are now becoming quicker than jet planes as a form of transport. I know that sounds stupid but when you include the time it takes to get to the airport, book in and go through security, it can take longer to go by plane. For example if you want to go to the centre of Paris from the centre of London it only takes 2 hours 30 minutes by Eurostar train.

It would take about 30 minutes to get to Heathrow from central London. Booking in, security and passport control would take another hour. You have to be through the departure gate more than 40 minutes before the plane takes off. Yes the flight does not take long but if you add the aircraft taxiing time that is about an hour.

Then in Paris you have to get through passport control and collect your luggage. That is another hour. You then have to get into central Paris from the airport which will take you another hour. Total time 5 hours 10 minutes. Taking the aircraft option has added three hours 20 minutes to your journey time.

Virgin Trains for journeys from London to Glasgow are currently offering return tickets booked in advance at half the price of the cheapest budget airline ticket. The Journey to Scotland takes 4 hours 30 minutes (soon to be reduced to only 4 hours).

To go from the centre of London to the centre of Glasgow by plane takes the same time as the trip to Paris for the same reasons. Taking the aircraft option takes 5 hours 10 minutes. Yes it is only a saving of 40 minutes but there are no hassles.

It can also be cheaper if you book in advance. The age of the train may be dawning for the second time. (Oh I forgot, it is also better for the environment!)