Train travel is seeing a resurgence across Europe as countries invest in better rail networks and more travelers seek eco-friendly alternatives to flying. But despite the growing popularity of train travel, navigating Europe’s complex and fragmented rail systems has remained a challenge.
A new tool aims to make booking a European train trip as easy as booking a flight. Byway, a company known for promoting slow travel, has launched an interactive mapping tool designed to simplify the process.
The tool helps travelers plan and book flight-free journeys, offering a clear, user-friendly map of rail routes and connections. Byway’s goal is to make booking a multi-country train trip as seamless as booking a flight, something that has long been missing in Europe’s rail system.
Why is Booking an International Train Journey in Europe So Difficult?
For years, Europe’s train networks have been difficult to navigate, especially for international travelers. There is no unified booking system, and regulations vary by country. As a result, travelers must often piece together tickets from different rail operators, sometimes relying on multiple websites or even phone calls to finalize their itineraries.
Mark Smith, creator of the online rail travel guide Man in Seat 61, describes international train travel as a “black art.” He notes that, even in the past when rail travel was simpler, arranging holidays by train required a large team of staff, making it a costly operation.
Byway’s new tool seeks to streamline the planning and booking process, allowing travelers to create their own itineraries in one place.
Smith praises the new map interface, calling it a bold attempt to let travelers handle everything themselves. He believes that with the younger generation expecting to do everything online, the tool will be well-received.
How Does Byway’s New Mapping Tool Work?
Byway Maps is designed to make planning rail journeys simple. Travelers input their starting location and time frame, and the tool generates suggested routes. These routes not only include train travel but also suggest accommodations and slow travel experiences along the way.
The platform currently covers 160 destinations across 20 countries, with plans for further expansion. Byway Maps doesn’t just list train schedules – it creates customized itineraries that fit the traveler’s interests and ensure smooth connections.
Cat Jones, founder of Byway, said in a statement, “Our goal is to make flight-free travel mainstream. This tool removes the biggest barriers to train travel – fragmented booking systems and complex route planning. Byway Maps makes the process effortless, so more people can experience the joy of slow travel.”
Why Are More Travelers Choosing Trains Over Planes?
Europe’s high-speed rail network has grown rapidly, doubling in size over the past decade. Night trains are also making a comeback, and demand for greener travel options continues to rise. In fact, train passenger numbers surged in 2023, with eight billion people using trains for domestic journeys – an increase of nearly 68% from 2020.
Mark Smith explains that 20 years ago, travelers who chose trains over planes were usually afraid of flying or had medical reasons. But today, more people are opting for trains because they’re tired of the airport experience and want to reduce their carbon emissions.
The environmental benefits are clear: According to the International Energy Agency (IEA), air travel produces more than 250 grams of carbon per passenger per kilometer, while rail travel produces just 34 grams.
By choosing trains, travelers can significantly reduce their carbon footprint. With new European Interrail and night train options, more flexible rail passes, and tools like Byway’s map, the golden age of train travel may be making a comeback.
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