Is there wifi on V-line trains?

The Unexpected Comforts of No-Fi: Riding the V-Line in Victoria

The landscape blurred into streaks of green and gold as the V-Line train lumbered through the Victorian countryside. My journey began with a particular, albeit modern, expectation: Wi-Fi. Having become so accustomed to constant connectivity, especially while travelling, the initial realization that I was entering a digital dead zone was a little disconcerting. No frantic checks for signal strength, no loading articles, no streaming podcasts – just the quiet hum of the train and the rhythmic clickety-clack of the wheels on the tracks.

My perspective was further shaped by previous travel experiences. Coming from China, where high-speed rail is ubiquitous and Wi-Fi is as common as seats, the V-Line experience felt…different. In China, you can seamlessly work, stream, and video call your way across vast distances. The speed and connectivity are almost as impressive as the landscape flashing past the window.

However, as the initial Wi-Fi withdrawal symptoms began to subside, something unexpected occurred. I started to appreciate the journey itself. I looked up, properly looked up, and noticed the rolling hills dotted with sheep, the quaint little towns flashing past, and the vibrant colours of the Australian bush.

The absence of connectivity forced me to focus on the present moment. Instead of burying myself in the digital world, I engaged with my surroundings. I observed the other passengers – a family on their way to a weekend getaway, a student catching up on their reading, an elderly couple chatting quietly.

What struck me most was the surprisingly comfortable fold-down table. In its simplicity, it offered a haven for contemplation, a perfect spot to sketch in my notebook, or simply a surface to rest my weary arms. It wasn’t sleek or high-tech, but it was functional and offered a level of comfort I hadn’t anticipated.

The V-Line experience is a reminder that travel doesn’t always have to be about speed and connectivity. Sometimes, the most enriching journeys are the ones that allow us to disconnect, to appreciate the present, and to find unexpected comfort in the simplest of things. While the lack of Wi-Fi and power outlets might seem like a drawback, it ultimately fosters a more mindful and engaging travel experience. It’s a shift in expectations, a trade-off between digital convenience and the opportunity to truly connect with the world around you – a trade-off that, in this instance, was surprisingly worthwhile. The V-Line might not be a technological marvel, but it offers something far more valuable: the chance to disconnect and rediscover the simple joy of travel.

#Trains #Vline #Wifi