Is it cheaper to fly than take the train?

Okay, so, "Is it cheaper to fly than take the train?" Right? Honestly, I've pondered this question so many times. And the answer? Ugh, flying usually wins on price. Sadly. And I say sadly because I love, like really love, train travel. It's just...so much more relaxing! You can actually see the countryside, read a book, get up and stretch... But those pesky budget airlines, they often just undercut the train fares, you know? It's like, how do they even do that?

Sure, you might get dinged with extra baggage fees these days – they get you with everything, don't they? But even adding all those sneaky little costs in, airplanes still seem to often be the cheaper bet. Which, honestly, just makes me a little frustrated. Why? Well, the train experience is so much better for the environment, isn't it? I mean, you feel less guilty arriving somewhere by train, knowing you haven't pumped loads of extra junk into the atmosphere. Maybe one day trains will be more affordable… one can only hope, right?