Taking the train for work travel can cost more time than going by car or plane. But it's one of the most energy efficient ways to travel, and I get this weird productivity boost from them.

Note that you can absolutely also chill out, read, sleep or listen to music on trains. I like that too, sometimes. But this post is about when I use train time to work. In Europe.

Enjoy the benefits

As mentioned in the intro, a major reason for my traveling by train is the low environmental impact (relatively, and apart from not traveling). I travel a lot for work, so my impact is relatively high, especially when I don't manage to avoid planes. Despite doubts about effectiveness of compensation, I do compensate in various ways, but it still doesn't feel great, avoiding is ideal.

Trains also offer a productivity boost. If you're forced to be in a seat, on a connection too unstable to take work calls, this presents an opportunity. An opportunity to get things done (no I am not for hire as a productivity coach).

gitI don't know what it is about trains, but I really find the time flies when I have something specific to write, code, or design. Trains have proven themselves as great offices to me. I don't know if I can convince my bookkeeper that train tickets are in fact office rental costs, but do you see how they can feel like that?

There are some more benefits to trains:

• good views. Depending on your route and time of travel, there's always plenty to see outside. Sunrise and sunset are particularly nice.
• arrival in central locations. European train stations are usually close to where the fun happens.
• less checks. Within Schengen, international trains usually don't have border checks or luggage checks, so there's a lot less hassle and queuing, you can show up and go.

Embrace the caveats

Things can go wrong, too. Like with any kind of travel.

Delays

If your international train has stopovers, delays can be a headache. Especially between train companies. Plan for stopover time and consider flexible tickets for onward journeys. And stay calm: it happens. Also, in Europe, you have lots of rights re train delays and will have travelled partially for free when delays happen.

Data

Large parts of Europe don't have stable mobile data, especially outside cities. Or, depending on your plan, you don't get a great connection roaming. Have some of your work available offline so that poor connection doesn't interrupt you. Know which web apps to trust (the progressively enhanced parts of GitHub are the best).

Power

Not all power outlets will work, so I follow the ‘ABC’ rule: Always be charging when you have the opportunity, so that batteries are full and ready to go when you don't.

In conclusion

Trains are nice, and their benefits outweigh the caveats, especially if you anticipate those in advance. I'm curious if people have found other benefits or caveats regarding taking the train for work. What's exciting you or holding you back? Feel feel to reply by email or via Mastodon or Bluesky.

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Originally posted as Trains are offices on Hidde's blog.

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