Merry - this is one area where Sir Richard's trains can't keep up with his planes...

Trains definitely beat buses - how many of you have spent over 24 hours on a greyhound or its equivalent? Trains are incredibly luxurous in comparison.

The European train system is great compared to the rest of the world - it's possible to get almost anywhere using the train, and with train stations commonly integrated with airports it's a lot easier than taking a cab. Rudi is right about the Swiss train system - I used to go to Lausanne every month (from London), & taking the train from Geneva to Lausanne was by far the best part of the journey.

Besides, MF, aren't you in the oil business? - you should enjoy those diesel fumes!