Train travel has been a staple of transportation for well over a century, and while the romance of the train journey remains as strong as ever, the experience has changed quite a bit from the days of steam engines and opulent dining cars. If you were to board a train in 1907, your journey would have been very different from what we experience today. We’re talking about luxury carriages with mahogany paneling, steam whistles, and the occasional bout of train robberies (we’re kidding, mostly). Fast forward to today, and we’re dealing with electric trains, high-speed routes, and apps to book tickets. But how did we get here?
In this article, we’ll explore the key differences between train travel in 1907 and train travel today, from the speed and comfort of the trains to the way we book tickets and the experience of the journey itself. Let’s get on board and take a ride through time!
1. The Train Experience: A Journey of Luxury vs. Convenience
1907: If you were hopping on a train in 1907, you’d likely be embarking on a journey that was part adventure, part luxury, and very much an event. Trains were still powered by steam engines, and traveling by rail was an elegant affair, especially in first-class. It was common to find carriages outfitted with rich velvet seats, tasselled curtains, and mahogany paneling. You might have been served afternoon tea or dined in a luxury dining car where the menu featured lobster bisque, roast lamb, and other hearty meals. It was a level of sophistication that would make today’s fast food stations look positively pedestrian.
- Train Stations: Train stations were grand, often resembling palaces with ornate architecture, high ceilings, and large waiting areas. Many stations, like St. Pancras in London, were known for their stunning designs, and waiting for your train was an experience in itself, one that invoked feelings of anticipation and excitement.
- Speed and Comfort: The trains in 1907 were relatively comfortable, but they weren’t fast. Depending on the route, you could expect a maximum speed of about 60 to 70 mph (97 to 113 km/h). The fastest trains of the time, like those running on the Great Western Railway, would have made a relatively long journey feel even longer, thanks to a lack of modern amenities. And when it came to comfort, the journey wasn’t always smooth sailing—bumpy tracks and the occasional noisy coal engine meant the ride wasn’t always as luxurious as the carriages looked.
Today: Fast forward to the 21st century, and the experience has changed in both positive and not-so-positive ways. Today’s trains are sleek, efficient, and fast, thanks to the rise of electric trains and high-speed rail. We now have direct routes that can get us from London to Paris in just 2 hours and 20 minutes via the Eurostar, or from Tokyo to Osaka in 2.5 hours on the Shinkansen—far quicker than the days of slow-moving steam-powered trains. Speed is the name of the game, and thanks to electric propulsion, trains can now travel at speeds of up to 186 mph (300 km/h) on high-speed networks.
- Modern Stations: While modern train stations are still hubs of activity, they’ve traded the grandeur of 1907 for practicality and efficiency. Think of the futuristic design of London’s King’s Cross or Tokyo’s Shinjuku Station, where passengers glide through vast open spaces and order coffee from automated machines before catching their train. No more waiting in gilded lounges for the next adventure.
2. Train Comfort: From Overstuffed Cushions to Reclining Seats
1907: When you boarded a train in 1907, comfort was one of the key aspects of the experience. First-class carriages were designed for luxury, with plush upholstered seats and heavy, velvet curtains to keep the draft out. Passengers often traveled in their Sunday best, as it was a social occasion as much as a means of transport. But don’t think this was first-class paradise for everyone. Second- and third-class carriages weren’t quite as comfortable—tight seats, crowded spaces, and a bit of a rickety ride. Let’s face it, if you didn’t get the plush first-class experience, the journey wasn’t exactly as charming.
Today: Nowadays, comfort still varies based on the class of ticket you purchase, but modern trains do their best to keep passengers relaxed with amenities like reclining seats, Wi-Fi, air conditioning, and charging ports. High-speed trains like the Eurostar and Shinkansen are designed to offer both speed and comfort. Even budget trains—like the National Rail or TGV in France—have moved beyond the uncomfortable seating of the past, with ergonomically designed seats and spacious interiors. In fact, the modern standard of comfort has far surpassed the slow-moving steam trains of 1907—though we do miss the old-fashioned charm of dining cars that once served formal meals.
3. Ticketing: From the Ticket Collector to Apps and E-Tickets
1907: In the days of steam trains, ticketing was a bit of an event in itself. To purchase a ticket, you would queue up at the station and wait for a ticket clerk to help you. Once you had your paper ticket in hand, you’d hand it over to the conductor (or ticket collector) when you boarded, who would validate it manually. There was a certain personal touch to the whole process, as train conductors were responsible for inspecting tickets and making sure the journey went smoothly. No apps, no e-tickets, just good old-fashioned human interaction.
Today: Fast forward to the digital age, and you’ll be hard-pressed to find a paper ticket on many routes. Instead, we now book tickets online using smartphone apps or websites, and e-tickets are sent directly to your phone. You can even track train schedules in real time, which was once impossible back in 1907. Gone are the days of having to worry about missing your train (unless, of course, you’re late).
4. The Service: More About Speed Than Charm
1907: Service on trains in 1907 was centered around elegance. There was no rush to get from one station to another, so the focus was on pampering passengers. Stewardesses or porters would bring refreshments, and the famous dining cars served hearty meals to passengers who took their time eating while watching the world roll by. If you were lucky enough to be in first class, you could expect a level of service that made you feel like royalty—high tea anyone?
Today: While modern trains still offer service (some even have food carts or on-board dining), the focus has shifted to speed and convenience. Trains now zoom through stations with little time for anything but a quick snack from the food trolley. First-class on modern trains, like the Eurostar, may offer gourmet meals, but in general, the journey is more about efficiency than indulgence.
5. Safety: Technology at the Helm
1907: Back in 1907, trains were a bit of a wild ride in terms of safety. While train travel was generally seen as reliable and safe, rail accidents were more common, and there were fewer safety measures in place. The trains were heavier, slower, and relied on basic braking systems that weren’t as efficient as what we have today.
Today: Fast forward to the modern day, and train safety has become a high priority. With advanced braking systems, track maintenance, and automated safety features, modern trains are safer than ever. High-speed rail systems, such as the Shinkansen in Japan, are also known for their remarkable safety records, with earthquake sensors built into the tracks to prevent accidents in the event of seismic activity.
What to Know More?
If you’re curious about how train travel has evolved over the years, or if you want to dive deeper into the history of rail travel, check out these resources:
- The History of the Trans-Siberian Railway
- Steam, Speed, and Safety: How Train Travel Has Changed
- From Steam Engines to Maglev: The Evolution of High-Speed Trains
- The Golden Age of Rail Travel: The 19th Century’s Best Train Routes
