The Worst Countries for Train Travel: A Comprehensive Guide

When considering train travel as a mode of transportation, not all countries offer the same level of comfort, reliability, and convenience. This article explores the worst countries for train travel, based on various factors such as infrastructure, timeliness, overcrowding, and overall travel experience.

United States of America

The USA is often flagged as one of the worse countries for train travel, despite Amtrak's intercity rail services. The extensive highway system and cultural focus on car travel have historically underinvested in rail infrastructure. As a result, American trains are frequently slow and infrequent, with a limited network compared to other countries. Passengers may find themselves facing extensive waiting times and long travel durations.

India

India's railway system, boasting one of the largest networks in the world, is nonetheless fraught with challenges. Overcrowding, frequent delays, and cleanliness issues can significantly detract from the travel experience. Passengers might find themselves crammed into already crowded compartments, dealing with late arrivals, and experiencing discomfort due to inadequate maintenance and outdated facilities.

Bangladesh

In Bangladesh, train services are known for being unreliable and overcrowded. Safety concerns and outdated infrastructure make the experience less favorable for travelers. Delays and potential safety hazards are common, leading to a generally poor rail travel experience.

Nigeria

The railway system in Nigeria faces significant issues. Neglect and underinvestment have led to unreliable service and a high risk of safety concerns. Travelers may encounter frequent delays and, in some cases, the trains might not even operate at all.

Venezuela

Venezuela's train system is plagued by political and economic instability, resulting in poor maintenance and irregular service. Service can be infrequent or entirely absent, making it a challenging mode of transportation for travelers.

Personal Experiences

Based on first-hand accounts and reviews from travelers, specific countries stand out as particularly challenging for train travel. Here are a few perspectives:

India: A traveler from the USA recounts: 'There is no time sense at all. Every time, it's late. The fucking railway system always arrives late in all parts. If they could just manage time correctly, it would be one of the top rail systems in the world. Unfortunately, even if it were fixed, the train service in India still won’t become a top pick for most travelers due to these chronic issues.'

Sri Lanka: Another traveler mentions: 'Sri Lanka Railways is a nightmare. Some systems haven’t been updated for decades. The railway system uses very old tablet token systems in some areas. Trains are often late, and they have only been in operation for decades. Trains and stations are not very clean most of the time, and they are often overcrowded.'

Germany: A travel blogger declares: 'Germany is the worst train travel experience in the world. Train stations are always full of late arrivals and require long waiting times. Some stations don’t even have lifts, and the system is extremely expensive. Considering the overall railway systems in the world, German railways are definitely not at the top of the list.'

Andorra: And finally, a traveler notes: 'Andorra has no train service at all. You cannot travel by train in or around the country. The nearest railway station is in neighboring France from where you can take a taxi or bus into Andorra. Despite the complete lack of train travel, Andorra is still worth visiting, with scenic views, duty-free shops, and local buses. But you won’t see any trains.'

In conclusion, while many countries offer excellent rail services, some, like the USA, India, Bangladesh, Nigeria, and Venezuela, present unique challenges to travelers. Personal experiences and specific circumstances can significantly impact the overall travel experience, so it's crucial to research and consider these factors when planning any journey by train.