Watch out airlines. High-speed rail now rivals flying on key routes in Asia

In Asia and Europe, super-fast locomotives are comparable to air travel in price and door-to-door speed

Across Asia and Europe, high-speed rail is providing a competitive alternative to air travel on the same routes, in terms of price and the all-important barometer of time. Put that together with the environmental benefits that flow from not burning jet fuel, and staying on the ground begins to make more sense for travellers who would otherwise trudge to the airport.

Speedy trains and planes are generally competitive until your travel plans extend beyond 1,000 kilometres (621 miles), at which point travellers consider flying superior for time savings, according to an overview of academic research by the Journal of Advanced