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For the planet's masses, trains are a basic transportation reality. Without them, no one would get anywhere. It's that simple. They are reliable, inexpensive, and for the most part, comfortable. Once you get the knack of the schedule forms and flows, you are unstoppable.

Trains in Europe, Japan, China, India, and the United States range from bullet-train to local trains (stopping at every station). It is a great mode of travel for a family that wants to enjoy seeing the countryside, not in a hurry, and on a budget. Many rail systems have overnight sleeper carts so that you can get to your destination and get night accommodations at the same time. That is a great deal!

The following sections describe the train systems in each of their countries.

"Treno, Train, Trein, Zug, Tren"
Anyway you say it, the Euros know their trains. The continent is connected by some of the most extensive network on the planet... and very easy to use. Getting from Rome to Lisbon is a day and a half ride, seeing beautiful landscapes and artistic scenes along the way. You can buy EuroRail passes, country specific passes, or one-way tickets. Learn more by clicking the following links:

	RailEurope, has services to buy your passes while still on American soil.
	Sta Travel Eurail Passes, has services to buy your passes while still on American soil. Cheapest Prices on Eurail passes

"Land Of The Shinkansen"
The Japanese are over-the-top anal when it comes to their trains... and that is why they love them so much. They are strictly on time, fast, and go everywhere. Here is a list of helpful links you will need if you plan on traveling by rail in Japan:

	Japan Rail Pass, this is the official site for how the pass works, what it costs, and where to purchase the tickets abroad, as they can't be bought in Japan.
	Japan-Guide.com has a complete and well needed breakdown of taking trains in Japan... and it's not aways easy.

"Yes, Yes, Yes... Take the Train in China"
This is where adventure meets simple culture immersion. Most wouldn't take a chinese train because of the language barrier... which can be frustrating; However, with a little planning ahead of time, you can take the train and love the whole experience. Chinese trains span the country and are very economical. You can get soft sleeper rooms and sleep away. They have dining cars or you can bring your own food like the locals do. It is an experience unto its own.

Some simple know how though... (1) trains don't run every day, (2) take smaller luggage as you have to store all it in your cabin, (3) trains between bigger cities are more modern and on schedule more than trains between smaller stations, (4) look for foreigner ticket windows in the larger city train stations to purchase or reserve your seats in English, and (5) reservations can only be made 2 days beforehand and should be done as early as possible.

Below are a few of additional links with some excellent info, enjoy:

	China Highlights, a great information site for Chinese train travel and train reservations.
	Seat61.com one of the best information sections on the net. Times, fares, descriptions... they are all here.
	Johomaps.com shows the great network of Chinese trains in this map of China's railway.

"Training All Over India"
Like China, to support the masses, an organized, economical, and extensive railway system is a country priority. You can get anywhere with the rail in India, and save a future in the process. With so much to see along the way, why would anyone pass on seeing the breathtaking views of the Indian countryside?

	Indian Railway has fares, timetables, seat availability, and internet reservations.
	Wikipedia's Indian Railways webpage is a thorough as they get... maps, explanations, and general info.

"Train The American Frontier"
Ok... flights and cars are the norm... but a train ride across the States can be quite romantic and a lot of fun. If things go according to some politicians' plans, bullet trains will be all over the place to help shuttle folks in a fraction of the time it used to take.

AMTRAK is still the most notable American rail provider. Search here for times, routes, and deals.