I TOOK A 12-HOUR TRAIN RIDE IN BUSINESS CLASS. IT WAS BETTER AND CHEAPER THAN THE ONE-HOUR FLIGHT I USUALLY BOOK.

• I usually take a one-hour flight to visit family, but this time I took the 12-hour train ride.
• I worried I was wasting time even though I was saving money, but I don't regret my choice.
• The train ride was a relaxing break from my kids, and I felt refreshed when I visited my family.

I have family in Melbourne, Australia, about 450 miles away from me in Adelaide.

It usually takes me an hour by plane to visit them for a quick weekend getaway. I often go alone as bringing my two kids and partner isn't worth the hassle or cost for such a short visit.

But when booking a flight for a recent trip, I realized my plans coincided with a big event in my hometown. Flight costs were even higher than usual, with the cheapest seats starting at $380 each way.

Instead, I decided to take the cheaper 12-hour Overland train ride from Adelaide to Melbourne. Standard tickets were $145.

I was worried that I'd feel restless on the long train ride and that it'd take time away I could be spending with my kids or extended family.

Full of nerves, I added the business-class upgrade for $100, too, which would give me full meal service and more legroom.

My train journey felt way more relaxing than my plane ones

On the day of my trip, I hugged my little family as I said goodbye and took a cab to the train station.

The train station felt more relaxed than the usual hustle and bustle of the airport. Boarding was fairly quick and easy.

I was assigned a comfy seat next to an oversize window and had plenty of legroom and space for my bag.

Almost straight away, the train attendant offered me a hot drink and asked me to select my meals.

At home, no one asks me what I want to eat — I'm usually the one trying to plan and serve meals to fussy kids. I was in awe as I chose a decadent selection of a hot breakfast, curry, and desserts.

Then, I put my headphones on and relaxed, watching the city pass through my window.

I'm not new to extended travel through the amazing Australian Outback. In fact, we routinely caravan as a family to wild campsites everywhere.

But there was something special about not needing to carefully watch the road or worry about others. The biggest decision I had to make on the train was whether to have another serving of cake.

As we got closer to Melbourne, I got to just quietly watch the flat, desert-like landscapes pass for miles. For the first time in a long while, I was actually feeling relaxed.

Eventually, after almost a full day on the train, I arrived at the Melbourne station at about 7 p.m.

I now had only two full days to spend time with my Melbourne extended family, but I felt ready to slow down and appreciate our moments together.

I'll book the 12-hour train ride anytime I get the opportunity

Fortunately, booking the train ride (and an upgrade) was one of the best decisions I made — and doing so gave me a much-needed break for just myself.

I always love visiting family in Melbourne, but my typical itinerary leaves me exhausted.

Usually, I rush to and through the airport, board a short flight, and then get immediately swarmed by more loved ones. The fast-paced journey doesn't allow for much downtime or moments to reflect.

By booking a 12-hour train ride, I was forced to relax and take almost a full day to myself.

It didn't feel like a waste of time at all. In fact, my downtime helped me have better quality time with my Melbourne family and return to my own feeling refreshed as a parent.

Plus, I saved money in the process. Even with the business-class upgrade, my train ticket was far cheaper than the flight.

If you ever get the opportunity to choose the slower travel option, I would highly suggest taking it.

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2025-03-12T13:33:38Z