Deutsch: Eisenbahn / Español: Tren / Português: Trem / Français: Train / Italiano: Treno
A train is a form of rail transport consisting of a series of vehicles propelled along a rail track to transport cargo or passengers. Motive power is provided by a separate locomotive or individual motors in self-propelled multiple units. Although historically steam propulsion dominated, the most common modern forms are diesel and electric locomotives, the latter supplied by overhead wires or additional rails. Other energy sources include horses, rope or wire, gravity, pneumatics, batteries, and gas turbines. Train tracks usually consists of two, three or four rails, with a limited number of monorails and maglev guideways in the mix.
In the travel context, a "train" refers to a mode of transportation that runs on tracks and carries passengers between destinations. Here are some examples of popular train journeys:
- Orient Express: A luxury train journey that travels through various European countries, including France, Austria, and Turkey.
- Trans-Siberian Railway: A train journey that crosses Russia, spanning nearly 6,000 miles from Moscow to Vladivostok.
- Glacier Express: A scenic train journey that runs through the Swiss Alps, offering views of mountains, valleys, and glaciers.
- Rocky Mountaineer: A train journey through the Canadian Rockies, offering stunning views of the mountains and wildlife.
- Shinkansen: A high-speed train system in Japan that connects major cities, such as Tokyo and Osaka.
Similar travel-related terms that may be associated with trains include:
- Metro/Subway: An underground train system that runs within a city, often providing transportation for commuters.
- Tram: A train system that runs above ground, often within a city or town, providing transportation for commuters and tourists.
- Monorail: A train system that runs on a single rail, often used for transportation within a theme park or other attractions.
- High-speed rail: A type of train system that travels at high speeds between major cities, such as the Eurostar between London and Paris.
- Night train: A type of train that travels overnight, often providing sleeping accommodations for passengers.