Europe is famous for its rail services, so very different from here in the U.S., where rail was conceived to haul freight. If you're headed to Europe and want to travel by rail, let's talk about some advantages of touring Europe by rail...
Photo: Wikimedia Commons: Roel Hemkes, adapted by Wandering Educators
Speed - especially traveling on the high-speed trains (TGV, etc.), you can get to places very quickly, faster than any other means of transportation. If you are on an express train and not stopping at local stations, you can travel quickly on regular rail, as well.
Cost - traveling via rail can be inexpensive, if you purchase a Eurail Pass, or other discount train passes.
Relax - since you're not driving, you can spend time relaxing - take a nap, look at the gorgeous scenery out the window, pull out your laptop and work on your novel (or work on your work, if you must), or write letters with a beautiful fountain pen, pretending that you are aboard the Orient Express ages ago, detailing your adventures home.
Public Transportation - easy to use, public transportation can be a bit easier than driving by car. Especially in Edinburgh, where the traffic can be horrific, taking a local train can make life much easier. In big cities, it is very easy to take the metro, underground, or even local trains to move around quickly.
Transportation options in Europe are broad - choose your adventure, and your path, and let's go!
Other great train articles on Wandering Educators:
Best. Ambient. Travel. Video. Ever
The Benefits of taking a Holiday by Train
From Seattle to LA, and Back Again, on the Coast Starlight
The Zen of Traveling Retired: The Train Epiphany