[jbpritts]

Utopic intercity train travel in Europe is a myth. In Germany it is good, but expensive and most under 30 are trying to find an affordable alternative, e.g., BlahBlah car or a bus. France is just prohibitively expensive: I had a group trip cancelled because people balked once they saw what the TGV costs were. In Czech republic inter city is cheap, but there is no AC in the cabins and dodgy heat, infrequent high speed corridors, no WiFi, and often it is standing room only (keep in mind this might be for a 2-3 hour trip). Intracity transport is much better than the us almost all over Europe, but don't by the hype otherwise.