3. The biggest aggravation is time and changeover between trains. Almost every train I took was 15-30 mins late, some buffer time is unavoidable.

4. It’s somewhat more expensive than flying, although as @seatsixtyone explains there are many surprisingly cheap fares and overnight stop(s) and food and snacks would need to bump at the prices more.

5. Train links between CEE and W Europe aren’t great and lack of sleepers (some cut in recent years) a problem policymakers might like to address for a low/no fly era in Europe.

6. Deutsche Bahn. Travelling to CEE Germany’s DB are likely to be your one-stop shop for all tickets (journeys beginning or ending in DE). Their high speed service are comfortable, phone app works well and staff helpful.

6. However, DB is not perfect. Phone app warns you of problems with lateness and connections, but doesn’t tell not what they actually. Lack of lifts and ramps in some places. Information re thing like trains splitting could be clearer.