It is much smaller geographically. Trying to replicate a rail network like that across the US…well not likely.
California has been promising a high speed rail between LA and SF for decades. Billions later, and the only portion they can break ground on yet is a small segment between two not very populated central valley locations. Very tough with this much land, going through very mountainous terrain in portions.
You need population density for public transport to thrive. With relatively few exceptions, that’s not the U.S. And there have been studies or surveys done that Americans generally don’t want to live densely.
Exactly correct. Whether Americans prefer trains pretty irrelevant as it’s not practical here, because of the large and varied geography of the country (we have mountain ranges higher and longer than the Alps, not to mention vast deserts, rain forests, swamps etc) none of which is present in the UK.
For some dense cities, of course public transit makes sense. But we never have a rail network like Europe. Or in my opinion - Japan. Best trains ever. If you are a minute late, be prepared to wave goodbye to those trains!
Also @Maggie8K is right. Americans love the open spaces. Road trips are a religion here, if we can drive it at all we do that vs the train, or then we fly.
I think the closest equivalent is Australia (haven’t been but definitely on our list). Densely populated cities but vast open land elsewhere. Except the US is even bigger than Australia geographically with more varied terrain (again lots of our mountains top 10,000 ft, with many several going over 14,000 ft). Not to mention the deserts, swamps, rainforests, etc.
Our hugely varied geography is part of what makes road trips amazing. Even if we couldn’t travel abroad reasonably (like during Covid), we have so much to see in the U.S. We’re super fortunate with that.
And note: That map I shared that overlaid Europe didn’t even show Alaska (ginormous) and Hawaii.
The scale is hard for many folks to comprehend if they’ve not driven much across the country. Just the state of Texas alone takes three days to drive through, even if you make no sightseeing stops, if you’re driving a reasonable amount each day.
Tangentially, China has in the past 15 years or so built an incredible high-speed rail system across their vast country. They have high population density (and of course a ginormous population) and most of their people don’t own cars. We’ll see how the system performs over decades, but right now it’s breath-taking. Their geographic variety and challenges are great as well, but they have the means and the will to build transit.
Yep…while I understand sitters staying away from the US right now, I don’t believe that situation will last. The amazing beauty and diversity of this country is breathtaking.
Our last sitters were a young and fabulous couple from the Europe. After our sit technically ended, they sheepishly asked if they could stay another week at our place as a home base - they wanted to see Yosemite, Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks and felt safe and comfortable with us. We agreed, and because they were such good and responsible drivers, let them use our car for the extra road trip. They were beyond grateful (and this was after the technical sit was done, so both reviews posted) and wrote us the most touching thank you note. We told them we were glad they got to see and experience that part of California that many tourists ignore. They want to return because now they get what the US is, with that one little trip.
So yes most people don’t get it until they get here…the they do 
Frankly I could spend a lifetime exploring California alone, let alone the US. And no trains needed
I don’t think tourists ignore such places, but there’s so much to see that they have to pick. Like I’ve been on various road trip forums over decades and lots of foreigners plan extensive road trips in the U.S. A good number return again and again, but still have time to see only so much, given the country’s size and variety.
Personally, my husband and I’ve road tripped for decades and have lived in all regions except for the Midwest. That’s meant that we’ve been lucky to explore many parts of the country, and yet there’s still so much more to see.
Don’t you use shopping delivery services? I don’t think I’ve lugged heavy shopping for maybe 8 years-Ocado delivery takes the strain for me although I get fresh fruit/veg/dairy/meat from the farm shop park van it’s called the Sussex Peasant. These vans collect farm shop food from the surrounding areas and sell it direct via horse boxes that they drive into urban Parks.
Also I suppose I’ve ridden the train Sydney to Perth in recent years (4 days!) also used trains in India, Japan, USA and other places. I love the freedom to think/read/sleep/watch the world/meet people on trains! I got rid of my car 8 years ago (hubby still has his but hardly uses it- he fills up just once every other month these days).
That is true. Likely the same when we visit places, as there is only so much we can reasonably see in x weeks at a time, unless we like the place and decide to return.
Yes, I mentioned delivery. But some places, like Trader Joe’s in the U.S., don’t do delivery or offer that via a third-party platform.
I love driving long distances, because you can have absolute quiet and no distractions and think for long stretches. It’s sort of zen like.
Or crank the tunes and sing badly with no one to critique you 
(Warm-weather bonus: take off shoes and drive barefoot 
)
Yup. I also LOVE being able to pull over wherever you like, which allows you to have adventures you’d never otherwise experience. I really value the flexibility — like a place, then stay longer, or take off if you don’t like it. Sleep in, wake early or whatever you feel like on any given day. And you’re on your own schedule, which is rare and relaxing.
Agree. And you can stop where you like. The US interstates are more awesome than most foreigners realize, I think. The magic of pulling off an exit and finding some great food place…ahhhh…the freedom…
In the US my preference is always driving first… flying if there is a time crunch … and train only for scenic or sometimes strategic short term transit. But again, our geography is so different - so not an apples to apples comparison to say, easy to see the UK, for example, by train, but not easy to do in the US. No mountains, deserts etc to cross in the UK, it’s flat and easy to build rail. Not so easy across the Rocky Mountains, for example.
Shoes off and barefoot - yep. That’s usually me too!!!
I love backroads as well. You get to see how people live locally, stop by historical towns that had their heydays come and go, etc.
Yep. Trains can’t take anyone there, but back roads are the best!!!
We want to spend a whole summer in Alaska alone with the RV…probably 2027. We can’t wait!!
Note: The summertime insects are something else. Prepare your gear accordingly.
Yeah, got all the big gear. Done lots of hiking, California and elsewhere. Hiked Kilimanjaro, Patagonia, Bhutan, Nepal, etc. In Cali numerous routes/peaks.
I have read Alaska can be “extra” with those so we’ll be ready. Thanks though.