Bullet Train to Take On the Plane in Spain

An ambitious plan to make Spain the leader in high-speed train travel could provide a model for the rest of Europe, offering a greener, more relaxing alternative to short-haul flights. A major link between Madrid and Barcelona is slated to open this month with trains described in the Guardian as the "future of travel."

On the AVE S103, which will reach 220mph, seats swivel and recline, and all are outfitted with video and music players. Ticket prices are low, and lines opened so far extremely popular, offering hope that the train lines will fulfill the goal of the Spanish rail director: "Trains will again be the dominant mode of transport in this country." (More train stories.)