Other than walking or cycling everywhere, it's one of the least polluting forms of transport available and, as the threat of climate change increases, more and more of us are leaving our cars at home and making the switch.
Last year, the rail network handled a record-breaking 1.2 billion journeys as passenger numbers increased for the 13th year in succession.
I've had a rail card for several years and, while I try and cycle almost everywhere, for longer journeys I always travel by train. It seems so much more civilised than taking the car – you can choose to read a book or newspaper, watch the countryside go by, use your phone, surf the net, catch up on work or (gasp) even talk to people.
It's a tremendously liberating experience, there are no frustrating traffic jams to get stuck in and you can take as much luggage with you as you like, including your bike.
Of course, travelling by train isn't without its detractors. Carriages can often be over-crowded with standing room only for those who haven't pre-booked a seat.
And there's nothing worse than listening to inane "I'm on the train" mobile phone conversations while a steady stream of people push past you in search of the buffet car or a toilet. Prices, too, can often be on the expensive side.
To get the best price possible, it's important to book ahead.
Network Rail sets its timetable 12 weeks in advance and this is often when the cheapest tickets go on sale. Advance ticket prices have recently been streamlined, too, so there are not the huge number of confusing options there used to be.
Another quirk of the ticketing system means that it can often be cheaper to book two singles rather than a standard return – always double check online or call up the rail company to make sure.
Travelling just after peak times can also save you money, but if you do have to travel during the rush hour it's worth investigating if you can break up your trip and buy two tickets, one peak and one off-peak.
Railcard deals are another important fare-saving tip – there are cards for students, young people, senior citizens and families as well as season ticket offers, so research all your options.
To encourage even more people to travel by train, the Government has announced plans for a faster, lighter and more environmentally friendly train to enter service in 2013 and is also looking into options for a double-decker version, capable of carrying many more passengers.
Train operators, too, are looking at ways they can green up their act.
The Eurostar Group already claims its London to Paris train service is carbon neutral (thanks to an off-setting scheme) and plans to reduce carbon emissions by a further 25 per cent by 2012, sourcing greener electricity supplies, fine tuning control systems, recycling onboard waste and water, and sourcing local food and drink.
Virgin is also doing its bit for the environment, with its fleet of 52 Pendolino tilting trains generating electricity every time they brake. This energy is then fed back into the supply system and returned to the National Grid, generating enough electricity to power 13,750 homes for a year.
With Network Rail unveiling plans for the biggest programme of railway building since the 19th century, it's obvious that train travel has never been more important, especially in relation to the environment and reducing carbon emissions.
And if you've never considered it as a serious means of getting from A to B before, it's probably time you did – you might be surprised.
For more information about trains and fares call the National Rail Enquiry line on 0845 748 4950 or log onto www.nationalrail.co.uk.