I'm also an ignorant american, but I've traveled Europe for months by rail and air. By american standards, both methods are dirt cheap. Ryanair cuts every cos

I'm also an ignorant american, but I've traveled Europe for months by rail and air. By american standards, both methods are dirt cheap. Ryanair cuts every cost you can imagine. No free water or pretzels, tiny seating area, no first class, outskirts airports, no checked or carry on, tarmac boarding. On trains you get sufficient space to stretch your legs, a power outlet, wifi, unlimited baggage etc. and you get to arrive and depart in the city center. I think the pricing is based upon consumer value more than service costs.