Keep in mind they're not leaving from or going to the same places - usually. Depending on where you live/travel relative to the aiport vs. train station the num

Keep in mind they're not leaving from or going to the same places - usually. Depending on where you live/travel relative to the aiport vs. train station the numbers can come out very differently. E.g. I live in London - a train or plane* going from the "wrong" station/airport both adds about 1h15m in travel compared to a train or plane going from the nearest station or airport, and that difference could be substantially bigger if I lived a little bit further south. Do that both ends, and suddenly that plane starts looking more attractive to a lot of people. I'd personally still tend to prefer the train in a lot of circumstances even when it's not the fastest option, because I do agree it's fine.