How reliable are trains (really) to be on time?

Train and buses are reliable in my opinion, I used to travel them all the time. BUT... also in my opinion they are NOT reliable in the winter. so if you plan on traveling do it before winter hits.

If you are on a commuter train and the originating point is near where you get on, you will be ok.

If y ou are on a cross country passenger train (Amtrak) they can fall behind schedule.

The longer a tran has to travel from it's originating station the later it is going to be normally.

There are thousands of ways for a train to be dealyed and thus late, but no way for a train to make up any of that time.

Once a train loses a minute, that minute is lost forever.

Not like the "old days" when a train running late had free reign to run as fast as the hogger felt was comfortable LOL.

My Dad said "back in the day" if they were running late they never figured they were making up enough time until the steward came forward and complained that they were spilling the passenger's soup on the curves.

In the UK its something like 80-90% arrive within 5 minutes of the scheduled arrival time (no means of travel is ever 100% reliable) - Though in common with most rail networks worldwide journeys have some 'padding' in order to recover from minor delays (ie a train taking a minute or two longer to load then usual at a station).

Japanese Punctuality is essential because their rail network is run to its limits and even a minutes delay can have huge knock-on effects

As others have mentioned... it all depends on the Train SYSTEM you are taking !!

I also ride CalTrain (the San Jose-San Francisco Commuter line), and it is almost ALWAYS on time (+/- 2 minutes) unless there is an accident.

I'm ALSO seen Amtrak trains delayed over 12 HOURS.

GOOD LUCK

Depends on where you are. If you are in Japan, they are incredibly reliable (usually to the minute). Europe isn't great. Caltrain also is usally good (I wouldn't worry about it being much more than 15 or so minutes late -- definitely isn't Japan though).

Other than that, you'll have to know your local system or find someone that does (I'd call -- the people that answer the phones here are pretty good and informative).

If ur talking about Network Rail then something like 92% of their trains are on time and its continually getting better.

I don't know where you are, so cannot make a sensible comment. However, I'm surprised you find airlines so punctual. Some fog, snow and they are grounded.

If you're talking about Amtrak, Amtrak is notoriously bad at being on time.

You should be just fine