Hi is one allowed to take a train on Shabbos provided he pays for the ticket beforehand and doesn’t use any electricity to get aboard? What makes it different from a cruise?
Answer:
It is not generally permitted to take a train on Shabbos, and this can only be permitted on an individual basis and depending on the specific case.
Please see sources.
Best wishes.
Sources:
The problems related to taking a train on Shabbos are the following:
1. Traveling beyond the Shabbos boundary (techum).
2. Carrying the ticket onto the train (depends on there being an Eruv) and using it in a prohibited means.
3. Possibly leading other Jews astray in their keeping of Shabbos.
4. Belittling the Shabbos atmosphere.
These points do not apply to a cruise (the techumin point is part of the Talmudic discussion concerning leaving for a cruise before Shabbos).