They can beat airlines in city center to Center distances routes of short and medium distance routes ... Even running trains on 130 kmph.. 160 know would b icing..
Check in time ... Time to travel to airport ... Cost of travel to airport .. baggage collection time.. are the drawbacks or additional time.. which adds in to make travel time of trains lesser... That's why trains are much more preferred on short and medium routes of up to 400 - 500 kms over flights