Within a country, or continent, then high speed trains should be able to help but if, as in the example given by ExXB, the TGV arrives in Paris South and your local stop is in the North of the City, then you have another connection and the story changes.
Each journey will have it's own pressures. You might WANT to have a leisurely ride across Europe at ground level enjoying the scenery, or you might be a self employed person who has to get there and back as fast as possible to save time. Or just want to get home to family who would like to see you (I should be so lucky!)