HSR is a viable alternative to flights. Similar travel times are possible.

Electrified rail is a viable alternative to suburb <-> urban center commutes. Similar/better travel times are possible.

And in both cases rail is much more pleasant. E.g., ICE trains are way nicer airplanes -- anyone who thinks otherwise has never been on an ICE train or really enjoys being punished.

I also prefer DB trains to being a passenger in a car on an interstate. Trains, when well-done, are much quieter, a much smoother ride, have much more comfortable seats, and offer the option to stand up and stretch if you feel like it.

Cycling is never a replacement for either of those two use cases.