What is the difference between transverse and longitudinal waves? Transverse waves always travel at smaller speeds than do longitudinal waves. In a transverse wave the disturbance always occurs perpendicular to the direction in which the wave travels, whereas in a longitudinal wave the disturbance always occurs parallel to the line of travel of the wave. Transverse waves always carry more energy than do longitudinal waves. In a transverse wave the disturbance always occurs parallel to the line of travel of the wave, whereas in a longitudinal wave the disturbance always occurs perpendicular to the direction in which the wave travels. Transverse waves always have greater frequencies than do longitudinal waves.