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.