Have you ever dreamed of a spontaneous European adventure but found yourself hesitating about the high prices of train tickets?
You’re not alone! Many face this dilemma when considering travel options.
Flying to Europe is often surprising with its affordability compared to the traditional allure of train journeys.
According to a recent study by Greenpeace, flying is indeed cheaper than taking trains in Europe, and using trains across the continent tends to cost more. On an important note, Greenpeace is an independent movement of people who defend the natural world with the vision of a ‘greener, healthier and more peaceful planet.’
Insights from the Study
- The study analysed 112 travel routes in Europe, encompassing the EU, UK, Switzerland, and Norway, at various times. Among these routes, 94 connected different countries, while 18 remained within a single country.
- On average, train tickets on these routes cost twice as much as flight tickets. In the UK and Spain, train fares are approximately four times pricier than flights.
- In 71% of the routes studied, flights proved cheaper than train journeys, with only 23 routes consistently offering cheaper train fares.
- Low-cost airlines operate on 79% of these routes, often using aggressive pricing strategies that make flights more economical than train travel.
Price Comparison: Airline vs. Train
Price stands out as a crucial factor influencing travel preferences.
For instance, why opt for a train journey from London to Barcelona, spending up to €384 (£330.06), when airfares are available for an incredibly low €12.99 (£11.17)?
The calculation reveals that taking the train from London to Barcelona can cost up to 30 times more than flying.

Greenpeace attributes this price gap to the subsidies benefiting airlines, allowing them to offer extremely low prices. In fact, airlines are exempt from paying tax on kerosene, the primary jet fuel ingredient, while railways lack similar energy exemptions.
CO2 Emission Comparison
Climate change is real and the impacts of the excess CO2 emission of climate change are also real.
The conclusion is remarkable: Taking the train instead of flying cuts your CO2 emissions by a staggering 90%.
Here’s a solid example: The journey from London to Paris takes 3.5 hours by plane, emitting 244 kg of CO2 for a round trip. Alternatively, the train journey, lasting 2.75 hours, emits 22 kg of CO2 for a round trip, resulting in 91% fewer CO2 emissions compared to flying over train travel in Europe.
Concerns Raised
Europe anticipates record-breaking temperatures, and shifting flights to rail on routes like Barcelona – London could save 461,000 tons of harmful greenhouse gases yearly, equivalent to emissions from 303,000 cars.
While flying contributes more greenhouse gases than trains, convenience and cost often drive people to choose flights, worsening environmental challenges.
Did you know?
- Edinburgh to London ranks as the second most popular short-haul flight route, despite numerous daily train connections that are a greener alternative.
- Moreover, Bratislava is a popular place for partying. The Bratislava-London train route, nearly eight times more expensive on average, contrasts sharply with airline prices as low as €15 (£12.89).
So, is Flying to Europe the Best Option?
Cost-Wise:
Flying to Europe > Train Travel
Environmentally:
Flying to Europe < Train Travel
For a climate-friendly and cost-effective approach, Greenpeace urges the introduction of a European-wide ticket valid across public transport modes. Taking proactive steps is important to fight back against rising temperatures and foster sustainable travel choices.