Are trains more expensive than planes in Europe?

According to a new report, taking a long-distance train in Europe can cost nearly 30 times as much as flying. The report, compiled by environmental campaign group Greenpeace, compared the cost of flight and train tickets on 112 European routes on nine different dates.



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According to new research from environmental campaigners Greenpeace, flying in Europe can be up to 30 times cheaper than taking the train.

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Train travel can be expensive—especially on high-speed trains. Furthermore, there are a lot of super-cheap flights throughout Europe so flying can often be cheaper. That said, you can get some really good deals if you're able to book high-speed trains in advance. But you'll pay a premium if you book super last minute.

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Flying may be bad for the environment, but taking the train in Europe is bad for your bank account, a new study found. Rail travel within the Continent remains 71 percent more expensive than flying, according to research by Greenpeace.

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While airlines pay no kerosene tax or VAT across Europe, train operators pay energy taxes, VAT and high rail tolls in most European countries. In the U.K., operators are relieved of VAT, but are notorious for imposing some of the highest ticket prices in Europe.

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“That said, the findings do not come as a surprise, as air transport is highly subsidised.” In Europe, airlines pay no taxes on kerosene and little tax on tickets or VAT. Their emissions are only priced for flights within Europe – at a level below the social cost of carbon.

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“Generally speaking, traveling by plane is faster and more convenient, but can be more expensive and stressful. On the other hand, traveling by train is usually cheaper and more comfortable, but can take much longer.”

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Over the last two years, I've traveled between London and Paris three times. On nearly all of those journeys, I opted to take the Eurostar – for good reason. Unless you book well in advance, the cost of traveling to Paris on the Eurostar is more expensive than flying.

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In short, airlines charge more for one-way flights on the routes when they can get away with doing so. If only one airline is operating a particular route, it might increase the price of one-way flights to generate more revenue from business travelers and others that are willing to pay more for the nonstop flight.

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The cheapest way to travel across America depends on the mode of transportation. Generally speaking, taking the bus or the train is the most cost effective way to cover a long distance. If you plan ahead, long-distance bus companies such as Greyhound and Megabus often offer discounted fares.

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Nowhere in Europe is the cost disparity between rail and air travel more pronounced than in the U.K., according to the research. Across the continent, trains are on average twice as expensive as flying, but in the U.K. they are four times more expensive, the research notes.

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Buses are often the cheapest way to travel around Europe. Bus routes often follow the same routes as trains, but for much less.

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Greenpeace said the price difference was a result of an uneven regulatory playing field, leading to increased emissions and rewarding low-cost airlines with questionable employment practices.

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In most places, tickets for slower regional or medium-speed trains cost the same whether they're bought two months or two minutes before the train leaves. Round-trip tickets can be cheaper than two one-way tickets in some countries (Britain, Ireland, and Spain; sometimes in combination with advance purchase).

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It's depend on your budget. If you need comfort and want to save time then travel by plane and if you want to travel within the budget and if there is no restriction of time then travel by train. I personally prefer train,because its budget friendly and you explore and see so many places while on the train.

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The Luton Dart will replace the Heathrow Express as the most expensive rail journey in Britain. Tickets for the route amount to £3.70 per mile and a four-minute one-way trip between Luton Airport Parkway Station and the terminal will cost £4.90 with no discount for return trips.

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