Is it cheaper to fly or get train to Amsterdam?

Travelling to and from the Netherlands by train costs 1.5 times the price of travelling by plane, even though flying is more polluting, a Greenpeace report has revealed. The study analysed eight international routes to and from Amsterdam.



Whether it is cheaper to fly or take the train to Amsterdam (typically from London) depends heavily on how far in advance you book and your baggage needs. The Eurostar offers direct city-center to city-center travel starting as low as €44 (£39) one-way if booked months in advance, and it includes a much more generous luggage allowance (two bags plus a carry-on) with no liquid restrictions. Conversely, budget airlines like easyJet or KLM can offer "seat-only" fares for as little as £25-£35 during sales. However, once you factor in the cost of airport transfers (like the Heathrow Express or trains to Stansted), luggage fees, and seat selection, the flight often becomes more expensive than the train. For last-minute travel, the train tends to spike in price more dramatically than flights. Generally, for those living near London, the Eurostar is considered the better value due to saved "hidden" costs and the convenience of avoiding airport security and long transit times.

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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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Trains offer greater flexibility at each stage of the journey, making family train travel easier and less stressful than flying. Children can move around more freely than on a plane, and you'll have the space to pack home comforts.

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Train travel is often cheaper than flying, in part because you can generally take more with you before paying extra baggage fees. It can also be more convenient and relaxing than driving, especially if you'd be driving in an unfamiliar place or driving for many hours nonstop to get to your destination.

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Trains are a fast, comfortable alternative to cheap flights in Europe, especially when you're visiting multiple destinations. A Eurail Pass gives you unlimited, borderless travel across Europe with just one ticket, so you can go a lot further with your money – and you'll be doing your bit for the planet, too.

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On shorter train journeys, Amtrak's Coach Class seats provide a comfortable place to relax and enjoy the view. On long-distance journeys, you will find extra-spacious Coach Class seating with leg rests designed to enhance your comfort for long or overnight trips.

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Airlines carry more travelers — United States carriers transported 777.9 million passengers on domestic flights in 2018 — but Amtrak is particularly strong in the Northeast Corridor between hubs such as New York City and Washington, D.C. Amtrak recently announced the launch of Acela Nonstop service between the two ...

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Usually, planes are faster than trains, but if a plane flies very slow and a train moves very fast, they can travel at the same speed.

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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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