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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In France and Belgium, for the same domestic or European journey, train travel is on average 2.6 times more expensive than air travel. In the 16 countries studied, rail was on average 2 times more expensive. The only exception is Poland, where rail travel is on average half as expensive as air travel.
Trains consume less energy and produce less harmful pollutants than either car or air travel. Hopping on an Amtrak train will save you gas and daily wear and tear on your car. It also reduces the ever-increasing traffic congestion on the roads and in the skies.
You'll have greater legroom and general mobility compared to the typically cramped seating spaces in a plane. Unlike in a plane, you'll have the freedom to stand up and walk around without disturbing your co-passengers. Train travel allows you to take in the local scenery in a more intimate fashion than air travel.
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.
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.
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.
Key Takeaways. The late fall and winter months—from mid to late October through mid-to-late March—are often the cheapest time to fly to Europe (though fares can spike in December). It's often cheaper to fly to Europe mid-week, on Tuesdays and Wednesdays, in particular.
How much does a Eurail Pass cost? In 2023, the cost of a Eurail Global Pass purchased directly through Eurail starts at $276 for second-class fares and $351 for first-class seats for the four-days-in-one-month pass for adults. A 15-day unlimited pass for adults currently ranges from $498 to $631.
Trains also are safer than planes, in part, because many train stations have open-air platforms where travelers board, Dr. Aaron Rossi told USA Today in October. That's far less risky than the indoor settings of airport security lines and waiting areas where passengers gather and sit before boarding.
We have lots of passenger trains in the USA, the vast majority are commuter trains on the East Coast, and some around other major cities. If you mean long distance, cross country passenger trains then the answer is simple, the distance is too great, and there are far better options for travel than taking the train.
There are no strict luggage limits on trains in mainland Europe. Eurostar allows each adult two pieces of luggage each, each measuring up to 85cm, so large suitcases are no problem. You'll also be able to take a piece of hand luggage each, as well as pushchairs and prams at no additional charge.
First class rail travel is irresistible. There's nothing like watching the beautiful and ever-changing European scenery pass by from a quiet and comfortable train compartment, with the comforting sound of rail cars gliding smoothly over the rail tracks.
Backpackers should expect to spend between $40 – $70 USD/day in Eastern Europe, $70 – $100/day in Western Europe, and $150 – $200/day in the Nordic countries.
With 10,000 USD, you could easily travel around Europe for a few weeks. You could stay in budget hostels and eat at local restaurants or cook your own meals. If you plan carefully and look for deals, it's possible to stretch that amount even further.