cross‑border routes, low‑cost flights are significantly cheaper than train journeys—despite their vastly greater environmental impact.
Analysing 142 routes across 31 European countries, the study found that on 54% of the 109 cross‑border routes, flights were cheaper than trains on at least six out of nine days sampled. In contrast, trains were consistently more affordable on only 39% of routes, mostly in Central and Eastern Europe.
Prominent examples include:
- Barcelona–London: flight from €14.99 versus train at €389—26 times more expensive to travel by rail
- London–Bratislava: flight €21.23 vs train €494.99—23.3× the cost
- Additional large disparities appear on routes such as Paris–Copenhagen (21.7×), Manchester–Cologne (15.2×) and London–Vienna (12.6×).
Herwig Schuster, Greenpeace’s transport campaigner for Central and Eastern Europe, criticised the pricing disparity, saying:
“It is absurd that a flight from Barcelona to London can cost just €15 while the train on the same route is up to 26 times more expensive. These prices reflect a rigged system.” Greenpeace
Environmental impact and drivers of disparity
Flights emit on average five times more CO₂ per passenger kilometre than trains, and up to 80 times more when compared to rail heavily powered by renewable energy. Yet, low operating costs for airlines—thanks to exemptions from fuel taxes and VAT, among other subsidies—enable them to offer such low fares, while train operators shoulder full taxation and infrastructure charges.
Greenpeace points out modest improvements since 2023: the share of routes where trains are cheaper has increased somewhat due to better rail links and a reduction in ultra‑cheap flight hubs.
Call for policy reform
Greenpeace is urging EU and national governments to:
- End unfair aviation subsidies, including tax breaks
- Introduce “climate tickets”, simple and affordable rail passes valid across regions and borders
- Invest in rail infrastructure to make train travel more accessible and cheaper than flying
As Greenpeace puts it: “Every route where a plane is cheaper than a train is a political failure.”
Source: Greenpeace EU
Feature photo source: The Washington Post
Also read: Recycling the Blame – Geneva Plastics Treaty Failure
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