I often sit by the window of a train and watch the hills of Tuscany or the forests of Germany roll past me. I have spent decades exploring every corner of this beautiful continent. I often ask myself a very big question during my travels. Is It Cheaper To Travel Europe By Train Or Plane?. This is a topic that many people discuss on sites like train vs plane europe reddit. I have looked at the data and I have lived the experience. The truth is quite a mess. First of all, I want to share some hard facts that might surprise you.
The Great Price Gap: Trains vs. Planes
The numbers do not lie. I read a massive study by Greenpeace that came out in 2023. They checked 112 different routes across Europe. They found that for 79 of those routes, the plane was much less expensive than the rail. On average, a train trip will cost you twice as much as a flight. In some cases, the gap is just crazy. A trip from Barcelona to London by train can cost 30 times more than a flight on the same day. You might see a flight for €12.99 while the train ticket sits at €384.
A cheaper way? Not always for the train. However, you must look deeper than the first price you see. Plus, I have found that where you travel makes a huge difference. If you are in the United Kingdom, Spain, or France, you will pay a lot more for the rail. In the UK, the train costs about 4.04 times more than a flight on average. Spain is not much better at 3.86 times the cost. On the contrary, Central and Eastern Europe tell a different story. In Poland, the train is often much cheaper than a flight. In Lithuania, the rail was actually cheaper on every single route that researchers checked.
The Budget Airline Illusion
I often look at google flights to find a deal. You see a very low price and you feel like a winner. However, budget airlines like Ryanair and Vueling use sneaky tricks. I read a study that found Ryanair can have over $206 in add-on costs. They charge you for everything. You might pay $62 just to check in at the airport instead of using your phone. If you need to print a ticket at the terminal, they take another $17 from you.
Additionally, baggage is a huge trap. A standard checked bag on Vueling can cost you $121. Most budget flights do not even include a small carry-on bag anymore. You only get a tiny space under your seat. Gradually, you realize that your “cheap” flight is now very expensive. Trains do not have these hidden fees. You bring your bags and you just sit down. You do not pay extra for a seat or for your heavy suitcase.
The Secret Value for Families
I have traveled with my family and I learned a secret. Rail can be the winner for groups. A study from Which? found that rail is not always more expensive for families. They looked at the total cost of a trip. Flights often seem cheap at first. However, once you add in baggage fees and a night in a hotel, a family of four can save nearly £100 by taking a sleeper train.
If your family has five or six people, the savings can go up to £250. You save that money because the train is your bed for the night. You do not have to pay for an Airbnb in a city like Berlin or Vienna. Therefore, you must do the math for your whole group. A single ticket is one thing. A family holiday is another.
Fastest Way to Travel in Europe?
People always say that the plane is the fastest way to travel in Europe. A flight from Amsterdam to Munich takes 1 hour and 25 minutes. The train takes over 7 hours. Similarly, people often ignore the time spent getting to the gate. Most airports sit far outside the city. You must spend 3 or 4 hours for travel to the airport and for security lines.
Trains are different. They leave from the middle of the city. You can arrive just 5 or 10 minutes before the train leaves. Plus, you do not have to wait at a baggage carousel. If a train ride is under 4 or 5 hours, it is almost always faster or equal to a flight once you count the airport stress. Fastest way to travel in Europe? It depends on the distance. For short trips, the rail wins. For long trips over 1,000 km, the plane is usually much faster.
The Truth About Safety and Comfort
People often talk about plane vs train safety. I know that both are very safe ways to move around. However, the feeling of safety and comfort on a train is special. Why are trains better than planes? You have more leg room. You can stand up and walk to a buffet car whenever you want. The air is better and there is less noise.
You get to see the world. A flight gives you a view of clouds. A train shows you the heart of a country. You see the people and the tiny villages. It is an adventure. Additionally, trains are much better for the earth. A night train has a climate impact that is 28 times lower than a flight for the same trip. Rail emissions are usually only about 13% of what a plane produces. If you care about our planet, the train is the clear choice.
The Unfair Playing Field
I find it very sad that the system is rigged. The train vs plane cost is not a natural result of the market. It is a political choice. Airlines do not pay tax on kerosene. They pay 0% VAT on international tickets. Therefore, they can sell tickets for prices that do not reflect the true cost to the world.
Rail operators have it hard. They must pay energy taxes and high tolls to use the tracks. This is why the eurostar is so expensive. It is one of the most pricey trains because it pays high fees to use the tunnel. Gradually, we are seeing people call for change. Groups like Greenpeace want a “climate ticket” that makes rail affordable for everyone.
Deep Dive: Country by Country
I want to give you more detail on specific places. This will help you plan your next trip.
- The United Kingdom I love the UK, but the rail fares can be a nightmare. All 10 international routes from London were more expensive by train in the study. The only exception was a very long-term booking to Brussels. The eurostar is great but it will cost you. On average, the train from London to Bratislava cost 15.5 times more than the flight. However, domestic trips like London to Glasgow can be okay if you book early.
- France France has amazing high-speed trains. Though they are fast, they are rarely cheap. On 9 out of 10 routes from Paris, the plane was the winner for price. The route from Paris to Berlin can cost twice as much by rail as it does by air. Only the trip from Paris to Geneva was cheaper by train most of the time.
- Germany The German system is a bit better. Similarly to Austria, it sits in the middle. If you book a long time in advance, you can find very cheap deals on Deutsche Bahn. I found that tickets get much cheaper if you plan 4 months ahead. Trips from Berlin to Prague or Warsaw are almost always a better deal by rail.
- Spain Spain is a tough place for rail lovers. Low-cost airlines are everywhere. They operate every single route that was checked in the study. On average, the train costs nearly 4 times more than the plane. Finally, I found that the only domestic route where the train was cheaper was Madrid to Barcelona.
- Central and Eastern Europe This is where the train shines for your wallet. In places like the Czech Republic and Hungary, rail is a bargain. A train from Prague to Budapest is always cheaper than a flight. However, the trains can be slow. A trip might take 10 hours for a short distance.
Practical Tips for the Mature Traveler
I want you to have the best trip possible. Here is a guide on how to choose between plane or train.
First of all, check the booking horizon. Most airlines sell tickets a year in advance. However, many rail companies only open their sales 2 or 3 months before the trip. This is very bad for rail because planes get all the early customers. In the UK and Germany, you can usually book 3 months ahead. In Sweden, it is 90 days.
Later, look at the total travel time. Do not just look at the flight time. Add 3 or 4 hours for the airport and the travel to the city center. If the train is under 6 hours, I usually take the rail. It is more “civilized”.
Additionally, check for a “climate ticket” if you are in a country like Austria or Germany. These are flat-rate passes that let you use all public transport for a low price. This can make rail much cheaper than any flight.
Finally, think about the night trains. They are making a comeback. They are a game-changing hack. You sleep while you move, and you save the cost of a hotel. Gradually, more routes are opening up across the continent.
FAQ
What is the cheapest way to travel throughout Europe?
You will usually find that the cheapest option is a combination of trains for short distances and planes for long distances. Using budget airlines for large jumps and regional trains for shorter hops is the most common way to save money.
Is travelling by train worth it in Europe?
The train is worth the extra cost for many because it offers more comfort, better leg room, and beautiful views. You can also avoid the intense stress of airport security and long check-in lines.
Which is cheaper, train or flight?
Planes are cheaper on the majority of international routes. On average, a train ticket costs twice as much as a flight ticket.
Is 1000 euros enough for 2 weeks in Europe?
For a group of four people, transport for a long trip can cost about €1800 total. This means you might spend €450 each just to move around, leaving €550 for everything else.
What is the 3 month rule in Europe?
Many rail operators open their ticket sales exactly three months before the travel date. This is known as the booking horizon and it is the best time to find low fares.
Is it better to fly or train in Europe?
The train is the better choice for distances under 500 kilometres because it saves you the long trip to the airport. For very long journeys, the plane is much faster and often cheaper.
Is there an unlimited train pass in Europe?
You can buy an Interrail Global Pass or a national “all-lines” pass in countries like Germany and Switzerland. These allow you to travel as much as you want for a fixed price.
Why is a train more expensive than flying in Europe?
Airlines benefit from huge subsidies and they do not pay tax on fuel or VAT on international tickets. Rail companies are burdened by high energy taxes and tolls to use the tracks.
What are the disadvantages of travelling by train?
The biggest problems are fragmented ticketing systems and long travel times for distances over 1,000 kilometres. You often have to buy separate tickets from different companies for one trip.
What is the safest mode of travel in the world?
Rail travel is considered very safe and it offers increased safety when you compare it to road transport.
How much does a 7 day Europe trip cost?
A two-week car trip for four people costs about €125 per person for transport. You could expect to spend around €60 to €70 per person for travel during a 7-day trip.
What is the cheapest way to travel around Europe?
The most affordable strategy is to use trains for short connections and budget planes for long distances.
What is the most expensive country in Europe for tourists?
The UK, Spain, and France have the highest rail fares compared to flights. In France, rail travel costs are 52% higher than the European average.
How to travel to Europe cheaply?
You should book your train tickets three months in advance to get the lowest price. Also, look for budget airlines but always count the hidden fees for bags.
What is the best way to carry money in Europe?
You can use credit cards, mobile apps, or systems like PayPal to pay for almost all your travel tickets.
Concluding words
I have seen every side of European travel. The data makes it clear that planes are usually cheaper because they receive unfair tax breaks. However, the train remains the superior way to experience the continent.
You get massive leg room, the ability to see the countryside, and a much lower impact on the climate. For your next trip, I suggest you do the math for the whole journey. If the rail takes under six hours, choose the tracks for a more civilised and green adventure.
