Europe’s Air vs. Rail: Pricing Disparity & Solutions

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Introduction

A recent Greenpeace report indicates that air travel within Europe remains significantly cheaper than train travel on numerous cross-border routes. The study analyzed 142 routes across 31 European countries, including 109 cross-border connections, and found that flights were more affordable than trains on 54% of these routes.

Pricing Disparity

The Greenpeace study examined 142 routes across 31 European countries, including 109 cross-border connections. The research revealed that on 54% of these routes, flights were cheaper than trains on at least six out of nine travel days surveyed. Conversely, trains were consistently cheaper on only 39% of the cross-border routes, primarily in Central and Eastern Europe, especially in the Baltics and Poland.

Route Analysis

The Barcelona–London route displayed the most significant price difference, with plane tickets costing as little as €14.99, compared to train fares of up to €389, a 26-fold difference. In France, Spain, and the UK, trains were more expensive than flights on up to 95% of cross-border routes. The study considered only journeys under 1,500 km air distance.

Factors Influencing Pricing

Greenpeace highlights that the pricing disparity is not a reflection of efficiency but of policy choices. Aviation fuel remains untaxed across the EU, and international flight tickets are exempt from VAT. In contrast, rail operators pay full VAT, face high track access charges, and must absorb rising energy costs. The study found that the share of routes where trains are cheaper has risen by 14 percentage points since the previous edition in 2023, due to the development of stronger rail links and fewer ultra-low-cost flights routed through hub airports. Night trains have also become more competitive.

Environmental Impact and Recommendations

Flying produces, on average, five times more CO₂ emissions per passenger-kilometre than trains. When compared with rail networks powered entirely by renewable electricity, aviation’s climate impact can be over 80 times greater. Greenpeace is urging the EU and national governments to implement reforms to make rail travel more affordable and competitive.

Conclusion

The Greenpeace report emphasizes a continuing imbalance between air and rail travel in Europe. While there have been modest improvements since 2023, air travel remains artificially cheap due to tax exemptions and subsidies, while rail operators face higher operating costs. Greenpeace calls for reforms to align transport pricing with climate objectives.

Company Summary

Greenpeace: An environmental organization that conducted the study on flight and rail fares.

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