Tip and inspiration
- Many short-haul flights to popular holiday destinations Amsterdam, Berlin, Rome, Lisbon and Marseille, can be replaced by train journeys. Get more destination inspiration from flight-free travellers.
- Seat61 is the go-to website for tips on international train travel, recommended routes and how to get the best deal when booking. If you don’t want to have to plan the trip yourself, check out Byway to find a package train holiday.
- When you travel by train you actually get to see more. Why not take one of Europe’s scenic train routes and enjoy your journey as well as your destination?
- Break up your trip into multiple destinations and uncover gems you might never have discovered had you flown. The Eurail Pass is a great option to save you money on these trips. Note that the Youth Pass discount is available for travellers aged 27 and under.
- Short flight journey times are misleading. They don’t account for travel to and from the airport, security queues, passport control and baggage claim. Unlike planes, trains will often take you from city centre to city centre, meaning the total journey time when using the train is usually not that much more than flying.
The big picture
In 2022, 73% of international flights from the UK were to Europe.
In terms of CO2 emissions per passenger per kilometre, short-haul flights are bigger polluters than long-haul flights. It’s therefore even more important to use rail for these shorter journeys.
Sources:
Transport Statistics Great Britain: 2022 International Travel, gov.uk (2023)
Which form of transport has the smallest carbon footprint? Our World in Data (2023)
Image © Irina Anosova/Shutterstock
Why is this action beneficial?
Reduce emissions
Plane travel is the most carbon-intensive activity you can do. A return flight from Manchester to Rome produces more CO2 emissions than a person living in Nepal generates in a year. Taking just one less flight a year is an impactful way to cut emissions.
Reduce pollution
During take-off and landing, planes release various pollutants, including fine particulate matter, that can directly impact air quality near airports.
Spread the word
By telling others about your flight-free holiday and sharing how easy and fun it can be, you can encourage others to consider whether flying is the only option. Share this action page with them, so they have the tools to book a train holiday too.
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