Planes or Trains: Is one option better than the other?

Summer is now upon us and, for many people, it’s the first chance to get away for a proper holiday since the start of the pandemic. The world, however, has moved on over the past two years. Now, countries are setting ever-more ambitious plans to cut greenhouse gas emissions to as close to zero as possible. One sector that’s somewhat at odds with this target is aviation. But will that stop people jetting off? And can other methods such as rail pick up the baton?

How planes are now competing with trains?

The competition for short-haul passengers between planes and trains goes back decades. For holidaymakers in the UK, the choice became a question of flying to Spain or Cornwall by train. But then came high-speed and intercontinental rail – making it faster to get a train from, say, Paris to London. And trains started to see a renaissance in short-haul passenger numbers.

Now, however, the lines are becoming blurred.

Travel operators such as Tui are trying a different approach to safeguard their business – and maintain profits. How? By offering rail tickets instead of short-haul flights to reduce emissions and keep people’s carbon footprint on the ground. It is highly unlikely that a reverse situation will see rail operators offer flight tickets for financial, environmental, and logistical reasons.

What are the benefits of going by plane…

So, what are the benefits of choosing to fly to your destination this summer? First, the cost of catching a flight can often work out more affordable compared to train – not least when you’re able to take advantage of a TUI NHS discount or other such incentive. At a time when the cost-of-living is causing concern, the lowest-cost option is surely going to appeal.

One other big benefit is the argument that planes serve a wider range of destinations than rail. You can fly further and longer to get to your dream destination. And it’ll be quicker too. To fly from London to Dublin takes less than an hour. To complete the journey by rail (with a cameo from the ferry) takes eight times as long. So, it’s a question of time as well.

… and by train?

That argument only holds up for so long, however. Sure, a flight takes less time in itself. But what about the airport staff? Security checks and passport control can add hours onto a plane journey. And you can only travel to where there’s an airport. It’s more likely that you’ll find a railway station wherever you plan to travel – and it’s a quick in and out at the station.

Of course, there’s the green aspect too. The European Environment Agency says rail travel is the most eco-friendly mode of getting from A to B based on greenhouse gas emissions. When you’re travelling by electric train, those emissions tumble even further in comparison. So, it’s quite a tough call to make when you’re deciding where your travel plans will take you next.