© Good Travel Guide, October 2021 (Updated 2024 by Ken Drew).
Our vacations don’t just fulfill our wanderlust; they are an opportunity to make sustainable choices that make a difference. As we proudly post about destinations we’ve visited, the question you might be asking is: Are trains or planes the most eco-friendly way to travel?
The statistics are clear – trains, particularly high-speed trains, are the most environmentally friendly way to get around Europe. Diesel trains are also significantly better for the environment because both have lower CO2 emissions than planes. Speaking of which, the most polluting way to travel is by plane.
In this blog, we delve into a comprehensive comparison of emissions between planes and trains, shedding light on how these choices measure up against other modes of transport. We also explore the landscape of European travel, analyzing how tourists navigate both short and long distances while considering the environmental implications of their chosen means of transportation. This is your Good Travel Guide on the way for a greener, more sustainable travel experience across Europe.
Exploring Sustainable Travel:
Different studies have evaluated the CO2 emissions produced by different modes of transport.
| Carbon Created Per Kilometer | 2022 |
| Domestic Flight ✈ | 246 g |
| Diesel Car 🚗 | 171 g |
| Petrol Car 🚗 | 170 g |
| Short-Haul Flight ✈ | 151 g |
| Long-Haul Flight ✈ | 148 g |
| Motorbike 🛵 | 114 g |
| Bus (Average) | 97 g |
| Bus (Local London) 🚍 | 79 g |
| Electric Car 🚗⚡ | 47 g |
| Coach (Bus) 🚌 | 27 g |
| Ferry (Foot Passenger) 🚤 | 19 g |
| Eurostar (to Paris) 🚄 | 4 g |
Source: https://ourworldindata.org/travel-carbon-footprint
Considering the kg of CO2 per passenger generated per kilometer traveled, distances by car alone are the second most polluting transport (170-171 g of CO2 per kilometer), followed by motorbike (114 g/km CO2). The most climate changing way to travel are domestic flights which release 246 g/km of CO2. I’m sorry, but do you really believe airline companies can offset their emissions with their tree planting scheme?
The Best Way To Travel: Train or Plane
For a truly guilt-free and environmentally conscious travel experience across Europe, opting for bus or train tickets for long distances is food for the soul. It might be more expensive, purchasing tickets might be difficult, but you can find comfort that the train ticket or bus ticket you bought is like a type of activism that sends a clear message to decision makers that travel should enrich the planet as much as it does our memories.
In the next section of the blog, you’ll see that tourist purchasing behaviors are analyzed. That data can be used in future decision making. Who knew changing the world could be as easy as buying a train or bus ticket, right?
Beyond reducing your carbon footprint, low-carbon transport offers unique perks that enhance your overall journey.
Personally, I’ve found the beauty of bus or train travel lies not only in sustainability but also in the invaluable moments spent editing my GoPro travel pictures. Also, trains are like planes on wheels. Unlike planes, you can stand-up and walk around. Seats usually have more space to stretch your legs too.
Trains are the perfect blend of leisure and responsibility, allowing you to make a positive impact on the planet while savoring the journey itself. So, if you’re eager to explore Europe in an eco-friendly manner without compromising on memorable experiences, consider the scenic route via train (or bus!) If you really don’t like other people, then renting an electric car is okay.
You know what? Maybe those reasons are why data from YouGov, the global public opinion and data company, found that European travelers (YouGov, 2021) were willing to change their mode of transport to a more environmentally friendly one.
Factors Influencing Travel Choices
| Low-Carbon Travel Demand by Nationality | |
| British | 57% |
| German | 45% |
| French | 40% |
Source: yougov.com, 2021
YouGov research shows that 57% of Brits, 45% of the Germans and 40% of the French would consider choosing a more sustainable option. Data on British travellers reveal the factors that influence their travel choices which aren’t about environmental preservation, but rather comfort and prices.
- Journey Duration: Only a third of UK respondents would happily accept a longer journey (30 minutes), and only 16% would accept a 1-hour longer trip.
- Ticket Prices: 49% of Brits stated that they would be more likely to switch to rail travel if it was cheaper than flying. Buses are another viable option; 1 in 4 British tourists prefers buses to planes and trains when the price is right.
Comparing the results of the 2021 YouGov survey with a similar one from 2019 reveals that there is a greater awareness about climate change and travel choices. In 2019, 19% of UK respondents admitted not considering environmental impact when traveling, this number has decreased to 9.8% in 2021.
If you want to know more about travel emissions, carbon offsetting and sustainable solutions read our blog article here.
Good Travelers Stay Informed and Educate Others
Bookmark our website to stay up to date on our investigation and education on travel emissions, carbon offsetting and sustainable solutions. The world needs more good travelers like us.
Staying informed about environmental issues related to travel is crucial in these climate changed times because the positive bias of social media content can create expectations of destinations that are either outdated or completely false. I’m sure you’ve seen the “Instagram vs Reality” trend where travelers are exposing the false depiction of destinations as uncrowded and clean when they are the exact opposite. That’s why your network needs you.
