Taking the train is 50% more expensive than flying, study finds

Train trips in the UK are on average 50% more expensive than flying on the same routes, forcing travellers to choose between price and the environment, a new study has found. Taking the train is more expensive on eight of the 10 most popular routes across the UK, according to research by consumer organisation Which?. The biggest price difference was in a plane fare between Birmingham and Newquay, at GBP67, and a train ticket at GBP180, more than 2.5 times as expensive. However, travelling by train would emit just a fifth of the carbon emissions that would be produced by flying on that route, the consumer outlet said. Airlines have launched dozens of new domestic routes this year, in response to growing demand for UK holidays. “Travellers who choose to take the train face significantly higher fares and journey times, putting those who want to lessen their environmental impact at a disadvantage,” said Rory Boland, travel editor at Which?. The figures come as the Government launched its plan to decarbonise transport, including a commitment to net zero domestic aviation emissions by 2040.<br/>