We all know that the train is more ecological than the plane. But when it comes to looking at ticket prices, the greenest solution is not ultimately the cheapest. And in this game, a country is known for charging “crazy” prices on its train travel.
Travelers looking for an environmentally friendly mode of transport most often turn to the train. Certainly, it is a more ecological alternative and generally faster than the car and the plane, but if we look at the question of price, that is where the problem lies. Especially since TGV prices have recently increased in France, not to mention the strike movements which are impacting users on the front line. Now, almost everyone agrees that the train has become too expensive, even if you buy your tickets in advance. A recent survey, published on July 20, 2023 and conducted by Greenpeace Central and Eastern Europe, demonstrates this: “traveling by train is on average twice as expensive as by plane in Europe”, notes the report. It is therefore not surprising to see people choosing plane over train to save money and avoid hassle. As proof, due to the latest strike that occurred at the SNCF during the weekend of February 16 to 18, 2024, searches for plane tickets jumped by + 39% according to a new study by the comparator Liligo.
But with regard to France and its neighbors, do you know in which country the price ratio between train tickets and plane tickets is the highest? Still according to the Greenpeace study, the bad student is located a little less than 34 kilometers from Cap du Gris Nez in France: this is the United Kingdom. The experts mainly analyzed connections between cities at a distance of less than 1,500 kilometers, having an international airport, a train station and a train route not exceeding 24 hours. From their observations, they concluded that train tickets cost four times more than plane tickets in the UK.
In the ranking of European countries, our tricolor country is not better located. It is in third place, tied with Belgium. The price of a train ticket in France is on average 2.6 times more expensive than a plane ticket for the same journey. The biggest difference in price can be seen in particular on the Paris-Valence route. The cost of a train ticket for this route is on average almost eight times higher than for a plane ticket. Yet another reason that pushes the French to shun the train more. Let’s remember, however, that certain tips still allow you to obtain certain reductions on your train tickets. Depending on the destination chosen, you can, for example, find Ouigo tickets from 16 euros, provided you book in advance.