In Europe, traveling by train is generally perceived as an ecological alternative to the plane, but a recent study by Greenpeace Europe, published on August 21, 2025, reveals an alarming trend: in 54 % of cases, the train is more expensive than the plane for cross -border journeys. This disparity raises questions about transport policies and the urgency of promoting sustainable solutions. The appearance of the study is available here
A study that highlights significant deviations
Greenpeace analyzed 109 cross -border trades and 33 national routes, all achievable day or night. The results are striking: the train can cost up to 26 times more expensive than the plane. An extreme example is the Barcelona-Londres route, reserved for a month in advance: 389 euros by train against 14.99 euros by plane. In France, 95 % of cross -border journeys are more expensive by train over at least six days a week, Placing the country at the top of this little enviable ranking.
The causes of this price difference
This situation is explained by economic and structural factors. Kerosene used by aviation escapes any taxation, unlike rail operators who pay taxes on energy, VAT and high royalties for access to the tracks. François Guénard, expert at Roland Berger, stresses that rail tolls, necessary to maintain an expensive infrastructure, are the main reason for these differences. In addition, the lack of harmonization between European networks – rail spacing, food currents – increases operational costs.
An ecological paradox
The train, a mode of transport among the least CO2 issuers by passenger-kilometer, is however disadvantaged in front of the plane, the most polluting. Night trains, ideal for long distances, remain a relevant climate option, but their high price slows down their adoption. Greenpeace pleads to make the railway systematically cheaper, believing that subsidies to airlines and the absence of taxes on kerosene beans the choices of travelers.
Solutions for a sustainable future
To reverse the trend, measures such as the abolition of rail taxes or harmonization of European infrastructure is envisaged. Nationally, 70 % of train journeys remain cheaper than the plane, proof that suitable policies can change the situation. Improving the interoperability of networks and reducing tolls could encourage a modal postponement to the train.