Low-Cost European Rail Services To Challenge Low-Cost Airlines

While trains are more costly, they produce 6 times less pollution than airlines do on popular routes, study finds.

Planes can stay in the air because of the lower price advantage, maintained by government support. However, the tide is changing, as cheap rail services are rapidly expanding all throughout Europe. It is now that affordable rail travel is more important than ever. But let’s see how is this possible.

Like low-cost airlines, trains provide low-priced services with little extras, as they don't contribute to global warming like low-cost planes. So, travellers can now get inexpensive train tickets on practically any trip in Europe and save a lot of money on first-class train tickets if planning their journeys beforehand.

Several government initiatives are being implemented to promote the use of railroads. While Spain has provided free tickets on certain routes, Germany has just renewed its inexpensive regional transit ticket. Moreover, the European Union (EU) is providing 35,000 young people with free train tickets as part of a recently unveiled programme.

In addition, more and more rail companies are positioning themselves as affordable options. Their logos and identities frequently have the same vibrant colours, strong typefaces, and memorable two- or three-syllable hooks as those of budget airlines like Wizz Air.

Nevertheless, before booking, it's a good idea to double-check their policies about luggage weight limitations and costs for amenities like power outlets.

Discover the newest low-cost railway services in Europe!

Lumo, the London-to-Edinburgh train

Lumo recommends that people "get over their fear of flying" by taking a train trip instead. The firm provides an electric line that travels along the east coast from London to Edinburgh. The cheapest tickets cost £26.90 (around €32). In contrast, the typical cost of a flight ranges from €35 and €70.

In addition to saving money and time, the city-to-city concept eliminates the need to travel to and from airports. Each passenger is allowed two pieces of luggage (one carry-on and one checked bag). The maximum dimensions for the big bag are 63x41x27 cm, while the little bag must fit in the upper bin above each passenger’s seat.

Take the Avlo train in Spain for a considerably lower fare

Avlo is Renfe's discount rail service in Spain. There are express trains that connect the main cities at speeds of up to 300 km per hour. Prices begin at €7 for adults and €5 for those under the age of 14.

There is no weight restriction on the cabin bag, which may be up to 55x35x25 cm, and the personal luggage, which can be up to 36x27x25 cm. Extra bags may be purchased for €10 at the register, or €15 at the station.

Comparatively, these trains are far more affordable than air travel. Depending on when you go, you may expect to pay anything from €30 to €60 for the same destination when travelling by air.

Also in Spain - low-cost intercity rail travel using Iryo

Iryo is a railway carrier that competes with Renfe but is independently owned. The firm launched its Madrid–Andalusia route at the end of March. They also provide service between Madrid and Barcelona. With four departures every day stretching from early dawn to late night, the trains provide greater flexibility.

There are four pricing points to select from, with costs starting at roughly €18. Any ticket may be changed as many times as you want.

If your bags fit in the overhead bins and won't get in the way of the security checks, you may bring three bags on the Iryo for free. Checked baggage must not exceed 85x55x35 cm per bag.

Italo sets the standard for low-cost, high-speed rail travel in Italy

Italo operates trains in Italy, creating competition for the government-run rail service. It provides low-priced train travel choices. For example, costs for travel between Florence and Rome or Milan and Venice begin at €10.90.

Luggage is included in the price of your ticket, and you may bring as many or as few pieces as you choose, regardless of size.

French rail service Ouigo

Ouigo, the low-cost subsidiary of France's national rail service SNCF, operates high-speed trains between Paris and several important French municipalities, at a reasonable price. Tickets purchased on the day of travel might cost much more than the starting price of €10, depending on demand.

Optional extras, such as a seat with a power plug, cost €2 on Ouigo, just as they would on a low-cost airline. One piece of luggage may not exceed 36x27x15 cm and the other may not exceed 55x35x25 cm. No weight limits are currently in place.

Final words

With the climate change on the global highlights and the environment-related emergency nowadays, one of the most effective ways to lessen one's impact on nature is to avoid flying. This is in addition to other measures such as not owning a vehicle powered by an internal combustion engine, conserving energy at home, and adopting a plant-based diet.

So, in order to bring your contribution to the more and more common trend of sustainable travelling, next time you plan a trip across Europe just take a low-cost train and embark into an epic journey which is also cheap, pleasant and environment-friendly!

 

Source: euronews.com