Best Alternatives to Flying for Short-Haul Holidays

The best alternatives to flying for short-haul holidays are train, coach, and car travel, with train being the most comfortable and often the fastest door-to-door option for distances under 800 km. For many routes, these surface options are not only lower in carbon emissions but can also be cheaper and more relaxing than flying when you factor in airport transfers, security, and waiting times.

Formula

This calculator compares the total door-to-door time of a train journey versus a flight. The train total is simply the time spent on the train (t). The flying total is the sum of: transfer to the airport (a), the flight itself (f), the security and boarding buffer (s), and the transfer from the arrival airport to your destination (a again, assuming similar transfer times). The difference (train – fly) shows how many hours longer (or shorter) the train is. If the result is negative, the train is faster.

Worked Example

Using the default values: train time = 5 hours, airport transfer = 2 hours, flight time = 2 hours, security buffer = 1.5 hours.
Train total = 5 hours.
Flying total = 2 + 2 + 1.5 + 2 = 7.5 hours.
Difference = 5 – 7.5 = -2.5 hours. So the train is 2.5 hours faster door-to-door, even though the flight itself is only 2 hours.

Why Trains Win for Short-Haul

For journeys under roughly 800 kilometres, the train is often the most practical alternative. The main reason is the “airport tax”: you typically need to arrive at the airport 1-2 hours before departure, and then spend another 30-60 minutes getting from the arrival airport into the city centre. Airports are usually located far from city centres, while train stations are often right in the middle. When you add up all that time, a 2-hour flight can easily become a 5-6 hour door-to-door affair. A train that takes 4-5 hours usually becomes a 4-5 hour door-to-door trip, because you can arrive 15 minutes before departure and step off directly into the city.

Another advantage is comfort. Trains offer more legroom, the freedom to walk around, and no restrictions on liquids or sharp objects in your carry-on. You can work, read, or eat a proper meal at a table. Many modern trains have power sockets, Wi-Fi, and quiet carriages. For many travellers, the journey itself becomes part of the holiday rather than a stressful prelude.

When the Coach (Bus) Makes Sense

Long-distance coaches are usually the cheapest surface option. They are slower than trains, but they are also much cheaper, sometimes half the price of a train ticket. Coaches are a good choice if you are on a strict budget, if you are travelling overnight (saving a night’s accommodation), or if your destination is not well-served by rail. The main downsides are less legroom, fewer amenities, and the fact that traffic jams can cause delays. However, modern coach fleets often have Wi-Fi, power sockets, and toilets, making the journey tolerable. For example, a coach from London to Paris takes about 8-9 hours, compared to 2.5 hours by Eurostar, but it can cost a fraction of the price.

Driving: Flexibility at the Cost of Effort

Driving your own car gives you the most flexibility. You can leave whenever you want, stop wherever you like, and carry as much luggage as you can fit in the boot. For a family or a group of friends, driving can be the cheapest option because the cost is shared. It also avoids the hassle of luggage limits and check-in times. The downsides are the physical effort of driving, the risk of traffic, and the cost of fuel, tolls, and parking. For a single traveller, driving is usually more expensive than the train or coach. For a family of four, it can be significantly cheaper than four train tickets. Driving is also the best option if you plan to explore the countryside or visit multiple small towns during your holiday.

Ferries and Night Trains

For island destinations or routes across water, ferries are often the only surface option. They are slower than flying, but they offer a unique experience and can carry vehicles. Some ferry routes, like the ones across the English Channel, the Baltic Sea, or the Mediterranean, are well-established and comfortable, with restaurants, cabins, and even cinemas. Night trains are a special case: they combine transport and accommodation. By sleeping on the train, you save a night in a hotel and arrive at your destination in the morning, refreshed and ready to go. Night trains are popular in Europe, with routes connecting many major cities. They are not the fastest option, but they are efficient in terms of time and money.

How to Choose the Best Option

To decide, consider these factors in order:

• Total time: Use the calculator above to compare door-to-door times. Remember to include transfers and waiting.
• Cost: Compare the full price of each option, including luggage fees, airport transfers, parking, tolls, and fuel. For trains, look for advance purchase discounts; for coaches, prices are often fixed.
• Comfort and convenience: Do you prefer to walk around? Do you need to work? Are you travelling with children? Trains are usually the most comfortable, followed by cars, then coaches.
• Environmental impact: Trains are generally the lowest-carbon option, followed by coaches, then cars, then planes. If sustainability is a priority, choose the train or coach.
• Destination: Is your destination a city centre or a remote village? Trains are best for cities; cars are best for rural areas.

Common Misconceptions

One common misconception is that flying is always faster. As shown above, for short-haul routes, the train is often faster door-to-door. Another misconception is that trains are always more expensive. With advance booking, trains can be cheaper than flights, especially when you include baggage fees and airport transfers. Some people also believe that coaches are unreliable, but in many countries, they run on dedicated highways and are quite punctual. Finally, many travellers assume that driving is the cheapest option, but when you factor in depreciation, insurance, and parking, it can be more expensive than a train ticket for a single traveller.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the train really better for the environment than the plane?
Yes, for most routes, trains emit significantly less CO2 per passenger than planes. The exact amount depends on the energy source of the train and the occupancy of both vehicles, but on average, a train journey emits about 80% less CO2 than a flight over the same distance.

What is the maximum distance where the train is still practical?
Generally, up to 800-1,000 km is considered short-haul for trains. Beyond that, the time difference becomes too large, and flying becomes the only sensible option. However, night trains can extend this range because you sleep while travelling.

Are there any routes where flying is actually faster even for short distances?
Yes, if the train route is indirect or slow (e.g., mountainous terrain, no high-speed rail), flying might be faster even for distances under 500 km. Also, if you live very close to an airport and your destination is right next to the arrival airport, the airport tax might be minimal. Always check the specific route.

How can I find cheap train tickets?
Book in advance, as prices usually rise closer to the departure date. Look for off-peak times, use railcards or group discounts, and consider split-ticketing (buying separate tickets for segments of the journey) which can sometimes be cheaper than a single ticket.

Is it safe to travel by coach overnight?
Yes, overnight coaches are generally safe. They are operated by licensed companies, and drivers are required to take rest breaks. However, you should keep your valuables with you and be aware of your surroundings, as with any form of public transport.

What about travelling with a bike?
Trains often allow bikes, but you may need to reserve a space and sometimes pay a small fee. Coaches and planes usually require bikes to be boxed. If you plan to cycle at your destination, a train is often the easiest option.

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in t | Train time (hours) | h | 5 | 0
in a | Airport transfer time (hours) | h | 2 | 0
in f | Flight time (hours) | h | 2 | 0
in s | Security and boarding buffer (hours) | h | 1.5 | 0
out train | Train total (hours) | h | t | 1
out fly | Flying total (hours) | h | a + f + s + a | 1
out diff | Train vs flying (hours) | h | train - fly | 1