For families and people with lots of luggage, traveling by train is worth it

Families and travelers with extra luggage can save money on many routes by traveling by train instead of plane. This is shown by a new study by ZHAW, which compared both modes of transport in Europe. In Switzerland, the train is often the cheaper option, especially for trips to neighboring countries.

A price comparison study conducted by ZHAW examined the costs of traveling within Europe by train or plane on the same routes. The study showed that travelers with a lot of luggage or families in particular can save money by taking the train. For solo travelers without luggage, flying is often cheaper than taking the train on many international routes. The study was conducted by students in the Bachelor's program in Mobility Science at the ZHAW School of Engineering and is based on a Greenpeace study from August 2025.

The Greenpeace study “Flying Cheap, Paying Dear” showed that flights for single travelers without luggage are cheaper than train travel on many international routes. Favorable competitive conditions in air travel enable low prices, which in turn prevent mobility behavior from shifting toward more climate-friendly modes of transport. The ZHAW study added further traveler profiles, such as additional baggage or additional passengers, and found that traveling by train can still be financially worthwhile. The reason for this is that airfares rise much more quickly when additional services or seats are required.

«At first glance, airfares often appear to be significantly cheaper than train fares. However, families with children and travelers with luggage in particular are advised to compare prices more closely. Child discounts on trains and hidden baggage fees on airlines can have a significant impact on the actual price of the trip.» – Thomas Sauter-Servaes, Programme Director Mobility Science

The difference is highest in London and Barcelona

The ZHAW study evaluated 136 European rail and air connections and revealed significant differences in price trends. For solo travelers with little or no luggage, prices are similar. Flights are sometimes slightly cheaper and sometimes slightly more expensive than the same route by train. However, as soon as children and additional luggage are added, airfares increase significantly more. In family scenarios, flights are on average more than twice as expensive as train travel. Last-minute bookings make both modes of transport more expensive, but to a much greater extent for air travel. The price advantage for air travel is particularly evident on routes starting or ending in London or Barcelona. Both cities have large airports with low-cost airlines based there. The cheap flight offers make it impossible for rail providers to compete on price.

Cheaper travel by train to Switzerland's neighboring countries

In Switzerland, eight international routes starting in Basel, Geneva, and Zurich were analysed. Train travel to neighboring countries such as France, Germany, and Austria is usually cheaper than flights, for example to Berlin, Paris, or Vienna. For trips to Spain, on the other hand, flying is almost always cheaper. There are significant price differences in Switzerland, especially for train travel. The cheapest train ticket, from Geneva to Paris, cost €29, while the most expensive, from Zurich to Madrid, cost €417 per person. The most expensive flight ticket, from Zurich to Berlin, cost €276 per person.

„

«Our analysis results confirm the findings of the Greenpeace price study 2025. Airlines can offer very low fares that would never be economical if real CO2 costs were factored in. Despite this competitive disadvantage, rail travel is already the more cost-effective travel alternative for many target groups in cross-border European transport.» – Thomas Sauter-Servaes, Programme Director Mobility Science

Contact

go back