Exploring the Surprising Cost Differences Between Air and Rail Travel in the UK
The ecological impact of air travel is significantly greater than that of trains, and with rail travel receiving government subsidies, the notable price discrepancies for domestic journeys can seem perplexing.
Historically, air travel was considered a luxury only accessible to the affluent, which might explain the astonishment that arises today when flying turns out to be the more economical option over trains. Recent findings by the personal finance comparison site Finder revealed that, during a summer study, domestic flights within the UK frequently turned out to be cheaper than train journeys. Louise Bastock, a financial expert at Finder, reported that survey participants consistently expressed that trains, as a form of public transport, should logically cost less and be more accessible. Many found it counterintuitive when the opposite was true concerning costs.
On a specific day in October, I made price comparisons for various intercity routes. While trains generally offered more affordable rates, some exceptions stood out. For instance, a midday train from London to Edinburgh on Thursday, October 2, was priced at £77.10, whereas a flight could be as low as £15. Flights later in the day were available under £20, and train fares began at over £40. The cheapest flights originated from London Stansted, which some might argue isn’t truly in London, with a flight from Heathrow at 1:30 pm starting at £37.
Another comparison between Newquay and Manchester the following day showed train prices beginning at £113 before 9 pm, while flight tickets were advertised starting from £53. Similarly, flights from Glasgow to Bristol were priced from £15, whereas train tickets started at £56.50. These examples highlight that ticket prices fluctuate throughout the day and are not solely indicative of the service costs.
The primary expenses for train operators include leasing trains, staffing, and maintaining the tracks, which collectively form about 85% of the overall cost. Additional costs involve fuel—either electricity, taxed at 20%, or diesel at 5%. Although it’s challenging to pinpoint the exact cost of operating a train from London to Edinburgh, estimates suggest it falls within the tens of thousands of pounds. Nevertheless, rail operations benefit from substantial government subsidies, with British train companies receiving around £4.1 billion for the year ending in March 2024.
Running an airline entails similar costs: leasing aircraft, paying for landing slots, and covering staff wages. However, airlines do not pay VAT or duty on fuel, which constitutes a significant portion of their expenses. A proposal by the Campaign for Better Transport suggested that imposing a tax on fuel for domestic flights similar to that on petrol could generate an additional £1.5 billion annually for the government—a financial burden airlines currently avoid.
It’s important to note that the discussed ticket prices are basic fares, which might not reflect the total cost once additional needs are considered. For example, Ryanair’s annual report indicated that while the average ticket cost a passenger €46, the total revenue per person after including extras nearly reached €70.
On the LNER train from London to Edinburgh, passengers are encouraged to bring no more than three bags. In contrast, the cheapest Ryanair flight allows only one small bag. Additional fees apply for extra luggage; for example, bringing a 10kg bag could cost an extra £28, which includes priority boarding and a reserved seat, totaling £43—still less than the train fare of £77.10. However, transporting a bicycle is free on LNER with a reservation, whereas Ryanair charges £60.
Moreover, while a plane ticket might initially seem like a saving, it might not be economical if considering the travel to and from airports. The train journey between London’s King’s Cross and Edinburgh’s Waverley Station places travelers centrally, whereas airports are significantly farther from these hubs, potentially necessitating costly taxi fares especially late at night when public transport options are limited.
Ultimately, both the rail and airline industries set their prices based on what they believe people are willing to pay to maximize occupancy. For instance, Ryanair’s spokesperson mentioned that a £15 ticket offer from London to Edinburgh was intended as a loss leader to boost traffic, asserting that a low-priced ticket is preferable to an empty seat.
From an environmental standpoint, the choice is clear. Research by Which? suggests that flying from London to Edinburgh emits over twice the CO2 compared to taking the train, although Ryanair has contested the credibility of this research.
When all factors are considered, including additional costs, train travel might ultimately represent a more sensible choice despite initially higher ticket prices.
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