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Europe offers an extensive and efficient transportation network, making it easy to explore multiple countries in a single trip. When planning short trips within Europe, many travellers instinctively turn to flights as the fastest option. However, there’s a strong case for considering trains as an alternative, especially for routes between major cities. Train travel is not only a sustainable way of travelling (less emissions than flying), but is a family friendly/group friendly way of travelling, and also great for business travel. Let’s break down the benefits of travelling by train versus flying, using a Paris to Zurich trip as an example.

Flying: The Hidden Time Costs

At first glance, flying from Paris to Zurich seems like the quicker option. For example, Swissair operate a flight from Paris Charles de Gaulle (CDG) to Zurich Airport, which departs Paris at 9:55 am and lands in Zurich at 11:20 am, a flight time of just 1 hour and 25 minutes. However, the reality is that air travel can be much more time-consuming when you factor in the entire journey.

1. Getting to the Airport: For this example you’ll need to leave Paris city centre at around 7:25 am – 7.55 am to reach CDG Airport in time for check in. The taxi ride will take approximately 30 minutes (depending on traffic of course!) and costing at least €50 (A$81).
2. Airport Procedures: To comply with airline check-in and security requirements, you should arrive at the airport 1.5 to 2 hours before your flight. This means being at CDG by 8:25 am at the latest.
3. Post-Arrival: Once in Zurich, it takes around 40 minutes to clear customs, retrieve your luggage, and exit the airport. A taxi ride to Zurich city centre will add another 15 minutes to your journey time and cost around CHF50 (A$87).

In total, your “1 hour and 25 minutes” flight ends up taking around 5 hours. You’d leave Paris at 7:25 am and wouldn’t arrive in Zurich until 12:15 pm at the earliest.

Taking the Train: A Seamless Journey

Now, let’s consider a trip on the TGV Lyria from Paris-Gare de Lyon to Zurich Hauptbahnhof (Hb). TGV stands for Train à Grande Vitesse (high speed train), and travels at speeds of up to 320km/h. The train departs at 7:22 am and arrives in Zurich at 11:25 am, with a travel time of around 4 hours. Unlike flying, travelling by train offers a more straightforward and relaxed experience.

1. Departure and Arrival: Trains generally depart and arrive in the city centre, eliminating the need for long taxi rides to and from airports. Plus, you only really need to be at the station about 20 minutes before departure (and up to 5 mins), meaning you won’t need to leave your Paris hotel too early! If you’re staying at one of the many hotels near the station, it’s just a short walk to the train.
2. Comfort and Convenience: Trains offer more space to move around, onboard dining options, and the opportunity to enjoy scenic views. Additionally, there are no strict luggage restrictions – as long as you can carry it, you can bring it (within reason).
3. Pricing: The TGV Lyria is also more budget-friendly. Second-class tickets start at around €49 (A$80), and first-class tickets at €73 (A$120). Comparatively, the Swissair flight in economy class costs around €151 (A$246), and business class costs approximately €280 (A$456). Train travel is also a bit more family/group friendly, with some seats facing each other around a table, or if you’re travelling solo, you can also get a seat by yourself. You’ll also save on expensive taxi fares to and from the airport, which can add up when flying.

The Verdict

For short trips within Europe, trains often provide a better balance of time, comfort, and cost. The journey from Paris to Zurich highlights the advantages of choosing rail over air travel. While the flight might seem faster on paper, the actual time spent is nearly identical to taking the train. Factor in the hassle of airports, the added costs of taxis, and the comfort of train travel, and the TGV Lyria emerges as the superior option for many travellers, whether you are travelling for business or pleasure.

Additional Benefits of Train Travel

1. Sustainable Train Travel and Environmental Impact: Trains have a significantly lower carbon footprint than planes, making them a more eco-friendly choice for those conscious of their environmental impact. Did you know that train travel (in France) has only 16% of CO2 emissions compared to a domestic flight? Also, the trains in Switzerland operate with 90% hydropower.
2. City-Centre Convenience: Train stations are centrally located, allowing you to start exploring immediately upon arrival without the need for further travel into the city.
3. Less Stress: Trains avoid the often stressful security checks, boarding processes, and potential delays associated with air travel. This makes for a more relaxed and enjoyable journey. You can also move about the train more freely than on a plane, and hang out with friends (new and existing!) in the buffet coach, or have a fine dining.

Next time you’re planning a trip within Europe, consider the train. Not only might you find it more convenient, but you’ll also experience the charm and efficiency of Europe’s railways.

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