Interrailing VS Flying

Europe is one of the few places where trains and planes are equally viable ways to travel between countries. With short distances, a high-speed rail network, and low-cost airlines offering affordable flights, travellers often face the question: train or plane?

The dilemma comes down to what matters most such as speed, price, comfort, sustainability, or experience. Whether you're planning a weekend city break or a multi-country backpacking trip, choosing between interrailing and flying will shape your whole adventure.

Flight Expenses:

Flights are an easy way to get around Europe, especially with the many bodies of water making getting around by car, boat or train more difficult. Due to the number of low-cost airlines, travelling domestically within Europe can be cost-efficient!

Some of the most affordable airlines that fly to and within Europe include easyJet, Smartwings, Ryanair, Transavia, Norwegian, and Wizz Air. These budget carriers offer a low-cost alternative to traditional national flag carriers like British Airways or Air France, which usually provide full-service flights but at higher ticket prices. What makes them a bit cheaper is that they offer low base fares by removing extras like checked baggage, in-flight meals, and seat selection.

Domestic flights can be surprisingly affordable, especially when booked strategically. Prices can start as low as £15–£25 one-way, particularly with budget airlines.

If you have flexibility of when you want to go and have left time to book in advance then flights can work out to be cheaper. The only thing you will need to consider is add-ons and extras may be an additional fee with budget airlines. Make sure to do your research on excess baggage fees and double-check the airline's website as this can work out expensive.

Interrailing Expenses:

More and more travellers are choosing Interrailing to see Europe, but the big question remains — is it cheaper than flying? When you're visiting several cities across Europe, an Interrail Pass can save you a lot of money compared to booking multiple flights and here is why. With an Interrail Pass, you pay once and get access to unlimited train travel within the countries covered which is a different process to booking flights. This means that the more cities you visit, the more value you get from the train pass.

You also get to skip the flight extra fees when travelling by train such as the seat selection, checked baggage, priority boarding and change fees which is always a pro. Interrail lets you adjust your itinerary on the go without paying extra, unlike most flight tickets and when travelling sometimes the plans can change.

Something to consider is that interrail passes can cost anywhere from £200 to £500+, depending on the duration and number of travel days you choose. If you're only visiting a few cities or travelling short distances, you might not make the most of the pass's value. If you won't make the most of the pass, have a look into individual train tickets or flights.

Environmental Impacts From Flying

When it comes down to deciding which form of transport to take, you may want to consider which is better for the environment. Aviation has a high carbon footprint. It’s one of the most carbon-intensive ways to move people, especially over long distances. But people are not going to stop moving any time soon due to aviation being crucial for economic growth, global connectivity, and social development.

It's one of the most popular forms of travel as 58% of all international tourists travel to their destinations by air. Flying has lots of positives such as being one of the safest and fastest means of transportation, overcoming oceans and borders to connect people and supporting economic growth. While it’s often criticized for contributing to global warming, noise pollution, and a high carbon footprint, it can also offer significant benefits. There are also eco-friendly airlines that are actively working to reduce their environmental impact.

As everyone becomes more environmentally conscious, flying in an eco-friendly way has become much more of a hot topic. People wonder what exactly can be done to reduce their carbon footprint and plastic waste when flying. Did you know that you can fly into airports that are eco-friendly, and due to their efforts they are making to be more green? For tips on how to fly more eco-friendly visit our blog!

Environmental Impacts From Interrailing

Interrailing, or travelling by train across Europe, generally has a positive environmental impact compared to other forms of transportation however, there are some cons. Trains emit significantly less carbon dioxide than cars or planes so it has a lower carbon footprint. However, the construction and maintenance of rail infrastructure can have local environmental impacts, and not all trains are powered by renewable energy. 

Another thing to remember when considering the environmental impacts of interrailing is that it contributes to crowding in major cities like Paris, Amsterdam, or Venice, which strains local infrastructure and natural resources.

Interrailing is one of the more eco-friendly travel options, especially when compared to short-haul flights or road trips. While it’s not impact-free, making sustainable choices along the way — like packing light, avoiding single-use plastics, and visiting less-touristy towns — can make your trip even greener.

Comfort & Experience of Flying

Flying is the fastest way to travel long distances, and many airlines now offer smoother check-in, app-based boarding passes, and online seat selection. If you are flying long haul then the airline offers meal options that cater to your preferences and allergies. Airlines also offer entertainment onboard such as movies, music, games, and even Wi-Fi, making the journey more enjoyable.

If you are concerned about tight legroom, narrow seats, and limited recline then you always have the option of upgrading to a different class. Another factor to keep in mind when flying is the need to arrive at the airport at least three hours before departure — with security checks, boarding lines, and navigating to your gate all adding extra stress to the journey. To solve this, we recommend booking fast track which gets you to the front of the queue and checking in online instead of at the airport.

Overall, flying is a lot more direct and a quicker way to travel from A to B. With interrailing, you might need to switch trains multiple times, deal with tight connections, or wait around at unfamiliar stations. When flying you can switch off and rest without worrying when your stop is coming up.

Comfort & Experience of Interrailing

Interrailing can be an amazing travel experience, you get to enjoy breathtaking views of the countryside, mountains, coastlines, and cities — all from your window seat. One of the pros that people tend to enjoy about interrailing is that you can hop on and off trains, explore, and change your plans. It’s travel at your own pace.

With all of that in mind, at peak times or on popular routes, you might not get a seat unless you reserve in advance — and some trains don’t allow seat bookings at all. Like planes, trains can be delayed, especially on certain routes, and Eurail does not guarantee compensation for delays. 

It’s a good idea to check out the trains on your route beforehand. Travelling with a backpack can make it much easier to move between platforms compared to carrying a heavy suitcase. Try to choose routes with fewer train changes when possible, and allow extra time between connections to avoid stress.

Final Thoughts: Plane or Train?

Both forms of transport are great options to consider. Flying is fast, efficient, and ideal for covering long distances in a short time. Interrailing, on the other hand, offers a more scenic, flexible, and eco-conscious way to explore Europe at your own pace.

Your choice might come down to your priorities — whether that’s cost, convenience, sustainability, or the overall experience. And who says you have to choose just one? Many travellers combine both to make the most of their European adventure.

Book your next flight with Alternative Airlines ✈️ choose from 600+ global carriers and split the cost with flexible payment options.