Train Instead of a Plane: 10 Routes Across Europe Where Taking the Train Saves Time and Money

Flying between neighboring European cities isn’t always the fastest option when you factor in the airport transfer, check-in, security screening, and baggage claim. On some routes, taking the train can save you more than two hours, and a ticket costs several times less. Learn more about 10 routes across Europe where trains are faster than flights

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The European high-speed rail network is increasingly competing with air travel on short- and medium-haul routes. Train stations are usually located in city centers, passengers don’t need to arrive hours before departure, and baggage policies are often less restrictive. As a result, traveling by train can be not only more comfortable but also faster than flying.

According to Euronews, the Omio platform compared popular routes across Europe and identified those where the train beats the plane in total travel time. Let’s take a look at ten such routes and find out how much time and money you can save by choosing to travel by train.

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How were air and rail travel compared?

The Omio platform analyzed 25 popular routes between European cities and data from over 1,000 transportation operators. The researchers did not compare the scheduled flight time with the duration of the train trip, but rather the passenger’s entire journey from one city to another.

The total air travel time included:

- Transfer from the city center to the airport

- Check-in and security screening

- Waiting for boarding

- The flight itself

- Baggage claim

- Travel from the arrival airport to the city

For trains, the study considered travel time and the accessibility of central train stations. Prices were compared based on fares for travel in August 2026 for a single passenger; therefore, they reflect a specific period and may vary depending on the booking date.

Interest in rail travel in Europe is already growing significantly. According to Omio, the number of train ticket bookings has increased by 32% over the past year—more than three times faster than the growth in airline ticket bookings.

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Brussels, Belgium – Paris, France: 2 hours and 20 minutes saved

The route between Brussels and Paris emerged as the most compelling example of rail’s advantages in Omio’s study. The total travel time by plane is approximately 265 minutes, while a high-speed train covers the route in 125 minutes. Thus, passengers save 140 minutes, or 2 hours and 20 minutes.

The cost difference is also significant:

- Air travel – about €209

- Train travel – about €34

- Estimated savings – €175

Trains arrive at Paris’s Gare du Nord station, from where you can quickly reach most central areas via the metro or the RER commuter trains. Air travel, on the other hand, involves a transfer to one of Brussels’ airports and an additional trip from the airport to Paris. It is these steps that turn a short flight into a much longer journey.

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Frankfurt – Cologne, Germany: just 63 minutes by train

The high-speed rail connection between Frankfurt and Cologne allows travelers to cover the route in approximately 63 minutes. By comparison, the total duration of the flight, including travel to the airport and all mandatory procedures, is 195 minutes.

Key route statistics:

- Total travel time by plane – 3 hours 15 minutes

- Travel time by train – 1 hour 3 minutes

- Time saved – 2 hours 12 minutes

- Estimated train ticket price – €32

ICE trains connect the central stations Frankfurt Hauptbahnhof and Köln Hauptbahnhof. The latter is located near Cologne Cathedral and the historic city center, so passengers don’t need a long additional transfer upon arrival. Omio did not provide a comparative airfare for this route, but in terms of travel time, the train has a clear advantage.

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Madrid – Valencia, Spain: 1 hour and 50 minutes faster

The total travel time by plane between Madrid and Valencia is about 240 minutes. The high-speed train covers the route in 130 minutes, saving passengers 110 minutes.

A train ticket costs about €16, while a plane ticket costs €69. Thus, taking the train saves you approximately €53, or 77% of the trip’s cost. An added benefit is arriving directly in Valencia without needing a transfer from the airport.

Milan – Florence, Italy: the train is more than seven times cheaper

The high-speed train journey between Milan and Florence takes about 140 minutes, while the entire flight takes approximately 240 minutes. Choosing the train shortens the trip by 1 hour and 40 minutes.

The price difference is even more significant: about €27 for the train versus €197 for the flight. The savings amount to €170, or approximately 86%. The train also arrives at the Firenze Santa Maria Novella station near Florence’s historic center, so there’s no need to spend time and money on an airport transfer.

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London, United Kingdom – Paris, France: Faster by Train, but Cheaper by Plane

The Eurostar train takes passengers from central London to central Paris in 156 minutes. The total flight time is 255 minutes, so the train saves 1 hour and 39 minutes.

At the same time, the flight turned out to be more cost-effective: €115 versus €196 for the train. The difference is €81; however, the cost of the flight may include transfers to and from the airports, baggage fees, and seat selection. You need to compare not only the base fares but also the total travel costs.

Rome – Florence, Italy: 97-minute savings

The high-speed train covers the route between Rome and Florence in 108 minutes. The total flight time is about 205 minutes, so taking the train shortens the journey by 1 hour and 37 minutes.

A train ticket cost about €28, while a flight cost €131. Passengers save approximately €103, or nearly 79% of the cost. Additionally, trains connect the central stations of Roma Termini and Firenze Santa Maria Novella without the need for additional transfers from the airports.

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Madrid – Barcelona, Spain: 87 minutes faster by train

The high-speed train journey between Madrid and Barcelona takes 153 minutes, while the total flight time is about 240 minutes. Taking the train saves 1 hour and 27 minutes.

According to Omio, a train ticket cost about €28, while a plane ticket cost €49. The difference is €21, or approximately 43%. Trains arrive at Barcelona Sants station, which offers direct access to the metro and city transit.

Paris – Lyon, France: the train saves 1 hour and 26 minutes

The total travel time by plane between Paris and Lyon is about 218 minutes. The high-speed train covers the route in 132 minutes, cutting the travel time by 86 minutes.

A train ticket cost about €47, while a plane ticket cost €104. The savings amount to €57, or approximately 55%. The train departs from central Paris and arrives at Lyon Part-Dieu Station, from where it’s easy to reach other parts of the city.

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London, United Kingdom – Brussels, Belgium: 83 minutes faster by train

The direct Eurostar train covers the route between London and Brussels in 125 minutes. The total travel time by air is about 208 minutes, so taking the train saves 1 hour and 23 minutes.

According to Omio’s fares, the train cost €230, while the flight cost €134. The train ticket was €96 more expensive, but the train connects St. Pancras International and Bruxelles-Midi stations, reducing the cost of airport transfers.

Madrid – Seville, Spain: a train ticket is about 73% cheaper

The train journey between Madrid and Seville takes about 170 minutes, while the total flight time is 250 minutes. The train allows you to arrive 1 hour and 20 minutes earlier.

According to Omio, a train ticket cost approximately €10.51, while a plane ticket cost €36.96. Passengers save about €26.45, not including any potential baggage fees. Interest in this destination is growing: over the past year, the number of search queries for “vacation in Seville” has increased by 90%.

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How can you properly compare train and plane options before booking?

The prices listed reflect fares for travel in August 2026 and are not fixed. Before purchasing a ticket, it’s important to compare the total duration and cost of the trip, not just the flight time or the base fare.

Keep in mind:

- Travel to and from the train station or airport;

- Time for check-in, security screening, and boarding;

- Fees for baggage, seat selection, and other services;

- The ability to reach the city center without an additional transfer;

- Ticket exchange and refund policies;

- Planned strikes, track repairs, and schedule changes.

Trains are usually the better option for routes lasting up to four hours, especially if they connect central stations without transfers. At the same time, Eurostar fares between the United Kingdom and continental Europe can be high, so it’s best to book these tickets in advance.

No matter how well thought-out your itinerary is, there is always room for force majeure when traveling. Unexpected medical expenses, transportation delays, or problems with luggage can ruin your plans and budget. Travel insurance helps you avoid unnecessary worries in such situations. You can apply for a travel insurance policy for a specific trip online at Visit World - quickly and without unnecessary bureaucracy!

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We remind you! Popular European tourist destinations are becoming increasingly crowded, so travelers are looking for alternatives without the crowds. In 2026, attention is turning to countries that remain off the beaten path but offer unique experiences, affordable prices, and an authentic atmosphere. Read more about 5 European countries that are rarely visited by tourists.

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