Some of Europe's most exciting cities can be reached for less money on a sleeper train than a plane, according to new research.
Trundling across the Continent's rail network on a train while kicking back in the buffet car with a croque monsieur and a coffee can be more appealing than sitting in an economy cabin (and often, being separated from your party unless you've paid extra to sit together).
Unfortunately train tickets are often much more expensive than ultra-budget flying, with airfares to warmer climbs still regularly available for £10 or £15.
New research by Which? Travel has found that it is not only possible to get a family to your holiday destination of choice via rail, it can be cheaper than the air alternative.
Night trains are enjoying a renaissance in Europe as more tourists choose to travel by rail to reduce their carbon footprint. And they can be surprisingly cost-effective too.
The comparison outlet looked at the cost of air versus train travel for five sleeper routes - two in the UK and three in Europe. Flights might seem a lot cheaper until you factor in the cost of baggage and an extra night’s accommodation.
The researchers argue an extra night's hotel or Airbnb stay is required when flying compared to the sleeper, as you're able to get forty-winks on the train and wake up refreshed, ready to holiday, the following morning.
The study found that a family of four could save nearly £100 by travelling by sleeper train, while a big family could save more than £250.
Another added bonus of going by train over plane is its far greener, a fact highlighted by a carbon emission comparison of the different means of transport on the different routes, which found plane journeys emit up to seven times more CO2 per passenger.
The research compared the cost of the cheapest private compartment in the first week of August, with the cost of the cheapest flight and a night’s accommodation.
Two of the services are run by the biggest European operator, Nightjet: Paris to Vienna and Brussels to Vienna. The third is a new sleeper service from London to Berlin, which launches on 25 May.
Run by new firm European Sleeper, it allows you to catch the Eurostar from St Pancras in the afternoon, enjoy a beer in Brussels and wake up in Berlin. The prices include the cost of taking the Eurostar to Brussels or Paris to catch each of these night trains.
While taking the train was more expensive for two people, the research found two of the three European services were cheaper for families of four and six. Groups of four could save £94, while a bigger group could reduce their holiday bill by a whopping £267.
The research only looked at the cost of private compartments - European Sleeper and Nightjet both offer cheaper sleeper fares if you share a couchette or sleeper cabin with other travellers, so you could cut the cost further.
Under fives travel free on Nightjet if they share your bed, while under threes are free on European Sleeper.
Plane vs train to Europe
European Sleeper: Brussels to Berlin (By train, by plane)
- Two adults: £398, £352
- Two adults and two children: £522, £532
- Two adults and four children: £592, £758
Nightjet: Paris to Vienna (By train and by plane)
- Two adults: £383, £351
- Two adults and two children: £453, £538
- Two adults and four children: £523, £790
Nightjet: Brussels to Vienna (By train and by plane)
- Two adults: £377, £276
- Two adults and two children: £444, £426
- Two adults and four children: £579, £514
It is also worth considering the environmental impact of the different means of travel, especially if they are similar in price.
Flying from London to Berlin emits seven times more CO2 per passenger than taking the train. The carbon emissions of flying from London to Vienna are around six times higher.
The UK has two sleeper services: the Night Riviera from London Paddington to Penzance, and the Caledonian Express from London Euston to the Highlands.
The price of Cornwall’s sleeper service was similar to the cost of flights - but cheaper if you have a railcard, which gives you a discount of around £50 (see below). You can also take a surfboard or bike for free.
The more luxurious Caledonian Sleeper to Aberdeen is more costly than flying for two adults, even once a night's stay in Aberdeen is factored into the flying, while a family of four or six would pay a similar sum.
