Faster than flying: 8 trains that beat the plane
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Train travel is one of the most satisfying ways to explore the UK and Europe. And when compared to flying, it’s better for the environment, and in some cases—quicker. Factor in the journey to the airport, check-in queues, security, and the time spent waiting around in the departure lounge, flights can eat up half your day. Trains, on the other hand, usually run straight from city centre to city centre. You can just turn up and go, and in the time it takes to queue for boarding a flight, you could already be adventuring across the country on rails.
More than that, train travel offers you the chance to stop off along the way, and gives you a few uninterrupted hours to read a book, sketch the view, share lunch with friends, or just sit back and relax while you watch the changing landscapes through the window pass by.
Here are 8 train journeys across the UK and Europe that are quicker than flying.
Conor Murphy
UK train journeys that are faster than flying
London to Manchester by train
Train time: 2h 10m (approx.)
Flight time (door to door): 3h 15m (approx.)
The train from London Euston to Manchester Piccadilly is direct, fast, and frequent. As you travel north, you’ll pass through the rolling countryside of the Midlands and along the edge of the Peak District. Trains have wifi, power points, and space for a picnic or a game of cards with your family. Meanwhile, the flight requires a journey to Heathrow, time in security, then another transfer from Manchester Airport into the city.
London to Newcastle by train
Train time: 3h (approx.)
Flight time (door to door): 3h 10m (approx.)
The time difference between plane vs train is close on this journey, but rail still edges ahead. Leaving King’s Cross, you’ll travel along the East Coast Main Line with LNER or Lumo (if you want to go fully electric). You’ll pass through historic cities like York and Durham, catching glimpses of cathedrals, rivers, and the North Sea. Central Station is in the heart of the city, so you can begin exploring pubs, museums and the Tyne bridges from the moment you step off the train. A flight to Newcastle involves multiple changes along the way, which is a lot of hassle (and carbon) for a short journey.
London to Edinburgh by train
Train time: 4h 25m (approx.)
Flight time (door to door): 4h 30m (approx.)
Time savings may be marginal on this journey, but what it lacks in speed it makes up for in scenery. Boarding an LNER or Lumo train at King’s Cross, you’ll avoid airport queues, instead travelling the length of the East Coast Main Line, through York, Durham and Berwick-upon-Tweed. The best views are along the North Sea coast between Newcastle and Edinburgh. It’s one of the most scenic journeys in the UK, and on a clear day, you can spot Lindisfarne (a tidal island with a medieval monastery just offshore), just after you pass Alnwick. Plus, you arrive at Waverley Station, beneath Edinburgh castle, already in the centre of the city to start your adventure.
Check out holidays by train across the UK.
Frederic Köberl
UK to Europe train journeys that are faster than flying
London to Brussels by train
Train time (Eurostar with 90-min check-in): 3h 30m (approx.)
Flight time (door to door): 4h (approx.)
The Eurostar to Brussels departs from St Pancras International and arrives at Bruxelles-Midi. It runs city-centre to city-centre, with just one check-in and no need to wrestle your bags onto a too-small tray or take off your shoes at security. You cruise under the Channel, through northern France and Flanders in comfort, arriving a short tram ride from Grand Place. It’s a quicker, smoother journey, without the hefty carbon footprint (and you can bring as many snacks as you like for the trip).
Discover train holidays to Belgium.
London to Paris by train
Train time (Eurostar with 90-min check-in): 3h 50m (approx.)
Flight time (door to door): 4h 20m (approx.)
On paper, the difference between plane and train is small on this journey: in practice, it’s huge. The Eurostar from London to Paris lets you skip one of Europe’s most chaotic airports, Charles de Gaulle, and all the stress that comes with it. No queues for the RER, no waiting at passport control, or trying to make sense of the security lanes. Just a direct ride from St Pancras to Gare du Nord. Along the way, you’ll see the Kent countryside and northern France roll by. You arrive in the 10th arrondissement, ready to hunt down your morning boulangerie spot.
Take a look at holidays by train to France.
Joshua Rubin
European train journeys that are faster than flying
Vienna to Budapest by train
Train time: 2h 40m (approx.)
Flight time (door to door): 4h (approx.)
Travelling between these two capitals by train is fast and seamless. Trains depart from Vienna Hauptbahnhof and glide east through Austria before crossing into Hungary, cutting across the Pannonian Basin, past wind turbines, farmland, and small Hungarian towns. You arrive at Budapest Keleti, in the heart of the city. You’ll have wide seats, a buffet car, and uninterrupted views. Plus, with frequent departures and modern Railjet trains, it’s more convenient than flying.
Explore Central Europe by train.
Paris to Basel by train
Train time: 3h (approx.)
Flight time (door to door): 4h (approx.)
The high-speed TGV Lyria makes light work of this cross-border route. Departing from Gare de Lyon, the train heads east through Burgundy and the Vosges mountains before arriving in Basel on the Swiss border. You’ll see vineyards and valleys from your window. Onboard, you can stretch out, enjoy lunch and watch the shifting landscapes as you go. Flying means navigating the busy Paris metro system and Charles de Gaulle, alongside missing all the vineyard views (glass of wine optional).
Escape to Basel for a short break by rail.
Zürich to Milan by train
Train time: 3h 20m (approx.)
Flight time (door to door): 4h 30m (approx.)
This route is about more than saving time: it’s about the views. The EuroCity train cuts through the Swiss Alps, with lakes, rocky cliffs, and forests visible from your window seat. You pass through the Gotthard Base Tunnel, the world’s longest rail tunnel, before emerging into northern Italy. Zurich’s Hauptbahnhof and Milan’s Centrale station are both grand, central and well-connected (unlike their airports). Add in no liquid limits and better luggage allowance, and the train wins easily.