It is not fair! Traveling by train across the UK can cost up to 239% more than FLYING, shocking figures reveal as families prepare for the long-awaited Easter break

Rising train fares mean people traveling across the country are paying up to 239 per cent more for a return train journey than for flights.

The cheapest return journey between Bournemouth and Edinburgh by plane is just £38, while the cheapest return journey by train is £127, according to research by which?

And the gap will widen with a cut in air passenger charges from April 1, halving from £13 to £6.50 per passenger.

The consumer advocate said the increase in these low-cost flights, which the government is encouraging, is driving greenhouse gas emissions and climate change, which appears to run counter to net-zero pledges.

On average, air travel causes about 118 percent more CO2 emissions per passenger than by train.

Rising train fares mean people traveling across the country are paying up to 239 per cent more for a return train journey than for flights (file photo).

In the late 1970s, British Rail launched a famous marketing campaign for its InterCity services with the slogan ‘Let the train take the stress’. But financially strapped Brits would now be better off – financially at least – to “let the plane do the work”.

Experts in which? explored the cheapest options for rail and air travel over the Easter holidays on ten routes across the UK.

Only three were cheaper by train. Return fares on the Bournemouth to Edinburgh route were £38 compared to £127 on the train. However, the CO2 emissions of low-cost flights are 131 percent higher, with an average of 218 kg of CO2 per person.

The cheapest return journey between London and Edinburgh by rail was 75 per cent more expensive than the cheapest flights – £90 versus £51.

Similarly, traveling between London and Glasgow by train was 50 per cent more expensive – at £101 versus £67.

The figure on the Manchester to Newquay route was 43 per cent higher at £221 against £154.

But which one? found it was 39 per cent cheaper to travel by train between Newcastle and Southampton – £107 versus £175. However, the return journey by train will take more than 11 hours – more than four times as long as by plane.

The Edinburgh to Newquay route was 13 per cent cheaper by train but would take more than seven times longer, with a total journey time of 22 hours and 2 minutes.

Which? said the increase in these cheap flights, encouraged by the government, is driving greenhouse gas emissions and climate change (stock photo)

Which? said the government’s cut in air passenger charges is likely to increase emissions in the UK as it will encourage people to fly rather than take the train.

Which? Travel editor Rory Boland said: “As travelers become increasingly concerned about the environmental impact of their travel, many are faced with a difficult trade-off between the price of their ticket and the cost to the planet.

“Those who prefer to travel by train can take measures to save costs.

“Take the time to compare dates and times to see if cheaper fares are available and check which train tickets you may be eligible for, as this could save you up to a third on the ticket price.”