The Rail Delivery Group (RDG) has revealed new, independent research which challenges the popular view that flying is the best choice for long-distance domestic travel in Great Britain.

The new report, ‘Clearing the Air’, was commissioned by Rail Delivery Group and published by transport consultancy Steer.

It compared rail and domestic air travel for seven long-distance routes in Great Britain. Analysis found that rail journeys are, on average, 71% cheaper than flying. Rail journeys also produce 85% less carbon emissions, and allow passengers about three hours more usable time per journey.

The research shows that journeys taken by rail are often cheaper, more productive and significantly more environmentally friendly than flying. In another recent survey, 60% of respondents said that they would consider travelling by train rather than flying. Another survey in 2023 showed that 60% of Londoners believed that if high-speed rail options were available, then short-haul domestic flights should be scrapped.

Researchers compared rail fare data from the rail industry’s Latest Earnings Networked Nationally Overnight (LENNON) system with air fare data from the Official Airline Guide (OAG). Their analysis considered demand-weighted average fares across all ticket types and classes of travel in 2025, a method which they believe provides a more representative reflection of actual passenger spending than looking at individual advertised fares.

The analysis revealed that when the full cost of flying – including airport transfers, baggage and seat selection fees – is taken into account, passengers saved an average of £147 per journey by travelling by rail rather than air.

The report also revealed that rail travel allows passengers to use their time more effectively than air travel. On average, around 93% of a rail journey can be spent working, reading, relaxing or using online connections, compared with just 33% of a domestic flight journey. The latter’s low percentage is due to the time taken to travel to the airport, check in, pass through security and board the aeroplane.

Train operators have previously revealed surveys that show the advantages of rail over air for domestic travel, including a report commissioned by Lumo in 2022 that showed the benefits to the environment of choosing the train.

“This research highlights the benefits rail can offer passengers, from lower costs and lower carbon emissions to more time that can be spent relaxing or staying productive.

“With frequent services connecting cities across Britain, rail offers a convenient, flexible and attractive way to travel”.

Jacqueline Starr, Executive Chair and Chief Executive Officer at Rail Delivery Group