Flying remains the cheapest option for many travellers in Belgium, especially on popular routes like Brussels to Madrid. The stark price difference between air and rail travel raises questions about Europe’s transport priorities. On 2025-08-20 23:20:00, Greenpeace highlighted this issue, pointing out that train tickets can cost over eleven times more than flights, despite trains having a significantly lower climate impact.
- Vliegtuig bijna altijd goedkoper dan trein
- Brussel-Madrid trein kost 240 euro
- Vliegen kost slechts 21 euro
- Klimaatimpact trein veel kleiner dan vliegtuig
- Greenpeace roept Europa op stoppen
- Stop bevoordelen vervuilende reiswijzen
For Belgians considering sustainable travel, this price gap is frustrating and puzzling. Why does the greenest mode of transport often come with the heaviest price tag? As the climate crisis intensifies, should Europe continue to favour the most polluting travel options through pricing?
This debate sets the stage for understanding the real cost of travel and what changes are needed to make eco-friendly options accessible to everyone.
Why is train travel so expensive compared to flying? The current pricing structure encourages air travel despite its environmental harm. Key points to consider include:
- Airlines often benefit from subsidies and lower taxes than rail services.
- Train infrastructure investments and operational costs drive higher ticket prices.
- Consumers face a trade-off between cost and climate impact when choosing transport.
- Greenpeace urges Europe to stop favouring the most polluting travel modes.
To shift towards greener travel, Belgium and Europe must rethink subsidies and pricing models. Will policymakers act to make sustainable travel affordable, or will cost continue to drive pollution-heavy choices? The future of eco-friendly transport depends on these decisions.
