Two thirds of people would consider taking a train between cities rather than flying, with passengers saving an average of £147 per journey by choosing rail over air travel, according to a new survey.Kathryn Chatfield12:15, 29 Jul 2026Plane vs train for long journeysTravellers are more likely to choose a train over a plane for intercity journeys – even though they expect it to cost more and take longer.‌Two thirds of people would consider taking a train for trips such as London to Glasgow, or Aberdeen to Manchester, according to a poll of 2,000 adults. By contrast, just 13% would choose to fly between cities.‌More than half (54%) believe trains offer greater choice and flexibility than flying, as well as being more reliable. Meanwhile, 61% consider rail travel to be better for the environment.‌The research was published by transport consultancy Steer and commissioned by Rail Delivery Group as part of the wider 'Clearing the Air' report, which compared rail and domestic air travel across seven key GB routes.When comparing data from the rail industry's Latest Earnings Networked Nationally Overnight (LENNON) system with air fare data from the Official Airline Guide (OAG), a train journey between London and Manchester cost passengers an average of £45 in 2025 – though they expected it to be £88 – while a flight between the two cities cost £115, before extras such as seat reservations and luggage are factored in.‌These additional costs – along with transfers and airport changes – mean travelling by plane costs 71% more on average than travelling by train.Furthermore, across the routes studied, passengers saved an average of £147 per journey by opting for the train over the plane.Jacqueline Starr, executive chair and chief executive officer at Rail Delivery Group, said: "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".When examining specific routes, passengers travelling between London and Newcastle can save an average of an hour by taking the train rather than flying. For a business traveller making the London-Newcastle trip once a week, this amounts to the equivalent of a full working day saved every month.‌The report further claims that an estimated 93% of a rail journey can be spent working, reading, relaxing or staying connected, compared with just 33% of a domestic flight once checking in, security and boarding time are factored in.As a result, train passengers gain an average of three hours more usable time per journey than those who choose to fly.The findings come as the Government launches its Great British Summer Savings scheme, which introduces a temporary VAT reduction on eligible family attractions and days out, helping households make the most of leisure trips across Great Britain this summer.Article continues belowAndrew Stokes, director at VisitEngland, added: "There's something special about visiting the treasures of our nations and regions by train."Whether it's a cultural city break, a set jetting stay or a trip to one of our picturesque coastal or rural destinations, travelling by rail offers an easy, efficient and environmentally friendly way to explore more and enjoy spectacular scenery along the way."