The UK train routes where it’s actually cheaper to fly abroad and back

In a startling revelation about the UK’s transport pricing system, a Cornish couple recently discovered that flying abroad and back was cheaper than travelling domestically by train.

Kristina Coulson and her husband needed to journey from Newquay to Crewe near Manchester to pick up a car, but were quoted over £200 each for the train.

Instead, they booked flights from Newquay to Malaga, stayed overnight in a hotel, and flew back to Manchester for a total of just £153 – £76.50 each – hotel included.

As reported by The Telegraph, this isn’t an isolated case. Travellers across the UK are increasingly finding that international flights can cost less than domestic train journeys, particularly for last-minute bookings.

The UK rail system has long been criticised for its high fares, often labelled among the most expensive in Europe. However, as travel expert Mark Smith founder of the blog The Man in Seat 61, explains, the issue is partly due to rail operators’ dynamic pricing models.

Last-minute bookings come with hefty premiums, while advanced tickets offer more competitive rates.

This dynamic pricing often leaves budget airlines like Ryanair as an unexpectedly cheaper alternative for those needing to travel on short notice.

Here are some striking examples of where flying internationally can be cheaper than taking a domestic train, as highlighted by The Telegraph:

1. London to Edinburgh via Budapest
   A last-minute train ticket from London to Edinburgh can cost £199.60, but flying to Budapest and back to Edinburgh costs just £185.58. With a bit of planning, this route becomes even cheaper, with flights dropping to £60.99 compared to a £96.80 train fare.

2. Bristol to Edinburgh via Tenerife
   A peak rail ticket costs £106.30, but flights to Tenerife (£16.99) and then to Edinburgh (£29.43) total just £46.42, saving over 50%.

3. Aberdeen to Bradford via Gdansk
   The train fare costs up to £93.70, while flights via Gdansk in Poland cost just £59.24.

4. London to Liverpool via Marrakech
   A direct train ticket can cost £171.30, but a £99.99 flight to Marrakech and a £30.48 return flight to Liverpool cuts the cost to £130.47.

While the savings can be tempting, the extra time, logistical challenges, and potential costs of airport transfers or overnight stays may outweigh the benefits.

However, for those with flexibility and an appetite for adventure, these detours could transform a tedious train journey into a memorable international escapade.

Cases like Kristina Coulson’s demonstrate the disparity in UK transport costs, raising questions about the accessibility and fairness of domestic rail pricing.

Thanks to budget airlines, international detours can occasionally outcompete the UK’s rail fares. While not practical for everyone, these options shed light on the need for a more affordable and functional domestic rail network.