Is Domestic Air Travel Cheaper than Train Travel?

Is domestic air travel cheaper than train travel? MyVoucherCodes have conducted a study to determine which mode of transport is cheapest in the UK.

Cartoon illustration of a train
(Image credit: Getty Images)


Train prices in the UK are high, we all know that. Passengers can end up spending thousands of pounds every year for services that occasionally turn up late, are sometimes understaffed and are commonly overcrowded.

The general public’s consensus is that they’re getting an unfair deal. According to a Statista survey released at the end of 2021, a whopping 68% of people believe train fares in the UK to be either “fairly bad” or “very bad” value for money. In stark contrast, only 1% deem the prices to be “very good” value for money.

Jack Cunningham
Travel Editor

As a former sports journalist and content creator, I swapped the press box for a permanent desk several years ago. Since giving match reports the red card, I have enjoyed developing my writing and research skills in a few other areas, and now I spend my time doing something I really enjoy - sharing the best ways to save on travel with our wonderful readers.

I love nothing more than exploring different parts of the world and learning about new cultures (and taking in the occasional sporting fixture, if at all possible). I’m just as happy on a quick city break in Lisbon as I am navigating my way across the width of America, and firmly believe everyone should have the opportunity to enjoy travelling regardless of their budget.