Train or Plane? Encouraging Sustainable Event Travel

Encouraging sustainable event travel is a decision that will significantly impact the event’s overall environmental footprint.

For event planners and professionals, the choice between train and plane travel involves weighing up not only carbon emissions but also the broader implications of each travel choice on sustainability. With increasing attention on reducing greenhouse gas emissions, making informed and conscientious travel choices is more under the spotlight than ever before. Here’s our comparison of the sustainability of trains versus planes plus some advice on how event planners can encourage more eco-friendly travel decisions to events.

Comparing the carbon footprint: train vs. plane

Statistics from the International Transport Forum and other research groups highlight that trains emit significantly less CO2 per passenger kilometre compared to planes. In regions where the electricity grid is largely powered by renewables, such as in key parts of mainland Europe, train travel becomes even more environmentally friendly, with emissions dropping to under 10 grams per passenger kilometre. The stark contrast in emissions is primarily due to the high energy efficiency of rail transport and the intensive fuel use involved in aviation, especially during takeoff and landing. Considering the entire lifecycle emissions, including manufacturing and maintenance, trains still maintain a significant advantage over planes.

But few pressed-for-time delegates seem to actively choose to travel by train because they feel guilty about the environment or because they are browbeaten into it. So how can event professionals sell the wider benefits of sustainable event travel of taking the train over the plane?

Benefits of train travel beyond pure emissions

More relaxed travel

Train travel offers a scenic route option that planes seldom match plus the comfort of larger legroom. The ability to move around just in itself can transform travel from just a transfer to an enjoyable part of the event experience.

Connectivity and accessibility

Trains often connect directly to city centres, reducing the need for additional transfers and the associated costs and emissions. This connectivity can really enhance the accessibility of events, particularly in urban areas where train stations are hubs of local and regional transport networks.

Economic benefits

For local economies, trains can bring more consistent foot traffic than planes, which is particularly beneficial for events aiming to boost local tourism alongside their primary activities.

Addressing the ‘inconvenience and time’ push-back of train travel

While trains may take longer than planes over long distances, the time spent travelling can be turned into a productive or restful period, rather than just transit. Modern trains offer much more comfortable seating than planes, Wi-Fi, and dining options, allowing delegates to work, relax, or socialise. For event planners, positioning train travel as a time to unwind before the start of the event or a chance to catch up on work, even schedule informal meetings with fellow travellers, can reshape perceptions about lengthy travel time.

And, the hassle of early airport check-ins, security checks, and time spent commuting to and from airports often actually negates the perception of the time saved by flying when you compare hour-by-hour. Trains typically require less stringent security procedures, allowing passengers to arrive closer to departure without the stress associated with airports.

How venue & event planners can promote sustainable travel choices

Incentivising train travel

Event planners can negotiate discounts with railway companies or include train travel as part of the event registration packages. Offering exclusive benefits for train travellers, such as upgrades, vouchers, or exclusive event carriages to travel to the event with fellow delegates, can also incentivise attendees to choose the greener option.

Iconic Luxury Hotels in the UK offers event planners a percentage of the contracted value back a as hotel credit, if 50% of the delegates arrive via public transport (terms apply) Now there’s thinking out of the box!

Providing detailed information

Providing attendees with comprehensive information about their travel options, including comparative carbon footprints and time considerations, can help everyone make more informed choices. Interactive tools that allow attendees to calculate their own travel emissions can also help the decision-making process.

Encouraging slower travel

Promoting the ‘slow travel’ concept, where the journey is part of the experience, can also make train travel more appealing. Organising pre- or post-event activities that can be enjoyed along the train route, or suggesting stopovers at points of interest, can turn sustainable event travel into a whole experience in itself.

Making sustainability part of the event identity

Embedding sustainability into the event’s brand – from the choice of venue to the activities included – sets a precedent for making sustainable choices, including travel. Highlighting the environmental commitment of the event can also inspire attendees to align their travel choices with the event’s values.

For event professionals, advocating for train over plane travel is not just about promoting sustainability but also enhancing the overall event experience. By focusing on the benefits and addressing the potential drawbacks of train travel creatively, event planners can encourage attendees to make choices that align with global sustainability goals without feeling coerced. In doing so, everyone in the events industry can take a leading role in advocating for and achieving significant reductions in travel-related carbon emissions.

For more details about Track (carbon reporting for events) get in touch and see how we can help you meet your sustainability goals.