Is a train more "green" than a plane?

Question

I'm having a debate with a friend on going away. She wants to fly but I want to take the train. One issue was energy efficiency. The trip is around 800 kms is a train better than a car?

Answer 1

Yes. Nowadays, train move using electric energy. Use plane a bad idea because plane generates air polution by releasing carbon into the air. You might also get delays if used plane services.

Answer 2

Trains are much more fuel efficient for hauling frieght.

Answer 3

It depends on your definition of efficient.  Energy wise yes trains are.  But if a group of people have to be together and every hour they are not it cost millions of dollars, then monetarily the plane is more efficient.

How about the efficiency if the train doesn't go where you need to go?  Then 1 person on a car will use more energy than if they went on a plane.

Generally, the train will be more efficient energy wise, but when I go on holiday for 7 days, it don't want to spend 4 of those days on a train.

Answer 4

Of all the common forms of mass transport, trains and ships are most efficient both for cargo and passengers. Trains tend to be more affordable, but they generally go different places than ships anyway. Even high speed trains are more efficient than planes.

Planes are way less efficient than trains, even a bus would be better than a plane, but less comfortable perhaps. If you can afford the time, take the train, its far more relaxing, less chance of deep vein thrombosis (you can get up and take a real walk without upsetting people), you get a real choice of food in the dining car, and best of all, you don't have to wait for hours at the airport! On top of all that you actually can look out the window and see things other than clouds.

By the way it does not matter if the train is electric or diesel, either way it is still more efficient.  

Answer 5

Trains are a far greener mode of transportation than planes.

7. Eco-friendliness

Trains are more energy-efficient per passenger mile than planes or cars, making them one of the most eco-friendly transportation options around (short of walking or riding your bike!). Carbon emissions from trains are less damaging to the environment than those of airplanes because those emissions are not released directly into the upper atmosphere. As a bonus, the relative energy-efficiency of trains means that the industry is less vulnerable to increases in fuel prices — making train fares more stable in an unstable economy.

Answer 6

For hauling freight yes a train is more fuel efficient (green), but for getting to exactly where you need to be no a train cannot compete with aircraft for efficiency.