A train journey from London to Geneva offers some of Europe’s finest views and can cost half the price of a plane ticket. The route, operated by Eurostar and France’s TGV, takes nearly six hours and passes through three countries, with a change in Paris.
Passengers can break their journey in Paris to visit landmarks such as the Eiffel Tower, Notre Dame, and the Louvre. Upon arrival in Geneva, attractions include Lake Geneva, the Cathédrale de Saint-Pierre, and the Palais des Nations. The Alps are also a short trip away for skiing or snowboarding.
According to Google Flights, return flights for February’s peak ski season cost up to £274. In contrast, return train tickets for the same period cost around £135, based on Trainline data. Families can save further with Interrail passes, priced at £482 for a family of four for four travel days within a month, plus seat booking fees.
Environmental benefits are also significant. The Times reports that four people travelling from London to Geneva and back by train emit about 44kg of carbon emissions, compared with 108kg by car and 1,608kg by plane. The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change notes each person has a carbon budget of 1,500kg per year to keep climate change within sustainable limits.
