This really is the $64,000 question! Overall, we all know that the cost for both modes of travel are on the rise - mainly down to the cost of diesel and airline fuel. However, one mode definitely has a big edge on the other and in this article we will discuss this fact.
As an example here, let us say that you need to travel from London to Edinburgh. Now, would it be more cost effective to rely on UK flights or should you let the train take the strain?
If you check out the relevant companies that deal with this sector, be it rail or air, you will soon notice that the airline industry has a massive edge over the rail companies. Even when you take into consideration that you have to pay taxes and charges with the airlines, you will often find that an airfare can often be around half the cost of a train ticket.
In fact, the train companies should be thoroughly ashamed of themselves for the fares they are charging their customers. When you take a closer look at these rates - you may be horrified and totally shocked at the rates being demanded.
Indeed, if you travel at peak times, say on a Friday, the cost of a train fare could equate to the actual price of flying from Heathrow to New York - we can be talking about many hundreds of pounds here.
So there you have it! When airlines and train companies are compared - the train companies can come out as absolute rip-off merchants. Some people have no choice other than to pay these ridiculous rates, but when you can, boycott these fares and force these companies into a rethink.