According to a Greenpeace study, Traveling by train in France will be significantly more expensive than by plane. A striking observation shows that, all connections combined, A train ticket costs on average 2.6 times more than a plane ticket, the difference increases to 6.7 times for the Marseille-London link via Eurostar.. This situation is alarming, especially in the context of the climate crisis where trains are presented as a more ecological option.
Cost of comfort and ecology
Eurostar responds to Greenpeace: The company stressed BFMTV K Their services are not comparable to low cost airlines. Their main argument is to provide a quality travel experience, including benefits such as free travel for children below 4 years of age, no extra charge for baggage and flexibility in seat selection. In addition, the company emphasizes the time-saving benefits of direct connections between city centers, especially in London where the airport is far away.
Eurostar recognizes the application of “yield management”., a practice that adjusts prices based on demand and business, resulting in significant price variations. However, the company highlights its efforts to offer attractive prices with consistent base prices and regular promotions. Despite everything, low-cost tickets remain limited and are selling fast, reflecting the popularity of Eurostar which carried 18.6 million passengers in 2023.
Eurostar defends its economic model
The railway company also stands out for its incident management, offering compensation with compensation in case of disruptions, a less common practice in the airline sector. For the Paris Olympic Games, Eurostar has committed to not raising its maximum faresTo promote access to the event.
Despite the current cost advantage of the plane, Eurostar maintains significant market share, with 80% of trips between France and London. The company closed 2023 with record turnover, recognizing the rapid growth in its operational costs, particularly in terms of electricity and tolls.
In the coming years, the arrival of new competitive players in the Channel Tunnel may affect the pricing landscape. However, Eurostar remains steadfast in its strategy of not lowering its prices, banking on the trust and loyalty of its customers through exclusive added value.
