Budget airlines look cheap until you add baggage fees, 2-hour check-in, and airport taxis. See the real door-to-door cost and time for 20 popular European routes.
Costs are estimates in EUR (advance booking). Flight costs include typical €30–40 baggage fee for budget carriers. Airport overhead: 3–3.5h added to flight time.
Journey time
2.3h
door to door
Cost (advance)
€45
walk-up ~€320
CO₂ per person
6kg
St Pancras → Gare du Nord. No security theatre.
Total time
4.8h
incl. 3.5h airport overhead
Real cost
€95
ticket €60 + baggage €35
CO₂ per person
67kg
Heathrow/Gatwick → CDG/Orly. Add taxi each end.
| Route | Train | Fly (real) | Train € | Fly € (w/ bag) | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| London → Paris | 2.3h | 4.8h | €45 | €95 | 🚂 |
| London → Brussels | 2.0h | 4.6h | €40 | €90 | 🚂 |
| London → Amsterdam | 3.9h | 4.8h | €55 | €105 | 🚂 |
| Paris → London | 2.3h | 4.8h | €45 | €95 | 🚂 |
| Paris → Amsterdam | 3.3h | 4.8h | €35 | €100 | 🚂 |
| Paris → Barcelona | 6.3h | 5.3h | €40 | €90 | 🚂 |