Prices analysed on comparable train trips in a range of European countries.
A survey of rail travel costs across Europe has revealed the UK among the most expensive, topping the list for charges when buying a one-way ticket on the day you travel.
The research analysed journeys for a typical trip of around 50 miles (80km), looking into the cost of singles and returns, and when purchasing a ticket on the day you want to travel the UK was clearly the most expensive – £30 (approx. €34) the cost of a single from London Paddington to Oxford.
Second on the list for costliest single tickets bought on day of travel was Norway, where a journey from Oslo to Kongsvinger is priced at €25.20; third was Austria with the price from Vienna to Melk costing €19.30. The cheapest was Latvia, where a trip from Riga to Krustpils costing €4.10.
The research was carried out by Euronews, using information provided by Vouchercloud, and it found when you buy your ticket, and whether it is a single or return, has a major effect on the price you pay.
The London to Oxford price for a return bought on the day of travel is £32.60 (approx. €37), the round-trip cost pushing Norway into top spot, where the Oslo-Kongsvinger route is priced at €50.40. The return prices push the UK down to third spot, with Austria (Vienna-Melk) coming second at €38.60.
While the UK, Norway and Austria are among the most expensive for rail travel, Latvia is joined by Poland and Hungary offering the cheapest European train ticket costs.
