Our analysis highlights that Flixtrain, Ouigo and RegioJet offer the most affordable fares while Avanti, Eurostar and GWR rank as the most costly rail operators, as illustrated in the figure below. For routes of comparable lengths, Eurostar is almost two times more expensive than other European operators.
We compared prices of operators based on whether the operators provide public services obligations (PSO), or if it runs open access services (non PSO), and found no significant differences. See the methodological annex for further details.
Ticket prices were calculated by examining average ticket costs on weekdays, both seven and 28 days in advance. We collected only standard fares, simulating one-way trips for a middle aged individual travelling in 2nd class, without optional seat reservation or subscription. Special fares and reductions were analysed separately. To ensure comparability, we adjusted prices using comparative price levels indexes, resulting in a price index in euros per kilometre (€/km).
We recognise that the rail operators do not have the full control of ticket price. Ticket prices also reflect VAT and rail tolls set by national authorities and the infrastructure manager. However, operators remain a primary entity responsible for setting ticket prices, and limited transparency exists regarding the breakdown of ticket prices. Operators are fully responsible for offering special fares and discounts to passengers.