To train, or not to train: that’s the journey

Last week, Eress Director Dyre Martin Gulbrandsen chose the train over flying for his journey from Copenhagen to Fredrikstad, a 405 km cross-border trip through Scandinavia.

This was an experience: comfortable, productive, and very low in CO2 emissions. While travelling through Denmark, Sweden, and Norway, Dyre Martin was able to enjoy the scenery and work efficiently along the way.

Train vs. Plane

Train

• 6 hours door-to-door
• €105
• from City center to city center
• Time onboard = productive time surrounded by calm, scenic landscapes

Total of CO₂ Emissions: 2.5 kg
= 405 km x 6.17 g (CO₂ per km per passenger by train)

Airplane + Car

• ca. 6 hours total travel time (including transfers & waiting)
• €150–€350 total cost (including car parking)

Total of CO₂ Emissions: 142 kg

• • 8 km (Copenhagen city to airport): 49 g CO₂
  • 480 km (Copenhagen to Oslo flight): 129 kg CO₂
  • 90 km (Oslo airport to Fredrikstad by car): 13 kg CO₂

The Verdict

For this journey, the train isn’t just an alternative, it’s the clear winner.

It offers:

• Nearly identical total travel time
• Much 56 lower CO₂ emissions
• Competitive pricing
• Time you can actually use
• A smoother, more enjoyable experience

For Dyre Martin, the journey wasn’t just about getting from A to B, it was time well spent. By choosing train, he reduced his CO₂ emissions by a factor of 56 compared to flying and driving.

CO₂ calculator source: https://ecopassenger.org

Last call: If you plan to join us physically in Frankfurt (by train/bus/plane), please note that registration closes on May 17. Register here: https://eress.eu/events/eress/eress-forum-2026/agenda/