Flight-free Holidays to Europe Surge in Popularity

With travellers increasingly seeking lower‑carbon ways to explore Europe, flight‑free travel is accelerating fast and the climate benefits are hard to ignore. Rail produces around 95% less CO₂ than flying, making it one of the most effective ways for holidaymakers to cut their footprint while still enjoying rich, multi‑stop adventures.

Reflecting this shift, Byway, a B Corp–certified travel company and the leading specialist in flight‑free, slow‑travel holidays by land and sea, has reported a 200% surge in last‑minute bookings for flight‑free holidays, as more people choose to swap airport queues for relaxed journeys by train. The slow‑travel specialist says travellers are not only motivated by sustainability, but by the growing appeal of seamless, scenic overland routes that begin the moment you step outside your front door.

Designed for spontaneity without the stress, all Byway holidays can be booked up to two weeks before departure and include transport, accommodation and smooth, multi‑stop itineraries. Powered by hyper‑personalised routing technology, with free disruption re‑routing — Byway makes it simple to choose rail over air.

Cat Jones, CEO and founder of Byway, said: “Choosing the train isn’t just better for the planet — it’s a richer, calmer way to travel. Your holiday begins the moment you leave home, not after clearing a series of airport hurdles.”

Top last‑minute getaways by rail

Belgium – Chocolate‑box cities

Wander cobbled streets, sample fresh waffles and drift along storybook canals on a journey through Ghent and Bruges. Medieval charm, peaceful waterways and slow‑paced city life make this an ideal short break. From £564 per person.

Netherlands – Canal towns beyond Amsterdam

Avoid the crowds and explore the Netherlands’ quieter gems, from Delft’s golden‑age streets to Utrecht’s tree‑lined canals. Perfect for boat trips, cycling and discovering a gentler side of Dutch culture. From £730 per person.

France – Châteaux of Hauts‑de‑France

Step into French heritage with a rail journey through Chantilly’s grand estates, manicured gardens and former hunting grounds, before following the river Oise to historic Compiègne. From £666 per person.

Austria & Italy – Tyrol to Lake Garda

For hikers, dippers and lovers of alpine scenery, this trip blends mountain adventure with lakeside relaxation. Follow Tirolean trails before cooling off in the crystal‑clear waters of Lake Garda and Lake Bourget. From £1,354 per person.

All Byway journeys are fully customisable and include transport, accommodation and expert support throughout — with no need to set foot in an airport. The company uses what the company says is first‑of‑its‑kind routing technology, travellers can design and book personalised, off‑the‑beaten‑path itineraries featuring trains, ferries and locally run accommodation. Every trip comes with disruption replanning, expert human support and full package protection.

Rail travel emits around 14g of CO₂ per passenger mile, compared with 285g for air — meaning you could travel from London to Edinburgh and back five times by train and still produce less carbon than a single return flight. But the benefits go beyond emissions: slow travel helps avoid overcrowded hotspots, supports local businesses and encourages deeper, more meaningful connections with the places you visit.