Did you know that, under certain conditions, the carbon footprint of four people in an SUV can be similar to that of a single person in an electric car? Or that a long-distance trip isn’t necessarily more problematic than several short trips within Europe? CO2 comparisons show this. However, even these comparisons don’t tell the whole story.
Occupancy rates, length of stay, mode of transportation, destination, and the importance of tourism to local residents all influence a trip’s overall impact. In this article, we review current studies and statistics, dispel common misconceptions, and explain Green Pearls®’ position on mobility.
From A to B: The importance of mobility in tourism
Whether it’s a weekend trip to the North Sea or a long-distance journey to Peru, every trip starts with the same question: How do I get there?” The answer has a significant impact on a trip’s carbon footprint. Transportation is one of the world’s largest sources of energy-related greenhouse gas emissions. (According to IPCC data, transportation accounts for approximately 23% of global energy-related CO₂ emissions.)
Travel to and from a destination also plays a central role in tourism. According to UN Tourism, transportation accounts for the largest share of greenhouse gas emissions related to tourism. For long-distance trips especially, the travel itself can have a significantly greater impact on the carbon footprint than accommodations or the rest of the trip.
Green Pearls® is committed to helping people weigh the various factors involved in choosing modes of transportation and types of travel, so they can make informed decisions. This fact check is designed to help with exactly that.
Train, car, electric car, plane, or long-distance bus? A comparison of transportation options
Now, we will look at various modes of transportation; you can find the corresponding CO2 emissions and other figures in our chart.
It is generally difficult to make sweeping generalizations because travel scenarios and calculation examples can vary widely. Nevertheless: Studies show clear trends.
#1 Train
Trains are among the lowest-emission modes of transportation on many routes. High-speed and night train networks are steadily growing, especially in Europe. At the same time, your vacation can begin even before you arrive. Instead of enduring security checks and long waits (like at the airport), you can read, work, or simply enjoy the scenery.
However, the rail network isn’t equally well developed everywhere. In some countries, trains are slower and less reliable. Nevertheless, it’s worth exploring the rail network. For distant vacation destinations within Europe, night trains are a great option. Also, consider taking the train as an alternative to domestic flights once you arrive at your destination. For example, why take several domestic flights after flying to Thailand? Traveling by train in Thailand is an adventure that offers unique experiences.
Green Pearls® Position: We recommend (and use) the train for many routes. However, we also recognize its shortcomings. Delays, cancellations, and high ticket prices deter many people, and we most definitely understand why. We curse the train, too, when our booked train is late yet again. .. To encourage more travelers to choose the train, we need reliable service, fair prices, and consistent expansion of the (European) rail network.
#2 Long distance bus
When planning a trip, long-distance buses are often overlooked. Yet, many countries now have extensive networks of routes. Since many passengers share a single vehicle, long-distance buses often have a smaller carbon footprint than trains, provided the latter are not powered by renewable electricity.
It’s also worth looking into long-distance bus connections outside Europe. In Brazil, for instance, comfortable buses with adjustable seats, air conditioning, and regular stops have long been part of everyday travel. I was personally surprised at how relaxing the São Paulo–Rio de Janeiro route was compared to flying. Intercity buses are also well-known in the U.S., Australia, New Zealand, and South Africa.
Green Pearls® Position: Long-distance buses are just as environmentally friendly as trains, and they’re significantly cheaper, too. Companies like FlixBus have expanded their route networks significantly in recent years and are worth checking out, especially if you’re looking for an affordable way to travel.
#3 Car
Cars offer maximum flexibility and are virtually indispensable, especially in rural areas or places with limited public transportation. Their carbon footprint depends heavily on occupancy; the more people traveling together, the lower the emissions per person.
For instance, calculations show that an SUV carrying four people can consume less energy than one person in an electric car. However, this calculation assumes the electric car is charged using a “mixed energy source.” If it were charged with green electricity, the electric car would still have the advantage.
A fully occupied car performs better per person than a vehicle carrying only one person, regardless of the power source.
Green Pearls® Position: If driving is the most practical option (in terms of time or logistics), consider carpooling and planning your stay so that you’ll need to make as few additional trips as possible once you arrive.
Special Case: Electric Car
Throughout their entire life cycle, electric cars in Europe emit significantly fewer greenhouse gases than comparable vehicles with internal combustion engines. The extent of this benefit depends on various factors, including the electricity mix and the vehicle’s size.
The charging network is continuously improving for vacation travel. Additionally, more and more hotels are offering charging options to their guests.
Green Pearls® Position: Electric cars are particularly good options when used by several people and charged with renewable energy.
#4 Plane
Flying produces CO2 and other greenhouse gases and pollutants. These emissions are of particular concern to scientists because they are released at high altitudes, which makes predicting the potential consequences difficult.
To help protect the environment, it’s best to avoid short-haul and domestic flights altogether. Short flights have a particularly poor carbon footprint because takeoff and landing are especially emission-intensive; that’s why their carbon footprint is high relative to the total distance traveled.
The assessment for long-haul flights is more nuanced. For many destinations, flying is the only realistic option. At the same time, many regions depend heavily on international tourism for their economies.
Green Pearls® Position: If you need to fly, we recommend taking direct flights whenever possible and staying longer. When traveling abroad, ensure that your money benefits the local population and that your host country profits from your visit.
#5 Cruise ship
Due to their energy consumption, large cruise ships are among the most emission-intensive forms of travel (to put it mildly). Most cruise ships run on heavy fuel oil, which releases large amounts of CO2 and other pollutants when burned. Although LNG-powered ships emit fewer emissions, they release methane into the atmosphere. Since methane is much more harmful to the climate than CO2, LNG ships are nearly as harmful to the environment.
Furthermore, cruise ships consume significantly more energy than other forms of vacation because they operate massive entertainment facilities (sometimes including roller coasters, ice rinks, swimming pools, numerous restaurants, entertainment, etc.). The situation is made worse when a flight is required in addition to the cruise (e.g., to the Caribbean).k)
Green Pearls® Position: According to the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change’s (IPCC) scientific models, anyone who flies from Germany to the Caribbean and spends 10 days on a large cruise ship should forgo another vacation for 12 years. (This calculation is based on the amount of CO2 that each person on Earth is permitted to emit annually in order to achieve the 1.5-degree climate target.) So, before going on a cruise, think carefully about what matters most to you: luxury? The cruise itself? The amusement park? The Caribbean? For all of these, there are better alternatives to a floating climate monster.
Traveling there is just the beginning: mobility at your destination
When it comes to getting around your vacation destination, hotels and destination management organizations can be very helpful. They offer services that make switching from driving your own car to using other options easier. At the same time, these services can make your vacation more relaxing.
Guest cards make sustainable mobility easy
Regional visitor passes are a particularly good example. They offer free use of buses, trains, and sometimes cable cars and ferries, as well as admission to museums and recreational facilities. Not only do they make public transportation more affordable, but they also often make it more appealing than driving your own car.
As a guest of the Hotel Weihrerhof, the ADLER Ritten, or the APIPURA hotel rinner on the Ritten in South Tyrol, you’ll receive the RittenCard. With the card, you can ride the historic Ritten Railway, the cable car to Bolzano, and regional buses for free. Hop on and off in the mountains—it’s very relaxing!
At the Paradiso Pure.Living Vegan Hotel on the Seiser Alm, there’s another factor to consider. Located at an altitude of about 2,000 meters in the heart of the Dolomites, a UNESCO World Natural Heritage Site, the hotel has a unique setting that comes with special restrictions. Access to Europe’s largest high alpine pasture by car is limited, so guests only receive a special permit for their arrival and departure days. The Mobilcard South Tyrol is a great way to get around. Otherwise, hiking trails—and ski slopes in the winter—start right from the hotel.
Guest Cards in Germany and Austria
In our article, vacations in regions with guest cards, we will show you more than 20 additional hotels and vacation homes that offer guest cards. For example the,
Good hotels account for mobility
Hotels can also support their guests by clearly describing how to get there by train or bus on their websites, offering shuttles from train stations, and providing incentives to use public transportation.
The five-star wellness hotel Hotel Klosterbräu in Seefeld, Tyrol, is particularly committed to this. Guests who arrive by bus or train can use e-bikes and e-scooters free of charge throughout their stay. Additionally, the hotel offers a complimentary shuttle service from the Seefeld train station with its own electric minibus.
On-site bicycle offers
Bicycle amenities are also becoming increasingly important. Many Green Pearls® hotels offer bicycle or e-bike rentals, partner with local businesses, and provide secure bike garages, charging stations, tools, suggested routes, and guided tours. These amenities provide an alternative to driving and allow you to explore your travel destination in a healthy way from a different perspective.
Green Pearls® Position: Good mobility extends beyond train stations and airports. Rather than forcing guests to do without, hotels and destinations should help their guests get around as flexibly as possible by offering attractive alternatives to driving.
How can you tell if a hotel considers mobility?
- Clear information on how to get there by train or bus
- Shuttle service from the train station
- If guest cards are available in the region, the hotel should participate in the program and offer them to overnight guests free of charge. The hotel should also provide information about the cards.
- Bicycle or e-bike rentals
- Charging station for e-bikes and electric cars
- Hiking and biking trails starting right from the hotel or information on transportation options (public and hotel-provided) to trailheads
- Suggested itineraries without a car
How much CO2 is “allowed” to be produced by a vacation? Or, just how important is this issue?
You’ve probably heard of the “personal CO₂ budget.” It refers to the amount of greenhouse gases each person can emit per year to meet the goals of the Paris Climate Agreement. Depending on the calculation method, the budget currently stands at approximately two to two and a half metric tons of CO₂ equivalents per person per year. According to the Federal Environment Agency, however, the average per capita emissions in Germany are currently around 10 metric tons.
Transportation accounts for about 21% of this (according to the Federal Environment Agency), or just under 2.1 metric tons. In other words, transportation alone uses up your entire CO₂ budget! This clearly illustrates the importance of this issue!
Climate activists frequently criticize travel precisely because of the mobility it entails and the resulting emissions. However, banning everyone from traveling is not the solution. (Especially when people fail to consider that top earners and the ultra-rich are recklessly jetting around the world in private planes.)
Green Pearls® Position: We don’t want to discourage anyone from traveling. On the contrary: Travel fosters connections and understanding and supports local economies around the world. For us, conscious mobility means making informed decisions, not doing without. Every trip offers the chance to make a few adjustments to reduce your emissions while still enjoying the journey.
