Transport and environment report 2020

The EEA report analyzes the environmental impact of rail and air passenger transport in Europe. The level of occupancy is the most important factor in all the modes considered, since, by itself, it can make a transport the best or the worst option for the environment The impacts of aviation emissions are higher in passenger-kilometre basis. The High Speed Train is the most environmentally friendly option. The report highlights that, over longer distances, the environmental costs of air travel increase less because those associated with landing and take-off, such as noise pollution, do not vary with distance on a direct flight.