How the Transport CO2 Comparison Works
This calculator lets you compare the environmental impact of car, train, and plane for the same trip. Enter the distance and your vehicle characteristics to discover how much CO2 each transport mode produces.
Emission Factors
CO2 emissions vary enormously between transport modes:
| Mode | Average emissions | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Train | ~30 g CO2/km/pax | European average, high-speed even less |
| Gasoline car | ~120-150 g CO2/km | Depends on consumption and occupants |
| Diesel car | ~110-140 g CO2/km | Slightly less than gasoline |
| Electric car | ~30-50 g CO2/km | Depends on national energy mix |
| Plane (short-haul) | ~255 g CO2/km/pax | Includes radiative forcing in altitude |
| Plane (long-haul) | ~195 g CO2/km/pax | More efficient per km |
Why the Train Wins
The train emits on average only 30 g CO2 per passenger per km, about 4-8 times less than a car and 6-9 times less than a plane. The combination of electric power (with a growing share of renewables), high capacity, and high efficiency makes rail the greenest option.
The Full Car Effect
A key point: a full car with 4 people can have a per-passenger impact comparable to the train, especially on intercity routes.
Trees as a Measure
To make the impact tangible, the calculator indicates how many trees would be needed to absorb the CO2 produced by the car trip in one year. A mature tree absorbs about 22 kg of CO2 per year.