🚆🌍 Travelling by Train: A Greener Way to Get Around
Did you know that rail is one of the lowest-emission forms of motorised transport in Europe?
The European Environment Agency identifies rail and waterborne transport as the most greenhouse-gas-efficient motorised options, while walking and cycling are among the cleanest ways to travel. Of course, emissions vary depending on the journey, the vehicle and how the transport is powered, but choosing the train instead of driving or flying can make a real difference.
And when it comes to shorter journeys, sometimes the best option is even simpler: walk, cycle or wheel your way there. It is good for the planet, good for our health and a lovely way to discover a city at a slower pace. 🚶♀️🚲💚
📚 A little transport history
The world’s first underground railway was the Metropolitan Railway, which opened in London in 1863 using steam locomotives. It later became part of the London Underground. Quite a journey from steam trains to today’s electric railways!
♻️ Why sustainable public transport matters
Buses, trams, ferries and trains can all play an important role in creating more sustainable and liveable cities. Good public transport gives people choice, independence and access without everyone needing a car. It can also help reduce traffic, air pollution and greenhouse-gas emissions while making it easier for people of different ages and abilities to get around.
For Grandma Sita, public transport is part of everyday life. A good transport system should not only be greener — it should also be accessible, safe and welcoming for everyone. 👵💚
👵 Grandma Sita’s tips for greener journeys
- 🚆 Take the train when you can. For longer journeys, rail can be a much lower-emission option than travelling by car or plane.
- 🚶♀️ Walk when the destination is close. A short walk can be the easiest way to move around — and you may discover something lovely along the way.
- 🚲 Cycle or wheel for shorter trips. Active travel gives us a little movement while helping reduce our reliance on motorised transport.
- 🚌 Use public transport when exploring a city. Buses, trams and trains can take you further while leaving the car behind.
- 🌍 Travel like a local. When visiting somewhere new, choose public transport, walking tours or a bicycle rather than automatically reaching for a taxi or rental car.
- 👵 Think about accessibility too. Sustainable mobility should work for everyone, including older people and people with different mobility needs.
- 💚 Make one small change. You do not have to change every journey at once. Sometimes one greener choice is a very good place to start.
🌍 What is EUROPEAN MOBILITY WEEK?
EUROPEAN MOBILITY WEEK is the European Commission’s leading campaign for sustainable urban mobility. It takes place every year from 16–22 September and encourages cities, organisations and individuals to explore walking, cycling, public transport and other cleaner transport solutions.
The campaign is all about making everyday journeys cleaner, healthier and more inclusive, while encouraging cities to rethink the way people move around. And there is a lovely Grandma Sita lesson here: we do not always need bigger, faster or more complicated ways of travelling. Sometimes, slower, simpler and more sustainable can be better. 🌱
🚗 And what about Car-Free Day?
Car-Free Day is one of the best-known ideas associated with EUROPEAN MOBILITY WEEK, encouraging communities to experience what their streets might feel like with fewer cars. The campaign also provides guidance for towns and cities that want to organise a Car-Free Day or weekend.
In 2026, EUROPEAN MOBILITY WEEK focuses on “Mobility for Everyone”, with a special emphasis on intergenerational fairness — making sustainable transport accessible to people of different ages and considering the mobility needs of both current and future generations.
👉 Discover EUROPEAN MOBILITY WEEK
🌱 Travel well, travel thoughtfully
Whether you are catching a train across Europe, taking the tram across town or simply walking to the market, the way we move matters. Choosing more sustainable transport can help reduce emissions and pollution, support healthier cities and make travelling feel a little more connected to the places we visit.
For Grandma Sita, that is the real joy of sustainable travel: you can get where you are going and enjoy the journey too. 👵💚🚆
👉 Find out more about sustainable urban mobility with EUROPEAN MOBILITY WEEK