Train vs. Car | Efficiency & Sustainability Compared

On German routes, you face the choice: Train or Car? While the car often stands for flexibility, the train increasingly scores with speed on modern high-speed lines and an unbeatable environmental record.

Train Advantages

Environment: Significantly better CO2 footprint per person.
Time Savings: Travel time can be used for work or relaxation.
Stress-free: No traffic jams and relaxed arrival in city center.

Car Advantages

Flexibility: Independence from fixed schedules.
Door-to-door: Direct travel without transfers or walking.
Storage: Easy transport of bulky luggage.

Detailed Criteria Comparison

Criterion	Train	Car
Travel Time	Predictable (direct, can be used productively)	Variable (depends on traffic)
CO2 Emissions	Minimal (30-50g CO2/km)	High (120-180g CO2/km)
Comfort	Work, WiFi, restaurant car	Drive yourself, full concentration required
Flexibility	Schedule-bound (frequent departures)	Very flexible (anytime)
Luggage	Standard luggage & bicycle possible	Maximum storage space
Arrival	City center / main station	Individual address (+ parking search)

Sustainability Champion: The Train

The railway is the backbone of sustainable mobility. A train journey saves on average over 70% CO2 emissions compared to a car journey with only one person.

Train (ICE)

~32g

CO2 per passenger kilometer

Car (Gasoline/Diesel)

~145g

CO2 per passenger kilometer

When to Choose Which?

Choose Train when...

You want to use travel time productively
Sustainability is important to you
You want to arrive in the city center stress-free
You want to avoid parking hassles

Choose Car when...

You need maximum flexibility
Your destination is off the rail network
You have lots of bulky luggage
You're traveling with multiple people (cost sharing)

Notice: All information is provided without guarantee. Schedules and availability may change at any time. For current and binding information, please visit the official provider websites. This website is not affiliated with Deutsche Bahn AG or other railway companies.

Last update: December 2025

Sources & More Information:

Deutsche Bahn – Official Deutsche Bahn website
DB Navigator – Official DB Navigator App
DB Environmental Report – Deutsche Bahn sustainability information

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the train faster than the car?

On routes with good ICE connections, the train is often faster since you can work or relax during the journey and avoid traffic jams. On direct highway connections without traffic, the car can be competitive in terms of time.

Which transport mode is more environmentally friendly?

The train is significantly more environmentally friendly: The ICE emits much less CO2 per person/km in long-distance travel than an average car. The train is thus the most climate-friendly choice.

When is the train most worthwhile?

The train is especially worthwhile when you want to use travel time productively, value sustainability, or want to arrive relaxed in the city center without worrying about parking.

When is the car more advantageous?

The car offers advantages for very flexible travel times, when you need to transport large amounts of luggage, or when reaching destinations off the rail network.

Train vs. Car: The Mobility Check