Every May thousands of Eurovision fans, press members and delegates fly into the airport of the host country. That translates into a lot of carbon being released into the atmosphere. We all say we’re concerned, but happily get on board anyway. Well this is a situation that ProRail (which manages train lines in the country) and the Ministry of Infrastructure and Water Management would like to see change.
In a small manifest uploaded to their site, ProRail reveals their vision to collaborate with the European railway managers to come up with a plan to implement sustainable train connections between European cities for big international events.
The railway manager would love to use Eurovision 2020 as a major “test case” to see whether they can encourage more Europeans to take the train to other parts of Europe instead of flying. Greta Thunberg would be proud
Although the infrastructure is there, most Europeans still take a plane to travel within the continent. The main reason is the expense of rail travel. A train with Eurofans would emit eleven times less damaging gasses than a plane. On top of that, the average train would also carry five times as many passengers as a Boeing 737 would. The math is easy to figure out.
Here’s how the manifesto elaborates on the idea.
“For short distances, passenger trains should not only be the most sustainable, but moreover be the most attractive option. For some connections, this is already the case: Eurovision fans that come from Paris will be in the heart of Rotterdam within three hours. Such comfortable, quick connections are what we of course want in a lot more cities in the countries that surround us.”
For several routes in Europe, Eurovision fans are able to take the train already. From Brussels and Paris, the host city can be reached via the Thalys train service. The German stations of Frankfurt, Düsseldorf and Berlin are served by intercities from Deutsche Bahn. Adding to that the Eurostar recently started services to London St. Pancras station, which offers competitive prices compared to airfares between Rotterdam/The Hague and Schiphol and any of the London airports.
Would you consider going to Rotterdam by train? Or are you already coming by train? Let us know in the comments below!
LOL ! … It would be great but there is NO TRAIN bettween Rotterdam and Paris on May, 17 !
Because there will be works on the railway said Thalys this morning …
Train transportation is not only meaningful and eco-friendly, but also more comfortable and relaxing than flying. And I don’t mind a longer travel time for nice views and more comfort. I promised myself to travel by train for any distance less than 10 hours by train or 2 hours by plane. Short-haul flights are an eco-killer.
Helle going by the train is a goof idea I would go from London to Rotterdam by Eurostat I am aeurostar fan how much would tickets cost for the Eurovision song contest at rottendam and what date will it be from Christopher of Kent uk
the one time i visited the netherlands i had to take the train from amsterdam-centraal back to the airport n guess what they CANCELED it! felt like i was already back in italy. it was 5am so i had to hail a cab, spent 50 euros instead of 5 skhfkasd
Should we all give up flying?
no !
Since hotel costs for eurovision week start at like 2000 euros and there aren’t any night trains to friesland i’ll probably go by car.
I’m from the center of France, so by train I need first to go to Paris and secondly to Rotterdam. This round trip for one person costs 190€ (with a reduction because I’m young) so a little bit less than travelling by plane. But it’s still expensive. I thinking of night bus which cost a total of 40€ , it’s more long 10 hours but still less damaging gasses than a plane.
Presumably they won’t serve meat at the venues as that’s a bigger contributor to carbon emissions than planes….
An excellent idea!
I’ve stopped flying for environmental reasons and will be going to Eurovision by train from Liverpool, UkK. Should only take me around 5 hours and for maybe 60 pounds one way. With the effect of fast travel on our earth and lives, it’s a no brainer. #flygskam ?
I would consider travelling by train from Newcastle too
Wouldn’t it make more sense to take the ferry to Hoek van Holland.
From which British port?
The train would only be one change only and seemed quite convenient and eco-friendly but I’d be interested in knowing how convenient your ferry option would be!
There is a ferry from Newcastle to Hoek van Holland.
edit: it seems I am wrong. It is Harwich – Hoek van Holland or Newcastle – IJmuiden.
Unfortunately IJmuiden – Rotterdam can be done by train, but it is a bit of a hassle. Hoek van Holland – Rotterdam however is very easy and a short distance.