A List of Alternatives to Flying
climate impact of different modes of transport
This diagram is data from Europe where the electric rail is powered by a high percentage of renewables. (Source: Stay Grounded). In the US only the Northeast Corridor Amtrak trains are electric. Those in most of the rest of the country run on diesel fuel.
how amtrak compares
This graph published by Amtrak compares energy efficiency of different modes of travel. It does not factor in the non CO2 warming impacts of aviation which would place the airplane at the bottom of the graph. Note that car travel efficiency varies greatly by type of car and number of passengers.
Planning Resources
www.wanderu.com very easy interface for planning ground trips
www.rome2rio.com “discover how to get anywhere by train, bus, ferry & car”
Train Travel:
www.amtrak.com/content/dam/projects/dotcom/english/public/documents/Maps/Amtrak-System-Map-1018.pdf Amtrak network map
Bus Travel:
www.greentortoise.com Adventure travel by coach bus. Tours including food, lodging, etc.
www.us.megabus.com Express coach service between many destinations
Bicycle Touring:
www.adventurecycling.org Maps, routes, guided tours, and other resources for travel by bicycle in North America.
Car Trips:
An airliner gets roughly 30 mpg/passenger -- the same as a compact car but the compact car beats the airliner with multiple passengers. Also, it is important to factor in the high altitude non C02e warming impacts of flying that ground travel do not have.
Cruise Ships: More polluting than flying!
www.theguardian.com/travel/2006/dec/20/cruises.green
Cargo Ship:
www.tripsavvy.com/tips-for-cruising-on-a-cargo-ship
Sailing:
www.ecoclipper.org A professional shipping company developing emission free transport and travel, by engine-less sailing ships.
www.findacrew.net Find a sailboat and board as a crew-member!
Teleconferencing:
Online remote meetings, conferences and gatherings have become common during the COVID pandemic. This is a great way to cut down on pollution!
Virtual Tourism:
www.lonelyplanet.com/articles/virtual-tours-travel-destinations
www.goodhousekeeping.com/life/travel/a31784720/best-virtual-tours