You can now book trains and planes in one go – here’s how

Gone are the days of needing multiple tabs open to book your overseas travels, thanks to a new comparison feature.

When heading overseas, there’s the process of booking your international flights – and then there’s the whole separate kerfuffle of working out how you’re going to get around the country you’re travelling to. And in so many places, that often means navigating the train systems. But now, a new feature means you can compare and book both planes and trains on Skyscanner, all at the same time.

The new update means you can plug in your journey and see comparisons on plane and train journey times and prices side by side, so you’re better able to decide which works best for you. And those train routes will automatically be shown when they are a practical alternative to flying – this means direct journeys under eight hours or with only one connection. Departures must also be within 90 days of the search.

Why is this feature needed?

Booking in-country travel just got easier. (Credit: Charles Forerunner)

Skyscanner research discovered that one in four travellers wanted to see train options alongside flights, with 21 per cent more likely to book the train if they could see a comparison with flights. Why is this?

“There are obvious examples where this new feature makes sense for domestic travel, but we see great benefits for holidaymakers hopping around Europe and even further afield,” said Brian Plaum, Skyscanner Travel Expert. “There are many journeys where both modes of transport are available, and this view should be a valuable addition to travellers’ decision-making.”

“Using the new Skyscanner search to compare trains and flights will be especially useful when travelling for specific events,” he continued. “Following a musician or sports team to a fixed destination might mean travellers are not as aware of the various options available, the convenience factor or costs associated. Comparing results could give you extra time at the event as well as saving money.”

What countries can you use the feature for?

Compare flights and train journeys in one place to save time and money. (Credit: Balazs Busznya)

Train results are now available for selected cross-border and domestic routes within the UK, Spain, Italy, the Netherlands, Germany, France, Switzerland and even South Korea.

The details

Try it now by searching your next route on Skyscanner, with future plans to add this feature to the app.