Europcar urges travellers to hit the road as rail fares rocket

With rail fares going up by an average of 6% - with some lines rising by as much as 11%* - travellers’ pockets are being hit hard at a time when many are already feeling the pinch. Europcar, the UK’s leading car rental company, is advising disgruntled passengers and small businesses already under financial pressure, that there is a cheaper, more comfortable and convenient option when travelling – car rental.

For example, 2 people travelling from Bristol to Edinburgh could save up to £233** on the price of a train fare, by opting to rent a car instead.

Catriona Lougher, Marketing Director of Europcar says “Rail travel has become increasingly expensive, with little apparent improvement in the service to justify the extra cost. But there is a solution. Renting a vehicle for some journeys, not only offers substantial savings but the comfort, convenience and flexibility that rail travel struggles to offer. Even flights as an alternative to rail won’t have the same flexibility provided by vehicle rental. There’s still the rigmarole involved in getting to and from the airport. Avoid the stress and let the rental car come to you.”

With recent train delays and power failures piling further misery on commuters, car rental really does provide an attractive alternative that goes beyond cost-savings. There are no worries over maintenance, the peace of mind of 24 hour roadside assistance plus the fuel efficiencies of driving a relatively new vehicle suited to the journey and number of passengers. With delivery and collection and the option of additional drivers, car rental really puts travellers firmly in control of their journey.

Car Rental vs. Rail: Cost Comparison***

Birmingham to London – car rental £65.36 per person vs. rail fare £132 per person
An open return rail fare on one of country’s busiest routes, Birmingham to London, will now cost £132 per person. However car rental for 2 people sharing a midweek 2 day return rental from the economy car group, such as Renault Clio, would only pay £65.36 each plus fuel and congestion charge.

Bristol to Edinburgh – car rental £15 per person vs. rail fare £248 per person
An open return fare from Bristol to Edinburgh now costs £248, whereas 2 people sharing a midweek 2 day return rental from the economy car group, such as Renault Clio, would pay just £15 each, plus fuel.

London to Manchester – car rental £52.93 per person vs. rail fare £247 per person
With the new increases, an open return rail fare from London to Manchester is £247. In comparison, 2 people sharing a midweek 2 day return rental from the economy car group, such as Chevrolet Matiz, would pay £52.93 plus fuel.

Leicester to Newcastle – car rental £35.02 per person vs. rail fare £203 per person
An open return train ticket from Leicester to Newcastle now costs £203. 2 people sharing a sharing a midweek 2 day return rental from the economy car group, such as Renault Clio, would pay just £35.02 each plus fuel.

London to Glasgow – car rental £52.93 per person vs. rail fare £271 per person
The new open return fare from London to Glasgow is £271. Compared to that, 2 people sharing a midweek 2 day return rental from the economy car group, such as Chevrolet Matiz, would pay £52.93 plus fuel.

*Source: Association of Train Operating Companies (Atoc)
**Based on an open return rail fare, compared with 2 people sharing a 2 day, pre-pay rental of economy vehicle midweek.
***Prices correct as of 7th January 2008.