Train vs Flight: Pollokshields East to Ryde Esplanade

Train and flight are very similar in door-to-door time from Pollokshields East to Ryde Esplanade. The train takes 3h 28m and the flight takes 3h 13m. The train is the greener choice, saving 84% CO2.

For the Pollokshields East to Ryde Esplanade route (604 km straight-line), the train produces approximately 24,8 kg of CO2 per passenger, while the flight produces approximately 154,0 kg. Taking the train saves 129,2 kg of CO2 — a 84% reduction. These are average estimates based on European averages (train: 41g CO2/km, flight: 255g CO2/km including radiative forcing).

Door-to-door travel time from Pollokshields East to Ryde Esplanade:

• Train: 3h 28m total (2h 58m journey + 30 min station check-in)
• Flight: 3h 13m total (43m flight + 2h 30min airport overhead for check-in, security, boarding, and taxi)

On this medium-haul route from Pollokshields East to Ryde Esplanade, the train is competitive with flying when you factor in airport overhead. You also save 129 kg of CO2 — equivalent to 84% fewer emissions. For travellers who value comfort, city-centre arrivals, and sustainability, train is recommended.

The straight-line distance from Pollokshields East to Ryde Esplanade is 604 km. The actual rail distance will be longer (typically ~1.3× the straight-line distance) due to track routing.