Taking the train means travelling, only better!

    Discover how, behind every TGV journey, we are working towards more sustainable mobility: more decarbonized, more resilient, more sober, more circular, more human... in a word, BETTER!
    Updated on 1 August 20257-minute read

    Is taking the train really more environmentally friendly? 95 times YES!

    In France, using the train means on average 95% fewer GHG emissions1 than using a car2 or plane. That's why we encourage people to use trains, to help reduce France's carbon emissions. And how do we know all this? We have compared theCO2 emissions of each mode of transport using this methodology.

    To find out how: click here!
    Emissions de CO2e par voyage par km

    CO2eemissions per journey per km

    • Long-distance train: 3 g
    • Long-distance coach: 35 g
    • Electric car (2.2 passengers*): 47 g
    • Thermal car (2.2 passengers*): 108 g
    • Short-haul plane: 260 g

    CO2eemissions linked to energy consumption, vehicle construction and maintenance.

    Source Base Empreinte ADEME data 2023 and Carbone 4 comparative analysis. The TGV's greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions expressed inCO2 equivalent (CO2e) are calculated in accordance with the methodological guide to GHG information for transport services published by the French government, and certified by the company's Statutory Auditors. They are based on an average value per passenger-kilometer for a trip by long-distance train in France, by short-haul aircraft including condensation trails and cirrus clouds, by long-distance coach, and by combustion-powered or electric long-distance car in France.

    (*including 2.2 passengers, occupancy rate for long-distance cars in France established by ADEME)

    x2
    the modal share of rail by 2040: we'll get there together!

    New in history: climatic hazards

    Storms, heatwaves and floods: these hazards are intensifying as a result of climate change, and disrupting our business. So we need to anticipate them today to ensure continuity of service tomorrow. That's what Adaptation to Climate Change is all about, for us, for you, and for our employees!

    Find out why and how

    And while you're driving: we reduce, reduce, reduce our impact

    Are you familiar with the principle of eco-driving... for trains? Did you know that our trains are 92% recyclable (soon to be 97%!)? Or that we spend 2 million hours each year identifying repairable parts for reuse? As you can see, we're taking action on all fronts #Carbon #Energy #Circular Economy #Water #Biodiversity...

    We tell you all about it here

    -30% and 50% reduction in GHG emissions from traction and our buildings by 2050

    Our commitments to a more humane and inclusive society

    All over France, our employees are proud to be involved with us in their jobs, as well as in community and environmental initiatives. We actively support and promote this commitment, taking particular care to ensure working conditions that are as comfortable as they are fulfilling.

    We tell you all about it here

    Discover our 4 CSR commitments

    for mobility with positive, low-carbon impacts.

    Click here

    1/ Base Empreinte ADEME data 2023 and Carbone 4 comparative analysis. The TGV's greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions expressed in CO2 equivalent (CO2e) are calculated in accordance with the methodological guide to GHG information for transport services published by the French government, and certified by the Statutory Auditors. They are based on an average value per passenger-kilometer for a trip by long-distance train in France, by short-haul aircraft including condensation trails and cirrus clouds, by long-distance coach, and by combustion-powered or electric long-distance car in France.

    2/ containing 2.2 passengers, the occupancy rate for long-distance cars in France established by ADEME

    Discover also

    TGV INOUI

    Read more

    With INTERCITÉS

    Read more

    Our green mobility solutions

    Read more

    Header : © SNCF Voyageurs

    Infographic : © SNCF Voyageurs

    New in history: climatic hazards : © SNCF Voyageurs

    Our commitments to a more humane and inclusive society : © SNCF Voyageurs

    Discover also : © Com à l'écran / Alex Profit / Sébastien Godefroy