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Compare your train vs car journey with our Cost, Time and Carbon Footprint Calculator

Make informed choices about your travel and compare your train journey to the same journey via car to see how you can save pennies, time and reduce your carbon footprint!

Enter your route start and end points below and compare costs and emissions between the train and car options.

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How is this calculated?

The tool was created using a combination of industry data alongside Northern's own environmental data sources. You can find out more about the data sources here.

Costs for trains are calculated based on our cheapest Advance purchase ticket fares (available when booked 6 weeks in advance). This is the same for return tickets when measuring impact over time. For weekly and monthly impact over time, the cost is that of a weekly or monthly season ticket.

Can't find your route?

The Savings Calculator only works for direct single leg journeys. So if you usually change trains during your journey, you'll need to search for each part separately.

You'll only find Northern routes and services in the calculator. Other train operators aren't available. So make sure you're searching for your local Northern Trains journeys.

What about greenwashing?

We've been open and transparent in the results shown. So you will find routes where the car is more favourable than the train. However, rest assured Northern are working towards a greener tomorrow and we have plans in place to improve our environmental impact.

Where is petrol?

The Savings Calculator only compares the train vs diesel and electric vehicles at the moment - but petrol is coming soon!

What else is Northern doing to help the Environment?

You can find out about the Northern Environment team's other initiatives here.

Green guides

Manchester

A guide to making your next trip to Manchester more sustainable!

Leeds

Looking for a sustainable trip to Leeds? This guide will help!

Newcastle

Make your next trip to Newcastle sustainable with this guide!

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Northern App

Streamline your journey and get tickets straight to your phone. Making your journey contact-free.