France and Ireland are teaming up for a new initiative to give the option of flight-free travel to tourists. In the wake of the pandemic, many green travel initiatives are being launched in an effort to be environmentally friendly. High-speed trains are, in certain incidences, taking the place of flights, and luxurious train options are tempting travelers to enjoy slow travel. However, it is unusual for two European countries to combine train and ferry tickets for convenient and flight-free travel.
France and Ireland launch new combined train and ferry tickets
France and Ireland hope to encourage environmentally friendly travel between the two countries by combining ferry and train tickets. Instead of hopping on a plane, travelers can enjoy the comfort of train and ferry travel instead. Meanwhile, it is planned to officially launch combined train and ferry tickets by the summer of next year.
French and Irish authorities announced the initiative as part of a push to encourage green travel between the two European destinations.
Ireland and France push for flight-free travel
Irish Taoiseach Micheál Martin recently visited French President Emmanuel Macron in France to announce a new ferry and train ticket. In a joint statement, the two leaders explained that the combined ferry and train ticket will be ready by summer 2023, saying:
The objective will be to allow, in particular our young people, to travel between our two countries thanks to a green, simple and reasonably priced deal.
Full details about the combined ferry and train ticket have yet to be released. However, it is likely to be similar to the Franco-German ticket, which used to offer discounts to young people on trains between France and Germany. Meanwhile, more information on the Franco-Irish initiative should be available in January 2023.
How to currently travel from Ireland to France by train and ferry
At the moment, anyone traveling between Ireland and France has to buy separate tickets for the various legs of their journey. In fact, tickets for French and Irish trains, and the ferry, must be purchased separately. Meanwhile, tickets can be booked on the national rail websites of the two countries, SNCF in France and Irish Rail in Ireland. Moreover, ferry tickets are currently available on the Irish Ferries website.
With the new Ireland and France pass, travelers will be able to purchase one ticket to cover all three modes of transport in Ireland and France. However, travelers should note that this will not be a multi-journey pass, like the Interrail system.
Pushing for flight-free travel
The new, combined train and ferry ticket is the latest in a number of European initiatives set to encourage more travelers to choose flight-free options. For example, a number of new sleeper trains will be coming in 2023. Among these is Austria’s ÖBB Nightjet network which adds a Zurich to Rome train via Milan. Meanwhile, in 2024, an overnight train will connect Berlin, Paris and Brussels.
Moreover, another route will run between Zurich and Barcelona, Spain. Meanwhile, high-speed rail routes are offering flight-free travel options in Portugal. The country has unveiled plans for a nationwide network of high-speed trails, set to halve journey times between Portugal’s major cities.
Moreover, European Sleeper will be launching a high-speed connection from Brussels to Prague via Amsterdam and Berlin. This is expected to launch before the end of this year.
Traveling by train and ferry also allows travelers to relax, kick back and enjoy the journey.