Green Light

Happy young woman on a green meadow riding a bicycle

Keep your eco-credentials intact by using this comprehensive guide to methods of transport and their average carbon footprint, measured in grams of carbon dioxide per passenger-kilometre (g CO2/pkm).

Premium travel

Cruise Ship - AdobeStock_171454970Short-haul flights: Approximately 255g CO2/pkm
Long-haul flights: Approx 150g CO2/pkm
Ferries: Approx 19-135g CO2/pkm (varies depending on the type and size of the vessel)
Cruise ships: Approx 250-400g CO2/pkm (due to luxurious amenities and lower occupancy rates)

Trains - AdobeStock_303890888_Editorial_Use_Only

Public transport

Buses: Approx 105g CO2/pkm
Diesel trains: Approx 41g CO2/pkm
Electric trains: Approx 6-25g CO2/pkm (varies widely depending on the energy mix of the electricity grid)

Private transport

Electric car - AdobeStock_352960659_Editorial_Use_OnlyPetrol car: Approximately 192g CO2/pkm (based on average occupancy of 1.5 passengers)
Hybrid car: Approx 120g CO2/pkm
Electric car: Approx 53g CO2/pkm
Bicycles: Near zero g CO2/pkm (considering the manufacturing emissions distributed over the bike’s lifetime and the rider’s food intake)
Motorcycles: Approx 103g CO2/pkm
Electric scooters: Approx 50g CO2/pkm (considering electricity usage and manufacturing emissions)

Walking: Near zero g CO2/pkm (considering the metabolic CO2 emissions and food intake)

Tips for reducing your transport carbon footprint

  • Choose public transport and use buses and trains, which have lower emissions per passenger
  • Share car rides to dilute emissions across more travellers
  • Opt for walking or cycling when possible
  • Use hybrid or electric vehicles
  • Avoid flying and select alternative travel methods
  • Use video conferencing to reduce the need for travel
  • Advocate for green travel schemes in your local community