Method and sources

Everything on TrainTrips is calculated from open data, not copied from booking sites.

Connections

We calculate connections ourselves with MOTIS, an open-source journey planner, using the official open timetables of the rail operators. We search on a regular Tuesday, in the morning and afternoon, and show journeys with at most two changes.

Timetable sources

Earlier routes were retrieved via Transitous. Our route data (trips and changes) is a derived database of these sources.

Punctuality

We use the Rijden de Treinen train archive (CC BY 4.0) and, for German stations, the open delay data of Deutsche Bahn (CC BY 4.0, via piebro/deutsche-bahn-data), with real arrival times. For TGV routes (also international, such as Paris–Zurich or Paris–Milan) we show SNCF's monthly punctuality per route (Régularité mensuelle TGV par liaisons, ODbL). For a connection we count how often the train arrived early enough to change with 8 minutes to spare. Cancelled trips count as missed.

Train or plane

We calculate CO₂ emissions with the UK Government GHG Conversion Factors 2025 (DESNZ). For the train we use the real rail distance and a deliberately high factor. It remains an estimate.

Maps and photos

Maps based on Natural Earth (public domain). Photos via Unsplash.

Further reading

Train from Frankfurt to ParisTrain from Paris to BaselTrain from Paris to BordeauxTrain from Paris to FrankfurtTrain from Paris to LuxembourgTrain from Paris to Marseille