Following a 4.6% rise in rail fares across England and Wales last month, new analysis from online travel resale platform Transfer Travel reveals that second-hand flights to European destinations often cost less than peak UK train journeys—and sometimes include accommodation at a lower overall price.
The platform highlights multiple listings where holidaymakers can fly to popular spots abroad for less than a standard domestic rail ticket, offering a smart, budget-friendly alternative for summer travel.
- Bristol to Barcelona return flights are available for £150 – a full £200 cheaper than train tickets from Bristol to Glasgow
- London to Crete flights listed for £10 less than standard rail fare from London to Edinburgh
- Manchester to Antalya, Turkey flights available for over £100 less than train tickets from Manchester to Newquay
And the savings don’t stop at the airport. According to data from Booking.com and Skyscanner, three-star hotels in the Greek Islands average just £57 per night compared to £206 in Edinburgh, while Barcelona accommodation averages £139 per night versus Glasgow’s £196 in peak season. Factor in the growing number of non-refundable hotels also being resold online, and the potential savings for travellers willing to book pre-loved holidays are stacking up fast.
Laura Carden-Lovell, Head of Operations at Transfer Travel, explains: “With rail fares continuing to rise, it’s eye-opening to see how many UK travellers could actually save money by looking abroad this summer. We’re seeing more people realise they can swap a weekend in Edinburgh or Cornwall for a holiday in Barcelona or Greece – often at a lower total cost. It’s not just about saving money, it’s about getting much better value from your travel budget through booking second-hand.”
The trend comes as more people search for alternative holiday options amid ongoing cost-of-living pressures affecting travel budgets.
Listed bookings on resale sites are typically available at 30-70% off the original price, giving budget-conscious holidaymakers the chance to enjoy destinations they thought were out of reach while helping others recover money from trips they can no longer take.
