Is it really faster to fly? These environmentally-friendly trips dispel that myth, says Sarah Marshall.

In the last few decades, plane travel has become more accessible than ever due to the proliferation of low-cost airlines. Transiting by air, it seems, is almost as commonplace as catching a bus.

But as public concern over climate change grows, alternative environmentally-friendly forms of transport are increasing in popularity. Swedish activists, backed by Greta Thunberg, have even launched a campaign about the matter. Flygskam - or flight-shaming - hopes to encourage people to fly less.

In Europe, train travel is the obvious choice: fares are generally cheaper, carbon emissions are less and - contrary to popular belief - journey times are often quicker.

Omio (omio.co.uk), Europe's leading booking platform for travel by train, bus and flight, has revealed several popular European journeys which are actually speedier by train.

"Travelling by train - or even coach - can be just as quick or quicker," says Bertrand Etienne, regional director at Omio. "Add to that the high-quality accommodation onboard long-distance trains and coaches across Europe, which are generally equipped with comfy seats, refreshments, WiFi, tables and plug sockets, the benefits to the environment and the bigger baggage allowance, and it becomes a highly attractive alternative."

If you're planning any of the routes below, consider how you travel...

London to Brussels

Money saved: £28

Time saved: 3 hours, 8 minutes

CO2 saving: 30kg

Manchester to London

Money saved: £31

Time saved: 1 hour 44 minutes

CO2 saving: 24kg

Paris to Bordeaux

Money saved: £81

Time saved: 1 hour 50 minutes

CO2 saved: 47kg

London to Leeds

Money saved: £59

Time saved: 1 hour 54 minutes

CO2 saved: 46kg

Rome to Florence

Money saved: £63

Time saved: 2 hours 15 minutes

CO2 saved: 21kg