As a student at Erasmus University Rotterdam, you can make a conscious choice to travel more sustainably for your exchange, internship or summer school. Whether you are travelling from Rotterdam to another European city or further away, it pays off to explore alternatives to flying.
On this page you will find practical tips, tools and examples. This way, when you start planning your sustainable trip, you know exactly what you can do and where to look.
Erasmus+ is the European programme for education, training, youth and sport. Through this programme, students of Erasmus University Rotterdam can go abroad for a study exchange or an internship.
If you use a sustainable means of transport for your journey to and from your host country, such as the train or the bus, you may be entitled to a Green travel top-up payment as part of your Erasmus+ grant. Indicate in your grant application that you intend to travel green.
After your exchange, you may be asked to provide proof of your journey, for example a train ticket or bus ticket. Make sure to keep these documents.
Interrail and ESN have launched a special Interrail Global Pass for Erasmus+ participants for students with an Erasmus+ grant. You can use this pass to:
- Travel to your exchange destination;
- Travel within Europe during your stay.
Key features:
- The pass is only available to students with an Erasmus+ grant.
- You can choose passes of 4 travel days (212 euro) or 6 travel days (301 euro), to be used within a period of 6 months.
- The Erasmus+ grant includes a travel allowance that may cover (part of) this price.
- Depending on the distance travelled, students can receive 285, 417 or 535 euro as Erasmus+ green travel compensation.
Always check with your International Office to make sure that the amounts and conditions mentioned are still up to date.
If you want to travel more sustainably to your destination, it helps to compare the impact of different modes of transport. With the online CO2 calculator you can:
- Compare the CO2 emissions of train, bus and plane;
- Test different routes;
- Make a conscious choice that fits your budget and time.
Several websites and tools can help you plan a sustainable trip. They often show the options for train, bus and sometimes plane in one overview.
- The Man in Seat 61: a comprehensive website with routes, fares and travel times for train journeys within Europe and beyond. The site looks simple, but the information is very detailed and practical.
- Omio: a search engine that allows you to compare options for flights, trains and buses, including prices for each option.
- Trainline: a search engine focused on train and bus connections in Europe.
- Flixbus: a platform for international bus connections, often with budget-friendly options.
- Deutsche Bahn: a clear portal for train travel, not only in Germany but across Europe.
- Bookachoo: a platform that helps you find the most comfortable and climate-friendly route to your destination.
- European Sleeper: a night train connecting several European cities and offering a sustainable way to travel, for example to Berlin, Dresden or Prague.
Tip: some of these platforms allow you to book your trip directly. Always compare the price with the fares on the website of the train or bus company itself, so you can be sure you are getting the best deal.
If you want to get even more out of your journey, you can also choose a road trip or carpool:
- Travel together with other students who are going to the same destination and plan a shared route.
- Visit cities along the way to enrich your stay abroad.
- Use a carpooling service such as BlaBlaCar to connect with others who are travelling the same route.
One advantage of travelling sustainably is that train and bus stations are often located in or near the city centre. This makes it easy to visit multiple cities. Travelling by car also gives you the freedom to discover places that are less accessible by public transport.
Would you like your stay to be just as sustainable as your journey? Then choose accommodation that prioritises sustainability. Hostelling International is a network of hostels committed to sustainable practices.
Downloads
If you would like to learn more about sustainable travel as a student at Erasmus University Rotterdam, you can download the Travel Green Students Handbook. In this document you will find:
- Practical steps to plan a greener trip;
- An explanation of why sustainable travel can be an enriching experience;
- Experiences from students who chose sustainable travel options.
Choosing sustainability: Zoe’s train journey from Rotterdam to Budapest
EUR student Zoe: "I chose to travel by train to my exchange destination Budapest, even though this meant a solid 10-hour journey each way. But you know what? Considering the price and the sustainability aspect, this was totally worth it. I paid 80 euros for a round trip and took things with me to keep myself busy. I had time to study, enjoy the views over the mountains, listen to music and relax. On a train journey like this, the hours pass much faster than you might expect. I definitely recommend it. Just make sure to bring enough water and snacks, and reserve a seat if you are travelling during peak times, for example at the weekend. You will be glad you spent those few extra euros.”