SBB's online timetable contains an «Ecocalculator» which calculates the energy consumption and CO2 emissions for each rail trip and compares them with the equivalent journey by car. In that way, you can obtain a fast and easy comparison of the environmental impact of each form of travel. You simply click on the «Ecocalculator» button in the detailed view of the journey.
The calculation is based on default average figures for capacity utilisation and fuel consumption. You can adjust these as required, so for a car, for example, you can specify the emission class, size and efficiency. As well as direct energy consumption, the system also takes account of the indirect ecological impact arising from the construction, maintenance and disposal of infrastructure and vehicles. For further information about the methodology used by SBB in its Ecocalculator.
Alternative forms of motive power such as biogas and electric vehicles are also covered.