The cost of the journey is far cheaper in real terms across all ticket types than it used to be.

BBC: Have train fares gone up or down since British Rail?

Earl Attlee said a recent survey by Passenger Focus had reviewed UK rail fares and, although the "overall picture was mixed", the country compared favourably with other European countries "in respect of many ticket types, particularly on longer distance tickets purchased in advance".

BBC: Transport peer 'could not afford' same-day rail fare

The price you pay for a ticket is driven by a number of variables: competition, types of passengers, the route and operating costs.

WSJ: Decoding Airline Ticket Costs