Analysts have named the most profitable way to travel to the sea in the fall
A trip to the southern resorts of Russia by car during the velvet season of 2026 is more often more expensive than traveling by train or plane without luggage. This is the conclusion reached by the analysts of the publication "Simply.", the data was reviewed on September 9 by Izvestia.
Experts have studied five popular destinations: Sochi, Anapa, Gelendzhik, Mineralnye Vody and Makhachkala. The calculation included the cost of round-trip tickets for the period from September 15 to October 15, 2026, and for car trips, not only fuel and toll roads were taken into account, but also depreciation of the car, overnight stays, meals on the way and parking. The calculations were carried out for two categories of tourists: families of two adults and a child of five years old, as well as couples of travelers.
The train turned out to be cheaper than a car in most directions
According to the study, train tickets in compartments in all directions with an affordable connection turned out to be more profitable than a trip by car. For example, a family trip to Sochi by train will cost at least 30.6 thousand rubles, while car expenses will range from 45.4 thousand rubles, and the average cost of such a trip reaches about 60 thousand rubles. For two adults, the difference is even more noticeable: train tickets cost from 23.1 thousand rubles, and a car trip — from 40 thousand rubles.
In Anapa, where there are no direct flights, the train also turned out to be more profitable than the car. The family will spend at least 37.4 thousand rubles on train tickets, and a car trip will cost from 44.5 thousand rubles, on average — about 55 thousand.
The situation in Gelendzhik is different due to the lack of its own railway station. Tourists have to travel by train to Novorossiysk, and then get to the resort. For a family, this option costs from 36.8 thousand rubles, while a car trip starts from 45.3 thousand rubles.
A train to Mineralnye Vody also remains a more economical option: for a family, the cost starts from 38 thousand rubles, and a car ride starts from 45 thousand rubles.
An airplane without luggage often outperforms a car.
Flights without luggage have also proved cheaper than car travel in many cases. For example, a flight to Sochi for a family costs at least 41.1 thousand rubles, while a car trip starts from 45.4 thousand rubles. In Makhachkala, an airplane costs about 34.4 thousand rubles against 53.3 thousand rubles by car.
However, when adding luggage, the difference is reduced. In some destinations, a car may be more profitable than a flight, especially for family trips.
Gelendzhik was an exception: the cost of air tickets there remains high — from 59.1 thousand rubles for a family. In this case, the car turns out to be cheaper, although it is inferior to the railway option.
In late September and early October, tickets become more expensive.
Analysts have also noticed a seasonal increase in prices. The most expensive train and plane tickets are in the last decade of September and the first week of October. During this period, the average cost of a trip increases by 15-25% compared to the first half of September or the second half of October.
Particularly noticeable growth is observed in the destinations of Sochi, Gelendzhik and Mineralnye Vody. In early October, the cost of minimum tariffs for a family can reach 80-88 thousand rubles, and after October 7-8, prices decrease by 10-20%.
"In summer, against the background of high seasonal prices for air tickets, a car becomes the most budget-friendly way to get to the sea, but in autumn this logic stops working. Rising fuel prices, toll roads, and "hidden" expenses — overnight stays, meals, and car depreciation — make traveling by car more expensive than a train by an average of a quarter for a family, and almost twice as expensive for a couple," analysts at Simply noted.
According to their estimates, in order to save up to 20% of the budget, tourists should plan trips for the second half of October, when ticket prices are reduced.
How to choose a transport for a trip
According to the study, the train remains the most economical option for most destinations. The difference is especially noticeable for traveling together. A plane without luggage is also often a profitable option, but when additional services are added, the cost difference may decrease. A car remains a reasonable choice for tourists who plan to travel a lot around the region or want to combine a vacation with a trip to several places.
At the same time, experts advise avoiding trips in late September and early October — during this period, transport prices usually reach their maximum values.
Переведено сервисом «Яндекс Переводчик»
