Travel by train: Why rail is becoming the preferred choice for corporate travellers
Rail travel is quickly becoming the preferred option for corporate travellers across the UK and Europe, driven by sustainability goals, improved infrastructure and a better end-to-end experience for travellers.
Business travel in 2026 is no longer defined solely by speed and convenience. Increasingly, it is being shaped by responsibility, sustainability and employee well-being.
That is why, across the UK and Europe, rail travel has emerged as a compelling alternative to short-haul flying, offering a combination of environmental benefits, productivity gains and cost-efficiency that appeal to both organisations and their employees.
As companies reassess how their people travel for work, rail is moving from a secondary option to a popular choice in modern corporate travel programmes - and we’re here to discuss why.
Rail’s growing role in corporate travel programmes
Across Europe, rail is now firmly embedded within many corporate travel programmes. A growing proportion of business travellers are choosing trains for regional and cross-border journeys.
In fact, two-thirds (65%) would choose to travel by train, rather than plane, when both options are viable and the cost and journey time are the same (or very similar). This shift reflects changing corporate priorities, with sustainability targets and employee well-being now carrying equal weight with cost control.
Travel managers are also responding to increased employee preference for rail. Trains offer a calmer, more predictable journey when compared with air travel, especially for short-haul routes where airport congestion, security queues and transfers can significantly extend total journey time.
As a result, many organisations are actively encouraging rail bookings by integrating rail options more seamlessly into their corporate travel policies.
Plus, on a governmental level, rail is being recognised as a key driver of economic growth and decarbonisation, which is why governments and operators are investing heavily in rail infrastructure this year.
Continued investment in rail infrastructure
In the UK, passenger numbers have rebounded strongly in recent years, with demand approaching pre-pandemic levels. Investment in major projects like London’s Elizabeth Line have transformed connectivity across the capital, improving reliability, capacity and overall passenger experience.
Beyond London, wider network upgrades and station modernisation programmes are helping to make rail a more attractive option for business travellers. Improved punctuality, more frequent services and enhanced onboard facilities all contribute to rail’s renewed appeal among corporate travellers.
On the international stage, Eurostar’s expansion plans highlight how rail is evolving into a viable alternative to short-haul flights between major business hubs. Proposed direct services to cities such as Frankfurt and Geneva would further reduce the need for air travel on key corporate routes.
For many journeys, city-centre-to-city-centre rail travel offers a faster end-to-end experience once airport transfers, security screening and boarding times are taken into account.
What are the benefits of travelling by rail for corporate travel?
There are several key reasons why rail travel is becoming more appealing to corporate travellers and why it’s attracting so much interest and investment. One of rail’s most compelling advantages is its environmental performance.
Rail travel typically produces significantly lower carbon emissions than flying, making it an effective way for organisations to reduce the environmental impact of their travel programmes and support wider ESG commitments. Other key benefits include:
Productivity - modern trains are designed with business travellers in mind, offering comfortable seating, tables, reliable Wi-Fi and power outlets
Connectivity - Unlike air travel, rail journeys allow passengers to remain connected throughout the trip, enabling uninterrupted work time and reducing the sense of “lost hours”
Cost-efficiency - For many short- to medium-distance routes, rail fares can be far more cost-effective than air travel, particularly when additional airline costs such as baggage, transfers and overnight stays are considered
Employee well-being - Rail typically offers a more comfortable, less stressful experience with no lengthy security procedures, fewer delays and more generous baggage allowances, all contributing to a smoother journey
The future of rail in business travel
With this in mind, it’s easy to see why rail is becoming a popular alternative among business travellers. And, as European business travel continues to grow, rail is set to play an increasingly central role in corporate travel strategies.
Advances in infrastructure, technology and cross-border connectivity are making rail more competitive than ever before, delivering efficiency, sustainability and a better traveller experience.
