Global business travelers embrace train travel as a preferred mode of transport

4 MIN READ

  • 19% of business travelers in the US and 58% in major European markets now prefer trains for domestic work travel, driven by new routes, sustainability, and productivity benefits
  • 51% of companies across key global markets incentivize employees to choose sustainable travel options, such as trains
  • Train travel offers unique advantages for productivity, with 32% of global respondents stating they are more productive on trains compared to other transport modes
CHICAGO, IL., Oct. 29, 2024 – Leading global business travel management platform, Perk (formerly TravelPerk) ,  today announced findings from its latest global research, spotlighting the increasing shift towards train travel for business travelers across major international markets, especially in regions with advanced rail networks like Europe. As productivity, sustainability and comfort become top priorities, trains are emerging as a preferred alternative to air travel
Despite occasional media focus on disruptions and strikes, 19% of business travelers in the US and 58% in major European markets now opt for trains for domestic travel, spurred by new routes, increased productivity and an increasing focus on reducing environmental impact.
Productivity gains make trains an attractive option
32% of respondents noted the unique productivity benefits trains offer. As a result, many companies are increasingly supporting rail travel, recognizing its dual benefits of improving both productivity and sustainability.
Earlier this year, Perk announced a partnership with SilverRail, the rail commerce platform that helps travel agencies sell rail easily, to enable Amtrak (USA) rail content to Perk customers.
"Partnering with SilverRail enables us to deliver an excellent rail booking experience for our customers, starting with this launch with Amtrak in the US," said Kristina Geier, VP of Supplier Relations at Perk. "As businesses continue to balance productivity, sustainability, and cost-effectiveness in their travel policies, the role of domestic and short-haul international train travel is poised to grow. The data shows that business travelers are increasingly turning to trains for domestic travel. At Perk we provide a choice of different options to support our clients travel preferences.”
Sustainability incentives drive global shift
The research, conducted across the United Kingdom, United States, Germany, and Spain, surveyed 4,000 business travelers and identified a global trend toward sustainable travel options. Over half (51%) of the surveyed companies now incentivize employees to choose greener options such as trains, pointing to a shift in corporate travel strategies globally. Environmental awareness is growing, with 36% of respondents recognizing that train travel is better for the environment compared to other modes.
European rail infrastructure leads the way
The shift toward train travel is particularly strong in Europe, where new high-speed routes and improved rail infrastructure are changing how business travelers manage domestic and cross-border trips. Although air travel remains common, 29% of respondents noted that trains, while sometimes slower, often save time by avoiding airport delays and security lines. This makes train travel an increasingly competitive option, especially in regions with frequent connections between business hubs.
Challenges remain, but the trend is clear
Despite the benefits, challenges like poor Wi-Fi (55%) and noise (48%) remain barriers to productivity. However, the overall global shift toward more productive and greener travel options is clear, as companies increasingly prioritize sustainability and long-term environmental benefits over short-term disruptions.
Notes to the Editor
Methodology
In partnership with market research agency OnePoll, Perk surveyed 1,000 business travelers in the United Kingdom, the United States, Germany, and Spain (4,000 total). The surveys were conducted from September 13 to 16, 2024.
About Perk
Perk is a hyper-growth SaaS business travel platform and a pioneer in the future of business travel. Its all-in-one platform gives travelers the freedom they want while providing companies with the control they need. The result saves time, money, and hassle for everyone.
Perk has industry-leading travel inventory alongside powerful management features, 24/7 customer support, state-of-the-art technology, and consumer-grade design, all of which enable companies and organizations worldwide, like Red Bull, GetYourGuide, and Aesop, to get the most out of their travel.
Backed by world-class investors like SoftBank Investment Advisers, General Catalyst, Kinnevik, Greyhound Capital, Felix Capital, Target Global, LocalGlobe, Spark Capital, and Heartcore — investors in some of the most disruptive companies in tech, including Airbnb, Uber, Slack, X (Twitter), Trello, Zalando, and Delivery Hero — Perk is reinventing business travel with an end-to-end solution that works. Visit www.travelperk.com   for more information.