Why Business Train Travel Works for Corporate Travel in 2025
)
- Original Contribution by: Business Travel Show Europe Content Team
- Updated by: Jonathan Carter-Chapman, Marketing Director, Northstar Travel Group
- Re-published: April 2025
- Topics: Business travel, corporate rail, sustainability, booking technology
- Read Time: 6 minutes
Quick Summary
As more organisations place sustainability and employee wellbeing at the forefront of corporate travel decisions, business rail travel is gaining ground as a flexible, low-stress, and environmentally friendly option. This article explores the key advantages of train journeys across the UK and Europe, recent industry developments, and why business train travelcontinues to be a competitive choice for travel managers, TMCs, and those seeking business travel inspiration in 2025.
The Rise of Business Train Travel
Business work travel by rail is becoming a strategic choice for corporates prioritising efficiency and sustainability. Whether booking train tickets for domestic meetings or coordinating international events, the flexibility and speed of rail make it a strong competitor to air travel.
Despite occasional industrial action and dynamic pricing, rail remains a popular, sustainable choice. Travellers benefit from fewer booking fees, reduced travel time, and seamless station-to-station connections - especially between city centres.
Sustainable Travel: A Strategic Priority
Rail is the most energy-efficient form of transport, generating significantly fewer carbon emissions compared to flying. For organisations looking to minimise their carbon footprint, rail travel offers immediate, measurable benefits.
In the UK, Network Rail aims to operate with net-zero emissions by 2050 (and by 2045 in Scotland). Initiatives like the Green Travel Pledge from the Rail Delivery Group and Great British Railways Transition Team (GBRTT) provide transparent data on carbon footprint and emission savings - empowering better decision-making.
Across Europe, sustainability is shaping policy too. France’s ban on short-haul flights where rail alternatives exist, and Spain’s free season tickets for certain routes, both underscore the growing governmental support for rail as a sustainable choice for corporate mobility.
Enhanced Corporate Services and Booking Tools
Traditionally, business travellers had limited access to tailored rail options. That’s changing. Providers now offer benefits of train travel designed with businesses in mind—from business lounges and dedicated desks at major stations to more flexible classes of travel and corporate loyalty schemes.
Reed & Mackay, a leading TMC, is working with industry partners to offer enhanced rail booking experiences. Through R&M/Book, their clients can:
-
Book train tickets in under 90 seconds
-
View real-time layouts and seating preferences
-
Integrate rail with flights, car hire, and hotels
-
Optimise travel time for more productive journeys
Upcoming integrations with global rail aggregators will further streamline bookings and improve access to international routes.
Rail Tech Innovations to Watch
Innovation is transforming how businesses perceive the benefits of train travel. Key developments include:
- AI-enhanced rail journeys: Artificial intelligence is helping personalise travel, provide real-time disruption updates, and improve journey planning.
- Smart ticketing: Great British Railways is modernising the fare system with unified online ticketing and contactless smartcards.
-
Advanced electric trains like the Class 810 Aurora, offering onboard Wi-Fi, ergonomic seating, and power outlets - ideal for working en route
These upgrades contribute to higher traveller satisfaction and reinforce the case for business travel smarter by rail.
Comfort, Productivity, and Traveller Wellbeing
From a comfort and productivity standpoint, business rail travel offers unique advantages. There are no airport security queues, there’s room to move around, and employees can work uninterrupted with Wi-Fi and power access.
Plus, with direct station-to-station routes, many train journeys are faster than flying when factoring in transfers—saving valuable travel time and reducing stress. These factors make rail an appealing choice for wellbeing-conscious organisations and employees alike.
More Choice Across European Routes
The EU is backing the expansion of cross-border rail through ten pilot projects focused on better connectivity and frequency. This opens up new opportunities for business travel smarter across the continent.
Airline-rail partnerships are also growing. For example, Lufthansa now partners with national rail operators to integrate train tickets into air itineraries - great for multimodal journeys involving both forms of transport.
Regulation and the Future of Rail Content Access
Travel managers have long faced challenges with fragmented rail booking systems. That’s set to change. The EU's new regulation on Multimodal Digital Mobility Services mandates equal access to rail content for all distribution platforms.
This will unlock better visibility, competitive pricing, and smoother integration into travel management solutions - great news for TMCs and corporate planners alike.
Key Takeaways
-
Sustainability: Rail cuts carbon emissions and supports corporate net-zero goals
-
Comfort & productivity: More space, less hassle, and improved classes of travel
-
Tech innovations: Better platforms, electric trains, and real-time alerts
-
Corporate focus: Tailored fares, loyalty rewards, and fewer booking fees
-
European access: More routes, more options, smarter train journeys
Frequently Asked Questions
Further Reading:
- Top 4 Business Travel Trends in 2025
- Business Travel in 2025: The 5 Trends to Watch
- Tech-Enabled Travel Management: Tools Transforming the Corporate Journey
Acknowledgement: This article is an updated and optimised version of the original contribution by the Business Travel Show Europe Content Team.
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
