Why more rail routes are redefining business travel

As businesses reassess how – and why – they meet, increased rail connectivity across Europe is quietly becoming one of the smartest tools in the corporate business travel toolkit.

The recent rise in rail connectivity across Europe isn’t just a win for sustainability—it’s shaping a smarter, more strategic future for business events. As highlighted by M&IT’s feature on rail’s growing role in business travel, there’s a clear shift happening in how organisations think about meetings, movement, and meaningful engagement.

Far from being just a sustainable swap for short-haul flights, rail offers strategic advantages that are shaping the future of business events. From supporting ESG goals to enabling more focused, purposeful meetings, the case for rail has never been stronger.

The Germany effect: smarter meetings, more often

We’ve seen the impact first-hand. Germany, with its exceptional rail infrastructure and growing number of direct international connections, has seen a 29% increase in events booked through our platform in the past year. Even more telling is the doubling of different companies choosing to host events there.

These aren’t casual meetings. The companies opting for Germany are largely international in nature, and they’re making intentional choices to meet in cities where travel is not just possible, but practical and sustainable.

Fewer delegates, greater focus

One trend that stands out is a reduction in delegate numbers. While event volume has grown, group sizes are shrinking. This reflects a broader shift in corporate meeting strategy: fewer, more focused gatherings aimed at driving high-value conversations and decision-making.

Rather than bringing everyone together for the sake of it, businesses are prioritising quality over quantity—hosting in-person meetings only when the outcomes are worth the investment of time, money, and carbon.

Rail as a strategic enabler

Here’s why rail connectivity is becoming central to that strategy:

• Better for the planet. Trains emit significantly less CO₂ per passenger than planes. For organisations with carbon targets, encouraging rail travel can be an easy and effective win.
• Better for people. Rail often delivers city-centre to city-centre access, with no long check-ins or transfers. That means less time wasted, more time connecting.
• Better for budgets. Travelling by rail can be cost-effective when factoring in total journey time and productivity en route.

When the journey is the experience

While rail travel is often praised for practicality and carbon-consciousness, there’s a growing appreciation for its luxury potential, too. From board-level incentives to VIP client hospitality, high-end rail journeys offer a unique opportunity to turn travel into an experience in itself.

Think Belmond’s British Pullman, the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express, or Canada’s Rocky Mountaineer – all exquisite examples of how trains can deliver not just transport, but theatre, exclusivity, and immersion. Private carriages, five-star service, and panoramic views offer a setting for networking, celebration, or reflection that feels far removed from the confines of a traditional meeting room or airport lounge.

For corporates looking to create standout moments or reward top performers, these luxury rail journeys provide an unforgettable backdrop, proving that slow travel doesn’t have to mean sacrificing impact.

What this means for corporate business travel bookers

If you’re responsible for planning internal meetings or international events, rail connectivity is no longer just a logistical footnote, it’s a business advantage.

When choosing a destination:

• Look for cities with excellent rail access and international connections.
• Compare carbon footprints as part of your travel planning. Many platforms now do this automatically.
• Ask venues how they support sustainable travel. Can they share onward travel info from key stations? Do they promote green travel options?

And for Venues…

The message is clear: highlight how easily delegates can reach you. Share journey times, station proximity, and sustainable travel options in your proposals. Increasingly, this is what corporate bookers are weighing alongside meeting room specs and AV tech.

The bottom line

As rail routes expand, they’re not just changing how we travel, they’re influencing where and why businesses choose to meet. For corporate planners, it’s an opportunity to align sustainability with strategy.

And for those who embrace it? A seat on the fast track to smarter, greener events.

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