New data from TravelPerk reveals a notable shift among UK business travelers from air to rail on domestic routes. In 2024, 93% of domestic business trips within the UK were by train, compared to only 7% by air—a significant increase from 2019, when train travel accounted for 79% and air for 21%.
The trend extends to cross-border routes as well, with 95% of London-Paris business journeys now taken by rail, up from 91% in 2019. According to a TravelPerk survey of 1,000 UK business travelers, conducted with OnePoll in September 2024, many companies are actively promoting sustainable travel options, with 45% of UK firms offering incentives. Respondents said they’d be encouraged to travel sustainably through monetary incentives or gift cards (47%) and points redeemable for travel upgrades (22%).
However, TravelPerk’s survey also highlighted productivity barriers on trains, including poor Wi-Fi (55%), excessive noise (46%), lack of privacy (41%), and limited seating (38%). Despite these challenges, 30% agreed that train travel enhances productivity by offering extended periods in a single location. Cost remains an obstacle for some, with 25% viewing train travel as more expensive than flying.
Kristina Geier, VP of Supplier Relations at TravelPerk, commented, “As businesses strive to balance productivity, sustainability, and cost-effectiveness in their travel policies, the role of domestic and short-haul train travel is set to grow. The data clearly shows an increasing preference for rail among business travelers.”
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