A recent survey conducted by BCD Travel found that rail travel continues to be a strong preference among business travelers. The survey's findings indicated that when cost and travel time are comparable, two-thirds of travelers would opt for rail over air travel.

Out of the 681 surveyed, who had used rail for business travel at least once in the past year, six out of ten expected to take the same number of rail trips this year as they did the previous year. Additionally, 18% anticipated an increase in their rail travel.

The survey assessed traveler behavior, challenges encountered during rail travel, and satisfaction with rail policy and suppliers. Rail travel was favored due to the central location of train stations, convenience, and the ability to work during the journey.

A third of the respondents stated that their employer's policy encourages them to use rail for short distances, while 6% revealed that their employers enforce rail travel. However, 60% of respondents were unaware of such policies or their workplaces did not enforce or encourage rail travel.

Accessibility of railway stations, convenience, and the opportunity to work while traveling were the top three factors influencing the preference for rail travel. Environmental considerations also played a significant role, with 31% choosing rail as a more sustainable option.

More than half of the business travelers booked rail directly through providers' websites, while only a third used their company's online booking tool. To address this, BCD Travel continues to invest in its proprietary booking and trip management platform, TripSource, to provide integrated rail functionality.

The survey also found that while convenience was a key driver of traveler behavior, the ability to work onboard was also important. Around seven in ten business travelers used Wi-Fi and power outlets onboard, and eight out of ten worked during their journey.

Despite these positive findings, the survey also unearthed some challenges. While over half of respondents were satisfied with their rail suppliers, nearly a quarter reported low satisfaction levels due to poor reliability, overcrowding, limited connectivity, and high prices.

In conclusion, the survey highlights that rail travel continues to be a viable and popular option for business travelers, with growth potential, particularly as companies prioritize sustainable travel options. Despite some challenges, the convenience and ability to work during travel strongly influence this preference.

To view the full rail survey report, click here.