Many who manage travel for their organization are tasked with enhancing the traveler experience and ensuring efficient and seamless journeys for their team. Simultaneously, they may also be responsible for demonstrating progress on sustainability goals and addressing travel-related emissions. As rail travel continues to gain popularity, it emerges as a viable solution that can contribute to both connectivity and sustainability.
The increasing scrutiny of carbon offsetting programs, coupled with the high costs associated with SAF certificates, has made rail an attractive option particularly for shorter routes. While air travel may still currently be more convenient for longer journeys, the shift toward high-speed rail systems could make traveling by train a competitive alternative in the long run.
The Eco-Friendly Advantage of Rail
As companies seek out ways to align corporate travel with their sustainability goals, rail can be an environmentally friendly mode of passenger transport. According to the International Energy Agency, rail travel generates significantly lower emissions than other forms of motorized transport. On average, rail emits just one-fifth of the carbon per passenger kilometer compared to air travel, making it a compelling choice for organizations looking to reduce their travel footprint.
A key advantage to rail travel is its electrification. More than 85% of global passenger rail activity is powered by electricity, eliminating direct CO₂ emissions. Additionally, when electrified rail systems are supplied by renewable or nuclear energy, their emissions are reduced even further. Urban rail networks, such as metro and light rail, also provide a sustainable alternative to private vehicles by leveraging high occupancy rates and lower energy consumption per passenger.
Even though these benefits apply to travelers across the globe, advancements in rail still vary greatly by geography.
International Markets Lead the Way
Europe and Asia have robust high-speed rail networks, offering a realistic alternative to short-haul flights. These routes are already well established for business travel, be it the Eurostar connecting major business hubs in Paris and London, or Japan’s Shinkansen bullet train (which is notoriously reliable, with an average delay of just a few seconds.)
For longer journeys where flights are necessary, international business travelers can still access more cities by going from plane to train – sometimes with a single ticket. Delta Airlines, for example, offers their Air + Rail program in Europe with connections between multiple cities using the European interconnected rail system.
European companies are also incentivizing their business travelers to make the sustainable choice. Some French companies, for instance, have implemented a new form of leave called “Responsible Travel Time,” which gives employees extra days off to accommodate slower, greener transportation methods.
North American Infrastructure Still Faces Limitations
While high-speed projects are expanding overseas, North America has historically had lower rail travel adoption rates, especially for long-distance travel. Two of the top barriers are limited routes and slower development timelines. California, for example, has plans for a high-speed rail connecting the business hubs of Los Angeles and San Francisco, but the timeline for completion has moved back significantly and cost estimates have grown immensely.
Despite delays and limitations, there is growing interest in rail along key routes such as the Northeast Corridor, where convenience and lower emissions align well with corporate sustainability efforts. Meanwhile, for business travelers in the south, the vital connection between Mobile, Alabama and New Orleans, Louisiana is predicted to make its highly anticipated return in the summer of 2025. Additionally, the Brightline West High Speed Rail Project – a $12 billion Las Vegas-to-Los Angeles high-speed rail system – broke ground in early 2024 and is expected to take four years to build.
The outlook for domestic rail travel in the future remains positive. In fact, 68% of companies currently have sustainability features included in the corporate travel booking platform, with “rail booking availability” being one of the most common offerings included.
A Viable Travel Alternative for the Future
Although rail travel is not yet a complete solution worldwide, the growing pressure on companies to achieve their sustainability targets in cost-effective ways may drive more interest in train travel as a strategic option. In the years ahead, rail could play an even more important role in helping organizations balance sustainability ambitions with practical realities, ensuring a positive, seamless travel experience for their team.
“The future of travel isn’t just rail – it’s multi-modal travel. Companies can work with their travel managers now to explore how rail can be incorporated into employee travel, especially for journeys to Europe and Asia.”
– Matt Esper, Director of Sustainability & Social Impact, Direct Travel
At Direct Travel, we understand that every business has unique sustainability goals and travel needs. Our team of experts is here to help your organization develop a greener travel program. Through our Direct View Consulting team, we can identify optimal rail travel routes and implement additional eco-friendly changes. For more insight into how sustainable travel solutions could benefit your own company, reach out to the Direct Travel team to get started.
