A survey by American Express Global Business Travel shows that 47% of business travelers in the UK, France, and Germany choose rail over air or car for productivity, surpassing sustainability concerns. Among 3,002 respondents, most view trains as effective mobile offices, with many using travel time to work. The findings highlight rail’s growing appeal for efficient, flexible business travel.
(Image Source)
American ExpressA new survey by American Express Global Business Travel (Amex GBT) reveals that for business travelers in Europe, productivity is the leading reason to choose rail over cars or air travel, outpacing even environmental concerns.
Based on responses from 3,002 professionals in the UK, France, and Germany who travel for work at least three times a year, the research found that 47% cite increased productivity as the primary benefit of rail travel. The findings support the growing perception of trains as mobile workspaces—or “onboard offices.”
Trains Enable Work on the Move
Among all surveyed, 92% said they use train time to complete work tasks, with 41% reporting they work during more than half of their journey. Other frequently mentioned reasons for choosing rail included comfort (43%), eco-friendliness (39%), and the ability to reflect and think clearly during travel (39%).
Jason Geall, Executive Vice President of Global SME at Amex GBT, said,
“Taking action on putting rail at the heart of business travel is a win for employees and for businesses. Companies unlock productivity gains while delivering on employee preferences and benefiting from the sustainability advantages of taking the train.”
Geall also noted the company has launched a rail innovation initiative aimed at enhancing rail booking experiences and user interaction across platforms.
Top Amenities for a Better Rail Workday
The survey asked travelers which onboard features most support productivity. The top five were:
-
Reliable Wi-Fi
-
Strong mobile signal
-
Quiet zones for focus
-
Clean hygiene facilities
-
Sufficient space to work
While 68% rated charging availability positively and 64% were satisfied with workspace, respondents emphasized the need for improvements in connectivity. Wi-Fi (34%), mobile signal (25%), and quiet zones (25%) topped the wish list for upgrades. Better restroom facilities followed at 23%.
UK Travelers Push for High-Speed Rail—But Face Obstacles
British respondents showed strong support for high-speed rail development. 61% said projects like HS2 would make them more likely to travel by train, while 50% believe increased competition would enhance service quality overall.
However, 57% of UK-based travelers feel their international rail experiences are better than domestic ones, citing faster trains (28%) and more comfortable coaches (23%) abroad. Additionally, UK travelers were the most likely to report disruptions caused by industrial action as a reason to avoid rail (UK: 57%, France: 54%, Germany: 51%).
Digital Gaps Undermine Experience
The study also identified a lack of effective digital tools as a barrier to seamless travel. Only 5% of respondents always felt well-informed with real-time updates like delays or platform changes. Cross-border rail bookings remain particularly challenging, ranking as more difficult than booking air travel or car rentals.
Amex GBT’s Rail Innovation Initiative Responds
To address these pain points, Amex GBT—already facilitating bookings for over 834,000 rail travelers annually—is rolling out a suite of solutions:
-
Real-time travel alerts in partnership with the UK’s Rail Delivery Group, including platform updates, delays, and cancellations via the Amex GBT app.
-
Enhanced booking tools in France, Germany, and Spain, such as seat maps for Ouigo and Deutsche Bahn and wallet integration for Renfe tickets.
-
Expanded inventory, with access to over 80 rail providers and new additions like split ticketing in the UK and low-cost Ouigo fares.
-
Cross-border rail functionality will soon launch in France, the UK, Spain, Norway, and the U.S., allowing international bookings with ease.
-
Carbon-conscious travel support, offering companies data-driven insights and sustainability recommendations based on travel behavior.
About Amex GBT
American Express Global Business Travel is a global software and services leader in travel, expense, and meetings & events. Operating in over 140 countries, Amex GBT combines advanced technology with professional expertise to deliver cost savings, flexible options, and premium service to businesses of all sizes.
Editor’s Note:
This research was conducted by Censuswide in June 2025 with business travelers in France, Germany, and the UK. Respondents travel for work at least three times annually and occasionally use rail.
Source: AMEX GBT
Disclaimer: Press release
© Press Release 2025
Send us your press releases to news@globalloyalty.org
Press releases originate from external third-party providers. This website does not have responsibility or control over its content, which is presented as is, without any alterations. Neither this website nor its affiliates guarantee the accuracy of the views or opinions expressed in the press release.
The press release is intended solely for informational purposes and does not offer tax, legal, or investment advice, nor does it express any opinion regarding the suitability, value, or profitability of specific securities, portfolios, or investment strategies. Neither this website nor its affiliates are liable for any errors or inaccuracies in the content, nor for any actions taken based on it. By using the information provided in this article, you agree to do so at your own risk.
To the maximum extent permitted by applicable law, this website, its parent company, subsidiaries, affiliates, shareholders, directors, officers, employees, agents, advertisers, content providers, and licensors shall not be liable to you for any direct, indirect, consequential, special, incidental, punitive, or exemplary damages, including but not limited to lost profits, savings, and revenues, whether in negligence, tort, contract, or any other theory of liability, even if the possibility of such damages was known or foreseeable.
The images used in press releases and articles provided by 3rd party sources belong to the respective source provider and are used for illustrative purposes in accordance with the original press releases and publications.
Disclaimer: Content
While we strive to maintain accurate and up-to-date content, Global Loyalty Organisation Ltd. makes no representations or warranties of any kind, express or implied, about the correctness accuracy, completeness, adequacy, or reliability of the information or the results derived from its use, not that the content will meet your requirements or expectations. The content is provided “as is” and “as available”. You agree that your use of the content is at your own risk. Global Loyalty Organisation Ltd. disclaims all warranties related to the content, including implied warranties of merchantability, fitness for a particular purpose, non-infringement, and title, and is not liable for a particular purpose, non-infringement, and title, and is not liable for any interruptions. Some jurisdictions do not allow the exclusion of certain warranties, so these jurisdictions may not apply to you. Global Loyalty Organisation Ltd. Reserves the right to modify, interrupt, or discontinue the content without notice and is not liable for doing so.
Global Loyalty Organisation Ltd. shall not be liable for any damages, including special, indirect, consequential, or incidental damages, or damages for lost profits, revenue, or use, arising out of or related to the content, whether in contract, negligence, tort, statute, equity, law, or otherwise, even if advised of such damages. Some jurisdictions do not allow limitations on liability for incidental or consequential damages, so this limitation may not apply to you. These disclaimers and limitations apply to Global Loyalty Organisation Ltd. and its parent, affiliates, related companies, contractors, sponsors, and their respective directors, officers, members, employees, agents, content providers, licensors, and advisors.
The content and its compilation, created by Global Loyalty Organisation Ltd, are the property of Global Loyalty Organisation Ltd. and cannot be reproduced without prior written permission.
