Why more rail routes are a win for business travel

With proposals for new rail routes from London to Germany, Switzerland and France in the works, we caught up with sustainable travel guru and creative director at Evolve Events, Anna Peters, to understand what it could mean for business travellers.

The announcement of potential new direct train routes from London to Germany, Switzerland and France is a game-changer for business travel. With demand for international rail on the rise, expanding services will mean greater flexibility, efficiency and sustainability - three things every modern business traveller values.

Anna Peters Photo Credit: https://www.evolve-events.com/meet-the-team/

Right now, the Channel Tunnel, which runs between London St Pancras International and mainland Europe, has plenty of spare capacity, and plans are in motion to unlock it. London St Pancras Highspeed, the company responsible for the station, is working with Getlink (the operator of the Channel Tunnel) to “grow international rail connectivity between the UK and Europe.” A redesigned terminal at St Pancras could boost capacity from 1,800 to as many as 5,000 passengers per hour, making space for more operators to compete with Eurostar and introduce new direct services.

That means we could soon see seamless rail journeys from London to major business hubs like Frankfurt, Geneva and Zurich in under six hours - giving short-haul flights some serious competition.

More operators, more choice

Right now, Eurostar is the go-to for cross-Channel rail travel, and they’ve done an incredible job of proving that train beats plane for short-haul European trips. With plans to increase capacity and introduce new routes, they’re embracing the opportunity to transport more people, more efficiently.

But they won’t be the only ones - there’s room for other operators (both Virgin and Evolyn have been name-checked) to jump in and offer even more options, giving business travellers greater flexibility on price, timings and destinations.

A more sustainable travel solution

Sustainability is no longer a nice-to-have; it’s a business necessity. Trains emit up to 90 per cent less carbon than planes, and even swapping just one short-haul flight for a rail journey has the same impact as going vegan for a year. As corporate sustainability goals become more ambitious - and with Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive (CSRD) regulations scrutinising travel emissions - having more train options makes it easier for companies to meet their targets while keeping travel seamless.

A fully connected Europe

A stronger rail network means better links to financial and business hubs, making cross-border meetings and collaborations easier while reducing reliance on air travel. But there are still hurdles to clear before these new services become reality. Operators will need time to source rolling stock and secure cross-border permissions, meaning we’re likely looking at 2030 at the earliest before these routes launch.

In the meantime, rail is still a smart move

While we wait for expanded routes, train travel is already a brilliant option. There’s more legroom, no baggage restrictions, no ridiculously early check-ins, and space to stretch your legs whenever you want. Plus, the views are far better than staring at the back of an airline seat pocket.

Let’s be honest - by the time you factor in getting to the airport, security faff, and that awkward hour waiting at the gate, flying short-haul is a pain. Trains, on the other hand, get you from one city center to another with zero hassle. You can work, take calls, or just stare dramatically out of the window like you’re in a European indie film.

That’s exactly what I’ll be doing in April when I travel by train with 35 UK event professionals, in partnership with the Switzerland Convention & Incentive Bureau, from London to Switzerland to showcase just how seamless and efficient rail travel can be for business. With the ease of boarding, the comfort of extra space and a productive environment onboard, it’s a no-brainer for companies looking to make smarter travel choices.

With the whole of Europe on our doorstep, the future of business travel is quite literally on track.