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Indian Travellers Turn to European Trains as Budget Flights Falter – A Growing Trend in 2025
In the latest wave of travel trends, the European rail sector is outpacing budget airlines as the preferred mode of transport for Indian tourists heading to the continent. The Business Today article, published on September 3 2025, dives deep into why the classic “train‑instead‑of‑flight” strategy is seeing a resurgence among Indian travellers, backed by fresh data, expert commentary, and an analysis of the evolving European rail network.
1. The Context – Rising Travel to Europe & Slumping Low‑Cost Airfare
The article opens by noting a steady rise in Indian outbound tourism to Europe over the last two years. In 2024 alone, the Indian Ministry of Tourism recorded 2.3 million Indian visitors to Europe, a 9 % uptick from 2023, and the growth is expected to accelerate in 2025.
However, budget airlines such as Air India Express, IndiGo, and low‑cost carriers across Europe have been hit hard by soaring fuel prices, stricter environmental regulations, and increased airport fees. In 2024, the average ticket price for a Delhi‑London flight rose by 12 % – the sharpest climb in a decade. These factors have nudged price‑sensitive travellers toward alternative options.
2. Trains Step In: Competitive Pricing, Comfort & Convenience
European high‑speed rail (HSR) operators – SNCF (France), Deutsche Bahn (Germany), Trenitalia (Italy), and Renfe (Spain) – have aggressively cut fares for “budget” train seats on popular routes. SNCF’s “TGV Budget” offers seats from €30 for short trips and under €200 for long‑haul journeys to major cities such as Paris, Lyon, and Marseille. Deutsche Bahn’s “S-Bahn Plus” packages are comparable, while Trenitalia’s “Frecciarossa Lite” targets the price‑sensitive segment.
Business Today cites an industry report from the International Union of Railways (UIC) that reveals a 17 % increase in European train bookings by Indian passport holders in 2024, with a projected growth of 25 % for the next fiscal year.
Comfort and connectivity are key selling points. The article highlights how trains offer ample legroom, Wi‑Fi, and the ability to bring luggage freely—benefits that airlines often penalise. Indian travellers, many of whom prefer to travel with family or carry multiple bags, find trains more convenient. Additionally, the train‑to‑train flexibility—especially in the UK, where the “Eurostar” now offers discounted “Eurostar Flex” fares for early‑bookers—appeals to last‑minute planners.
3. Environmental Appeal and “Green” Travel Credentials
With climate concerns gaining traction in India, the article emphasises how train travel emits 70 % less CO₂ per passenger kilometre than air travel. Indian travellers increasingly choose “green” options, citing studies by the International Air Transport Association (IATA) that show a 4 % decline in airline bookings for eco‑concerned customers in 2023. Rail operators have capitalised on this by promoting their sustainable operations and carbon‑offset programmes.
4. The “Pass” Factor – Eurail, Interrail, and Flexi‑Ticket Options
Business Today points to the role of inter‑rail passes—Eurail for non‑EU nationals and Interrail for EU citizens. These passes allow unlimited travel across multiple countries, a feature that attracts Indian tourists looking to explore several destinations in one trip. The article cites a case study of an Indian family from Bangalore who purchased a 10‑day Eurail pass to cover Switzerland, Austria, and Italy, thereby saving €400 versus a multi‑airfare itinerary.
Additionally, the article references the Rail Europe portal (link included in the original article) which has seen a 12 % increase in bookings from Indian users in 2024, indicating growing awareness and ease of planning.
5. Partnerships & Market Entry: Indian Travel Agencies & Rail Operators
To better serve Indian travellers, European rail companies have started collaborating with Indian travel agencies such as Thomas Cook India and MakeMyTrip. These partnerships offer curated packages that include train tickets, accommodation, and local tours, simplifying the planning process for Indian customers.
The article also mentions a joint venture between SNCF and Indian Railways, launched in 2024, that offers a “Euro‑India Express” rail‑travel service. While it is still in the pilot phase, early reports suggest a 15 % uptake among Indian travellers who had previously chosen low‑cost airlines.
6. Challenges & Future Outlook
While the train‑flight trend is promising, the article does not shy away from outlining challenges. These include the lack of direct land routes between India and Europe (forcing travellers to book a “flight‑train‑flight” sequence), complex visa processes, and cultural perceptions of trains as slower and less glamorous.
Nevertheless, experts quoted in the article – such as Dr. Arjun Kumar, Transport Policy Analyst at the Indian Institute of Technology – predict that the train‑dominated travel trend will continue to grow as rail operators introduce more affordable, direct cross‑border services and as Indian travellers become increasingly accustomed to rail travel through digital platforms like Rail Europe and Trainline.
7. Bottom Line
The Business Today piece presents a comprehensive picture: India’s travel market is shifting. With budget flights experiencing higher prices and reduced reliability, many Indian travellers are turning to European trains for a comfort‑plus‑value experience. This trend is reinforced by the lower environmental footprint of trains, the convenience of flexible travel passes, and the growing network of partnerships between European rail operators and Indian travel agencies.
In the near future, we can expect expanded rail‑air hybrids, smarter digital booking ecosystems, and potentially direct rail routes linking the Indian subcontinent with European hubs – all of which could further cement the train’s position as the travel choice of choice for the price‑sensitive, eco‑conscious Indian tourist.
Read the Full Business Today Article at:
[ https://www.businesstoday.in/nri/story/with-europe-travel-rising-trains-take-on-budget-flights-and-win-over-indian-travellers-492283-2025-09-03 ]