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As Indian travellers increasingly embrace the charm of European rail travel, Rail Europe, the global leader in European train bookings, is doubling down on its efforts to cater to this burgeoning market. With a 23 per cent year-on-year growth in 2024 and a 32 per cent increase over pre-pandemic levels, India has emerged as one of Rail Europe’s most dynamic and promising markets. In an exclusive conversation with ETTravelWorld, Bjorn Bender, Global CEO of Rail Europe, shared insights into the company’s strategic focus on India, its new product offerings, and the evolving preferences of Indian travellers. India’s outbound travel to Europe has rebounded to 98 per cent of pre-pandemic levels, but rail travel has surged ahead, growing 33 per cent compared to 2019. “The Indian market is growing at 23 per cent year-on-year, far exceeding the average growth rate of the European railway industry, which stands at 5-10 per cent,” said Bender. “This reflects a clear shift in preferences, with Indian travellers increasingly opting for trains over coaches and short-haul flights.”
Rail Europe’s success in India is driven by its diverse product portfolio, which includes rail passes, high-speed trains, and scenic regional routes. In 2024, 45 per cent of sales came from rail passes like the Eurail Global Pass and Swiss Travel Pass, while 30 per cent were from high-speed trains such as Eurostar and Frecciarossa. The remaining 25 per cent were attributed to regional and scenic trains, which offer immersive travel experiences.
New products and services for Indian travellers
To cater to the growing demand, Rail Europe has introduced several new products and services tailored to Indian travellers. One of the most notable is the “Rail Group Easy” initiative, which allows groups of six or more to book tickets without needing a travel agency account. “This is a game-changer for family and group travel,” Bender explained. “Indians love traveling in groups, and this product makes it easier for them to plan their European rail journeys.”
Another highlight is the expansion of luggage services, particularly in Switzerland. “With the Swiss Travel Pass,travellers can now book luggage delivery services, allowing them to travel hands-free while their luggage is transported between hotels,” Bender said. This hassle-free experience is particularly appealing to Indian travellers, who value convenience and comfort.
Rail Europe has also introduced new day train services, including the Munich-Amsterdam and Paris-Berlin routes. “These routes offer a seamless and eco-friendly alternative to flying,” Bender noted. “For instance, the Paris-Berlin day train takes eight hours, but when you factor in airport transfers and check-in times, it’s often faster and more relaxing than flying.”
Emerging trends: Beyond the classics
Indian travellers are no longer limiting themselves to the classic European destinations like Paris, London, and Rome. “We’re seeing a growing interest in emerging destinations such as Vienna, Budapest, Prague, Copenhagen, and Lisbon,” Bender shared. “This shift reflects the increasing number of second- and third-timetravellers who are looking for unique experiences beyond the usual tourist hotspots.”
Night trains are also gaining popularity among Indian travellers, offering an eco-friendly and cost-effective way to explore Europe. “Operators like ÖBB’s Nightjet provide comfortable sleeper cabins, allowingtravellers to save on hotel costs while journeying between cities,” Bender said. “It’s a sustainable and stress-free way to travel.”
While Rail Europe has a strong presence in India’s tier-one cities, the company is now turning its attention to tier-two and tier-three markets. “We’re seeing significant demand from these regions, driven by rising disposable incomes and a growing middle class,” Bender explained. “To tap into this potential, we’re conducting training sessions and webinars with our partners in these cities, ensuring they have the tools and knowledge to promote European rail travel.”
Rail Europe’s localised approach extends to its marketing efforts as well. “We’re running promotions and campaigns tailored to Indian travellers, offering discounts on rail passes and point-to-point tickets,” Bender said. “Our goal is to make rail travel more accessible and appealing to a wider audience.”
Looking ahead
With India’s outbound travel market poised for continued growth, Rail Europe is committed to strengthening its presence in the country. “Our focus is on education and awareness,” Bender said. “Many Indian travellers still associate train travel with domestic journeys, and we want to show them how seamless and enjoyable European rail travel can be.”
As part of its long-term strategy, Rail Europe plans to expand its partnerships with Indian travel agencies and tour operators, while also investing in digital platforms to enhance the booking experience. “We’re excited about the future of rail travel in India,” Bender concluded. “With our innovative products, localised approach, and commitment to sustainability, we’re confident that Rail Europe will remain the preferred choice for Indiantravellers exploring Europe.”
Rail Europe’s focus on India reflects the country’s growing importance as a key source market for European tourism. By introducing new products, expanding into tier-two and tier-three cities, and promoting sustainable travel, Rail Europe is well-positioned to capitalise on the evolving preferences of Indian travellers. As Bjorn Bender aptly put it, “India’s passion for travel deserves nothing less than the best, and we’re here to deliver exactly that.”
