Rail Travel Gains Momentum as Nations Target Short-Haul Flights

US and European Travelers Shift Preference Toward Rail Over Short-Haul Flights

A new wave of travel trends is emerging across the United States and Europe, where long-distance rail travel is gaining substantial ground over traditional short-haul flights. According to recent research by Hitachi Rail, a significant number of travelers from the US, UK, France, Italy, Germany, and Spain are not only choosing trains over planes but are also voicing strong support for legislation that restricts air travel when efficient high-speed rail alternatives exist.

The study, conducted by SavantaComres on behalf of Hitachi Rail, surveyed more than 11,000 individuals in key global cities, including Washington DC, Toronto, London, Paris, Berlin, Copenhagen, and Dubai. This cross-regional insight indicates a marked preference for environmentally sustainable travel solutions, with rail poised to become a leading option for journeys exceeding two and a half hours.

Rail travel currently accounts for approximately 29% of long-distance travel. Yet forecasts suggest a sharp rise in this number, with around one-third of survey respondents expecting to increase their train usage within the next year. Over a five-year horizon, that figure is projected to climb to nearly half of all travelers, depending on the region. Meanwhile, air travel is expected to grow at a much slower rate, with only a modest net increase of 2% anticipated over the same period. Car travel, while still expanding, is predicted to grow at half the pace of rail.

Public opinion appears to be firmly behind policy shifts that favor sustainable modes of transport. Nearly two-thirds of participants, or 62%, supported legal bans on short-haul flights in cases where high-speed rail offers a viable alternative. This sentiment is particularly strong in Europe, where support rises to 67%, largely driven by countries such as France and Spain that have either implemented or are seriously considering such restrictions.

In these two countries, public backing for flight bans surpasses opposition by more than two to one. Moreover, calls for even stronger policies are growing louder, with 63% of Spaniards and 56% of French citizens favoring tighter laws to curb emissions from aviation. This push for change is influenced by the expanding network of high-speed trains across Europe, which offers competitive travel times and greater sustainability compared to air transport.

Public willingness to fund the transition to more sustainable travel is another significant finding from the study. Across all surveyed nations, a majority expressed support for increased taxes on air and road travel if the proceeds are earmarked for rail infrastructure development. This aligns with growing public awareness of the environmental costs of carbon emissions and traffic congestion, and the need to internalize these costs through taxation and investment.

Despite the positive outlook for rail travel, several challenges remain. Passengers cited overcrowding, affordability concerns, and the lack of convenient connections as key issues that must be addressed to realize a full shift toward public transport. More than 70% of respondents noted they would use public transportation more frequently if services were better integrated and easier to navigate. Importantly, over half of those surveyed stated they would continue using public transport even if fares increased, provided the quality and reliability of service improved.

Edoardo La Ficara stated:

"The findings of this research are strikingly clear. Those surveyed expect to increase their rail usage more than any other form of transport in the next five years and they support Government action to enable this."

He added:

"We, as an industry, have a crucial opportunity to meet this public demand by delivering a great sustainable mobility transition."

The implications for policymakers and transport planners are substantial. There is now a clear mandate to accelerate the development of high-speed rail networks, enhance the affordability and convenience of public transport, and introduce regulatory measures that promote greener travel choices. With growing public demand and environmental imperatives aligning, the opportunity to reshape the future of travel in a more sustainable direction is both urgent and achievable.