According to Rail Europe, travel behaviour in 2025 points to a clear shift toward multi-city journeys, scenic rail routes and smaller, character-rich destinations. Many travellers opted for a slower pace and more immersive cultural experiences, using rail as a flexible alternative to air travel for moving across countries and regions.
Across both Spain and France, traveller behaviour showed consistent patterns.
The vast majority of US and Canadian customers chose one-way tickets, favouring
point-to-point travel over traditional round trips. More than half combined
multiple journeys within a single booking and over a quarter booked close to
departure. Seasonality also evolved, with around 28% of travellers planning
trips in cooler months to avoid extreme heat, peak crowds and higher prices.
With access to more than 250 rail operators and over
25,000 stations, Rail Europe continues to position itself as a key platform for
North American travellers planning cross-border rail itineraries. Looking ahead
to 2026, the company expects continued growth in rail-led travel, with
increasing demand for lesser-known destinations, cross-border routes and
journeys that prioritise connection, discovery and a more personalised way of
experiencing Europe by train.
Tags: Rail Europe
