With rail travel increasingly popular with travellers, particularly business travellers, travel comparison site Skyscanner has decided to take this into account. The platform is constantly evolving to meet the changing expectations of travellers.
However, in a recent study it commissioned, Skyscanner has observed changes in behaviour that are set to continue. One traveller in four would like to see rail options appear in addition to flights when searching.
In addition, 21 % of those surveyed said they would be more likely to book a train journey if they could easily compare trains and flights. Meanwhile, 81 % of travellers say that sustainability is important to them, although many say they feel overwhelmed when it comes to adopting more responsible travel practices.
Compare train and plane prices and journey times in parallel
The online platform is therefore extending its offering to include the search and booking of train tickets. This new feature allows users to compare flights and rail journeys in a single search, without having to consult several sites. The aim is to offer travellers greater choice and simplicity, by enabling them to easily select the mode of transport best suited to their itinerary.
Although air travel is often the fastest solution for long distances, rail travel does offer a number of advantages on certain routes. These include the possibility of taking several pieces of luggage without strict constraints, and generally faster and smoother boarding. As highlighted in the Skyscanner study, the environmental factor also plays a major role in travellers' decisions to favour the train. CO₂ emissions per passenger-kilometre are on average around five times lower than for air travel. When the lines are electrified and powered by electricity from renewable sources, the environmental impact is reduced even further.
A test before a worldwide roll-out
Skyscanner's rail journey search is currently in a test phase. It currently covers a selection of routes in the UK, Spain, Italy, Germany, France, the Netherlands and South Korea. Skyscanner users will be able to discover certain train options during their searches. It is possible to consult journeys up to 90 days before the departure date, and new routes are due to be added gradually.
In practical terms, when a train journey is a relevant alternative - generally for journeys of less than eight hours, direct or with a quick connection - it appears in the search results, just below the flight options. Travellers can then compare journey times, prices and itineraries at a glance.
Reservations are made via specialist partners, including the Trip.com platform, which works with major international rail operators. The service is currently available for purchase in several countries, including France, Germany, Spain, Italy, the Netherlands, the UK and Australia.
