A new international survey commissioned by Hitachi Rail signals a significant shift in public sentiment: train travel is poised to outpace flying in the coming years, especially on short-haul routes where high-speed rail alternatives exist.

The study by SavantaComres polled over 11,000 people across the U.S., U.K., France, Italy, Germany, Spain, and major cities like Washington D.C., Toronto, London, Paris, Berlin, Copenhagen, and Dubai. 

Now in its third year, the research shows rising support for sustainable mobility policies, particularly in regions with increasing access to modern rail infrastructure.

A Turning Point in Travel Habits

While rail currently accounts for 29% of long-distance journeys — defined as 2.5 hours or more — a growing number of people say they plan to travel more by train in the near future. 

One-third of respondents anticipate increased rail use over the next year, which rises to 40% to 49% over the next five years, depending on location.

Meanwhile, air travel is expected to stagnate, with only 2% of people saying they expect to fly more. Car usage is also likely to rise at half the rail rate.

Backing for Bold Policy Shifts

Public support for structural change is also gaining momentum. 

A clear majority — 62% of all respondents — support legislation to ban short-haul flights where high-speed rail alternatives are available. That figure climbs to 67% in Europe, where rail networks are increasingly robust.

In countries like France and Spain, which have already introduced or planned such bans, enthusiasm is even stronger. Over twice as many respondents support the policies as oppose them, with 63% of Spaniards and 56% of French citizens in favor of going further.

In every country surveyed, more people supported taxing air and road travel to fund new rail infrastructure than those who opposed it.

What’s Holding Public Transport Back?

The study also investigated the barriers keeping people from choosing public transport more often. Among the top concerns were crowding, affordability, and convenience.

However, the appetite for improved transit is unmistakable. More than 70% of respondents said they’d use public transport more if it were better connected, and a majority indicated they’d still consider doing so even if it came at a higher cost.

“The research findings are strikingly clear,” said Edoardo La Ficara, group chief markets officer at Hitachi Rail. “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. We, as an industry, have a crucial opportunity to meet this public demand by delivering a great sustainable mobility transition.”

To view the full report, click here.