Visa Business and Economic Insights on Rail Travel

This report from Visa Business and Economic Insights details the rising popularity of luxury train travel among cross-border travelers, particularly in the Western Hemisphere. It presents an analysis of aggregated transaction spending across various rail companies and travel agencies, revealing that spending on rail tours has increased by 59 percent from 2019 to 2024, significantly outpacing the overall growth in cross-border tourism spending. The report highlights the demographic profile of rail travelers, noting their affluence and diverse backgrounds, and discusses the economic impact of train travel on local communities. Train travelers are shown to spend more than their non-train counterparts, with an average increase of 72 percent in spending. The report also emphasizes the role of train journeys in promoting economic development by facilitating visits to multiple destinations, including remote areas, thereby enhancing local service ecosystems. Overall, the findings underscore the potential of rail travel to boost tourism and local economies.