The Hidden Advantages of Business Travel on Trains in the US
In the realm of North American business travel, navigating the continent by rail offers a unique set of advantages that are often overlooked when it comes to booking travel arrangements. For a variety of reasons rail travel can transform a professional journey, providing a balance of comfort, efficiency and sustainability that can be difficult to match.
With a growing emphasis on sustainable travel, intercity passenger trains like Amtrak services provide a compelling alternative to flying, offering spacious seating and the opportunity to network in a relaxed environment. This post aims to explore the practicalities of rail travel in the US and Canada, examining the benefits of train travel, from the convenience of train stations such as Union Station and Moynihan Train Hall, to the scenic routes that meander through the stunning landscapes of the Hudson River Valley and the Sierra Nevada.
Whether you’re heading to a sales meeting in San Diego or a conference in Connecticut, rail travel offers a compelling case for rethinking your next business trip.
The Benefits of Business Rail Travel
Efficiency and Comfort Onboard
When it comes to business travel, efficiency and comfort are paramount, and train travel offers both in abundance. Unlike the often cramped and hurried environment of air travel, trains provide a spacious and relaxed setting. With passenger carriages designed for comfort, business travellers can stretch out, work or simply unwind, making the journey part of the productive day. Many major city to city routes offer business class options with even more legroom and amenities than are usually offered in standard class.
Additionally, the efficiency of well-located train stations can be a major plus when it comes to simplifying boarding processes, allowing travellers to avoid potentially long waits in security lines typical of airports, which are almost always further from the city centre than a rail stations. This can mean more time to focus on work or relaxation. With onboard dining cars and space to eat properly, passengers can enjoy meals without pausing their work. Such conveniences make rail travel not only comfortable but also a time-efficient choice for professionals.
Sustainability and Environmental Impact
When it comes to sustainable travel options, trains are always right up there among the least heavy carbon emitters per passenger mile, whether for short hops such as on efficient city subways or for long distance journeys from state to state. For businesses determined to work on reducing their carbon footprint as part of broader sustainability goals, considering rail alternatives to popular city to city journeys across North America can quickly make a big difference.
Though electric trains, such as are more commonly found on the high speed rail networks of Europe, produce the lowest emissions, even Diesel powered trains are considerably more efficient in terms of CO2 per passenger mile than equivalent journeys by car or by aeroplane. The vast majority of intercity rail routes in North America aren’t electrified, however there are a couple of notable exceptions on popular routes. Travellers wishing to connect between Boston and Washington DC can utilise the fully electrified Northeast Corridor which also takes in stops at New York City, Philadelphia and Baltimore. Meanwhile Pennsylvania has a fully electrified passenger route between Pittsburgh and Philadelphia.
For companies prioritising eco-friendly policies, encouraging employees to opt for train travel instead of flying, for shorter routes with available rail services, can be a strategically significant decision. By incorporating rail travel into corporate travel policies, businesses can not only meet sustainability targets but also promote a culture of responsibility and environmental awareness.
Networking Opportunities While Travelling
Travelling by train can also offer unique networking opportunities that are often absent in other forms of business travel (although we do love the onboard lounge found in Emirates’ A380 fleet). The relaxed and open environment of a train ride allows professionals to engage with fellow passengers in a more natural setting. If you’re travelling in a group or making a journey to a popular event in your industry attracting other event goers to your train, there’s a far greater scope to network and mingle than when flying, and infinitely more when compared to driving!
Whether it’s sharing a carriage table with colleagues, dining in the buffet car with other travellers or simply chatting in the lounge (onboard or at the station prior to departure), there are plenty of spaces that are perfect for informal discussions and exchanging ideas.
Moreover, the extended travel time on some routes can turn into a productive session of idea sharing, sparking new collaborations and partnerships. Yes, journeys by air will always be technically quicker but travellers can often neglect to factor in all the non-air time associated with air travel. Just take a look at the route between NYC and Washington DC. A flight between New York JFK and Washington Dulles International is in the air not much longer than an hour, but it would take you almost as long to get from DC’s biggest airport to the city centre, whilst Manhattan’s financial district to JFK is probably going to be a longer journey than the flight, whether you take a car or public transit.
The NYC to Washington DC journey can be done in under 3 hours via Amtrak train and NYC’s Penn Station sits right in the heart of Manhattan, whilst DC’s Union Station can be found within a 15 minute walk of the US Capitol. For the vast majority of business travellers, those two stations will be considerably closer to everything that serves their needs than the two airports are.
Navigating North American Railways
Popular Routes for Business Travellers
North America’s rail network, though less extensive than Europe’s, offers several key routes that are popular among business travellers. We’ve already highlighted the Northeast Corridor, which is served by Amtrak’s speedy Acela trains, making it a competitive alternative to flying between some of the major cities on this route.
On the West Coast, meanwhile, the Pacific Surfliner connects bustling hubs of Los Angeles and (Traveltrust’s hometown) San Diego, providing a scenic route with the bonus of coastal views. Similarly, the Empire Builder offers a journey through the northern states, linking Chicago to Seattle and providing essential connectivity for business along this route. Though with an average speed of just 50mph, business travellers wanting to make use of the entire route are going to need to spend the best part of two full days travelling! We can understand why most would opt for the 4 and a half hour flight between Chicago O’Hare and Seattle-Tacoma International instead.
For those who really can’t stomach a flight, the California Zephyr, which runs daily from Chicago to San Francisco, offers a blend of business and leisure, passing through stunning landscapes ideal for a productive yet relaxing trip spread over a whopping 52 hours.
These routes underscore the versatility of rail travel for business purposes, catering to diverse professional needs and providing an alternative to air travel for many who won’t fly.
Understanding Ticketing Options
Navigating the ticketing options for North American railways is essential for maximising both convenience and cost-effectiveness in business travel. Amtrak offers a variety of flexible fares suitable for different travel needs. For frequent travellers, rail passes can provide significant savings, allowing multiple journeys within a set period. Options such as the monthly rail pass or multi-ride tickets cater to those commuting regularly between major hubs.
For less frequent trips, single-ride tickets are available, and booking in advance can often secure lower prices. Amtrak also offers saver fares and flexible fares, which provide the flexibility to change travel plans without hefty fees. Business class tickets are also available, offering added comfort and amenities, which can be a particularly worthwhile investment for long-distance routes.
Moreover, Amtrak’s rewards programme is an advantageous option for accumulating points on regular journeys, which can be redeemed for future travel. It’s a great way to encourage business travellers to optimise their travel logistics efficiently.
Tips for Maximising Productivity Onboard
To maximise productivity during train travel, planning and utilising available resources is key. First, choose a seat in a quiet car if available, as these spaces are naturally designed for minimal disturbances and allow for focused work sessions. The use of onboard Wi-Fi, available on many Amtrak routes, is invaluable for staying connected and managing emails or virtual meetings, though be aware that it can be patchy.
Additionally, make effective use of the travel time by structuring tasks in advance. Prioritising important tasks, such as drafting reports or strategising for upcoming meetings, can turn travel time into productive hours. Having the right tools, such as noise-cancelling headphones and portable chargers, can further enhance focus and ensure all your devices stay powered.
Utilising breaks in the journey, such as time in the dining car, provides opportunities to step away from the screen and refresh mentally. These strategies help maintain high levels of business productivity on trains, making the journey both efficient and effective. If you’d like to know more about being more efficient whilst travelling on business, take a look at our post on maximising long haul productivity.
Traveltrust may be better known for making competitive and convenient air travel bookings but don’t think we won’t support you and your team with efficiently getting across the States, or any other countries, via the best rail options. Just get in touch to learn more!