Indian Travelers Embrace Rail Passes for Affordable European and Asian Adventures
In a significant shift in travel preferences, a growing number of Indian tourists are opting for rail passes over traditional flight tickets when exploring destinations abroad. This trend is particularly pronounced in Europe and East Asia, where train travel offers a more budget-friendly and flexible alternative to air travel. Recent data from 2025 highlights this evolving pattern, revealing that rail passes have become a cornerstone of international itineraries for Indian globetrotters.
India Emerges as a Key Market for European Rail Passes
According to a 2025 review by financial publications, India has solidified its position as a major consumer of European rail passes. The country now ranks as the second-largest market for the Swiss Travel Pass and the fourth-largest for Eurail tickets by market share. Approximately half of the demand from Indian travelers through Rail Europe is for Eurail passes, with the remaining half dedicated to point-to-point travel arrangements. A spokesperson cited in the report emphasized that India stands among the top long-haul and strategic source markets for rail passes, alongside nations like the United States and Australia.
Financial Predictability Drives the Shift to Rail Travel
The surge in rail pass adoption is largely fueled by rising travel costs and economic factors. With the euro exceeding Rs 100 and the Swiss franc surpassing Rs 110, Indian travelers are actively seeking options that provide financial predictability and stability. An Eurail spokesperson noted, "The Indian market is demonstrating a clear preference for products that offer predictable costs and the freedom to adapt plans mid-journey." Eurail passes, which cover more than 30 European countries, cater perfectly to this demand by offering fixed pricing and extensive flexibility.
Family Travel and Seasonal Trends on the Rise
Family travel is increasingly contributing to this trend, with Eurail reporting an 8% year-on-year increase in child pass sales from 2023 to 2025. This growth suggests that more families with young children are considering train travel within Europe as a viable and enjoyable option. Additionally, travel patterns are evolving beyond traditional summer holidays. The Switzerland Travel System has observed significant demand during the autumn and winter months, indicating a shift in seasonal preferences among Indian tourists.
Switzerland and Japan Lead the Rail Travel Expansion
Switzerland remains a standout destination for Indian travelers using rail passes. In 2025, the Swiss Travel Pass served over half a million passengers globally, with Indian travelers ranking second only to those from the US. The Switzerland Travel System reported double-digit growth from India over the past three years and anticipates this trend to continue. The pass offers bundled mobility, combining rail travel with free or discounted access to numerous attractions, including museums, cable cars, mountain railways, and sites like Glacier 3000 and St Moritz.
In East Asia, Japan exemplifies the expansion of rail-driven travel. Indian arrivals in Japan reached 315,100 in 2025, marking a 35.2% year-on-year increase and nearly 80% growth compared to 2019. While Tokyo remains the most visited city, interest in regional destinations is growing. Usage of the Kyushu Rail Pass has nearly tripled since 2018. A spokesperson from Japan Railways Company stated, "Although Tokyo and Osaka remain the most popular destinations, the number of Indian travelers visiting regional areas such as Kyushu is gradually increasing. As the number of visits to Japan rises, we expect a greater flow of tourists into regional areas."
Challenges and Broader Travel Trends
Despite the positive growth, industry observers have flagged that dietary issues continue to pose challenges in parts of Asia, even as travelers explore beyond traditional routes. Meanwhile, India's outbound travel continues to expand, with 8.39 million Indians traveling abroad in July–September 2025, up 6.9% from the previous year. Europe and the US remain popular destinations, while improved air connectivity is boosting travel to Asia-Pacific regions. Multi-country trips combining Switzerland with France and Italy are also on the rise, reflecting a desire for diverse and immersive travel experiences.
This shift towards rail passes underscores a broader movement among Indian travelers towards cost-effective, flexible, and enriching travel options, reshaping how they explore the world.
