Abta report reveals surge in young British holidaymakers choosing train travel

A new shift in holiday planning has emerged across the United Kingdom, driven by younger travellers turning away from conventional air travel in favour of rail journeys. According to findings published by Abta, the travel association, young holidaymakers aged 18 to 24 have more than doubled their use of train travel and Interrailing trips over a three-year period. This surge reflects a broader adaptation within the tourism sector, where tour operators have responded to the growing demand by introducing additional flight-free routes and specialized rail holiday packages.

The movement toward rail holidays is mirrored in commercial booking figures across the industry. Co-op Holidays reported a 26 per cent increase in bookings for rail breaks, prompting the operator to expand its portfolio of available train-based itineraries.

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For those looking to explore scenic and affordable rail options, international networks offer numerous cinematic journeys. In Italy, travellers can take an unusual Intercity service from Rome to Palermo that involves rolling the entire train onto a ferry to cross the Strait of Messina. In Japan, the Sunrise Express provides a slow journey through south-western landscapes, while the historic Belgrade to Bar line weaves through the Dinaric Alps via hundreds of tunnels and bridges.

Additional budget-friendly rail options span multiple continents. In Norway, savvy travellers can secure discounted Lowfare tickets on the Bergensbanen between Oslo and Bergen. In Australia, the Spirit of Queensland provides lie-flat bed options from Brisbane to Cairns. Meanwhile, the Darjeeling Himalayan Express climbs into the Indian foothills using a narrow 2ft gauge, and Egypt's overnight sleeper service from Cairo to Aswan offers morning views of the River Nile.

The rising enthusiasm for train journeys aligns with wider industry adjustments as tourism providers adapt to changing consumer preferences. Travel trends highlighted by Abta demonstrate that younger demographics are actively seeking alternatives to flying, reshaping how operators design summer and seasonal itineraries. Rather than relying solely on traditional air corridors, holiday companies are adjusting their portfolios to capture the growing interest in overland exploration and continental rail networks.

International routes continue to capture the imagination of travellers seeking memorable experiences without excessive expense. In Italy, passengers boarding the Rome to Palermo service experience a unique logistical operation where the entire train is dismantled at Villa San Giovanni and rolled aboard a train ferry for the crossing to Sicily. Once across, the train is reassembled to complete its journey. Similarly, Japan's Sunrise Express operates as the nation's final public sleeper service, splitting at Okayama to serve different regional branches while offering affordable sleeping arrangements like the carpeted Nobi Nobi class.

Further afield, historical engineering marvels such as the Belgrade to Bar line provide striking visual landscapes as they cross numerous bridges and navigate tunnels constructed during the former Yugoslav era. In the Himalayan foothills, the Darjeeling Himalayan Express relies on a narrow gauge and a series of dramatic loops to ascend steep terrain. These routes demonstrate that memorable travel is accessible through public rail networks rather than exclusively via luxury excursions.

Industry analysts and tour operators are watching closely to see if current booking patterns will sustain long-term growth for rail tourism. With operators like Co-op Holidays expanding their offerings following notable increases in demand, the rail sector may see further commercial investment designed to accommodate the influx of younger passengers making flight-free choices for their annual holidays.