At Trainline’s request, Ifop conducted a study to explore the French people’s relationship with trains—including their travel experiences, perceptions, and connection to different regions—as well as changes in how trains are used and expectations for the trains of the future.
The five key findings of the study.
- Beyond its role as a mode of transportation, the train is an experience in its own right, associated by the French with the pleasure of the journey, emotions, and memories.
- Trains also play a role in connecting people to regions and loved ones, helping to foster a relationship that goes beyond mere practical or cost considerations.
- In addition to a stronger preference for trains, 18- to 24-year-olds stand out for their more romanticized view of trains, which they associate more closely with freedom and the imagination of travel.
- Over the past decade, digitalization has profoundly transformed booking practices, making it easier to plan and compare trips.
- Looking ahead, the French prefer trains that are more people-oriented, more affordable, and more understated rather than ultra-technological—aspirations that nevertheless vary greatly depending on generation and frequency of train travel.
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