Train or plane: which means of transport should I choose when travelling on business?

Travelling to another city on business? Are you sending an employee on a work trip? Depending on where you're meeting, there are several possible means of transport, and you're going to have to make a choice. Legally speaking, it's the employer who decides on the mode of transport, but there's nothing stopping employees from expressing their preferences! But how do you choose between the train and the plane?

What's the fastest option?

When you're choosing between taking the train and flying, remember to weigh up all the factors! Transport to the airport or station, boarding options, journey time, means of transport and journey duration from the station or airport to the hotel or office.... All these criteria will determine whether it's more cost-effective to travel by train or by plane. Handy info: a one-hour flight takes around three hours at the airport, between security, baggage drop-off, boarding, etc. If your business is to a city less than 2 hours away by plane, it's best to take the train. Thanks to the development of high-speed lines (LGV) in France, Paris is now under 2 hours from Rennes and under 3 hours from Bordeaux. This provides a direct link to the city centre, which is practical if your customers or your branch are easily accessible by public transport.

Business trips: the cheapest form of transport

Companies are always conscious of the financial aspect, and they keep a close eye on spending when it comes to business travel. Although flights can sometimes be cheaper than train tickets, there are ways of reducing the bill (season tickets, overnight journeys on certain routes, etc.)

What's more, more and more employees are thinking about environmental issues. So, if you want to reduce your carbon footprint, train travel is undoubtedly the way to go.