Skip the airport: Smarter international travel by train for business [Benelux]

In this small region in Northern Europe made up of the Netherlands, Belgium and Luxembourg, a train is a popular choice for international travel for business within the region or to other parts of Europe. As international travel becomes more frequent and corporate teams look for smarter, more sustainable options, trains are emerging as the clear winner for short‑ and mid‑distance routes. 

This is because distances are relatively close in this region and the trains work quite efficiently between the countries. Traveling by train also means less time traveling to the airport, which when traveling short distances can really cut down on travel time and make business trips more efficient. With seamless city‑center connections, productive working conditions on board, and less time waiting around, international train travel is transforming the way professionals move across the region.

We’ll look at the shift in international business travel, why train travel is preferable in the Benelux region, why businesses should promote train travel, and when to choose trains over a flight.

International business travel trends

International business travel is always changing, especially in regions with strong rail networks like the Benelux. Companies are rethinking how to get around to their business meetings, while still remaining efficient and being sustainably-minded. Short‑haul flights—once the default for cross‑border trips—are increasingly viewed as slow, inconvenient, and environmentally costly. While trains may be a little more expensive (depending on the route), there are so many other factors to consider.

Trains have evolved into a smarter, more productive option for corporate travelers. With reliable high‑speed routes, seamless border crossings, and city‑center departures, trains eliminate many of the friction points associated with airports: long security lines, early check‑ins, and unpredictable delays. For business travelers moving between Amsterdam, Brussels, Paris, and nearby hubs, the time savings are startling.

Corporate travel policies are also shifting. Many organizations are prioritizing CO₂ reduction, employee wellbeing, and cost predictability—three areas where rail travel consistently outperforms flying. As sustainability reporting for businesses becomes a law in Europe, it will be more and more important for companies to find a way to reduce their carbon footprint. This shift in regulations is reshaping how teams plan international meetings, manage travel budgets, and define what “efficient travel” really means.

International train travel is better for business in the Benelux

International train travel in the Benelux is better for business, especially on some key routes like: 

Amsterdam–Brussels (Eurostar)

• Travel time: ~1h 50–1h 56m
• Top speed: Up to 300 km/h
• Stops: Amsterdam Centraal → Schiphol → Rotterdam → Antwerp → Brussels-Midi

Amsterdam ↔ Antwerp (Eurostar)

• Travel time: ~1h 15m
• Pro tip: One of the fastest cross-Benelux connections; ideal for day trips or meetings.

Amsterdam ↔ Paris (Eurostar)

• Travel time: ~3h 20m
• Pro tip: While Paris isn’t in Benelux but it is one of the most important corporate destinations connected by Benelux high-speed rail. This route is often preferred over short-haul flights due to time savings and comfort.

Rotterdam ↔ Brussels (Eurostar)

• Travel time: ~1h 10m

Schiphol Airport ↔ Brussels (Eurostar)

• Travel time: ~1h 39m
• Pro tip: Convenient for business travelers landing at Schiphol.

Brussels ↔ Paris (Eurostar / TGV)

• Travel time: ~1h 22m
• Good to know: One of Europe’s fastest cross-border business routes; excellent frequencies.

Brussels ↔ Antwerp

• Travel time: ~35–40 minutes

Brussels ↔ London (Eurostar)

• Travel time: ~2h 00m
• Pro tip: Another key international travel route, heavily used by Benelux corporate travelers.

Luxembourg ↔ Strasbourg (France)

• Travel time: ~1h 43m
• Train: TGV + regional connections

Benefits of traveling by train in Benelux

There are benefits for travelers and for companies to traveling by train.

For business travelers:

Work comfortably onboard

With reliable Wi-Fi, spacious seating, and quiet zones, business travelers can turn travel time into productive time.

Easy station-to-city access

Train stations are located in city centers meaning that there is no need for additional transfers, and you can just head directly to your meetings or hotel, without having to get a bus, taxi or metro from the airport to the city center.

For companies:

There are other advantages for companies to promote train travel.

Cost efficiency

There is less downtime, more predictable expense management and you can avoid last-minute airfare spikes, because booking a train last minute often won’t affect the price much.

Sustainability 

Trains help your company reach lower emissions per trip, and with the growing importance of green travel reporting, this is a major plus.

Better employee experience and duty of care

Traveling by train is usually less stressful, as there are less delays, less protocols like having to go through security, which leads to reduced stress for employees. This is ideal for promoting employee health and wellbeing.

Practical tips for business travelers in Beneluxe

• Some of the best train services in the region are: Thalys/Eurostar, NS, SNCB, Deutsche Bahn connections.
• Booking smart: flexible tickets, passes, and using apps like GetGoing can help make booking trains a piece of cake.
• Be sure to book a seat ahead of time in a quiet cabin with a table and plus so that you can focus and get work done while you travel.
• When onboard, especially on a high-speed train, there might be pockets of no service or Wi-Fi so when possible work offline or download your presentations to work from the desktop versions.
• Trains are the perfect replacement for flights:
  • Ideal trip duration thresholds
  • Meetings in multiple cities in one day
  • Avoiding delays and disruptions
  • Enhanced productivity

An ideal way to do International travel for corporate trips in Benelux

International business travel is evolving, and the Benelux region is leading the shift toward smarter, more efficient mobility. As business travelers and corporate teams look for ways to save time, reduce stress, and minimize their environmental footprint, high‑speed and intercity trains offer a clear alternative to traditional short‑haul flights. With direct city‑center connections, productive onboard environments, and great connections between major hubs such as Amsterdam, Brussels, Paris, and Luxembourg, trains deliver a travel experience that aligns with modern business needs.

By choosing rail over air, companies not only support sustainability goals and lower travel emissions but also give employees a more comfortable, predictable, and humane way to move across borders. For short to mid‑distance routes within and around the Benelux, the equation is simple: trains are often faster door‑to‑door, more reliable, and far easier on travelers.

As corporate travel strategies continue to adapt, skipping the airport isn’t a compromise, but rather a boost for business travelers and the environment. The future of international business travel in the Benelux is already on track.