Swiss Rail Pass Sees Surge in Indian Travelers, Boosting European Rail Revenues

New Delhi: With the rising number of millionaires and affluent travelers in India, European rail networks are reaping significant benefits. Indian tourists are increasingly opting for train travel across Europe, contributing substantially to revenues for companies like Swiss Travel System and Eurail.

Growing Number of Indian Tourists Abroad

The trend of overseas travel among Indians is expanding beyond major cities to smaller towns and emerging urban centers. Data from 2025 indicates a notable shift in travel patterns, with Indians exploring not just Southeast Asia but also Europe, Canada, and the United States.

India ranks second globally in the purchase of Swiss Travel Passes and fourth for Eurail Passes. According to Rail Europe, about half of the demand from India is for Eurail passes, while the remainder is for point-to-point tickets.

India: A Key Market for European Rail

A Eurail spokesperson told the Economic Times that India has become a major long-distance source market alongside the U.S. and Australia. The rupee’s depreciation against the euro and Swiss franc has encouraged travelers to seek cost-predictable travel options. Rail travel is increasingly seen as a convenient and economical way to explore Europe.

Travel Across 30+ Countries with Eurail

Eurail passes allow travel across more than 30 European countries, making them a popular choice among Indian tourists. Between 2023 and 2025, Eurail’s “Child Pass” sales saw an 8% annual increase, suggesting that more families with young children are opting for train travel in Europe.

Switzerland Leads the Way

Switzerland remains the top destination for rail travelers. In 2025, over half a million travelers worldwide used the Swiss Travel Pass, with India ranking second only to the U.S. The Swiss Travel System has reported double-digit growth in sales from India over the past three years and expects this upward trend to continue.

What a Rail Pass Includes

Rail passes offer not only train travel but also access or discounts to hundreds of museums, local transport, cable cars, and mountain railways. Popular attractions like Glacier 3000 and St. Moritz are included in these packages.

Rising Overseas Travel Among Indians

According to India’s Ministry of Tourism, 8.39 million Indians traveled abroad in the July–September quarter of 2025, a 6.9% increase over the same period last year. Europe and the U.S. continue to be the preferred destinations, while better air connectivity has also made travel to Asia-Pacific countries, such as Japan, more accessible. In 2025, 315,100 Indians visited Japan, marking a 35.2% increase from the previous year and nearly 80% more than in 2019.

As India’s middle and upper classes continue to grow, European rail networks are set to benefit from this influx of affluent travelers, establishing India as a key market for international train tourism.