Is the train suitable for business trips?

For destinations with a reasonable travel time, yes. Check timetables and plan reservations early.

Is a trip ever climate neutral?

Blanket statements are hard to substantiate. It is better to talk about concrete measures and limits.

Which destinations can be reached by train?

Several European cities, such as Vienna, Milan and Zurich. Travel time differs depending on the destination.

What does a more sustainable trip cost?

It depends on destination, duration and category. A longer journey can cost working time, so you should look at the budget as a whole.

How do I recognise more sustainable accommodation?

Ask about concrete measures and have the documents shown to you. Labels are only a pointer.

Can Swiss Vibes plan more sustainable trips?

Yes, you can discuss your wishes in the video call. Start via the Corporate planning page.

Ratgeber

Planning a more sustainable business trip: train instead of plane

Corporate plans more sustainable business trips by looking at destination, means of transport and length of stay together. The train suits destinations with a reasonable travel time, and a longer stay in the same place reduces additional journeys.

Von Corporate, Stand 04.11.2026

Schritt für Schritt

Define the sustainability goals: travel routes, accommodation, programme or all three.
Check destinations with good rail connections from Switzerland.
Match travel time and programme to each other.
Choose accommodation with verifiable measures and ask questions.
Plan a programme with short distances and local providers.
Communicate the approach and its limits honestly to participants.

Checkliste

Sustainability goal set down in writing
Rail connection and travel time checked
Working-time rule for a longer journey clarified
Accommodation asked about concrete measures
Programme planned with short distances
Catering with regional options checked
Communication worded without unproven promises
Evaluation after the trip planned

A more sustainable business trip starts with the destination and the means of transport. For many European destinations the train is an alternative to flying, provided travel time and programme fit. This article shows steps and decision points, without making promises that cannot be backed up.

What does more sustainable mean for a business trip?

Sustainability has several levels when travelling: means of transport, accommodation, catering, programme and duration. Not every lever is equally important for every company. Decide what comes first for your company before you request quotes.

Be careful with claims. A trip is rarely climate neutral, and blanket statements are hard to substantiate. Talk instead about the measures you are implementing, and name the limits too. This is more credible to employees and clients.

Put the goals in writing, for example as a short guideline for business trips. It helps you decide consistently at later events and makes it easier to agree things with management.

For which destinations is the train an option?

From Switzerland, several European cities can be reached by train, such as Vienna, Milan or Zurich as a domestic destination. Travel time varies: for Vienna allow a long travel day, for Milan a few hours. Check current timetables before you plan.

The train takes planning, but it also offers opportunities. Travel time can be used for conversation or work, and the group travels together. Reserve seats early and check whether changing trains is realistic for large groups.

Clarify how travel time counts. If the rail journey takes a day longer than the flight, that is a question of working time and budget. HR and management decide together how this is handled.

How long should the stay be?

The longer the journey, the more a longer stay is worthwhile. A trip for a single day causes a lot of traffic for little time on site. Two to three full days improve the balance between travel and programme.

A longer stay also has consequences for costs and absence from the business. Check what length is acceptable for your team and which tasks have to be covered in the meantime.

Anyone planning an offsite can combine work and experience in one place instead of organising several trips a year. This reduces journeys and coordination effort.

How do you recognise more sustainable accommodation?

Ask the hotel about concrete measures: energy, water, waste, regional catering, guest mobility. Answers should be verifiable. Vague statements without details are a sign to ask more closely.

Certificates can offer guidance but do not replace asking questions. Ask what a label actually means and have the documents shown to you. Do not rely on self-declarations alone.

A good location saves journeys. A hotel close to the station and the meeting venue reduces transfers. Also check whether the group can get around on site on foot or by public transport.

How do you plan the programme and catering?

Opt for short distances and local providers. A city walk, a cooking class with regional ingredients or a visit to a local business needs no long transfers. Ask providers how they work and where their products come from.

For catering, seasonal and vegetarian options help. You do not have to prescribe them, but you can offer them as the default. That way most people decide without pressure, and special requests remain possible.

Do not plan programme items that need a lot of transport just to impress. Fewer, well-chosen activities fit the goal better.

How do you communicate honestly?

Explain to participants what you are doing and why. Say also what does not work, for example if a flight is unavoidable. Openness prevents any impression of greenwashing and invites constructive feedback.

Do not quote savings figures that you have not calculated yourself. A rough statement with no basis does more harm than good. Report on decisions in qualitative terms instead.

Collect experiences after the trip and use them for the next event. A consultation by video call helps with choosing the destination. Start via the [Corporate planning page](/m/corporate/planen).