5 reasons to take the train for business trips

1. Easy for employees and less costly for companies

Business travel refers to an employee making trips for work-related reasons, paid for by the company. At VR, we offer corporate services for individual travellers and larger groups. All the company needs to do is open a corporate account with VR, and the employees are all set to make business trips by train. Easy!

Kilometre allowances for travelling by car cost more

A kilometre allowance can cover travel expenses incurred during a business trip if you use a car to travel. However, this is more expensive for the company compared to using public transport. Did you know that, for companies, business travel by train is always less expensive than kilometer allowances paid for the use of employees’ own cars? In addition, trains are always a more environmentally friendly way of travelling than cars.

2. You can work while travelling

On the train, you can make the most of your travel time and get things done during your journey. It is also better for the company if the employee can work for at least part of the journey, compared to sitting behind the wheel of a car for the same amount of time.

The train has everything you need to make the most of your travel time: the quiet Ekstra Calm Class offers a high-quality and comfortable environment for independent work, while a compartment is a convenient place for a remote meeting or for making work calls. The Ekstra Plus Class of Pendolino Plus trains also offers unique comfort for commuters.

There is no need to worry about your internet connection, either. Upgraded in 2024, the VR Wi-Fi is up to five times faster than the old network and considerably more stable. The functionality of Wi-Fi is also affected by how full the train is and whether it passes through areas without network coverage.

3. The train is a climate-smart choice for business travel

Transferring business travel to trains helps companies achieve their own environmental goals, as trains are the lowest-emission and most energy-efficient way to travel. Read more about the sustainability of train travel here.

4. The train is suitable even for larger groups

It is also possible to reserve spaces for a larger group on the train if several people are going on a business trip. There is a 12-person conference cabin in the Ekstra Relaxed Class located in the upstairs of the restaurant car and conference cabins for six people aboard Pendolino trains, where you can hold meetings or a presentation during the journey.

For larger groups, it is also possible to organise the rental of an entire car or even a fully private charter train. By ordering in advance, catering can also be arranged for the meeting table.

5. Safe and effortless travel

The train offers a smooth and safe ride to your destination. On the train, you can avoid traffic jams and parking problems, and travel from one city centre to another without worry. On the train, you can also take a break and have a moment to yourself, or just enjoy the fact that you don't have to focus on driving – or anything else!

On many routes, trains are also a faster way to travel than a car. For example, travelling from Helsinki to Lappeenranta or Oulu by train saves a lot of time, as the travel time is shorter compared to driving and can be used however you want.

By train, you arrive relaxed – and simultaneously save time, money and the environment.

What is a business trip?

A business trip is a work-related journey to a temporary place of work, such as a trade fair, training or meeting. Work becomes permanent if it takes place at the same site for more than three years. From the point of view of taxation and kilometer allowances, business trips are not, for example, trips between home and the actual workplace – even though the train is often the most convenient and environmentally friendly to make these trips too!

Will you switch to making business trips by train? Read more: