Proposed acquisition would create one of the world’s largest ground transportation booking platforms, strengthening global rail connectivity across more than 70 countries
Berlin-based multimodal travel platform Omio Group has signed an agreement to acquire Rail Europe, one of the world’s most established international rail ticket distributors, in a strategic move that would significantly reshape the global rail distribution landscape. The proposed acquisition, announced by Omio, remains subject to regulatory and employee consultation procedures in France before it can be completed.
Upon completion, Rail Europe will join the Omio Group portfolio alongside its consumer booking platform, corporate distribution business and journey-planning platform Rome2Rio, creating one of the largest intermediaries for ground transportation worldwide.
The combined business is expected to sell more than 22 million train tickets annually while collaborating with over 28,000 transport operators, travel agencies and distribution partners. The acquisition would also extend Omio’s global reach through Rail Europe’s network spanning more than 70 countries and approximately 25,000 travel partners.
Strengthening global rail distribution
Founded nearly 90 years ago, Rail Europe has long been recognised as one of the leading international distributors of European rail products. The company currently sells around 5 million train tickets each year, offering access to services operated by approximately 250 rail companies, including SNCF, Eurostar, Trenitalia, Deutsche Bahn, Renfe, SBB and ÖBB. Its portfolio also includes popular rail products such as the Eurail Pass and the Swiss Travel Pass.
Despite becoming part of the Omio Group, Rail Europe will continue operating under its established brand, maintaining its relationships with travellers, travel agencies and distribution partners while gaining access to Omio’s technology platform, reservation capabilities and multimodal booking ecosystem.
For Omio, the acquisition represents a significant expansion of its international footprint and reinforces its position in the fast-growing rail mobility sector. By combining Omio’s digital platform and multimodal expertise with Rail Europe’s extensive rail distribution network, the company aims to offer a more comprehensive travel booking experience across rail, bus, ferry and air transport.
Complementary strengths
Jean-François Bessiron, Chief B2B Officer at Omio Group, described the proposed transaction as a milestone for the rail industry, saying the combined organisation would bring together the technology and scale needed to make rail travel more connected, accessible and convenient for travellers worldwide.
Rail Europe Chief Executive Officer and Executive Chairman Björn Bender said the two businesses offer highly complementary strengths, with Omio contributing advanced technology and global scale, while Rail Europe brings decades of rail expertise, an internationally recognised brand and one of the industry’s strongest B2B distribution networks.
Transaction awaits final approval
The acquisition remains subject to consultation with France’s Social and Economic Committee (CSE), the employee representative body whose opinion is required before the transaction can be finalised. Until that process concludes, both companies will continue to operate independently.
Once completed, the enlarged Omio Group is expected to employ approximately 680 people representing more than 50 nationalities, with offices across Berlin, Paris, Singapore, Prague, Mumbai, Shanghai, Melbourne and Bangalore. Rail Europe currently employs around 205 people.
The proposed acquisition comes at a time when rail travel continues to gain momentum globally, driven by growing demand for sustainable mobility, increasing investment in rail infrastructure and the integration of multimodal travel solutions. By combining two established players in digital rail distribution, the transaction is expected to strengthen international access to rail services while supporting the broader shift towards seamless ground transportation.
