Google Adding New Search Options for Train Travel

Google officials revealed the company would expand its search options to make it easier for tourists to search for international train-related travel.

According to Travel + Leisure, Google users can now view train schedules and prices by searching an origin and destination city in select countries around the world, including Germany, Spain, Italy and Japan.

The search function allows travelers “to see a timetable, if the train is direct and whether or not the price is considered low,” a similar design to the data Google provides when travelers search for flights.

“For some trips, taking a train might be the more sustainable option, but finding the prices and schedules to get from A to B can take a few separate searches,” a Google spokesperson told Travel + Leisure. “Just query something like ‘Berlin to Vienna trains’ and you’ll see a new module in the search results that lets you choose your departure date and compare the available options.”

Once the user finds the right train for the vacation, the website will provide a direct link to complete the booking on the partner’s website. Google said it plans to expand the feature to more locations in the future.

While Google may be increasing its search options, the company announced earlier this month it would begin to phase out the online booking option for flights. The Book on Google option for flights reserved for non-U.S. users would be permanently disabled on September 30 and American users will no longer be able to use the feature after March 31, 2023.