Summary
Book a demo now with our team of experts

Discover how our solutions streamline your experience and operations !

Share
Rail

8 min reading

July 9, 2025

Wi-Fi Portals in the Railway Industry: Maximise Value of Connectivity

Discover how Wi-Fi portals help rail operators boost passenger experience, monetize connectivity, and turn digital access into a strategic advantage.

For today’s travelers, internet connectivity is no longer a luxury, it’s a basic utility and a core expectation. Passengers choosing the train as a more sustainable, yet slower mode of transportation increasingly expect to work, stay connected, and enjoy seamless access to their digital habits while onboard.

As passenger expectations evolve and new players disrupt the market, connectivity technologies and smart digital tools are becoming key differentiators. Among them, Wi-Fi portals are emerging as essential digital touchpoints, bridging infrastructure and experience, and reshaping how operators deliver value through onboard connectivity.

Let’s take a closer look at how Wi-Fi access portals are becoming a strategic pillar for modern rail operators.

The rise of digital rail: A €400+ billion market under transformation

The global railway industry is undergoing a major transformation, with its market size projected to exceed €436 billion by 2030. This growth is driven by rising demand for sustainable mobility, increased public investment, and the liberalization of national rail networks.

At the core of this evolution is the acceleration of digitalization. Rail operators are no longer assessed solely on punctuality or onboard comfort, connectivity and digital services have become key pillars of the modern passenger experience. Today’s travelers expect fast, seamless internet access to work, stream, or stay connected throughout their journey.

For rail companies, meeting these expectations is both a challenge and a unique opportunity to differentiate themselves in a competitive market.

According to market research conducted by Ipsos and Evo-Rail:

78%
of rail passengers consider onboard Wi-Fi a crucial service
70%
report frequent disruptions in Wi-Fi connectivity during their journeys


These figures highlight a clear shift: Wi-Fi is no longer just about providing access, it’s about delivering a reliable and engaging digital experience.

Wi-Fi portals a key digital asset for reliable and engaging onboard experience

While many operators have already invested in onboard connectivity infrastructure, the value of that investment often remains untapped. Simply offering free internet access without portal means missing out on a critical moment of interaction.

A Wi-Fi portal serves as the digital entry point to the onboard internet. But more than that, it enables operators to:

  • Engage passengers with branded experiences and useful content

  • Monetize connectivity through tiered access, advertising, or sponsored content

  • Gather insights on usage patterns, device types, and passenger behavior

  • Deliver service updates and operational communications in real-time

  • Comply with regulations through secure authentication and data privacy features

In short, the portal transforms Wi-Fi from a background service into a strategic digital channel for revenue, experience, and data.

Use case: OUIGO Wi-Fi portal

Several rail operators across Europe have already implemented Wi-Fi portals tailored to their specific service strategies.

OUIGO, SNCF’s low-cost brand, has developed a customized Wi-Fi portal that offers paid internet access, travel information, entertainment, onboard menus, and service access all within a seamless digital experience.
Discover the full OUIGO strategy

Don’t wait to maximize the value of your connectivity investment

As the railway industry accelerates toward a digital future, the Wi-Fi portal emerges as a key interface, sitting at the crossroads of infrastructure and passenger experience. It’s more than just a login page: it’s a gateway to engagement, monetization, and innovation.

By transforming connectivity into a value-driven platform, rail operators can unlock the full potential of their digital investments.

Clara Lemler
Marketing Project Manager at Moment

Discover our latest news

Ready to redefine your journey
with innovative solutions?

Start powering your digital journey with Moment