Trainline
| Company type | Public |
|---|---|
| Industry | Rail and coach technology |
| Founded | 1997 |
| Founder | Virgin Group |
| Headquarters | London , United Kingdom |
Area served | Europe |
Key people | Jody Ford (CEO) |
| Products | Train tickets, railcards, real-time train schedules, railway station information, rail travel management solutions |
| Parent | Mobico Group |
| Website | trainline |
Trainline (previously known as Thetrainline.com) is a UK-based digital platform specializing in rail and coach technology, operating throughout Europe. It offers train tickets and railcards for purchase and provides complimentary access to real-time train schedules and railway station details through its website and mobile app available on both iOS and Android. The company is publicly traded on the London Stock Exchange and is included in the FTSE 250 Index.
History
Established in 1997 by the Virgin Group, Trainline began selling tickets online in 1999. Initially managed under contract by Capgemini, Stagecoach acquired a 49% share before divesting, resulting in Virgin holding 86% ownership and National Express 14%. In February 2004, Trainline combined operations with rival Qjump.
In July 2006, ownership transferred to Exponent Private Equity. The firm broadened its scope into the smartcard sector by acquiring Advanced Smartcard Technologies and ECEBS in 2007; ECEBS was later sold to Bell ID in 2012.
KKR took over Trainline from Exponent in January 2015. The company underwent rebranding from thetrainline.com to Trainline in August of the same year. In 2016, it purchased Captain Train, renaming it Trainline EU to strengthen its foothold in European ticketing services.
Following an initial public offering, Trainline debuted on the London Stock Exchange in June 2019. Clare Gilmartin resigned as CEO in February 2021, with Jody Ford—who had joined the firm in July 2020—assuming the role.
In June 2025, Trainline introduced an AI-driven virtual assistant designed for customer support. This feature attracted criticism due to inaccuracies that could result in penalties; Trainline clarified that the assistant remained in beta testing, while the Rail Delivery Group underscored the necessity for precise customer information.
Activities
In addition to its consumer-facing online platforms Trainline and Qjump, the company provides website services for multiple UK train operating companies. It also supplies rail travel management solutions tailored for major blue-chip corporations, travel management firms, and travel agencies. Furthermore, Trainline manages call centre operations to support these clients.
External links
- Companies listed on the London Stock Exchange
- Fare collection systems in the United Kingdom
- Kohlberg Kravis Roberts companies
- Mobico Group
- Route planning software
- Stagecoach Group
- Transport companies established in 1997
- International rail transport retailers
- Virgin Group
- 1997 establishments in England
- 2019 initial public offerings
- Companies in the FTSE 250 Index
- Transport companies based in London