Trainline in brief
- Rank: #88 of 100 in UK's Most Powerful 100 Brands 2026; #11 of 12 in Technology & Digital.
- WCRC Power Score: 61.80 out of 100.
- Founded: 1997, by Virgin Group.
- Owner: Trainline plc, London, England.
- Leadership: Jody Ford, Chief Executive.
- Latest revenue: £453m revenue (FY2026, year to Feb 2026, +2.0%), group revenue of Trainline plc, as per company filings.
What makes Trainline powerful
Trainline has become the default way many British travellers buy train tickets, and it is extending that habit across Europe. In the year to February 2026 its net ticket sales rose 7% to £6.3 billion, revenue rose 2% to £453 million, adjusted EBITDA rose 11% to £177 million and operating profit jumped 43% to £122 million.
Its power comes from simplicity in a confusing market. The app compares fares across operators, offers split ticketing and digital railcards, and pushes real-time journey updates, making it more useful than many train company sites. That scale gives it data and marketing advantages and supports investment in AI travel assistants. Under Jody Ford, Trainline has bought back shares worth £294 million since 2023 and won a government commitment to let independent retailers offer Delay Repay, its customers' top request.
Trainline processed £6,319 million of net ticket sales in its 2026 financial year, up 7%.
Why Trainline ranks #88
Trainline ranks 88th with a WCRC Power Score of 61.80, between Channel 4 above and British Gas below. Digital and financial strength (68) is its best pillar, reflecting £6.3 billion of ticket sales and a 43% rise in operating profit, and product and innovation (64) reflects an app many travellers prefer to operator sites. Trust (62) and positioning (60) are moderate, and sustainability and governance (58) holds it back amid regulatory uncertainty.
The Achilles' heel
Trainline's biggest risk is the state. The government plans a Great British Railways online retail service that could sell tickets without booking fees, competing directly with Trainline in its home market. Commission rates are set by regulation, so its UK revenue grows slowly, and European rail markets remain fragmented and competitive.
The 2026 story
Trainline reported FY2026 results on 6 May 2026. Net ticket sales rose 7% to £6,319 million, revenue rose 2% to £453 million and operating profit rose 43% to £122 million. It has bought back £294 million of shares since 2023. Chief executive Jody Ford welcomed the decision to open Delay Repay to independent retailers once Great British Railways launches, and said Trainline is working with government on GBR Online Retail.
Pillar profile
Provisional desk scores out of 100, for the WCRC Business Intelligence Unit to validate.
Versus its nearest rivals
Questions people ask
What rank is Trainline in WCRC's UK's Most Powerful Brands 2026?
Trainline ranks #88 of 100 in WCRC's UK's Most Powerful 100 Brands 2026, with a WCRC Power Score of 61.80 out of 100.
What makes Trainline powerful?
The most-used independent rail ticketing app in the UK, with £6.3 billion of ticket sales and growing operating profit.
What is Trainline's revenue?
£453m revenue (FY2026, year to Feb 2026, +2.0%), group revenue of Trainline plc, as per company filings.
Who founded and owns Trainline?
Trainline was founded in 1997 by Virgin Group. It is owned by Trainline plc and based in London, England.
Who leads Trainline?
Jody Ford, Chief Executive.
What is Trainline's biggest challenge?
The government's planned Great British Railways online retailer could compete directly for its core UK customers.
Also featured in
Key facts
| Brand | Trainline |
|---|---|
| Company / owner | Trainline plc |
| Headquarters | London, England, United Kingdom |
| Founded | 1997 |
| Founder(s) | Virgin Group |
| Leadership | Jody Ford, Chief Executive |
| Latest revenue | £453m revenue (FY2026, year to Feb 2026, +2.0%), group revenue of Trainline plc, as per company filings |
| Sector | Technology & Digital |
| Website | thetrainline.com |
| Home country | United Kingdom |
Sources
- Revenue figure published by Trainline plc
- Company website, official announcements and press releases
- Published interviews and statements by the leadership
- WCRC Business Intelligence Unit research: consumer sentiment, ratings and reviews, search demand, media and social data
