SAP Concur Data: Business Travel Costs Rise but Demand Holds Steady
According to SAP Concur data, business travel costs continued to rise in the first half of 2026, with airfare up over 8%, hotel rates up nearly 6%, car rental costs up about 5%, and fuel-related expenses up 22% on average. Despite higher costs, companies largely maintained travel activity, but car rental bookings declined 4%, rail bookings increased 4%, and premium cabin bookings increased 9%.
Impact and considerations
SAP Concur's data provides insights into business travel cost trends and traveler behavior, helping companies understand market dynamics and adjust travel strategies.
Key points
- In H1 2026, airfare rose over 8%, hotel rates nearly 6%, and car rental costs about 5%.
- Fuel-related expenses surged 22% on average, from $50 in February to $61 in April.
- Car rental bookings declined 4%, while rail bookings increased 4%.
- Premium cabin bookings increased 9%, economy flat, premium economy down 15%.
Sources and time
- Primary source
- SAP Concur
- Other sources
- 0
- First source publication
- 9 Jun 2026, 20:40
- Page published
- 13 Aug 2026, 08:14
- Last updated
- 9 Jun 2026, 20:40
- Original links
- SAP Concur Blog：Business Travel Holds Steady as Travel Costs Rise (opens in a new tab)Primary source · en · Published 9 Jun 2026, 20:40