This study investigates the determinants of user satisfaction in railways by using both machine learning techniques and econometric models. In particular it assesses the impact of service quality attributes and the ability to conduct on-board activities on overall satisfaction. The analysis is based on data from a large-scale satisfaction survey with 4,286 respondents, administered by the French Court of Auditors and designed by academics. The results indicate that (1) users prioritize service performance over price, (2) perceived changes in service quality significantly affect satisfaction. Also, the ability to conduct activities (3), as well as the reasons for being unable to do so (4), influence satisfaction levels. This study is the first of its kind in France and contributes to a deeper understanding of railway user satisfaction.