The ground-coupled heat exchanger (GCHE) systems are increasingly being seen as a viable way of regulating temperatures and ventilating different premises such as railway transport infrastructure. Design principles, applications, advantages, and challenges of GCHE systems specific to their applications in railway transport are explored in this paper. The introduction highlights the need for efficient heating, cooling and ventilation systems in railway transport that guarantee passenger comfort and safety. Based on the laws of thermodynamics and heat transfer, these systems apply the earth’s constant subsurface temperature to exchange heat with the surrounding soil making them an eco-friendly alternative for indoor climate regulation. Factors such as thermal conductivity, moisture content and so on also affect the efficiency of GCHE system design. Also included are formulas and calculations for optimal system performance, tube depth, length, diameter and airflow rate. Applications of GCHE systems in railway transport encompass various settings, including railway stations, depots, and onboard train cabins. By integrating GCHE technology into railway infrastructure, operators can enhance passenger comfort, reduce energy consumption, and contribute to environmental sustainability. GCHE systems offer numerous advantages such as energy efficiency and cost-effectiveness, certain challenges such as maintenance requirements and initial installation costs must be addressed. The paper concludes with a discussion on future directions and the significant impact of GCHE technology on improving indoor climate conditions and energy efficiency in railway transport infrastructure.