This paper examines the potential of transit-oriented development (TOD) in low-density landscapes. We explore rail-based investments in rural-urban areas through context-specific research-by-design methods, using the railway line between Antwerp and Ghent in Belgium as a case study. Comparative analysis of student-produced designs, based on train mobility scenarios, reveals three key strategies: multimodality, landscape as a structuring element and rural-urban functional mix. They showcase the ability to increase stations' catchment areas and ridership by capitalizing on the specificity of the rural-urban context, increasing active transportation modes and recreational and touristic value. They provide valuable insights for sustainable development in low-density landscapes, enriching the discourse on mainstream TOD planning.