Rail travel in Europe is becoming more convenient and sustainable thanks to recent EU initiatives. Trans-European transport network The Railway Energies-Tenant Rail Transit (TEN-T) initiative to improve rail connectivity and make travel more environmentally friendly recently came into force. Better and More efficient rail services across Europe.
EU Action Plan to Promote Long-Distance and Cross-Border Passenger Rail Services is a key part of these efforts. Double high-speed rail traffic by 2030 and Triple by 2050Launched in 2021, the plan focuses on removing bottlenecks, improving interoperability, modernizing passenger rail infrastructure and improving the quality of services across EU countries.
To further support cross-border travel, the European Commission: 10 pilot projects to boost cross-border rail servicesThis will improve cross-border rail connections across the EU, making travel faster, easier and more affordable.
Young travelers, especially, Discover the EU Regularly offered programs Offering 18-year-olds a free travel pass to travel Europe by railThe program will promote cultural exchange and highlight the environmental benefits of rail travel. The next call for applications will be announced in autumn 2024.
Passenger rights are also a key focus of EU transport policy: European travellers are well protected if something goes wrong during their journey. EU Passenger Rights Covers delays, cancellations and access issues.
The EU is committed to making rail travel the first choice through improved regulation, ambitious plans and support for special programmes aimed at making rail travel more sustainable, efficient and connected across Europe.
For more information
Action Plan to Promote Long-Distance and Cross-Border Passenger Rail Services
Connecting Europe by Rail: 10 EU pilot services to boost cross-border rail transport
Mobility Strategy
Discover the EU
Know your EU passenger rights before you travel
Rail passenger rights
Travel to Europe in 2024
