Nearly Half of EU’s Top Flight Routes Lack Viable Train Ticket Options, Study Finds

A new analysis by the Transport & Environment (T&E) think tank identifies significant obstacles to cross-border train travel within the European Union. Researchers examined the ease of purchasing train tickets on 30 of the EU's busiest international flight routes, excluding island destinations and journeys exceeding 1,500 kilometers. The study assessed whether passengers could book a single ticket covering an entire journey.

On nearly half of these top flight routes, specifically 47%, purchasing a viable train ticket proves difficult or impossible. This includes routes where no single, through train ticket is available for the entire journey, which accounts for 20% of the routes studied. A "through train ticket" allows a traveler to book a complete journey, potentially involving multiple operators, as one transaction.

For another 27% of routes, only one rail operator offers tickets for the entire journey. This limits passenger options and transparency regarding potential alternative or more competitive fares. These findings highlight a fragmented ticketing system across the continent.

Public sentiment reflects these difficulties. A YouGov poll commissioned by T&E indicated that 61% of long-distance rail travelers have avoided trips due to challenges in booking tickets. This suggests consumer willingness for rail travel exists, but systemic barriers deter it.

The current booking system for European rail travel actively hinders efforts to reduce aviation emissions, one of the most challenging sectors to decarbonize. Simplifying ticket purchases could enable more travelers to choose lower-carbon alternatives to flights.

The European Commission plans to address these issues. A new single ticketing package, expected May 13, aims to streamline cross-continent travel and enhance consumer protections. Observing its impact on ticket availability and ease of booking will be key.