Boosting Train Travel in Europe: Experts Weigh In

Anna Pagani, a frequent train traveler, has spent thousands of euros and countless hours navigating Europe by rail since she pledged to avoid flying a few years ago.She admits that train travel can be more challenging than anticipated."Planning train rides takes time, patience, and money," she tells Euronews Travel.Based in London, Anna often travels to her native Italy and Austria to visit her partner’s family. Her job as a researcher also requires attending conferences across Europe.

Many travelers share Anna’s frustration over the cost difference between trains and flights. A Greenpeace report found that train tickets are on average twice as expensive as flights. On some routes, such as London-Barcelona, train tickets can cost up to 30 times more than flights.

Dr. Alberto Mazzola, executive director of the Community of European Railway and Infrastructure Companies (CER), believes adjusting train prices is crucial. He notes that trains face different tax treatments compared to road and air travel. For instance, airlines do not pay taxes on kerosene, and international flight tickets are exempt from VAT.

CER is pushing for EU regulations to ensure fair competition between trains, planes, and other transportation modes. Mazzola also highlights the importance of reducing travel times, as lengthy train journeys deter potential passengers. He urges the EU to invest in infrastructure to establish high-speed rail links between major European cities.

Despite these challenges, train travel is gaining popularity in Europe. Passenger numbers increased by 10% in the decade leading up to the pandemic, and night trains are making a comeback as travelers seek more sustainable options. However, a European Commission report found that cross-border train services remained stagnant from 2001 to 2019, comprising only 7% of train journeys in Europe.

Victor Thévenet, rail policy manager at Transport and Environment, emphasizes the need for simplified train journey planning. He advocates for a system where different rail operators' tickets can be combined into a single purchase. Currently, there is no comprehensive booking platform like Skyscanner for trains, making international train travel complicated and often more expensive.

The EU's proposed Multimodal Digital Mobility Services legislation aims to address these issues by allowing passengers to buy one ticket for an entire journey and providing better rights for missed connections. However, recent signals from companies like French train operator SNCF, which suspended some international ticket sales, cast doubt on immediate improvements.

The upcoming European elections could significantly impact the future of cross-border rail travel. Rail advocates urge voters to support parties with progressive green agendas to ensure continued funding and support for rail infrastructure projects.

Despite the obstacles, enthusiasts like Anna Pagani remain dedicated to train travel. "It's the joy of reaching a destination, crossing landscapes and languages, and enjoying the ride," she says.