EU rail passenger numbers rise in 2024, with Germany, Italy and France driving growth and new opportunities for travellers.

Posted on November 1, 2025

EU rail travel reaches new heights in 2024, with passenger numbers rising to a record high 443 billion passenger kilometers (how much). This represents an amazing increase in 5.8% Compared to the previous year, reflecting the growing demand for rail transportation in many countries, especially in Germany, Franceand Italy. On the other hand, the rail freight sector witnessed a slight decline, with declining performance 0.8% to 375 billion tons km (Tkkm). Despite this, railways remain a vital part of… Sustainable transportationAnd greater guarantee Regional communication. The rise in passenger traffic is particularly noticeable in Centrality and Northern EuropeWhile some countries, especially in… Eastern European Unionshows less vigorous growth. This report explores the latest trends in both passenger and freight transport by rail in Europe and provides useful travel insights for those planning to travel by rail.

Record growth in passenger rail travel

in 2024rail passenger transportation in the European Union has been reached 443 billion kmexceeding the previous year’s number 419 billion km. This increase represents the highest levels of passenger rail travel across the continent since the European Union began tracking the data in 2004. The annual growth is significant, with Germany It continued to dominate the scene by carrying the largest number of passengers, followed by France and Italy.

Germany’s railway network saw the largest number of passengers 2.9 billiona testament to the country’s reliance on railways for domestic and international travel. France Sold out 1.32 billion passengers while Italy registered 843 million. On the contrary, small countries love Lithuania, Estoniaand Greece Much fewer passengers were reported Lithuania Top the bottom end with only 5 million Passengers. This indicates that there is significant variation in rail travel preferences across the EU.

Moreover, countries like Hungary, Latviaand Ireland There has been significant growth in passenger numbers, especially HungaryWhere passenger traffic increased 60%It is the highest growth rate in the European Union. This reflects a growing trend in railway use in Central and Eastern Europe, as these countries invest in modernizing railway infrastructure and improving services.

Passenger experience and trends across the EU

The increase in rail passenger numbers can be attributed to several factors, including pressure for it Sustainability and Environmental awareness. As more travelers choose rail rather than air travel, especially for short to medium distance routes, countries have adapted to this demand by modernizing their rail networks. Luxembourgfor example, has the highest ridership per capita, with an impressive ratio 32.8 Passengers per person, followed closely Denmark and Germany. This trend reflects the increasing importance of rail services to daily passengers, especially in urban areas.

but, Greece and Lithuania lagging behind in passenger numbers, with 1.5 number of passengers per capita, suggesting that rail services may not be an integral part of the transport systems in these countries. This discrepancy points to regional challenges in expanding railway networks to meet growing demand in sparsely populated areas.

Decrease in rail freight transport

While passenger numbers increased Rail freight Performance in the EU saw a slight decline in 2024. Total rail freight volume decreased by 0.8%falls to 375 billion tons km. This decline indicates a shift in dynamics Supply chains Decreased demand for bulk rail transport. Countries like Germany, Polandand France Still leads in charging performance, however Germany Handling the largest share of freight in 126.3 billion tons km.

The most common goods transported by rail in the European Union include: Mineral ores (12.2%), Coke and refined petroleum products (10.1%), and Basic minerals (8.9%). Despite the overall decline, rail freight still plays an important role in the transportation of bulk materials, especially in industries that rely heavily on large volumes of cargo, such as mining and energy.

The role of railways in sustainable travel and regional connectivity

Rail travel remains one of the most popular journeys Environmentally friendly media Transport, especially as the European Union countries strive to achieve their ambitions Climate goals. With rising fuel prices and increased awareness about the environmental cost of air travel, many passengers are choosing the convenience and environmentally friendly benefits of rail. In addition, merge High-speed rail networks and Environmentally friendly trains Throughout Europe also supports the expansion of this way of travel.

In countries like Germany and FranceProvides high-speed rail services efficiency and comfortmaking train travel not only an environmentally friendly option, but also a competitive option in terms of travel time compared to other forms of transportation. For tourists, this provides a unique way to explore Europe, reducing travel time and providing stunning views along the way.

Travel advice for rail passengers in the EU

For those traveling by rail in the EU, here are some useful tips:

• Book in advance: Although rail travel in Europe is generally reliable, booking tickets in advance can help you secure better prices, especially for popular routes such as Paris to London or Berlin to Munich.
• Use railway tickets: Consider investing in Eurail pass Or country-specific railway tickets, which can provide unlimited travel during a specified period. This can be especially useful for tourists looking to explore multiple destinations in Europe.
• Early arrival to stationsFor long-distance travel, arriving early at the station ensures a smooth boarding process and allows time for security checks.

Exploring the future of European rail travel

As rail networks in the European Union continue to develop, High-speed rail and Sustainability It will be pivotal in the development of future rail services. The trend is to increase Passenger numbers This is expected to continue, as more regions in Central and Eastern Europe invest in rail infrastructure. Our challenge moving forward is to achieve balance Growth in passenger demand With the need to activate Shipping sectorThis ensures that railways remain a competitive option for both travelers and businesses.