EU Rail Passenger Numbers Soar in 2024, With Germany, Italy, and France Driving Growth and New Opportunities for Travelers

Written By: Ankita Neogi Khan

Ankita Neogi Khan

With over 15 years of experience in digital media, I bring a strong foundation in language, journalism, and storytelling to travel reporting. A graduate in English (Honours) from Presidency College with a Master's in Journalism and Mass Communication from the University of Calcutta, I began my career as a content curator before transitioning into travel journalism. I specialise in aviation, tourism trends, destination news, and industry insights, combining meticulous research, accuracy, and compelling storytelling to deliver credible, engaging, and insightful content for a global audience.

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November 1, 2025 05:54 GMT+5:30

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Rail travel in the European Union has reached new heights in 2024, with passenger numbers soaring to a record-breaking 443 billion passenger-kilometres (pkm). This marks an impressive increase of 5.8% compared to the previous year, reflecting growing demand for rail transport in several countries, especially in Germany, France, and Italy. On the other hand, the rail freight sector experienced a slight downturn, with performance dropping by 0.8% to 375 billion tonne-kilometres (tkm). Despite this, rail remains a vital part of sustainable transport, ensuring greater regional connectivity. The rise in passenger traffic is particularly notable in Central and Northern Europe, while some countries, especially in the Eastern EU, show less robust growth. This report explores the latest trends in both rail passenger and freight transport in Europe and provides useful travel insights for those planning to travel by rail.

Record-Breaking Growth in Passenger Rail Travel

In 2024, EU rail passenger transport reached 443 billion pkm, surpassing the previous year’s figure of 419 billion pkm. This surge marks the highest levels of passenger rail travel across the continent since the EU began tracking the data in 2004. The year-on-year growth is substantial, with Germany continuing to dominate the scene by carrying the largest number of passengers, followed by France and Italy.

Germany’s rail network saw the highest number of passengers at 2.9 billion, a testament to the country’s reliance on rail for both domestic and international travel. France carried 1.32 billion passengers, while Italy recorded 843 million. Conversely, smaller nations like Lithuania, Estonia, and Greece reported far fewer passengers, with Lithuania topping the lower end with only 5 million passengers. This indicates a large disparity in rail travel preferences across the EU.

Moreover, countries like Hungary, Latvia, and Ireland experienced significant growth in passenger numbers, especially Hungary, where passenger traffic rose by 60%, the highest growth rate in the EU. This reflects an increasing trend in rail usage in Central and Eastern Europe, as these nations invest in modernizing their rail infrastructure and improving services.

The Passenger Experience and Trends Across the EU

The boost in rail passenger numbers can be attributed to several factors, including the push for sustainability and environmental consciousness. As more travelers opt for rail travel over air travel, especially for short- to medium-distance routes, countries have adapted to this demand by upgrading their rail networks. Luxembourg, for instance, has the highest passenger-per-capita ratio, with an impressive 32.8 passengers per person, closely followed by Denmark and Germany. This trend reflects the growing importance of rail services for daily commuters, especially in urbanized regions.

However, Greece and Lithuania lag behind in passenger numbers, with 1.5 passengers per capita, indicating that rail services may not be as integral to these countries’ transportation systems. This discrepancy points to regional challenges in expanding rail networks to meet growing demand in areas with lower population densities.

Decline in Rail Freight Transport

While passenger numbers soared, rail freight performance in the EU has seen a slight dip in 2024. The total rail freight volume decreased by 0.8%, dropping to 375 billion tkm. The decline suggests shifting dynamics in supply chains and reduced demand for bulk transport by rail. Countries like Germany, Poland, and France still lead in freight performance, with Germany handling the largest share of freight at 126.3 billion tkm.

The most common goods transported by rail in the EU include metal ores (12.2%), coke and refined petroleum products (10.1%), and basic metals (8.9%). Despite the overall decline, rail freight continues to play a significant role in transporting bulk materials, particularly in industries that rely heavily on large volumes of goods, such as mining and energy.

The Role of Rail in Sustainable Travel and Regional Connectivity

Rail travel remains one of the most environmentally friendly modes of transport, especially as EU countries strive to meet ambitious climate goals. With rising fuel prices and increasing awareness about the environmental cost of air travel, many passengers are opting for the convenience and eco-friendly benefits of rail. In addition, the integration of high-speed rail networks and eco-friendly trains across Europe further supports the expansion of this mode of travel.

In countries like Germany and France, high-speed rail services provide efficiency and comfort, making train travel not only an environmentally conscious choice but also a competitive one in terms of travel time compared to other forms of transportation. For tourists, this offers a unique way to explore Europe, cutting down on travel time and offering scenic views along the way.

Travel Tips for Rail Passengers in the EU

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

• Booking in Advance: While rail travel in Europe is generally reliable, booking tickets in advance can help you secure better prices, especially for popular routes like Paris to London or Berlin to Munich.
• Use Rail Passes: Consider investing in a Eurail Pass or country-specific rail passes, which can offer unlimited travel within a set period. This can be especially beneficial for tourists looking to explore multiple destinations in Europe.
• Early Arrival at Stations: For 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 EU rail networks continue to evolve, high-speed rail and sustainability will be central to the development of future rail services. The trend of increasing passenger numbers is expected to continue, as more regions in Central and Eastern Europe invest in their rail infrastructure. The challenge moving forward will be balancing growth in passenger demand with the need to revitalize the freight sector, ensuring that rail remains a competitive option for both travelers and businesses.