Greece to Invest Four Hundred Twenty Million Euros in Rail Modernization by 2027: New Trains, Stricter Regulations, and Enhanced Tourism Connectivity

Published on December 24, 2025

Greece is embarking on a major rail modernization project, investing €420 million to upgrade its national railway system by 2027. This initiative will introduce new electric trains, enforce stricter safety regulations, and improve operational efficiency across the network. The goal is to make rail travel in Greece faster, safer, more reliable, and more comfortable, benefiting both local commuters and international tourists exploring the country.

€308 Million Investment in New Trains

A significant portion of the €420 million investment, €308 million, will be dedicated to acquiring 23 state-of-the-art electric trains. Manufactured by Alstom, these new trains will be the first to join the fleet since the 2004 Olympic Games, representing the largest private investment in Greece’s land transport sector. The new Coradia Stream trains will operate on both intercity and suburban routes, including the highly trafficked Athens–Thessaloniki corridor.

These trains are designed to offer increased capacity, improved accessibility, and modern interiors. With advanced safety features, including ETCS signalling and real-time monitoring systems, the Coradia Stream trains aim to provide passengers with a smooth and secure travel experience. By 2026, travelers can expect reduced travel time between Athens and Thessaloniki to under three and a half hours, making train travel a more competitive option compared to road and air travel.

Digital Oversight and Modernized Service Standards

Alongside the fleet upgrades, the rail system will benefit from a digital transformation. A new geolocation-based monitoring system, developed by the Hellenic Railways Organization (OSE), will replace the outdated paper-based tracking methods. This digital system will provide real-time route supervision and link service performance to compensation and payments, improving operational efficiency and passenger satisfaction.

The new contract with Hellenic Train will also introduce tougher penalties for delays, poor maintenance, and service disruptions, with a termination clause in place if the trains are not delivered on schedule. Additionally, the modernization includes doubled passenger compensation in the event of serious incidents, alongside mandatory safety training for all railway staff.

Improved Regional and International Connectivity

The rail upgrade is not only focused on domestic routes but will also improve international rail connections. Expanding the network to Patras and the Peloponnese will help connect more regions of Greece, making it easier for tourists to access Greece’s coastal areas, cultural sites, and popular destinations. Furthermore, improved northern routes and international corridors will enhance cross-border rail travel, particularly toward Bulgaria and Romania. This will encourage more overland arrivals from Central and Southeastern Europe.

Station Renovations and Enhanced Tourism Experience

As part of the broader modernization effort, Greece will renovate key railway stations, transforming them into modern transport hubs. These upgraded stations will provide a more welcoming and efficient arrival experience for domestic and international visitors alike. The improvements in travel time, service reliability, and station facilities will also boost Greece’s appeal as a destination for city breaks and multi-stop itineraries.

The rail upgrades align with Greece’s broader tourism strategy, which focuses on sustainable tourism development. By improving rail infrastructure, Greece is offering tourists an eco-friendly alternative to road and air travel, contributing to a reduction in the environmental footprint of transport. These changes are expected to position Greece as a modern, connected, and reliable destination for travelers.

Boosting Greek Tourism

The rail modernization project will have a significant impact on the country’s tourism sector. Faster travel times, enhanced accessibility, and more reliable services will help distribute visitors more evenly across Greece. This will alleviate pressure on traditional tourism hubs such as Athens and Thessaloniki, while also encouraging exploration of Greece’s many other regions. With better access to coastal areas, cultural sites, and lesser-known destinations, the rail upgrades are expected to foster the growth of niche tourism markets, including leisure, cultural, and eco-tourism.

Conclusion: A New Era for Greek Rail Travel

By 2027, Greece’s rail modernization project will have transformed the country’s transport infrastructure. The introduction of new electric trains, the implementation of stricter safety regulations, and the overall improvement in service quality will create a rail network that is faster, safer, and more sustainable. For local commuters, this means more reliable daily journeys, while international visitors will benefit from easier access to cities, regions, and tourist destinations across the country.

With upgraded stations, improved regional connectivity, and better international rail links, the project is set to enhance Greece’s position as a modern, well-connected destination. This €420 million investment in rail modernization promises to reshape the way people travel within Greece, supporting both the tourism sector and the country’s overall growth in the coming years.