We’re big fans of rail travel, but it’s not without its complications, particularly when you’re crossing borders and have multiple connections to think about.
Well, that could all change in Europe, as the European Commission plans to make cross-continental travel smoother than ever.
The proposal? A single ticket for your entire journey, no matter how many countries you cross or operators you board with. The new passenger package will not only make train travel simpler for customers but will also enhance their rights.
‘Freedom of movement is one of Europe’s greatest achievements,’ said commissioner for sustainable transport and tourism Apostolos Tzitzikostas in a statement. ‘Today, we are taking it a step further by making travel across all 27 Member States simpler, smarter and more passenger-friendly.’
Using ‘digital tools and integrated mobility services’, travellers through Europe will be able to plan, compare and buy multimodal journeys and enjoy greater transparency about ticket prices, according to euronews.
Passengers will also have better protection should they encounter complications. If a connection is missed, passengers will be rerouted to their destination without having to buy another ticket – whether or not the two legs are run by the same operator. And food and accommodation will be offered should a passenger be stranded overnight.
The proposal would also mean operators are required to make tickets available five months in advance, and that all ticket options must be displayed to customers during the booking process – including potentially cheaper fares on offer from competitors.
Easier booking and more rights? We love the sound of this. And though the proposal still needs to be examined and approved by the Council of the European Union and the European Parliament, 85 percent of laws are adopted either at the end of their first reading or at the start of their second.
Stay tuned, and in the meantime, check out 13 of the most exciting new train routes launching in 2026.
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