EU Moves Towards Single Ticket System for Cross-Border Train Travel Across Europe

Dublin: The European Commission is preparing new legislation aimed at simplifying cross-border rail travel across European Union member states, potentially allowing passengers to travel across Europe using a single train ticket from countries including Ireland.

The proposed reforms are designed to make it easier for passengers to search, compare and purchase tickets for international rail journeys through one integrated booking system.

Easier Rail Travel Across Europe

Apostolos Tzitzikostas said freedom of movement remains one of Europe’s greatest achievements and that the EU aims to make travel across all 27 member states “simpler, better and more passenger-friendly”.

Under the proposed rules, railway operators would be required to:

• Share ticketing and timetable data with online booking platforms
• Make tickets available through third-party websites
• Allow passengers to book multi-country rail journeys more easily

Companies controlling more than 50% of a national rail market would also be required to display all domestic services on their websites and provide ticket purchasing options for customers.

Push to Reduce Air Travel Emissions

The European Commission said the reforms are part of broader efforts to encourage rail travel and reduce carbon emissions from aviation.

EU data shows that:

• Around 400 million passengers travelled internationally by air within the bloc in 2024
• Approximately 150 million passengers made cross-border rail journeys during the same period

Rail transport accounted for only 0.3% of EU transport-related greenhouse gas emissions in 2022, compared with 12% from civil aviation.

The initiative comes as rising jet fuel prices linked to tensions in the Middle East continue to affect Europe’s travel industry.

New Passenger Rights Proposed

The Commission is also proposing stronger protections for rail passengers, particularly in cases involving delays or missed connections.

Under the proposed rules:

• Operators responsible for delays would have to reroute passengers or provide refunds
• Accommodation and meals would need to be provided where necessary
• Passengers would be entitled to board the next available train during disruptions

The measures are aimed at improving confidence in international rail travel.

Rail Operators Raise Concerns

However, the plans have faced opposition from major railway companies and industry groups.

Community of European Railways criticised the proposals as excessive regulation.

Its executive director, Alberto Mazzola, argued that forcing operators to sell tickets through competitors’ platforms was unfair.

“Imagine Lufthansa being required to sell Ryanair tickets,” Mazzola said while criticising the proposal.

Rail operators also warned that sharing ticketing systems and data could increase costs and benefit large international booking platforms.

Booking Difficulties Discourage Travellers

Supporters of the reform argue that complicated booking systems are discouraging passengers from choosing trains over flights.

A 2025 survey conducted by YouGov for transport advocacy group Transport and Environment found that:

• Two-thirds of respondents avoided rail travel because booking was too difficult
• Booking international train journeys took around 70% longer than booking flights

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