Train travel hits new record in Europe

New record levels of train travel were set in Europe last year, with Germany and France leading the way, according to Eurostat data. In 2025, a total of 457 billion passenger-kilometers (pkm) were recorded, marking an annual increase of 2.6% and the highest figure since these statistics began in 2004.

Passenger-kilometers show long-term growth

This represents a 14% increase compared to 2019, prior to the covid crisis. The pkm unit measures the transport of one person over one kilometer, calculated by multiplying the number of passengers on each journey by the journey's length.

Germany and France dominate rail travel

Germany and France accounted for nearly half of the total EU pkm, with Germany recording 111.8 billion pkm and France 110.6 billion pkm. In contrast, six EU countries recorded less than 1 billion pkm.

Passenger numbers also lead in Germany and France

In terms of the number of passengers, Germany and France also led, with Germany carrying 3 billion passengers and France 1.3 billion, ahead of Italy (800 million) and Spain (700 million).

SNCF sets passenger record in France

SNCF transported 168.4 million passengers in 2025, including services such as Inoui, Ouigo, and Eurostar, representing a 3.5% annual growth and a record level of passenger numbers. This figure includes regional trains, suburban trains in Île-de-France, and Intercités services.

Per capita rail travel varies widely

Hungary recorded the highest number of passenger-kilometers per capita (1,692), followed by France (1,606) and Austria (1,588). In contrast, Greece (69), Lithuania (164), and Bulgaria (226) recorded the lowest figures.