France and Germany Lead EU Rail Initiative as 74% of Europeans Demand Greener Tourism in 2026

[Brussels, September 18, 2026] — France and Germany are spearheading a coordinated effort with other European Union member states to overhaul the continent's rail tourism infrastructure following data showing 74% of EU citizens support the promotion of rail as a sustainable travel solution.

The initiative follows a comprehensive study funded by the Community of European Railways (CER), which polled 5,048 individuals across all 27 EU nations. The findings are now being utilized by the European Commission to architect a new policy framework for sustainable tourism, aiming to shift passenger volume away from carbon-heavy transport modes toward high-speed and regional rail networks.

The Catalyst for Rail Transformation

The primary driver for this policy shift is a widespread public mandate for greener transit. According to the CER survey, a combined 74% of respondents agree that promoting rail is essential for the future of tourism—35% "strongly agree" and 39% "somewhat agree." Only 16% of those polled disagreed with the necessity of rail expansion, while 10% remained undecided.

Geographic data indicates that the appetite for rail is strongest in Southern Europe, where support reached 79%. This is led by Italy, which recorded 79% support, and Spain, which followed closely at 75%. Central and Eastern Europe reported a 75% support rate, while Northern Europe showed the lowest, albeit still significant, support at 69%.

Market-Specific Priorities and Barriers

While the desire for sustainability is high, the survey reveals a stark disconnect between environmental ideals and actual purchasing behavior. Travelers in the EU's largest markets, specifically France and Germany, prioritize efficiency and cost over carbon footprints.

Market	Primary Concern	Key Statistic
France	Total Journey Cost	76% prioritize price
France	Journey Duration	55% prioritize time
Germany	Total Travel Time	51% prioritize speed
Italy	Rail Promotion Support	79% favor rail
Spain	Rail Promotion Support	75% favor rail

The data suggests that while French and German citizens operate within the most established rail networks, they have the highest expectations regarding service quality and pricing. In contrast, travelers in Italy and Spain express a higher willingness to switch to rail if the European Union Agency for Railways (ERA) and national operators can provide better connectivity.

What This Means for Travelers

For the average tourist or digital nomad, this shift in EU policy does not yet translate to cheaper tickets, but it signals a massive coming change in how Europe is navigated.

The "Convenience Gap" The survey highlights a critical reality: environmental impact is currently a low priority for the actual booking process. Only 19% of travelers cited the environment as a primary factor in their transport choice. Instead, 60% prioritize the total cost of the journey, 53% prioritize onboard comfort, and 50% prioritize total travel time.

Booking and Availability Currently, only 4% of Europeans report using trains regularly for tourism. However, 65% of the population stated they would choose rail over other modes for leisure travel if more connections were available. This means travelers can expect a surge in cross-border route expansions and a simplification of international ticketing systems as the EU attempts to close the gap between "intent" and "action."

The Roadmap for Regional Expansion

The long-term goal of the France-Germany partnership is to use rail to decentralize tourism. By improving links between major hubs—such as Paris, Berlin, Rome, and Madrid—and secondary cities, the EU aims to reduce the "overtourism" pressure on major capitals.

The strategy focuses on three primary growth areas:

1. Rural Destination Growth: Creating viable rail links to smaller towns to spread tourist spending.
2. Off-Season Travel: Using rail accessibility to encourage visits outside of the peak summer months.
3. Regional Development: Supporting local economies by making secondary cities easier to reach without a rental car.

The highest willingness to switch to rail is currently found in Poland (74%) and Spain (74%), followed by Italy (72%). France (56%) and Germany (53%) show lower willingness to switch, likely because their existing infrastructure already provides high-speed options, leaving less room for "new" improvements to entice users.

FAQ: EU Rail Tourism 2026

Will train tickets become cheaper under this new EU initiative? While the policy focuses on infrastructure and connectivity, the survey shows 60% of travelers prioritize cost. For the initiative to succeed, policymakers will likely need to address pricing structures to compete with low-cost airlines.

Which countries are most likely to see new rail routes? Poland, Spain, and Italy show the highest willingness to adopt rail (over 72%), making them primary targets for new cross-border connections and infrastructure upgrades.

Does this mean flights within Europe will be restricted? The current focus is on "promoting" rail and increasing connectivity rather than banning flights. The goal is to make rail the more attractive and convenient choice through speed and ease of booking.

How will this affect travel to smaller European cities? The EU intends to use expanded rail networks to divert tourists from overcrowded hubs like Paris and Rome toward rural and secondary destinations, potentially reducing crowds in major cities.

Europe is betting that speed and price will eventually outweigh the convenience of the flight path.

---

Related Travel Guides

• Costs Timetable Increased: UK Government Resets HS2 Rail Project

• Uzbekistan Opens Baytqo‘rg‘on–Parkent Railway as New Passenger Route Strengthens Tashkent Region Travel Network

• Birmingham To Manchester Airport Gains New Direct Train Route To Transform UK Travel Connections