Global train links are experiencing a surge in popularity. - Growing popularity of cross-border railway links worldwide
The rail industry is witnessing an expansion in cross-border connections, and it's a hit among passengers. Recent statistics underline this trend. Journeys overseas with German Rail are witnessing a surge in popularity. As Michael Peterson, head of long-distance traffic, stated in Düsseldorf, there were over 24 million passengers in cross-border traffic in 2024, surpassing the 2023 record. This figure represents around 250,000 additional travelers compared to the previous year.
Peterson and Minister President Hendrik Wüst celebrated this achievement by christening an ICE 3neo "Düsseldorf" in North Rhine-Westphalia's state capital. The ICE 3neo has been in operation since late 2022 and serves routes such as Frankfurt to Amsterdam and Frankfurt to Brussels.
There were significant increases in passenger numbers on several routes. For instance, the Hamburg-Kopenhagen line saw a 24.7% rise in 2024, while the Cologne-Brussels route witnessed a 15.5% boost. The Munich-Paris route also experienced a 5.8% increase in passengers. The new Berlin-Paris route has also garnered above-average bookings for the entire first half of 2024.
One of the most notable developments is the ICE direct connection between Berlin and Paris, which has operated daily since December 2024.
Cross-border train travel with German Rail has seen a significant growth, driven by the increasing demand for sustainable and convenient travel options. The Berlin-Paris route, which experienced high demand, is an excellent example of this trend. The route between Munich and Paris is also expected to see an increase in frequency, potentially reaching five daily services by December 2026.
The cooperation between DB and the French national railway SNCF is vital to these developments, reflecting a broader European trend of enhancing rail connectivity and sustainability.
The European Union has played a significant role in fostering this expansion in cross-border connections, as it promotes the development of sustainable and convenient travel options. Michael Peterson, while in Düsseldorf, highlighted that the number of passengers using German Rail for cross-border journeys in 2024 reached over 24 million, surpassing the 2023 record in Düsseldorf, which is located in North Rhine-Westphalia. The christening of an ICE 3neo "Düsseldorf" by Peterson and Minister President Hendrik Wüst marked this achievement, and the 3neo serves routes like Frankfurt to Amsterdam and Frankfurt to Brussels, carrying numerous passengers.
