Trains Surpassed Bus Travel Across Europe in 2024
Rail travel accounted for 7.5% of passenger-kilometres in the EU, edging out bus and coach services.
Updated on Sept. 23, 2026 in Europe
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In 2024, trains accounted for 7.5% of total passenger-kilometres in the European Union, marking the first time the mode exceeded bus transport since 2014. Buses, coaches, and trolleybuses accounted for 7.3% of the total passenger-kilometres during the same period.
Why it matters
This shift reflects evolving preferences in European transit and the ongoing competition between different modes of public and private transportation. It highlights how rail infrastructure is performing in the broader context of EU passenger movement.
Cars dominated with a 69.2% share of total EU passenger-kilometres, followed by air travel at 15.8% and sea vessels at 0.4%. Total transport volume reached an estimated 6,130 billion passenger-kilometres across the member states.
The details
Passenger-kilometres are calculated by dividing the distance traveled by a passenger by the total distance covered across all transport modes. Regional preferences varied significantly, with Lithuania recording the highest car usage at 83.7% and Croatia leading in air transport at 45.6%.
Timeline
2014 served as the previous peak for rail share before the 2024 results.
2023 was the baseline year used to compare annual modal share changes.
2024 marked the year trains first exceeded bus shares since 2014.
September 16-22, 2026, is the scheduled time for European Mobility Week.
Travel Outlook
The 2024 results signify a return to trends observed during the 2014 rail-to-bus passenger share peak. This transition illustrates how rail has managed to reclaim its standing against other surface transport modes in a competitive market.
Travelers should note that rail remains a primary regional option, though car travel continues to account for nearly 70% of trips. Understanding these modal shares can help individuals better plan their journeys across different EU member states.
The takeaway
Rail travel is increasingly competitive with road-based public transit options for European passengers. Travelers can utilize these statistics to assess the most prevalent transport modes when mapping out their regional itineraries.
What happens next
The upcoming European Mobility Week, scheduled for September 16-22, 2026, will likely focus on these shifting transport trends.
Further reading
For more background on regional transit trends, visit our section on Europe.
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Would you choose to travel by train or bus more frequently than by private car?
