Sat, 06 Jun 2026 Berlin 22:19 DE / UKR / EN

EU plans unified ticket booking for cross-border train travel

The European Commission has introduced new rules aimed at enabling a unified ticket booking system for train travel across Europe by the end of the decade.

EU plans unified ticket booking for cross-border train travel
Photo: i.guim.co.uk

The new regulations from the European Commission aim to simplify the booking of cross-border train journeys. Travelers will be able to book a trip through multiple European countries with just one ticket. Apostolos Tzitzikostas stated that the new rules are designed to improve the “overly complex” experience for travelers, who often have to visit multiple websites to purchase tickets.

“With one click, Europeans will be able to plan, compare, and purchase multimodal travel across borders,” Tzitzikostas said. The new regulations will also ensure that travelers are better protected in cases of delays or cancellations. The operator responsible for the delay will be required to offer passengers the option to take the next train or receive compensation.

The proposals stipulate that major railway companies such as Deutsche Bahn, SNCF, and Trenitalia will be obliged to offer tickets from their competitors on their websites. This is intended to promote competition and provide travelers with more options.

The EU plans to implement these changes by the end of the current Commission’s term in 2029. This could represent a significant advancement for travelers in Europe, who often face a complex booking process.