Facts and analysis

This page offers a snapshot of key insights and perspectives on international train tourism and rail travel in Europe. If you are interested in learning more, we encourage you to get in touch.

Photo: Mark Tanggaard

Why was the Partnership established?

International rail travel is experiencing renewed momentum across Europe, driven by growing demand for more sustainable and convenient travel options. At the same time, cities, destinations, rail operators and tourism organisations recognise that stronger cooperation is needed to realise the full potential of cross-border rail tourism.

The Partnership for International Rail Tourism was initiated by the City of Copenhagen and Wonderful Copenhagen in response to both political ambition and increasing public demand for international rail connections to, from and via Copenhagen. An analysis conducted by IMPLEMENT identified significant opportunities for international rail tourism, while stakeholders across the sector expressed a strong interest in working together.

To support this work, the City of Copenhagen allocated funding in Budget 2026 for partnership activities from 2026 to 2029.

8.7 billion rail trips were made in the EU in 2024, totalling 444.5 billion passenger‑kilometres the highest level in years.

Source: Eurostat

Only approx. 10% of international tourist arrive to Copenhagen by train, while over 70% fly.

Source: IMPLEMENT 2025

International rail revenue at DSB has grown by around 51% annually since 2020.

Source: IMPLEMENT 2025

To travel by train is to combat climate change.Volker Wissing
Former FederalMinister for Digital and Transport in Germany Statement from UIC railconference speech 2022

Status on Rail Tourism 2025 by IMPLEMENT

The partnership is supported by an analysis developed by IMPLEMENT, which highlights the potential for international train tourism to, from and via Copenhagen, as well as key opportunities and barriers in the sector.

You can access the full report via the link below.

20250408_status-on-rail-tourism-final-report.pdf

PDF4.71MB

Rail travel emits only about 14% of the CO₂ produced by flying, making it a significantly more sustainable choice.
Sources: Our World in Data (2023), Interviews (2025), IM_Analysis

Rail travelers arrive directly in the city center, unlike airports, which are often far from urban areas.
Sources: Our World in Data (2023), Interviews (2025), IM_ Analysis

We must move more transport from road and air to railand sea. Jon-Ivar Nygård
Norwegian Minister for Transport Statement from Norwegian National Transport Plan 2021 -2022

79% of citizens agree that Europe should invest more in high-speed rail to make it easier to travel between European countries.

Source: CER / Polling Europe: European passenger survey (5,000+ respondents) 2025

Around two-thirds of Europeans support replacing short-haul flights with trains.

Source: Hitachi Rail study (International traveller study (11,000+ respondents) 2025)

Need more info?

If you are looking for specific information or would like to learn more, please feel free to get in touch. We will be happy to connect you with the relevant partner within the network.