Rails Over Wings: Majority of EU Citizens Favour Trains Over Planes

Europeans are ready to trade flights for faster trains—if the infrastructure exists. A new EU-wide survey shows that 83% of citizens want better cross-border connections, and a majority would choose high-speed rail over flying for short to medium distances.

A newly released European survey reveals overwhelming support among citizens for better cross-border transport and major investments in high-speed rail. Commissioned by the Community of European Railway and Infrastructure Companies (CER) and conducted by Polling Europe, the study shows that 83% of EU citizens believe current transport connections between member states need improvement, with nearly half calling for significantly faster and easier travel across the continent. The results come at a crucial time, as the European Commission prepares to unveil its strategy for a unified European High-Speed Rail Network, aiming to connect all EU capitals and major cities.

The survey, based on over 5,000 representative interviews across all 27 EU countries, captures a clear public desire for sustainable and efficient alternatives to air travel. When asked whether they would opt for high-speed trains instead of flights on short and medium-distance routes, 77% of respondents said they would, provided the network was fast, reliable, and connected Europe’s urban centres. Notably, 41% said they would be "very likely" to switch to rail.

Fun moment on approach to Paris CDG: a high speed train outpacing our plane

We were shooting from an A320 on final approach so it’s not top speed vs. top speed. But still, a pretty cool moment for the 🚄 pic.twitter.com/fHyytDtV6E

— Airline Reporter (@AirlineReporter) June 8, 2025

High-Speed Rail Seen as Key to Europe’s Connectivity and Climate Goals

In addition to travel preferences, the survey probed public opinion on infrastructure investment priorities. The findings show that 79% of EU citizens support increased European investment in high-speed rail, with 42% strongly in favour. This level of public endorsement is consistent across both countries with existing high-speed lines—such as France and Spain—and those with limited or no current services, including Poland and several Central and Eastern European states.

The momentum behind high-speed rail development has been gathering in political circles as well. European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen has backed the development of a connected European network, a vision previously endorsed by former Italian Prime Ministers Enrico Letta and Mario Draghi. According to CER Executive Director Alberto Mazzola, the timing is critical: "This perception survey on high-speed rail shows that citizens are ready to shift to sustainable and efficient transport options. We now need the European Union to align with citizens’ expectations by proposing an ambitious action plan for a High-Speed Rail Network encompassing all EU capitals and major urban areas for a better connected future."

A Vision for a Connected Europe: 49,400 Kilometres of High-Speed Links

Under discussion within the European Commission is a plan for a 49,400-kilometre High-Speed Rail Network, which would connect every EU capital and all urban centres with populations over 250,000. The project envisions speeds ranging from over 350 km/h on new lines to 200 km/h on upgraded tracks, significantly reducing travel times across the continent. For trips up to 1,000 kilometres, rail could become the fastest option—outperforming air travel once time spent in terminals and check-in procedures is factored in.

The proposed network would come with a projected investment of EUR 546 billion, aimed at delivering not only carbon savings but also fostering regional development, deeper economic integration, and inclusive accessibility across EU regions. While the figure represents a significant commitment, stakeholders argue that the benefits—in terms of mobility, environmental impact, and economic cohesion—would far outweigh the costs over time.

 

A Mandate from Citizens—and a Clear Policy Window

The survey’s release puts added pressure on EU policymakers to deliver on long-standing promises to improve rail connectivity. At a time when the European Green Deal and the Sustainable and Smart Mobility Strategy are shaping transport priorities, these findings offer a compelling mandate to act. Citizens not only recognise the value of high-speed rail, but also expect the EU to lead in developing the necessary infrastructure.

As the European Commission moves ahead with its High-Speed Rail Action Plan, the challenge will be aligning political will, public investment, and technical coordination across borders.

Sources: CER; Polling Europe survey