In 2023, France had the longest railway network for freight and passenger transport in Europe at around 25,050 km, despite a slight decline of 0.16% from the previous year. Poland, the UK, and Spain followed with mixed trends. Spain showed the most notable growth at 1.77%, whereas Ireland's extensive decline of 4.68% indicates logistical and infrastructural challenges. The data highlights varied growth, with Slovakia and Estonia showing promising expansions at 0.46% and 0.92% respectively, suggesting investments and policy shifts favoring rail transport.
Future trends to watch include the continuous expansion of high-speed rail networks in Spain and the UK, and potential shifts towards sustainability driving investments in eco-friendly rail technologies across Europe.
Top countries in Length of Railway Lines Used for Freight and Passenger Transport by Country
| # | 10 Countries | Kilometers | Last Year | YoY | 5-years CAGR | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 1 France | 25,050 | 2023 | +0.28% | -0.16% | View data |
| 2 | 2 Poland | 15,750 | 2023 | -0.43% | -0.15% | View data |
| 3 | 3 United Kingdom | 14,830 | 2023 | +0.088% | +0.12% | View data |
| 4 | 4 Spain | 13,410 | 2023 | +0.94% | +1.77% | View data |
| 5 | 5 Romania | 10,730 | 2023 | -0.16% | -0.065% | View data |
| 6 | 6 Czech Republic | 9,530 | 2023 | +0.01% | -0.094% | View data |
| 7 | 7 Hungary | 7,650 | 2023 | -0.2% | +0.32% | View data |
| 8 | 8 Austria | 5,570 | 2023 | -0.036% | +0.16% | View data |
| 9 | 9 Finland | 4,020 | 2023 | -0.025% | -0.015% | View data |
| 10 | 10 Serbia | 3,740 | 2023 | +2.1% | +0.1% | View data |
