One Ticket for the Whole Journey: EU Plans to Simplify Train Travel

The European Union is moving toward an integrated transport system where different modes of travel are interconnected. In May, the European Commission proposed the “one journey, one ticket” principle for rail transport. The new rules still need approval from the EU Council and the European Parliament.

Under the initiative, passengers will be able to find, compare and buy tickets from various railway operators, including international ones, in one place. Ticket prices must be transparent, and travelers will retain the right to compensation in case of delays or missed connections for the entire journey. Operators will be required to coordinate schedules and ensure sufficient transfer time, as well as share data with booking platforms.

At the same time, the EU is developing its high-speed rail network. A plan published in November 2025 aims to reduce travel time on the Berlin–Copenhagen route from seven to four hours by 2030, and by 2035, the journey from Sofia to Athens by train would take six hours. 804 rail infrastructure projects have been launched with total EU funding of €34.4 billion.

The situation in aviation is more complicated. Discussions on revising Regulation (EC) No 261/2004, which defines air passenger rights, have been ongoing for several years. Currently, the European Parliament advocates for compensation starting after a three-hour delay, while the EU Council wants compensation only after a four-to-six-hour delay depending on flight distance. In March 2026, member state ministers rejected Parliament's proposals, leading to the formation of a Conciliation Committee. Airlines claim the current regulation costs the industry about €8 billion annually in compensation, and additional costs would be difficult to bear due to high fuel prices and inflation. An agreement is hoped to be reached by mid-June 2026.