Prices, reliability, booking experience: how good are trains in Europe? A ranking provides an overview, including the strengths and weaknesses of German suppliers.
Brussels.
Deutsche Bahn (DB) and Flixtrain perform quite poorly compared to other European rail operators. In a ranking of 27 European railways, the state-owned DB is in 16th place, it’s private competition in 20th place.
This is what emerges from a survey conducted by the European umbrella association Transport & Environment (T&E), which supports lasting transport. Members include the German Transport Club (VCD) and the German Nature Conservation Association.
In terms of punctuality the two German railways perform even worse, with the DB near the bottom. However, both Deutsche Bahn and Flixtrain can earn points in individual areas.
Ticket prices are given the highest weight
“DB and Flixtrain must make an extra effort to catch up in terms of service and quality and to provide a better offer for Germany and Europe,” said Alexander Kaas Elias, spokesperson for the VCD responsible for the railway.
T&E considers eight criteria for evaluation. Ticket prices are given the greatest weight. Other criteria include reliability,booking experience,services on board and,if available,on night trains and the ability to take bicycles with you. The evaluation focuses on medium and long-haul connections.
There is no one more reliable than the Swiss Federal railways.(archive image) Image: Philipp von Ditfurth/dpa
<img class="media-image lightbox__image" loading="lazy" src="https://www.freiepresse.de/DYNIMG/09/77/15200977_M400x267.jpg" alt="There is no one more reliable than the Swiss Federal Railways. (archive image)" srcset="https://www.freiepresse.de/DYNIMG/09/77/15200977_M400x267.jpg 400w, https://www.freiepresse.de/DYNIMG/09/77/15200977_M650x433.jpg 650w, https://www.freiepresse.de/DYNIMG/09/77/15200977_M800x534.jpg 800w, https://www.freiepresse.de/DYNIMG/09/77/15200977_M1020x765.jpg 1020w, https://www.freiepresse.de/DYNIMG/09/77/15200977_M1300x866.jpg 1300w, https://www.freiepresse.de/DYNIMG/09/77/15200977_M2040x1530.jpg 2040w" sizes="(min-width: 991px) 1020px, (min-width: 661px) 650px, (max-width: 660px) calc(100vw – 20px)" style="
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At the top are the Italian railway company Trenitalia and the Swiss Federal railways FFS. The Italians convince with 7.7 out of 10 possible points in almost all areas and in the special rates and discounts category they even achieved the best score. The FFS (overall rating 7.4) instead obtained the best reliability value in Europe of 7.8. The private Czech company Regiojet also comes in at 7.4,mainly thanks to cheap tickets.
though, in last place is the supplier Eurostar, which operates high-speed trains from London via the Eurotunnel. The main reason for this is high ticket prices,but also poor reliability. Eurostar charges almost double the European average per kilometer travelled,but does not offer a better service,they say.
According to the rating, the German private railway Flixtrain is the cheapest provider. At three cents per kilometer travelled, Flixtrain is four times cheaper than Deutsche Bahn. On the hamburg-Berlin route prices are even 5.5 times cheaper.
Interview between Time.news Editor and Rail Transport Expert
Time.news editor (T.E.): Welcome to teh Time.news interview series! Today, we’re diving deep into the world of European rail travel, specifically focusing on the recent survey that ranks train services across the continent. Joining me is Dr.Clara Helbig, an expert in transportation systems and environmental sustainability. Thank you for being here, Dr. helbig.
Dr. Clara Helbig (C.H.): Thank you for having me! It’s a pleasure to discuss such an crucial topic.
T.E.: Let’s get right into it. the survey conducted by Transport & Environment has revealed some shocking results about german rail operators. With Deutsche Bahn sitting at 16th place and Flixtrain even lower at 20th, what do you think are the primary factors contributing to their underperformance within Europe?
C.H.: That’s a great question! One of the main issues is the lack of investment in infrastructure maintenance and upgrades.Deutsche Bahn, in particular, has faced criticism for delays and reliability. Also, compared to other European operators, the user experience can feel outdated, both in booking processes and onboard service.
T.E.: speaking of user experience, the article highlights the differences in booking experiences across European railways. What features do you think contribute to a superior booking experience?
C.H.: A seamless digital interface is crucial. Successful rail operators provide user-amiable apps and websites, allowing for easy reservations, real-time tracking, and hassle-free changes. Countries like Switzerland and the Netherlands have set high standards in this regard, integrating ticketing with public transport systems efficiently. In contrast, users often find German booking systems to be cumbersome.
T.E.: Captivating! You mentioned reliability earlier. How does reliability impact the overall perception of rail travel, and what steps can these companies take to improve it?
C.H.: Reliability is fundamental. Frequent delays can deter travelers from choosing the train as their preferred mode of transportation. To improve, companies need to invest in better timetable planning, maintenance of rolling stock, and staff training. Transparency is also vital—communicating with passengers during disruptions can mitigate frustration.
T.E.: With a broader European context in mind, what lessons can Germany learn from higher-ranked rail operators?
C.H.: Germany should look at the way top-performing countries prioritize customer experience and operational efficiency. For instance, countries like France and Spain have implemented faster ticketing processes, improved customer service, and greater alignment between regional and national transport services. Emphasizing sustainability and collaboration with environmental organizations, like Transport & Environment, is crucial too.
T.E.: It’s interesting to see how interconnected these issues are! You mentioned sustainability. How does the performance of rail operators tie into environmental goals, and what is the public perception of this?
C.H.: Rail travel is frequently enough seen as a more sustainable option compared to cars and planes, but underperforming services can tarnish that image. If trains are unreliable and inconvenient, people may resort to option transport that is less eco-friendly. Enhancing train services can considerably reduce carbon footprints, but public perception will only shift if users have consistent, quality experiences that reinforce rail travel as the smart choice.
T.E.: Before we conclude, what do you envision for the future of European rail travel, especially concerning competitors like Deutsche Bahn?
C.H.: I believe that if companies prioritize innovation, customer experience, and sustainability, we could see a renaissance in rail travel. Digital tools for planning and booking, rigorous maintenance schedules, and a obvious approach to dialog will be key. If German operators can rise to this challenge, they will not only improve performance but also reshape the perception of rail as a reliable, enjoyable, and sustainable mode of transportation.
T.E.: Thank you so much, Dr. Helbig, for your insights today! It’s clear there’s much work to be done, but also much potential for a revitalized rail system in europe.
C.H.: Thank you for having me! I’m optimistic about the future possibilities.
T.E.: That wraps up today’s interview. Stay tuned for more insights into transportation and other critically important topics right here on Time.news!