Trains in EuropeTrains might be the easiest way to travel around Europe, and one of the reasons is because you can visit multiple countries with just one rail pass. With the Eurail Global Pass, you'll have access to unlimited and borderless travel without needing to book several tickets per destination.
1. Switzerland. Tucked inside the small but incredibly beautiful country of Switzerland is one of the most efficient and scenic rail networks in the world.
Rail and air travel are the safest modes per distance travelled, followed by bus. The passengers of trains, bus/coach and planes within the EU have the lowest fatality risk per passenger kilometre.
Trenitalia's Paris to Milan route was first introduced in December 2021, serviced by Hitachi Rail's ETR1000. This super high speed train travels at 300km/h - with the ability to go400km/h if not limited by track regulations - making it the fastest train in Europe.
And after being crowned European Green Capital 2023, Tallinn is far from resting on its laurels so far as clean transport and other aspects of urban life go. Here's what it's making possible. Europe's richest country made public transport free: Could other countries do the same?
The Netherlands (6.4) takes the top spot for road quality in Europe ? only outperformed by Singapore (6.5) globally ? followed by Switzerland (6.3) (which is also 3rd worldwide), Austria (6.0), Portugal (6), Spain (5.7) and Croatia (5.6).
Two European countries stand out for their trailblazing free transport schemes. Estonia's capital Tallinn introduced free public transport in 2013. In 2020, Luxembourg became the first country in the world to scrap fares on all public transport.
If China is the largest exporter of rail technology in the world, its neighbour Japan is certainly the most technologically advanced manufacturer on the market. Having launched the first class of bullet trains in 1964, the country has continuously updated its models according to the latest technological advancements.
Switzerland! Yup, taking the bus or train in Switzerland will set you back quite a way with the most expensive public transport in the world (and we can't say we're surprised). A one-way trip, on average, will cost €3.56 (USD $3.97), while a monthly pass, on average, costs €79.14 (USD$88.26) — ouch!
Among the poorest countries in Europe, Ukraine ranks as the poorest with a GNI per capita of $3,540. Moldova follows closely behind in the second position with a GNI per capita of $4,570. Albania is the third poorest European country, with a GNI per capita of $5,210.
Luxembourg, Malta, Austria, Germany, Cyprus and Spain came out on top with high scores for easy-to-use tickets and discounts. Tallinn in Estonia, Luxembourg and Valletta in Malta came in the first three spots for the city ranking.
Far down in the deep green forests of the West Midlands in England lies what claims to be the shortest railway branch line in Europe. The Stourbridge Town line measures a titchy 0.8 miles long with a mere two stops, travelling from Stourbridge Town to Stourbridge Junction.
High-speed trains in Europe can reach speeds of up to 198 mph (320 km/h). Some of the fastest trains in Europe travelling at these speeds include AVE, TGV and Frecciarossa 1000.
Japan: L0 Series Maglev (374 mph)Although not yet in regular service, this Japanese train, which is currently being developed and tested by the Central Japan Railway Company (JR Central), holds the land speed record for rail vehicles, clocking in at 374 mph.