How Ukrainians can choose the best railway carrier in Europe: comfort, prices and convenience
For many Ukrainian refugees, railway transport has become the main means of movement in Europe. Knowing how to choose a comfortable carrier can make life much easier and save time and money. It is especially important to understand the difference between companies, because the quality of services and prices vary depending on the country and operator. Railways remain one of the most environmentally friendly and convenient ways to travel, but the experience of passengers shows that not all operators meet expectations in the same way.
European organization Transport & Environment (T&E), which specializes in sustainable transport issues, conducted a large-scale study of railway operators in Europe. In this rating, 27 companies were evaluated according to such criteria as ticket price, service quality, punctuality and convenience for passengers.
Leaders of rail transportation in Europe
Trenitalia from Italy took the first step in the rating. This company has earned recognition for the combination of high quality service and affordable prices. In addition, Trenitalia provides a convenient travel experience with modern trains and a simple ticket booking system.
The Swiss company SBB has gained a reputation as the most punctual carrier in Europe. In a country known for its precision, the railway has become a true symbol of reliability. For those who value on-time arrivals and departures, SBB is the perfect choice.
The Czech operator RegioJet was distinguished by the lowest prices among competitors, while maintaining a good quality of services. Its trains are popular with tourists looking for economical yet comfortable travel options.
Industry outsiders
On the opposite side of the rating was the well-known international operator Eurostar, which connects Great Britain, France, Belgium, the Netherlands and Germany. High prices and low reliability made it the worst choice for travel.
The British company Avanti also received negative reviews, which passengers criticize for inflated fares and frequent train delays.
Some operators, such as CP (Portugal) and Snälltåget (Sweden), show a low level of punctuality, which creates inconvenience for travelers.
How to choose a railway carrier
For Ukrainians who find themselves in Europe, it is important to pay attention to several aspects when choosing a railway company:
- Ticket price. The most affordable options are offered by RegioJet (Czech Republic), BDZ (Bulgaria), Italo (Italy) and Hellenic Trains (Greece). They combine economy with an acceptable level of comfort.
- Punctuality. If your route involves transfers or you are in a hurry, the Swiss SBB, the Spanish Renfe or the Belgian SNCB are the best choices.
- Ease of booking. Operators DB (Germany), ÖBB (Austria) and SBB (Switzerland) offer the most convenient platforms for buying tickets. Tickets can be purchased not only on their official sites, but also through international services, which adds flexibility.
European realities
Despite the high quality of services in some countries, the railway industry in Europe is facing problems. Excessively high prices, especially in Germany and France, often become an obstacle to the mass use of this mode of transport. In addition, punctuality remains a challenge, with only 11 of the 27 companies able to achieve a level where more than 80% of trains arrive on time.
The organization Transport & Environment calls on the governments of European countries for reforms aimed at reducing prices and improving convenience for passengers. Rail transport has a huge potential for development, but its attractiveness depends on the availability of services.
What is important to know before the trip
For Ukrainians planning to travel by rail, it is recommended:
Book tickets in advance, as this allows you to save up to 50%.
Use proven platforms for buying tickets or official sites of operators.
Take out travel insurance before traveling to feel safe.
Knowing the specifics of each carrier will help you make the right choice and ensure comfortable travel in Europe. Whether you’re traveling for business or pleasure, careful preparation will help you avoid hassles and enjoy every trip.
