A Single Ticket for All EU Trains: The Proposal That Could Change Travel in Europe
The European Commission has presented a proposal aimed at transforming the way train travel is booked within the Union. The project, called "One Journey, One Ticket, Full Rights", aims to introduce a system that allows travelers to purchase itineraries with a single operation, encompassing regional, national, and international routes, even when operated by different companies.
The initiative will now be examined by the European Parliament and the Council of the European Union according to the normal legislative process. The goal is to reduce the fragmentation of the rail market and make mobility simpler, especially for those living in border areas or less connected regions. Raffaele Fitto emphasized that the project aims to eliminate barriers and strengthen the internal European market.
One of the central elements of the proposal involves the obligation for rail operators to make their tickets available on any interested online ticketing platform. This way, passengers can compare offers and complete their purchase in a single transaction, without needing to use different sites or applications.
Additional Details on the Single Train Ticket
The Commission also requests that platforms operate neutrally, displaying competitors' solutions and preventing favoritism. According to a Eurobarometer survey published in April 2025, one quarter of Europeans stated they encounter difficulties when organizing train trips with multiple operators, while 43% have completely given up on booking.
The new system also includes broader protections for passengers. If a connection is missed due to a delay or cancellation, those holding a single ticket will be entitled to assistance, rebooking on another train, a refund, and financial compensation. The company responsible for the disruption will bear the costs, while other operators will be required to accept the traveler on the next available train.
According to Ursula von der Leyen, the measure will strengthen freedom of movement and make rail transport more accessible. Apostolos Tzitzikostas estimated that the initiative could lead to an increase of about 5% in passengers and contribute to a reduction in prices, in a transformation that some observers have compared to the impact of free roaming in mobile telephony.