Between 1990 and 2020, the total length of railway networks in the European Union declined. The peak was recorded in the beginning of the reporting period, with 220,757 kilometers, excluding the United Kingdom. However, by 2021, this figure had fallen to 202,596 kilometers.
High-speed rail defies trend
In contrast to the overall decline in railway length, the high-speed rail network saw a prominent extension. Between 1985 and 2021, the number of kilometers available grew almost twentyfold, reaching 11,666 kilometers in 2021.
As of 2021, Spain had the greatest length of high-speed rail networks in Europe. It was closely followed by France, with Germany coming in third.
Germany home to most extensive rail network
Of European countries, Germany recorded the most extensive rail web. As of 2021, Germany’s rail network amounted to nearly 39,799 kilometers. By comparison, Spain’s network had a total length of 16,280 kilometers.
Total length of the railway lines in use in the European Union (EU-27) from 1990 to 2021
(in kilometers)
Profit from the additional features of your individual account
Currently, you are using a shared account. To use individual functions (e.g., mark statistics as favourites, set
statistic alerts) please log in with your personal account.
If you are an admin, please authenticate by logging in again.
Learn more about how Statista can support your business.
European Commission. (October 10, 2023). Total length of the railway lines in use in the European Union (EU-27) from 1990 to 2021 (in kilometers) [Graph]. In Statista. Retrieved November 21, 2024, from https://www.statista.com/statistics/451812/length-of-railway-lines-in-use-in-europe-eu-28/
European Commission. "Total length of the railway lines in use in the European Union (EU-27) from 1990 to 2021 (in kilometers)." Chart. October 10, 2023. Statista. Accessed November 21, 2024. https://www.statista.com/statistics/451812/length-of-railway-lines-in-use-in-europe-eu-28/
European Commission. (2023). Total length of the railway lines in use in the European Union (EU-27) from 1990 to 2021 (in kilometers). Statista. Statista Inc.. Accessed: November 21, 2024. https://www.statista.com/statistics/451812/length-of-railway-lines-in-use-in-europe-eu-28/
European Commission. "Total Length of The Railway Lines in Use in The European Union (Eu-27) from 1990 to 2021 (in Kilometers)." Statista, Statista Inc., 10 Oct 2023, https://www.statista.com/statistics/451812/length-of-railway-lines-in-use-in-europe-eu-28/
European Commission, Total length of the railway lines in use in the European Union (EU-27) from 1990 to 2021 (in kilometers) Statista, https://www.statista.com/statistics/451812/length-of-railway-lines-in-use-in-europe-eu-28/ (last visited November 21, 2024)
Total length of the railway lines in use in the European Union (EU-27) from 1990 to 2021 (in kilometers) [Graph], European Commission, October 10, 2023. [Online]. Available: https://www.statista.com/statistics/451812/length-of-railway-lines-in-use-in-europe-eu-28/
