Travel across Europe just became faster and more convenient as the European Union’s high-speed rail network expands to include 10 new major cities in June 2025. This ambitious infrastructure project, funded by the EU’s Green Travel Initiative, aims to reduce carbon emissions by encouraging train travel over short-haul flights. The new routes include connections between Barcelona and Marseille, Berlin and Warsaw, and Milan and Zagreb, significantly cutting travel times. For instance, the Barcelona-Marseille route now takes just 4.5 hours, down from the previous 7-hour journey.
The expansion comes with upgraded amenities, including faster Wi-Fi, more spacious seating, and improved dining options featuring locally sourced meals. Travelers can also enjoy seamless ticketing integration, allowing them to book multi-country journeys through a single app. The EU estimates that this expansion will reduce intra-European air travel by 15% over the next two years, marking a major step toward the bloc’s 2030 sustainability goals.
Tourism experts predict that this development will boost travel to lesser-known destinations. Cities like Zagreb and Lyon, previously overshadowed by their more famous neighbors, are expected to see a surge in visitors. Local businesses are already preparing for the influx, with new boutique hotels and cultural tours being launched to cater to the anticipated demand.
However, challenges remain, including occasional delays due to cross-border regulatory differences and the need for further infrastructure upgrades in Eastern Europe. Despite these hurdles, the expansion represents a significant leap forward in sustainable travel, offering tourists an eco-friendly way to explore the continent.
