The European Commission has unveiled plans to simplify international train travel by introducing a single-ticket system for journeys across Europe.

Announced on Wednesday, the proposal aims to address long-standing frustrations faced by rail passengers booking cross-border trips. Currently, travellers often need to navigate multiple websites, purchase separate tickets from different operators and manage connections without guaranteed protection if delays occur.

Under the new rules, passengers would be able to search, compare and book rail services from multiple companies in a single transaction using the platform of their choice, whether through an independent booking service or a railway operator’s website.

The Commission also wants rail companies to share ticketing and timetable data with third-party platforms seeking to sell their services. Major national operators would be required to open their booking systems to competitors, a move designed to encourage greater competition in the European rail market.

The proposal includes expanded passenger protections for international journeys booked under one ticket. Travellers who miss a connection because of delays would be entitled to an alternative route or a refund from the responsible operator. In certain situations, passengers could also receive meals or hotel accommodation.

Brussels says the reforms are intended to make long-distance rail travel more convenient and strengthen efforts to promote environmentally friendly transport across the continent.

The measures still require approval from EU member states and the European Parliament before they can take effect. Photo by Stratoswift, Wikimedia commons.