Finland, Germany, Italy, Portugal, Ukraine, Spain, Turkey, Norway, the UK, France, and Switzerland back a 250 mph train system to connect 39 cities, slash flight demand, and transform continental transit.
A Vision for Seamless Travel
A bold new rail project, Starline, could soon redefine European travel. Proposed by the think tank 21st Europe, the ultra-high-speed network aims to link 39 major cities across the continent with trains running at 250 mph—dramatically cutting journey times and reducing reliance on short-haul flights.
Key Routes and Game-Changing Speed
The 13,700-mile system would connect iconic destinations like:
- Lisbon to Kyiv
- Naples to Helsinki
- Milan to Oslo
- Madrid to Istanbul
Major hubs such as London, Paris, Rome, and Zurich would also feature prominently. Travel times would plummet—for example, a trip from Helsinki to Berlin could take just three hours, up to 30% faster than current rail or road options. Analysts predict the network could cut short-haul flights by 80%.
Funding and Governance
Backed by public investment, Starline would be operated by national rail providers under a proposed European Rail Authority—a new EU agency tasked with coordinating the cross-border system.
A Passenger-Centric Design
Unlike traditional trains, Starline’s sleek blue-and-yellow carriages would replace first- and second-class seating with themed zones, including:
- Quiet workspaces for remote employees
- Family sections with child-friendly amenities
Stations as Cultural Hubs
New stations on city outskirts would double as vibrant community centers, featuring:
- Restaurants and retail
- Museums and live entertainment
- Seamless links to local transit
Fixing a “Fragmented” System
21st Europe criticizes Europe’s current rail network as uneven and slow. Starline aims to unify infrastructure, rivaling air travel in speed and convenience while slashing carbon emissions from regional flights.
The Road Ahead
If approved, Starline could mark one of Europe’s most ambitious transport overhauls—bridging borders, boosting sustainability, and redefining continental travel.
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