by InTrieste
In a remarkable endorsement of Italy’s national rail company, Trenitalia has been crowned the best rail operator in Europe, according to a study released Monday by the European NGO Transport & Environment (T&E).
The comprehensive report evaluated 27 rail operators across the continent, assessing them on eight key criteria, including ticket pricing, reliability, and booking experience. Trenitalia emerged as the leader, with T&E praising its superior travel experience. “Trenitalia stands out for its travel experience,” the NGO stated in the report.
A standout factor was Trenitalia’s exceptional quality-price ratio, which earned high marks in the study. The operator also performed well across almost all assessed categories, although the report noted room for improvement in its services for travelers with bicycles.
Switzerland’s SBB secured second place, followed by the Czech Republic’s RegioJet, Austria’s ÖBB, and France’s SCNF. At the other end of the spectrum, Eurostar—the cross-border rail service linking Belgium, France, Germany, the Netherlands, and the UK—was ranked last, with T&E citing high costs and poor reliability.
The release of this report coincides with a challenging week for Trenitalia, as a 24-hour train strike is set to disrupt services across Italy from December 12 to 13. The strike highlights the ongoing labor disputes in Italy’s rail sector, underscoring a contrast between the company’s operational accolades and its internal challenges.
Despite this, Trenitalia’s recognition as Europe’s top rail operator affirms its commitment to delivering an outstanding travel experience, a standard that many travelers across Europe have come to appreciate.
