Finland, Germany, Italy, Portugal, and more back Starline, a 250mph train network to revolutionize travel, cut flights, and connect 39 cities across Europe

A groundbreaking new rail initiative is gaining momentum in Europe, promising to transform how people travel across the continent. The Starline network, a visionary proposal by 21st Europe, outlines a futuristic, high-speed train system designed in the style of an underground metro — but on a continental scale.

This expansive rail project would stretch over 13,700 miles and connect 39 major European cities, forming an integrated transport system to rival air travel. Some of the major routes in the plan include Lisbon to Kyiv, Naples to Helsinki, Milan to Oslo, and Madrid to Istanbul. Key stops would also include iconic capitals such as London, Paris, Vienna, Rome, and Zurich.

The trains are expected to reach speeds of up to 250 miles per hour, significantly slashing journey times. For instance, the trip between Helsinki and Berlin could take just three hours. According to the think tank behind the proposal, the network could reduce short-haul flights by as much as 80% and provide travel times 30% faster than driving or using existing rail options.

Funded by public investment, the Starline would be operated by national railway providers, with the entire system overseen by a proposed European Rail Authority. This new EU agency would be tasked with managing the expansion and ensuring seamless coordination between countries.

What sets this network apart is not only its scale but its reimagined approach to passenger experience. The sleek yellow and blue trains would ditch traditional first- and second-class divisions, opting instead for purpose-driven carriages — such as quiet zones for remote workers, and family-friendly sections tailored for those traveling with children.

Brand-new stations would be built on the outskirts of each connected city. These hubs are envisioned as vibrant cultural centers, complete with restaurants, museums, live performance spaces, retail shops, and links to local transport systems.

21st Europe aims to address what it calls a “fragmented, uneven, and sluggish” rail network in many parts of the continent. With the Starline, the goal is to unify and modernize European transport by introducing a system that competes directly with air travel in both speed and convenience.

If realized, the Starline would not only reshape European infrastructure but also contribute to environmental sustainability by reducing reliance on short-haul flights, cutting emissions, and promoting efficient land-based travel across borders.