Starline is a bold vision to transform Europe’s high-speed rail network into a seamless, continent-wide system. Proposed by 21st Europe, a think tank led by former Ikea innovation lab head Kaave Pour, the project aims to strengthen Europe by making cross-border train travel as effortless as flying—without the carbon footprint. Starline proposes five main routes, linking 39 stations across all European countries, with major hubs in cities like Paris, Berlin, and Milan.
Currently, traveling long distances across Europe by train often means dealing with mismatched schedules, infrastructure gaps, and varying labor laws. While individual nations have strong rail networks, cross-border travel remains fragmented. Starline envisions a unified system with high-speed trains exceeding 200 mph, a single ticketing platform, and standardized security protocols to create a smoother experience.
The project also responds to shifting geopolitical dynamics, as Europe seeks greater self-reliance. With low-cost airlines dominating short-haul travel despite their environmental impact, Starline offers a practical, sustainable alternative. Designed in collaboration with mobility and infrastructure experts, the concept builds on the EU’s existing Trans-European Transport Network (TEN-T) while expanding its ambitions.
Beyond efficiency, Starline emphasizes design. The signature blue trains are meant to be as recognizable as London’s red buses or New York’s yellow taxis. If realized, Starline could reshape travel, trade, and connectivity across the continent.
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