Europe’s rail network continues to attract more passengers each year, with both business and leisure travellers increasingly opting for train journeys. However, a major issue that persists across many European countries is the quality of internet connectivity on trains. For many commuters, the promise of productive travel is often hindered by unreliable WiFi connections.
Among the nations offering the best train WiFi service, Sweden stands out by a significant margin. According to the second-quarter data of 2025 from Speedtest Intelligence, Sweden recorded an impressive median download speed of 64.6 Mbps. This is far above the European average of 7.6 Mbps and more than 150 times faster than the Netherlands, which ranked at the bottom with a meagre 0.4 Mbps.
Other European Countries with Reliable Train Internet
While Sweden leads in both download and upload speeds, there are a few other European countries where train WiFi is relatively fast. Switzerland, Ireland, and Czechia all provide speeds exceeding 20 Mbps. Switzerland’s median download speed stood at 29.8 Mbps, while Ireland and Czechia recorded 26.3 Mbps and 23.4 Mbps, respectively. France was not far behind with an average of 19.1 Mbps, making it another country where passengers can expect a decent connection.
Despite this progress, several European nations still struggle with providing quality internet service to their train passengers. In the UK, the average WiFi speed on trains was just 1.1 Mbps, while Spain’s trains saw speeds of only 1.5 Mbps. Italy, too, was among the countries with slower speeds, averaging 4.8 Mbps. Germany, on the other hand, delivered a relatively better service with an average download speed of 14.9 Mbps.
Challenges with Train Connectivity and the Need for Infrastructure Upgrades
The variation in WiFi speeds across Europe largely depends on the infrastructure in place and the government’s policies on mobile coverage. For example, in Sweden, the government has played an essential role in enhancing train connectivity by investing in mobile coverage along major rail routes. Sweden’s telecom regulator, PTS, has mandated comprehensive coverage obligations for train operators, with a specific focus on expanding rural coverage. This has ensured that mobile networks along rail corridors are robust enough to support fast WiFi services on trains.
Sweden’s success is also attributed to the country’s investment in modern train systems equipped with cutting-edge Wi-Fi and the use of 5 GHz band technology. Furthermore, Swedish authorities have moved forward with FRMCS (Future Railway Mobile Communications System) enhancements, which involve improving rail-specific 5G services on major routes. The result has been seamless mobile connectivity for passengers, even in areas that were traditionally difficult to cover.
In contrast, countries like the Netherlands, UK, Spain, and Austria still rely on outdated technologies such as Wi-Fi 4 and the congested 2.4 GHz band. This outdated infrastructure often leads to poor WiFi performance, especially in rural areas or tunnels where signal disruptions are common. While technology has improved across Europe, it remains uneven, with passengers in some countries experiencing dead zones or slow internet speeds throughout their journey.
The Importance of Policy and Investment in Train Connectivity
Countries that have adopted policies to treat rail infrastructure as a priority for telecom coverage see far fewer connectivity issues. Governments in Sweden and Switzerland have invested heavily in 4G and 5G mobile networks, which provide passengers with stable and fast internet connections even in tunnels. Switzerland’s Gotthard Base Tunnel, for example, is fully equipped with 4G coverage, ensuring passengers do not lose connection while travelling through some of Europe’s longest tunnels.
Sweden’s initiative to upgrade its rail network and ensure seamless coverage along its routes has provided a strong foundation for high-speed internet on trains. On the other hand, nations like the UK, where investments in rail-specific mobile infrastructure have been limited, continue to face significant challenges. The lack of dedicated infrastructure often results in passenger dissatisfaction with WiFi connectivity on trains.
The Divergence of WiFi Speeds within Countries
Even within countries that offer relatively good connectivity, the WiFi quality can vary drastically depending on the region. In many instances, passengers travelling between major cities may experience much better connectivity than those commuting to rural areas. For example, the WiFi speed in urban regions of the UK may be acceptable, but rural routes often suffer from weaker signals due to the lack of investment in mobile coverage along these tracks.
The quality of train internet also differs depending on the specific rail route. Rail corridors that are treated as priority coverage areas, with dedicated infrastructure for telecom services, tend to perform much better. In contrast, routes that are not a priority for coverage expansion still experience frequent dead zones, leading to frustrating internet dropouts for passengers.
The Future of Train Connectivity in Europe
While some European countries have made significant strides in enhancing internet connectivity on trains, the challenge remains for others to catch up. Sweden continues to lead the way with its policy-driven investments in modern train technologies and robust telecom coverage, ensuring that its passengers stay connected with high-speed internet even in remote areas.
For other countries like the UK, Spain, and the Netherlands, the key to improving train WiFi will be increased government investment in telecom infrastructure, as well as the adoption of newer, more reliable technologies. As rail travel continues to grow in popularity across Europe, the demand for uninterrupted connectivity will likely push countries to prioritize mobile coverage along their rail networks. By doing so, they can ensure that all passengers, regardless of their destination, can enjoy reliable WiFi during their journeys.
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