Comissão Europeia presented on May 13 a legislative package called “One Viagem, Um Bilhete” that revolutionizes cross-border train bookings on the continent. The proposal requires rail operators to make their offerings available on single platforms, allowing passengers to purchase combinations from multiple companies in a single transaction. The system offers unprecedented protection: free rerouting or full refund when connections are lost, as well as financial compensation for delays.
Proteções arriving with the single ticket
The most relevant change is legal. Atualmente, two tickets purchased separately are legally independent — if a connection is missed, the second airline is under no obligation. The new system treats the combined trip as a single ticket. Passengers will receive three main protections: free rerouting to their final destination or full refund, their choice; compensation of 25% of the price for delays over 60 minutes, or 50% for delays over 120 minutes; and coverage of meals and accommodation for missed night connections.
Essas protections face significant resistance. Alberto Mazzola, director of CER (a group representing DB, SNCF, ÖBB and Trenitalia), criticized the measure as “unprecedented interference in commercial freedom”. Comparou demands that Lufthansa sell Ryanair tickets, indicating intense negotiations ahead.
Como main European routes will be affected
Três routes exemplify the impact of the change. Paris-Berlin-Praga involves Eurostar, DB and ČD — currently two or three separate transactions. With the new ticket, the purchase takes place in a single transaction on SNCF-Connect, Trainline or DB, with guaranteed rights throughout the entire route. The Paris-Berlin section lasts approximately 8 hours with prices starting from €49, followed by 4.5 hours to Prague.
The Lille-Copenhagen route uses the direct line Praga-Berlin-Copenhagen, operated by ČD since May 1, 2026. Passageiros can extend the journey from Lille via Eurostar. Três operators, three territories, now with single supply chain guarantee. Lyon-Vienna combines TGV and Nightjet, a classic SNCF, DB and ÖBB combination, particularly vulnerable since the cancellation of the direct Nightjet Paris-Vienna in December 2025. The new system eliminates the risk of ticket repurchases at connecting stations.
Cronograma and legislative obstacles
The ordinary legislative process follows through Conselho of União Europeia and Parlamento Europeu, with subsequent transposition in each Estado-Member. Comissão Services estimates realistic implementation between 2028 and 2029. Esse horizon leaves room for significant changes during negotiations.
Vários points remain uncertain. Classification by CO₂ emissions “wherever possible” is vague enough to be practically optional. Conexões multimodal (train + bus, train + ferry) does not receive the same guarantee, excluding common trips to Escandinávia and Southern Europe. Conselho itself, where transport ministers meet, is directly influenced by the CER. Existe real risk of text being diluted or clearing limits being lowered during trades.
Estratégias for reservations until 2028
Até full implementation, practical precautions limit risks. Plataformas that bring together multiple operators (Trainline, Rail Europe, RailPlanner, Omio) combine tickets into a single receipt, generating commercial contractual liability without invoking European regulations.
The term “single ticket” or “direct ticket” remains crucial — it is the only one that activates Regulamento 2021/782 protections. A purchase that combines several separate tickets, even paid in a single transaction, does not automatically trigger these protections. Reservar at least 60 minutes between trains operated by different companies is essential, especially at transit stations such as Brussels-Midi, Frankfurt Hbf or Munich Hbf.
Flexible Tarifas (ÖBB Sparschiene Flex, DB Flexpreis, SNCF Liberté) cost more but guarantee markdown. Documentação is mandatory: screenshot of Registro of Nome of Passageiro (PNR), photo of departure board and delay certificate issued at the station to invoke regulations in case of dispute.
Contexto economic and environmental
The proposal responds to operators’ lack of interest in cross-border routes. ÖBB discontinued Nightjet Paris-Vienna and Paris-Berlin in December 2025, fragmenting the European offering. Bruxelas seeks to compensate for this fragmentation through commercial simplification, although without being able to require route maintenance.
The measure is part of the Pacto Ecológico Europeu, with the objective of doubling high-speed rail traffic by 2030. The single ticket enables rail competition with aviation on trips of 4 to 10 hours, where modal potential is greater. Plataformas as Trainline and Omio will become central players in the single rail market with mandatory access to the offerings of established operators — a change welcomed by Bruxelas in a sector previously protected by Estados-Members.