Starline – The Continent’s “Metro.” When Will London Meet Rome Without Transfers?
A vision of integration across Europe, from capital to capital
Imagine this: you board a train in the heart of London, and just a few hours later you’re strolling through the charming streets of Warsaw, Prague, Berlin, or Rome. In the future, this could become reality thanks to Starline — a continental network of ultra-high-speed trains designed to connect 39 cities across 33 European countries.
How does Starline work?
This is no ordinary train. It’s a “metro” on a continental scale — trains connected like subway lines, but traveling at speeds between 300 and 400 km/h (according to some project variations, even up to 250 mph, around 400 km/h). The network aims to link both the traditional EU countries — such as Poland, Germany, or Italy — as well as nations like Turkey, the UK, and even Ukraine.
Comfort above all
Starline plans to move away from the traditional travel class system. Instead, the trains will feature zones — quiet areas for work, family-friendly spaces, and relaxing sections with cafés. The entire system will share a unified visual identity, with deep navy-blue trains that are instantly recognizable.
Platforms as centers of life
Starline stations won’t just be simple stops — they will be modern, multifunctional cultural hubs. The plan envisions stations on the outskirts of cities, equipped with restaurants, shops, concert halls, museums, and event spaces.
A green alternative to flying
Environmental responsibility is one of the project’s foundations. Starline aims to cut short- and medium-haul flights within Europe by around 80% — a shift that could significantly support the EU’s goal of reaching net-zero emissions. Already, high-speed trains are known to emit up to 90% less CO₂ than short-haul flights.
How is the project to be implemented?
The initiative originated from the Danish think tank 21st Europe, which has laid out a comprehensive plan: central coordination of the network, while allowing national railway operators to run individual routes under concession agreements. Oversight of the project would be handled by a new body — the European Railway Agency.
Feasibility and timeline
Although the project sounds futuristic, its creators emphasize that it will rely largely on existing infrastructure, supplemented by new investments. If everything proceeds as planned, Starline could be fully operational within the next 15 years — meaning the ambitious system could be in service by around 2040–2045.
In summary: Starline represents a modern vision of mobility — fast, sustainable, comfortable, and eco-friendly. The project combines the best features of subways, high-speed rail, and urban centers. Its realization offers a chance to improve mobility quality across Europe and redefine what travel between capitals can mean.
Source: Starline – „metro” kontynentu. Kiedy Londyn spotka się z Rzymem bez przesiadek?
