European airports enhance connectivity with integrated rail stations

Policy

Simple Flying | Simple Flying

By Sky Industry News

Jan 12, 2025

In Europe, several countries have integrated rail stations into their airports, facilitating easier and more affordable travel for passengers relying on public transport. This connectivity also supports sustainability efforts within the aviation industry.

Belgium's Brussels Airport (BRU) features the Brussels Airport-Zaventem Station, which opened in 1958 with an additional line introduced in 2012. The station provides direct services to major train stations in Brussels and international destinations like Rotterdam and Amsterdam.

Helsinki Airport Station in Finland, operational since July 2015, is the world's northernmost underground railway station. It connects to Helsinki's commuter rail network via the Ring Rail Line. Finnair uses its strategic location at Helsinki Airport to offer numerous connections between Europe and Asia.

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Greece's Athens International Airport (ATH) is linked to Line 3 of the Athens Metro and the Athens Suburban Railway, providing access to various local destinations.

Denmark's Aalborg Airport Station opened in December 2020, connecting Aalborg Airport (AAL) with Nørresundby and Aalborg. Copenhagen Airport (CPH) has two train stations offering extensive national and international services.

Stockholm Arlanda Airport (ARN) in Sweden hosts three railway stations served by both the Arlanda Express and other commuter lines. Stockholm Bomma Airport (BMA) is connected to downtown Stockholm via light-rail.

Switzerland offers convenient rail links from Geneva Airport Train Station to Genève-Cornavin and beyond. Zurich Airport (ZRH), located on the Zurich-Winterthur line, connects travelers to major Swiss cities.

France's Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport (CDG) has two railway stations that connect with both local RER trains and high-speed TGV services across France. Lyon-Saint-Exupéry TGV station serves Lyon-Saint-Exupéry Airport (LYS), while Nice St-Augustin station is near Nice Côte d'Azur Airport (NCE).

Norway boasts airport train stations at Bergen, Oslo Gardermoen, and Trondheim airports, enhancing travel options for passengers.

Spain's Madrid Barajas Airport (MAD) connects to Madrid's Metro network through two stations. Barcelona-El Prat Airport (BCN) also offers metro connections alongside Renfe commuter services.

Germany is renowned for its efficient train system with all five of its busiest airports featuring train stations: Frankfurt, Munich, Berlin, Düsseldorf, and Hamburg airports are well-served by rail networks.

In the United Kingdom, most major airports have dedicated train stations linking them to their respective cities or regions. London Heathrow and Gatwick Airports provide comprehensive rail services including connections via London's Underground network.

Having a dedicated airport train station not only aids travelers but also contributes positively towards reducing vehicular traffic around airport areas.