Wi-Fi is now expected on European rail journeys, according to a new report published by Moment. The 2026 edition of Onboard Digital Entertainment across European Rail highlights that connectivity is now nearly universal across rail operators but digital content platforms remain the exception.
The report is based on analysis of 48 long-distance rail brands in 26 countries. It documents a clear gap between connectivity and onboard entertainment.
Connectivity is increasingly an expectation rather than a competitive differentiator. Wi-Fi is available on 44 of 48 long-distance rail brands and is complimentary on 42 of those.
What operators let passengers do once they are connected is becoming a point of contest. Only 10 of the 48 brands offer a full onboard platform across their fleet. A further four offer a partial service or audio content only.
Beyond high-speed rail operators, only three of the 32 conventional, national and mixed long-distance brands run a full onboard platform (Intercités, ČD and RegioJet), with a further two partial, even though their journeys are as long as high-speed services
Delivering reliable connectivity on a moving train remains technically demanding. Tunnels, network handovers and the structure of the train can affect signal quality.
This makes onboard content hosting important. Storing entertainment and information locally, rather than relying solely on live streaming, enables passengers to watch, listen and read when connectivity is temporarily unavailable or unstable.
Films, series, podcasts, press and games form the core of most onboard platforms. A smaller group of operators go further, adding destination guides, learning programmes and wellbeing services tailored according to the route or the moment in the journey.
The study highlights that onboard platforms are more than a passenger amenity. They can support destination and station commerce, advertising, loyalty programmes and upselling.
Tanguy Morel, Chief Executive Officer at Moment, said: “Rail has reached an important turning point. Over the past decade, the industry has made significant progress in bringing connectivity onboard, with 92% of brands now offering Wi-FI. Connectivity is therefore no longer the end goal for rail.”
The report, Onboard Digital Entertainment across European Rail, is available online.
