Why Some Trains in Europe Run on the Left and Others on the Right

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Unlike roads, which tend to follow a clear national standard—drive on the right or on the left—railway systems across Europe are more fragmented. In fact, some countries run trains on the left, others on the right, and a few do both.

This variation isn’t arbitrary. It reflects the early development of railway networks, shaped by the influence of foreign engineers, national borders, and the practical limits of changing complex infrastructure once it’s in place.

The Roots of the Divide: British vs. German Engineering

In the 19th century, Britain and Germany (then Prussia) were the leading powers in railway development across Europe. Both built extensive domestic rail networks and exported their engineering approaches abroad—each with its own set of standards.

Countries influenced by Britain adopted left-hand running, consistent with the UK’s road traffic rules. German and Prussian designs, by contrast, introduced right-hand running to match their own road systems.

These early choices shaped national railway habits that still persist today, creating a network across Europe where neighboring countries may operate with different default directions.

France: A Country with Two Rail Systems

France is a fascinating example of how historical influence can leave a long-lasting mark on infrastructure. Although the country drives on the right, most of its railways still operate on the left. That’s because many early French railway lines were built with British engineering and standards in mind.

But there’s an exception. In the northeastern regions of Alsace and Lorraine—territories annexed by Germany in the late 1800s and returned to France after World War I—rail traffic runs on the right. This practice, introduced under German control, remains in place today.

Why Do Countries Rarely Switch Sides?

Changing the direction of rail traffic is far more complex than changing road traffic. When Sweden shifted road driving from the left to the right in 1967, it was able to make the change overnight. But rail systems involve fixed infrastructure: tracks, signals, platforms, and even driver training are all built around one direction of movement.

That’s why most countries stick with the system they started with—even when it doesn’t match their road traffic:

• France and Belgium run trains on the left but drive cars on the right.
• Switzerland also drives on the right while its trains operate on the left.
• Sweden changed its road direction but kept left-hand running for trains, a legacy of early British involvement.

Cross-Border Rail: How Differences Are Managed

When trains cross borders between countries with different traffic directions, engineers have developed creative solutions. These include crossover tracks, flyovers, and carefully designed transition zones where the train switches sides without stopping.

One example is the border between France and Spain. Spain generally uses right-hand running, but at key border stations—like Portbou and Latour-de-Carol—left-hand tracks are retained to coordinate more easily with French systems.

High-speed international lines, such as those between France and Belgium or France and the UK, often include custom infrastructure to manage these transitions smoothly.

Still Running on the Tracks of the Past

The way trains operate in Europe is not random; it stems from historical alliances, colonial influences, and the inherent difficulties in altering established infrastructure. Even today, many countries stick with systems set over a century ago.

So the next time you’re waiting for a train in Europe, watch which side the doors open. That small detail carries with it a story of geopolitics, engineering traditions, and historical momentum—still visible from the platform edge.