Chinese Trains Make Debut on European Railways in Austria

On November 14, 2025, Chinese-made trains manufactured by the state-owned company CRRC began operating in Austria on the Westbahn railway. This marks the first time a Chinese train has been used for long-distance travel on European tracks. Previously, CRRC trains were already in operation in the Czech Republic and are expected to expand to Serbia and Hungary soon. The Austrian company Westbahn, the country’s largest private rail operator, introduced the first of four double-decker trains on the Vienna-Salzburg route. The remaining three trains will begin service next week. This is the second Chinese-made train to run on European long-distance routes, and the first in Western Europe. European companies such as Alstom and Siemens are reportedly worried due to the significant price advantage of Chinese trains, which are up to 30% cheaper. Austria’s Transport Minister Peter Hanke condemned the purchase, suggesting that European critical infrastructure should be protected from foreign influence. He voiced concerns about the long-term dependency on third countries like China. The situation highlights the increasing demand for trains in Europe, with manufacturers struggling to meet delivery timelines, sometimes taking up to nine years to fulfill orders. CRRC, supported by Chinese government subsidies, offers faster delivery and lower prices, making it an appealing option for European rail operators. Despite opposition from European manufacturers, CRRC has won several contracts in Eastern Europe, although some, such as in Bulgaria, have been canceled.