# Rail Access Charge

*Last updated: 2026-06-26*

> The rail access charge gives railway undertakings the right to operate trains on another entity's infrastructure while simultaneously funding its upkeep.

The rail access charge gives railway undertakings the right to operate trains on another entity's infrastructure while simultaneously funding its upkeep. Levied by the infrastructure manager – typically a state-owned or semi-public body – the charge is usually calculated per train-kilometre, per timetabled path, or as a flat rate. EU railway legislation requires that charges be set on a non-discriminatory basis and cover at least the direct costs of operating a train path. On top of the base charge, operators may face mark-ups for congested sections and separate fees for station facilities, shunting areas, or specialised services. For freight forwarders pricing rail shipments, the rail access charge is a direct line item in any cost calculation.

**Source:** [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Access_charge](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Access_charge)

## Quick Facts

| Property | Value |
|---|---|
| Term | Rail Access Charge |
| Language | EN |
| Word count | 116 |
| Last updated | 2026-06-26 |
| Source | https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Access_charge |

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