GlossaryEN1 min readUpdated: Aug 25, 2026

Train Path

A forwarder books a container train from Rotterdam to Basel – but it only runs if a train path has been allocated.

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Last updated: 25 August 2026

Source: Frachtportal-Artikel «Schiene ohne Ausweichroute: Europas Baustellen» (24.08.2026)

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Check transit time: city-to-city index

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Definition & Explanation

A forwarder books a container train from Rotterdam to Basel – but it only runs if a train path has been allocated. A train path is the capacity reserved in a rail network in both time and space: a defined sequence of line sections with fixed departure, passing and arrival times, requested by a railway undertaking from the infrastructure manager and paid for through track access charges. Paths are allocated in the annual timetable, while short-notice requirements go through ad-hoc path requests. Engineering works, line closures and diversions reduce the number of usable paths, which translates directly into capacity shortages, longer transit times and cancelled trains in rail freight. A train path should not be confused with the physical track: the track is the infrastructure, the path is the time slot allocated on it.

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Transit index

Check transit time: city-to-city index

P50/P80 transit times for sea, air and road — sourced and confidence-rated, not a carrier quote.

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Train Path

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Related Terms

Train path

Train Path Allocation

route price

Rail slot

Rail Access Charge

Block Train Scheduling in Freight Transport

Check transit time: city-to-city index

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