high-speed train ‘starline’ travels around europe like a metro

21st europe’s high-speed train ‘starline’ travels like metro

Think tank 21st Europe proposes Starline, a high-speed train that travels and stops across different cities in the continent, like a metro. It’s a way to connect the European countries, regardless of borders and political divides. It relies on existing and planned infrastructure and travels at 300–400 km/h. With this in mind, the high-speed train in Europe can take passengers from Helsinki to Berlin in over three hours instead of a full day. Going from Kyiv to Berlin, which has historically been an overnight trip, takes less time as well as from Milan to Munich.

The 21st Europe team – led by Kaave Pour, the co-founder, CEO, and Creative Director at SPACE10 – designs the high-speed train network in Europe as a metro system. It stops at different cities across the continent. In this case, every country has at least one station for the Starline system. The design team says the network even extends beyond Europe, going to and from England, Turkey, and Ukraine. Aside from travelers, this high-speed train in Europe can also transport time-sensitive goods, such as medical supplies, fresh produce, and manufacturing components.

all images courtesy of 21st Europe

Stations that double as landmarks and artistic venues

Starline, the hopeful high-speed train network by 21st Europe, has a clean design. It’s neither industrial nor futuristic. Instead, it leans towards simple and functional. It’s main color is deep blue, chosen to create a distinct identity and reference the European flag. The color helps set it apart from typical metallic trains. The high-speed train in Europe comes with an interior designed to accommodate different travel needs without traditional class divisions. It includes quiet zones for focus, open areas for work and conversation, and family-friendly sections for those traveling with children. There are also café areas provided for snack and meal times.

In addition to passenger travel, the design team says Starline includes dedicated cargo capacity. This allows for the transport of time-sensitive goods. It reduces reliance on short-haul freight flights and congested road networks. The rail system proposes a new network of train stations built outside major cities instead of updating older stations. The design team says each station serves as a national landmark, designed by architects and designers from its respective country. These Starline stations then function as cultural hubs. They include public spaces, cultural institutions, and venues. Unlike traditional stations, these stations could incorporate concert halls, museums, and event spaces for exhibitions, performances, and sporting events.

21st Europe proposes Starline, a high-speed train that travels around the continent like a metro

AI-driven, sensor-based security on-board

For the project, 21st Europe plans an open ticketing platform for Starline. It integrates multiple providers and third-party services, so passengers can buy tickets either through Starline or existing platforms. The goal is to standardize rail access across the continent rather than centralize sales under a single operator. The high-speed train in Europe also expects AI-driven, sensor-based security that monitors passenger flows in real time without creating delays.

Instead of static checkpoints, the system uses biometric verification and automated threat detection. Renewable energy powers Starline, incorporating solar, wind, and battery storage across its stations and network. A smart energy system stores excess power during low demand and optimizes usage in real time, reducing costs and increasing energy resilience. At the present time, the high-speed train in Europe is a proposal and concept project.

it’s a way to connect the European countries, regardless of borders and political divides