This map shows every railway line on Earth — and it’s more detailed than most people expect.
From the dense rail webs in Europe, India, and eastern China to the heavy freight networks across the US and Russia, it’s clear where trains dominate global transport. Countries like Germany and Japan are covered in tight, interwoven routes, while others, like much of Africa or northern Canada, show massive gaps.
North America’s rail system is largely focused on cargo, with sprawling tracks connecting industrial hubs and ports. In contrast, Europe and Asia rely heavily on rail for passenger transport — especially high-speed connections.
You can even see how geography and politics shape connectivity. Mountainous regions, deserts, and remote islands remain rail-free, while economic powerhouses are crisscrossed with lines.
It’s a rare way of seeing the world — not by borders or roads, but by the steel arteries that move people and goods every day.
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