Société Nationale des Chemins de Fer Luxembourgeois

The Société Nationale des Chemins de Fer Luxembourgeois, often called CFL, is the national railway company of Luxembourg. In 2025, it helped about 31.4 million people travel safely on its trains. With around 5,000 workers, CFL is the largest employer in the whole country.

The railway network in Luxembourg stretches for 275 kilometres (170 miles) of tracks. Some parts have two sets of tracks for trains going in both directions, while others have just one set. Most of the tracks, about 576 kilometres (358 miles), use electricity to power the trains.

Luxembourg shares borders with Belgium, France, and Germany, so CFL trains often go into these countries too. Sometimes, trains are operated by other railway companies from those countries, like SNCF, NMBS/SNCB, or DB.

CFL uses many different types of trains, including electric ones that don’t need a driver in the front, and diesel trains for moving goods. The company is part of a big group called the International Union of Railways, which helps railways around the world work together.

History

Main article: History of rail transport in Luxembourg

The national railway company of Luxembourg, called CFL, started when the government took over private railway companies in 1946. This created a single railway system for the whole country.

CFL operations and services

CFL, Luxembourg's national railway company, runs passenger trains on seven main lines. These lines connect Luxembourg to nearby cities in Belgium, Germany, and France. The company also has more detailed internal routes that break down these main lines into smaller sections.

The number of people using CFL trains has grown over time. In 1938, about 9,500 people used the trains each year. By 2025, this number had risen to about 31,400 people. The company uses modern passenger trains, mostly double-decker electric trains, to serve nearly all its routes.

Projects

In 2019, work finished to double the train tracks between Luxembourg railway station and Sandweiler-Contern. This project cost €462 million and was originally planned to open in 2013.

A new, shorter train line between Luxembourg and Bettembourg is set to open in 2027.

Fares

CFL trains travel free inside Luxembourg, except for first class seats. If you travel outside of Luxembourg, you will need a ticket.