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The largest rail company in the world is Deutsche Bahn, with a revenue of $47.72 billion.
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As of 2026, the global rail industry has a market size of $295.80 billion.
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There are over 807,000 miles of railroad networks around the world.
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The global rail industry is projected to grow at a CAGR of 4.4% through 2030.
Whether you’re commuting to work or traveling for leisure, trains remain a vital part of transportation across the globe. From traditional above-ground rail systems to modern underground subways, rail travel plays a crucial role in daily life for millions.
Interestingly, many of the world’s largest rail companies are based outside the US. While the United States was a pioneer in rail travel, the country’s vast geography and the prevalence of automobile travel have shifted passenger preferences toward roads and airways in recent decades.
As a result, most American rail companies primarily generate revenue from freight transport, unlike their international counterparts that often balance both passenger and freight services.
In this article, we will explore the largest rail companies globally by revenue, followed by notable rail companies in the US. Read on to discover more about the giants of the rail industry.
10 Largest Rail Companies In The World
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Deutsche Bahn. Berlin, Germany
2026 Revenue: $47.72 billion
Founded in 1994, Deutsche Bahn (DB) has rapidly established itself as a leader in the global rail industry. The company generates approximately half of its profits from passenger services, while also engaging in business contracts and infrastructure support.
As Europe’s largest rail operator, it manages the most extensive rail infrastructure on the continent, transporting around 2 billion people and nearly 300 billion tons of goods annually.
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SNCF. Saint-Denis, France
2026 Revenue: $35 billion
Known formally as La Société Nationale des Chemins de Fer Français, SNCF operates not only in France but also in several neighboring countries. The company is recognized for its high safety standards and operates the TGV, renowned for its speed and efficiency.
Every day, SNCF transports approximately 5 million passengers, underpinning its significant role in European rail travel.
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Russian Railways. Moscow, Russia
2026 Revenue: $32.91 billion
A state-owned entity, Russian Railways manages about 85,000 km of railways across Russia. It operates independently of government oversight while carrying forward the legacy of Soviet Railways established in 1922.
Each year, it serves over 1 billion passengers and transports approximately 1 billion tons of cargo.
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Indian Railways. New Delhi, India
2026 Revenue: $28.8 billion
As a government-operated entity, Indian Railways has a rich history dating back to 1845. It facilitates both freight and passenger services, moving more than 8 billion individuals annually across its extensive network.
Committed to sustainability, Indian Railways aims for a carbon-neutral footprint by 2030, focusing on electrifying its rail system.
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East Japan Railway Company (JR East). Tokyo, Japan
2026 Revenue: $27.1 billion
As the largest of Japan’s seven major rail companies, JR East offers a diverse array of services, including freight transport and bus systems. Its operations span the eastern and northern regions of Japan, featuring the famous shinkansen high-speed trains.
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2026 Revenue: $22.83 billion
Founded in 1862, Union Pacific was instrumental in constructing the first transcontinental railroad in the US. Primarily a freight operator, it maintains a network of over 32,000 miles across the western US.
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Burlington Northern Santa Fe Railway Company (BNSF). Fort Worth, TX
2026 Revenue: $22.74 billion
BNSF plays a critical role in freight transportation across the US, primarily serving areas west of the Mississippi River. With over 32,500 miles of track, it specializes in intermodal freight and coal transport.
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Central Japan Railway Company (JR Central). Nagoya, Japan
2026 Revenue: $16.9 billion
Originating from the privatization of Japanese National Railways in 1987, JR Central serves the central regions of Japan. Besides operating a bullet train line between Tokyo and Osaka, it also manages freight and bus services.
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2026 Revenue: $11.9 billion
CSX operates a comprehensive freight rail network across North America, including intermodal and conventional rail services. Its operations extend over 20,000 miles across 23 states, with connections into Canada.
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Canadian National Railway Company. Montreal, Canada
2026 Revenue: $11.14 billion
Founded in 1919, Canadian National Rail operates an extensive network throughout Canada and parts of the US, including intermodal and trucking transportation. It is the largest railway in Canada by both track length and revenue.
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Largest Rail Companies In The U.S.
As previously mentioned, American rail companies typically focus on freight services, which limits their representation in the global rankings. Here’s a look at the largest rail companies in the US, along with some quick facts.
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2026 Revenue: $22.83 billion
Total Rail Length: 32,100 miles
Regions Served: Western US -
2026 Revenue: $11.9 billion
Total Rail Length: 20,000 miles
Regions Served: US, Canada -
2026 Revenue: $11.1 billion
Total Rail Length: 21,500 miles
Regions Served: Eastern US -
2026 Revenue: $3 billion
Total Rail Length: 3,400 miles
Regions Served: Midwestern, Southeastern US -
2026 Revenue: $2.8 billion
Total Rail Length: 21,400 miles
Regions Served: US, Canada
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Burlington Northern Santa Fe Railway Company (BNSF)
2026 Revenue: $22.74 billion
Total Rail Length: 32,500 miles
Regions Served: Western US
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Rail Companies FAQ
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What is the largest railway in the world?
The largest railway in the world is Deutsche Bahn. Deutsche Bahn is a state-owned German company that operates throughout Europe, providing rail transport for both passengers and freight.
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What is the largest railway in North America?
The largest railway in North America is Union Pacific. In 2026, Union Pacific generated a revenue of $22.83 billion, closely followed by BNSF, which had a revenue of $22.74 billion.
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Who owns Amtrak?
The U.S. Federal Government is the majority stockholder of Amtrak. The National Railroad Passenger Corporation, known as Amtrak, is a federally chartered corporation operating as a for-profit entity on tracks owned by both Amtrak and various rail companies.
References
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U.S. Department of Transportation – Railroads
Author
Amanda is a writer with experience in various industries, including travel, real estate, and career advice. After taking on internships and entry-level jobs, she is familiar with the job search process and landing that crucial first job. Included in her experience is work at an employer/intern matching startup where she marketed an intern database to employers and supported college interns looking for work experience.
