Rail transport in Kosovo
 | |
| Overview | |
|---|---|
| Headquarters | Fushë Kosovë, Kosovo |
| Locale | Kosovo |
| Dates of operation | 1874–present |
| Technical | |
| Length | 333.9 km (207.5 mi)[1] |
| Other | |
| Website | www infrakos |
The railway network in Kosovo is operated by Trainkos, the national rail company and it consists of 333.9 km (207.5 mi) of railway line, 103.4 km (64 mi) of which are freight-only.[2]
History
[edit]The construction of the Kosovar rail network began in 1874 with the construction of the line between Hani i Elezit, Fushë Kosova and Mitrovica. The railway became very significant for the transportation of travellers and goods, as well as for the economic development of the country and connectivity with other regions. During the 20th century, the following lines were built: Mitrovica – Leshak and Fushë Kosova – Pristina in 1934, Fushë Kosova – Peja in 1936, Pristina– Besjana – Livadica in 1949, and Klina – Prizren in 1963.
On 27 September 1999, the Kosovo Train for Life charter train arrived in Pristina, bringing aid and rolling stock in connection with the Kosovo Force peace-keeping efforts.[3]
In 2014, the rail infrastructure covered most of the country and connected all major cities with the exception of Gjilan and Gjakova.[4] By August 2025, however, only one train line saw daily service, between Pristina and Peja.[5]
Trains
[edit]
Trainkos has a fleet of eight diesel locomotives and four diesel multiple units, either inherited from Yugoslav Railways or donated by KFOR countries. The railways of Kosovo have a significant role for the transportation of travelers and goods. In 2005, there were an estimated 870 passengers per day by train. This increased by 26.56% to 1,100 passengers per day in 2006, and by 3.91% to 1,143 in 2007. In 2008, there was an 18,77% decrease in the number of passengers, though this somewhat recovered by 2009 with an increase of 10.51% to 1,026. Also, there has been an increase of passengers per day in 2010 by 1,032 or 0.61% compared to 2009.[6] More recent data from Trainkos shows a significant drop in passenger numbers compared to the 2000s, with a total yearly ridership of 70,517 passengers, or only 193 passengers per day, though this was in part due to maintenance work resulting in heavily reduced service, limited to two trips per day between Pristina and Peja.[7]
Domestic transport
[edit]As of August 2025, Trainkos only offers passenger service on one line: a local train running twice every day from Peja to Pristina and back.[5][8]
International transport
[edit]
There is only one active international rail connection, running once a day from Pristina to Skopje and back.[9] Service on this route was suspended as of August 2025 due to delayed construction work on the line between Fushë Kosova and Hani i Elezit.[8]
International connections and services
[edit]Trainkos connects Pristina with Skopje (North Macedonia) in the south. The track between Mitrovica and Kosovo Polje is currently not served by any trains.[10]
Albania – No connection
Montenegro – No connection
North Macedonia – closed
Serbia – closed in Zvečan/Lešak and closed in Merdare
Former international connections and services
[edit]- Macedonia - [1999-2019]
Federal Republic of Yugoslavia - [1999-2003]- Serbia and Montenegro - [2003-2006]
Statistics
[edit]| Year | Number of passengers | Ticket sales in EUR |
|---|---|---|
| 2024[11] | 68,743 | 59,397 |
| 2013 | 276,852 | 179,515 |
| 2012 | 267,901 | 171,943 |
| 2011 | 279,330 | 193,593 |
| 2010 | 281,650 | 184,972 |
| Year | Tons of goods (Net) | Revenues in EUR |
|---|---|---|
| 2024[11] | 1,985 | 16,704 |
| 2013 | 778,134 | 2,332,274 |
| 2012 | 488,539 | 1,601,675 |
| 2011 | 748,667 | 2,450,434 |
| 2010 | 877,332 | 2,864,370 |
References
[edit]- ^ a b "Plani i biznesit" [Business plan] (PDF) (in Albanian). Archived from the original (PDF) on 29 November 2014.
- ^ "Transporti". rks-gov.net. Archived from the original on 2 March 2014. Retrieved 2 March 2014.
- ^ "Kosovo aid train gets through". BBC News Online. 27 September 1999. Retrieved 17 October 2014.
- ^ "RTK". rtklive.com. Archived from the original on 2 March 2014. Retrieved 2 March 2014.
- ^ a b "Orari i trenave". Trainkos. Archived from the original on 3 August 2025. Retrieved 3 August 2025.
- ^ "Përmbledhje e të dhënave të transportit dhe telekomit në Kosovë" (in Albanian). 20 February 2012. Archived from the original on 2 March 2014. Retrieved 13 August 2023.
- ^ Trainkos (29 February 2024). "Raport vjetor 2023" (PDF). Trainkos. Archived (PDF) from the original on 12 April 2024. Retrieved 12 April 2024.
- ^ a b "Raport Janar-Mars 2025" (PDF). Trainkos. 23 May 2025. Archived (PDF) from the original on 3 August 2025. Retrieved 3 August 2025.
- ^ "Hekurudhat". kosovorailway.com. Archived from the original on 28 February 2014. Retrieved 2 March 2014.
- ^ "Informata për Infrakos | INFRAKOS". infrakos.com. Retrieved 2 March 2014.
- ^ a b "Raport vjetor 2024" (PDF). Trainkos. 13 March 2025. pp. 14–15.
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External links
[edit]
Media related to Rail transport in Kosovo at Wikimedia Commons
