List of Countries Without a Railway Network in 2025 - And Why They Still Don’t Have One
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While railways have long been hailed as one of the most efficient and cost-effective means of transport, not every country boasts a functioning railway system. In fact, several nations around the world still operate without a single train line. From mountainous terrains to economic challenges and policy decisions, a variety of factors have kept the tracks from being laid. Here’s a look at countries that, as of 2025, are yet to adopt a national railway network.
Why Some Countries Still Have No Railways
Rail networks require significant investments, space, and long-term planning. In many cases, geographical constraints - such as mountainous landscapes or scattered islands - make railway construction impractical. For others, political instability, low population density, or prioritisation of road and air infrastructure have left railways off the agenda.
Notable Countries Without a Railway System
Andorra
Nestled in the Pyrenees between France and Spain, Andorra’s compact size and mountainous terrain make railway construction difficult. The country relies mainly on roadways and bus services that connect it to neighbouring nations.
Bhutan
The Himalayan kingdom of Bhutan places strong emphasis on environmental sustainability. With strict infrastructure policies and challenging geography, the nation has opted out of developing a railway network - though there have been talks of a possible connection to India in the future.
Cyprus
Once home to a functioning railway in the early 1900s, Cyprus shut down its rail system in 1951. Today, roadways and air travel serve as the main modes of transportation on the island.
East Timor (Timor-Leste)
Still rebuilding its infrastructure since gaining independence, East Timor is among the world’s poorest nations. The combination of limited economic resources and a small population has delayed any plans for a railway system.
Iceland
Despite being a popular tourist destination, Iceland has no rail lines. Its sparse population and volcanic terrain make it more suitable for road and air travel.
Kuwait
Although part of regional plans like the proposed Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) railway project, Kuwait currently lacks a functioning rail system. Most transport is carried out via roads.
Libya
Once ambitious about building a national rail network, Libya had to abandon its plans due to civil unrest. Ongoing political instability continues to stall any railway development.
Mauritius
After dismantling its railways in the 1960s, Mauritius made a small comeback with the Metro Express light rail service in Port Louis in 2020. However, the island still lacks a full-scale national railway system.
San Marino
This microstate once had a railway link with Italy, which was destroyed during World War II. Since then, San Marino has relied solely on road transport.
Somalia
Somalia once had colonial-era railway lines, but years of conflict have left the country without any working rail system. Roads and sea routes are currently the main transportation methods.
More Countries Without Rail Infrastructure
Beyond these examples, several other countries also lack railways as of 2025. These include:
Most of these nations are either small island countries, landlocked states with rough terrain, or developing nations facing infrastructure and funding constraints.
Is There Hope for the Rails?
Some countries on this list are actively exploring rail development, especially as urbanisation grows and environmental concerns rise. Regional rail projects, sustainable transport initiatives , and increasing trade demands could eventually bring trains to some of these rail-free nations.
Though trains are an essential part of modern transport in many parts of the world, several countries still operate without them due to a mix of geographic, economic, and political reasons. Whether or not these nations will lay down tracks in the future remains to be seen - but for now, the road, air, and sea continue to keep their people and economies moving.
Why Some Countries Still Have No Railways
Rail networks require significant investments, space, and long-term planning. In many cases, geographical constraints - such as mountainous landscapes or scattered islands - make railway construction impractical. For others, political instability, low population density, or prioritisation of road and air infrastructure have left railways off the agenda. Notable Countries Without a Railway System
Andorra
Nestled in the Pyrenees between France and Spain, Andorra’s compact size and mountainous terrain make railway construction difficult. The country relies mainly on roadways and bus services that connect it to neighbouring nations.
Bhutan
The Himalayan kingdom of Bhutan places strong emphasis on environmental sustainability. With strict infrastructure policies and challenging geography, the nation has opted out of developing a railway network - though there have been talks of a possible connection to India in the future.
Cyprus
Once home to a functioning railway in the early 1900s, Cyprus shut down its rail system in 1951. Today, roadways and air travel serve as the main modes of transportation on the island.
East Timor (Timor-Leste)
Still rebuilding its infrastructure since gaining independence, East Timor is among the world’s poorest nations. The combination of limited economic resources and a small population has delayed any plans for a railway system.
Iceland
Despite being a popular tourist destination, Iceland has no rail lines. Its sparse population and volcanic terrain make it more suitable for road and air travel.
Kuwait
Although part of regional plans like the proposed Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) railway project, Kuwait currently lacks a functioning rail system. Most transport is carried out via roads.
Libya
Once ambitious about building a national rail network, Libya had to abandon its plans due to civil unrest. Ongoing political instability continues to stall any railway development.
Mauritius
After dismantling its railways in the 1960s, Mauritius made a small comeback with the Metro Express light rail service in Port Louis in 2020. However, the island still lacks a full-scale national railway system.
San Marino
This microstate once had a railway link with Italy, which was destroyed during World War II. Since then, San Marino has relied solely on road transport.
Somalia
Somalia once had colonial-era railway lines, but years of conflict have left the country without any working rail system. Roads and sea routes are currently the main transportation methods.
More Countries Without Rail Infrastructure
Beyond these examples, several other countries also lack railways as of 2025. These include: - Guinea-Bissau
- Macau
- Malta
- Marshall Islands
- Micronesia
- Niger
- Oman
- Papua New Guinea
- Qatar
- Rwanda
- Solomon Islands
- Suriname
- Tonga
- Trinidad and Tobago
- Tuvalu
- Vanuatu
- Yemen
Most of these nations are either small island countries, landlocked states with rough terrain, or developing nations facing infrastructure and funding constraints.
Is There Hope for the Rails?
Some countries on this list are actively exploring rail development, especially as urbanisation grows and environmental concerns rise. Regional rail projects, sustainable transport initiatives , and increasing trade demands could eventually bring trains to some of these rail-free nations.Though trains are an essential part of modern transport in many parts of the world, several countries still operate without them due to a mix of geographic, economic, and political reasons. Whether or not these nations will lay down tracks in the future remains to be seen - but for now, the road, air, and sea continue to keep their people and economies moving.
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