Transportation systems are essential for socioeconomic development by ensuring access and mobility. The efficiency of these sys tems, particularly in road and rail transport, significantly influences a country’s economic growth and environmental sustainability. This study offers a comparative analysis of transportation systems in Türkiye and European countries with similar population sizes and geographical characteristics, such as Germany, France, Italy, Spain, Poland, and the United Kingdom. The objective is to assess Türkiye’s current standing in various transportation modes and identify areas for improvement, particularly in rail transport.

This analysis utilizes data from internationally recognized sources, including the OECD, Eurostat, and the World Bank, focusing on the period from 2010 to 2021. It examines transportation infrastructure and modal shares in road and rail transport for both  passenger and freight movement. The study highlights the role of geographical and political factors in shaping transportation preferences across countries.

 The findings reveal that Türkiye relies heavily on road transport, with 99.4% of passenger transportation and 95.1% of freight transportation carried out by road in 2021 when the modal shares in land transportation is analyzed. This level of dependency on a single mode of transport is in stark contrast to the more diversified modal distributions observed in other European countries. For instance, in Germany and France, a more balanced approach is seen, with significant portions of both passenger and freight movement being handled by rail. Germany, in particular, stands out with over 20% of its freight being transported via rail. In Türkiye, by contrast, rail accounts for only 0.6% of passenger transport and 4.9% of freight transport. These figures suggest that Türkiye has significant untapped potential in the rail sector, which could be developed to reduce its overwhelming reliance on road transport.

Geographical conditions and political strategies play a key role in determining transportation infrastructure choices. Türkiye’s vast, mountainous terrain has historically favored road transport due to its flexibility. In contrast, flatter landscapes in countries like Germany and France have enabled more effective investment in rail networks, contributing to higher rail usage rates. The role of EU transportation policies, which promote sustainable and integrated transport systems, has also been crucial in shaping the transportation strategies of European countries.

 Based on these findings, several recommendations are made to enhance Türkiye’s transportation system. First, increasing investment in rail infrastructure is essential to reduce reliance on road transport. Expanding and modernizing the rail network, particularly for freight transport, will improve logistics efficiency. Second, enhancing multimodaltransportationsystems,especially by integrating road and rail transport, will lead to more efficient logistics operations. This can be encouraged through government policies and incentives that promote the use of rail for long-distance freight. Lastly, promoting sustainable transportation is critical. Prioritizing the development of electric and hybrid vehicles, expanding public transit systems, and investing in green transportation infrastructure will contribute to reduced carbon emissions and align with global sustainability objectives.

 This comparative analysis underscores both the strengths and weaknesses of Türkiye’s current transportation system. While Türkiye has a dominant position in road transport, its underdeveloped rail sector presents a strategic opportunity for investment and policy reform. By addressing these areas and implementing the suggested improvements, Türkiye can enhance its transportation efficiency, support sustainable development, and strengthen its competitiveness in the global logistics market.

Providing access to more up-to-date data in future studies will contribute to obtaining more accurate and comprehensive results in the analysis of transport systems. Especially with the inclusion of data for the period after 2023-2024 in international databases, the long-term effects of the pandemic on the transport sector and the effects of the investments made in this process can be evaluated more clearly. Making national and international data sources more accessible, improving data collection processes and evaluating the latest developments in countries’ transport policies will make an important contribution to future research.