Autonomous Trains Market Report 2026

The autonomous trains market size has grown strongly in recent years. It will grow from $11.12 billion in 2025 to $11.81 billion in 2026 at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 6.2%. The growth in the historic period can be attributed to metro network growth, safety regulation enforcement, reduction of driver dependency, adoption of automatic train protection, urban mobility demand.

The autonomous trains market size is expected to see strong growth in the next few years. It will grow to $15.15 billion in 2030 at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 6.4%. The growth in the forecast period can be attributed to expansion of smart cities, investment in autonomous rail, demand for reliable mass transit, digital signaling upgrades, energy-efficient train operations. Major trends in the forecast period include deployment of fully automated trains, expansion of driverless metro lines, adoption of atp and atc systems, integration of remote monitoring, focus on passenger safety.

The increasing urbanization is expected to propel the growth of the autonomous trains market going forward. Urbanization refers to the process by which a growing percentage of a population shifts from rural areas to urban centers, driving the expansion of cities and towns. This trend is fueled by factors such as better job opportunities, improved infrastructure, access to education and healthcare, and higher living standards. Autonomous trains support urbanization by improving public transportation efficiency, reducing traffic congestion, and promoting sustainable mobility, making cities more accessible and connected. For instance, in July 2023, according to a report by the Federal Reserve Board of Governors, a US-based governmental organization, US industrial production rose by 1% in 2023 compared to the previous year, with manufacturing output increasing by 1.2%. Therefore, the rising urbanization is driving the growth of the autonomous trains market.

Major companies in the autonomous train market are focusing on developing advanced solutions like new-generation autonomous tuggers to improve intralogistics by automating the internal flow of goods in various industrial settings. A new-generation autonomous tugger is an advanced, self-driving vehicle used in material handling within industrial environments such as warehouses, factories, or distribution centers. For example, in May 2024, 4am Robotics GmbH, a Germany-based automation company, launched the ATi Tugger Train. This innovative system features dual-use operation, allowing both autonomous and manual modes, making it highly adaptable. It offers rapid scalability for easy transition between modes, seamless integration with existing systems, and a high reliability rate, with operational availability of up to 99.9%. The ATi Tugger Train also includes intelligent navigation with obstacle detection and automatic coupling to streamline logistics processes, improving overall efficiency in industrial material handling.

In July 2023, Mineral Resources Limited (MinRes), an Australia-based mining company, partnered with Hexagon AB, a Sweden-based technology company. This collaboration aims to enhance safety, productivity, and sustainability in mining operations, with a focus on the Onslow Iron project in Western Australia. Hexagon AB is known for its work in autonomous technologies, which will help improve operational efficiency in the mining sector by implementing advanced automation solutions. This partnership is expected to play a crucial role in optimizing mining operations and contributing to the long-term sustainability goals of MinRes.

Major companies operating in the autonomous trains market report include Alstom SA, Siemens AG, CRRC Corporation Limited, Hitachi Ltd., Kawasaki Heavy Industries Ltd., Mitsubishi Heavy Industries Ltd., CAF Construcciones y Auxiliar de Ferrocarriles S.A., Stadler Rail AG, Hyundai Rotem Company, Transmashholding, Talgo S.A., Škoda Transportation a.s., Chinese National Railway Group Co. Ltd., Deutsche Bahn AG, SNCF, East Japan Railway Company, Central Japan Railway Company, West Japan Railway Company, Beijing Mass Transit Railway Operation Corporation, Shanghai Shentong Metro Group Co. Ltd.

Western Europe was the largest region in the autonomous trains market in 2025. Asia-Pacific was the second largest region in the autonomous trains market. The regions covered in the autonomous trains market report include Asia-Pacific, South East Asia, Western Europe, Eastern Europe, North America, South America, Middle East, Africa. The countries covered in the autonomous trains market report include Australia, Brazil, China, France, Germany, India, Indonesia, Japan, Taiwan, Russia, South Korea, UK, USA, Canada, Italy, Spain.

The autonomous trains market consists of sales of light trains, rapid transit trains, commuter trains, intercity trains, and high-speed trains. Values in this market are factory gate values, that is the value of goods sold by the manufacturers or creators of the goods, whether to other entities (including downstream manufacturers, wholesalers, distributors, and retailers) or directly to end customers. The value of goods in this market includes related services sold by the creators of the goods.

The market value is defined as the revenues that enterprises gain from the sale of goods and/or services within the specified market and geography through sales, grants, or donations in terms of the currency (in USD unless otherwise specified).

The revenues for a specified geography are consumption values that are revenues generated by organizations in the specified geography within the market, irrespective of where they are produced. It does not include revenues from resales along the supply chain, either further along the supply chain or as part of other products.

This product will be delivered within 1-3 business days.