The Baltic Sea Region is very well internationally connected with world-class international airports and many airlines serving most any destinations in Europe as well as key destinations in North America, Asia, Africa and the Middle East. The region as a whole has a modern and technologically advanced air, sea, road and rail transport system.
The Baltic Sea is one of the maritime areas with the densest traffic in the world. Both the number and the size of ships have been growing in recent years and this trend is expected to continue. There are many short-haul, cross-border ferry connections that allow the mobility of persons and the integration of regional workforce markets. Ferry connections are also used by trucks to transport goods across borders. Maritime transportation is also well developed for longer journeys, essential for connecting cities and regions located on the shores of the Baltic Sea.
Fast and modern trains serve both passengers and cargo and there is a ongoing heavy investment in rail systems, which is steadily improving cross-border infrastructure and facilities, thus drastically shortening travel times. For instance, the recently launched high-speed Allegro train shortens the travel time between St Petersburg and Helsinki from 5.5 hours to only 3 hours.
The countries in the Baltic Sea Region have high-capacity road infrastructure, such as motorways, permitting connections among the main metropolitan areas, as well as secondary transport networks that facilitate intra-regional travel and connect rural areas to the primary networks.
Urban public transport is well-developed and well-organised in the region. Buses, trams, subways and commuter trains serve passengers throughout the Baltic Metropoles, which ensures that growth can remain brisk yet sustainable.
