Leaving Railway? Here's everything you need
Compare 4 EU alternatives side-by-side. Find the right fit based on migration difficulty, pricing, and privacy features.
Your data may be subject to US surveillance laws
Railway is headquartered in the US. Under the CLOUD Act and FISA Section 702, US authorities can access your data without your knowledge. Switch to an EU alternative to keep your data protected under GDPR.
All EU Alternatives at a Glance
| Alternative | Country | Pricing | Difficulty | Time Estimate | Actions |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Platform.shRecommended Platform.sh is a cloud-based development platform that enables teams to build, deploy, and manage web applications seamlessly. It supports multiple programming languages and frameworks, offering features like version control, automated deployments, and integrated testing. Ideal for developers seeking efficient workflow management. | 🇫🇷France | Paid | Medium | 2-4 hours | |
GitLabRecommended GitLab is a web-based DevOps platform that provides tools for software development, version control, CI/CD, and project management. It supports collaborative workflows, enabling teams to manage code repositories, track issues, and automate testing and deployment processes. It integrates with various tools and services for streamlined development. | 🇳🇱Netherlands | Free plan available | Medium | 2-4 hours | |
fortrabbit fortrabbit is a cloud hosting platform designed for developers and businesses, offering scalable solutions for web applications. It supports various programming languages and frameworks, providing fast deployment and management tools. Users can easily set up and maintain their applications with built-in features for performance monitoring and security. | 🇩🇪Germany | Paid | Medium | 2-4 hours | |
Codeberg Codeberg is a collaborative platform for developers that allows users to host and manage Git repositories. It provides version control, issue tracking, and project management tools in a single interface. Codeberg is designed to support open-source projects and foster community collaboration while ensuring user privacy and data ownership. | 🇩🇪Germany | Free | Medium | 2-4 hours |
Our Top Picks
Best for Privacy
Platform.sh is a cloud-based development platform that enables teams to build, deploy, and manage web applications seamlessly. It supports multiple programming languages and frameworks, offering features like version control, automated deployments, and integrated testing. Ideal for developers seeking efficient workflow management.
Certifications:
Best Free Option
GitLab is a web-based DevOps platform that provides tools for software development, version control, CI/CD, and project management. It supports collaborative workflows, enabling teams to manage code repositories, track issues, and automate testing and deployment processes. It integrates with various tools and services for streamlined development.
- GitLab offers integrated CI/CD pipelines for automated deployments.
- GitLab's issue tracking supports Agile methodologies with sprints.
- GitLab is GDPR compliant, ensuring data protection for EU users.
Migration difficulty data is being enriched for these alternatives.
Detailed Comparison of Each Alternative
Platform.sh is a cloud-based development platform that enables teams to build, deploy, and manage web applications seamlessly. It supports multiple programming languages and frameworks, offering features like version control, automated deployments, and integrated testing. Ideal for developers seeking efficient workflow management.
Advantages
- Multi-cloud support allows for deployment across various providers.
- Git-based workflow enables easier version control and collaboration.
- Instant cloning of environments speeds up testing and development.
- GDPR compliance ensures data protection for EU users.
Trade-offs
- Migration from Railway may require significant reconfiguration.
- Learning curve for Git-based workflow can slow initial deployment.
- Some features like database provisioning are less intuitive than Railway.
GitLab is a web-based DevOps platform that provides tools for software development, version control, CI/CD, and project management. It supports collaborative workflows, enabling teams to manage code repositories, track issues, and automate testing and deployment processes. It integrates with various tools and services for streamlined development.
Advantages
- GitLab offers integrated CI/CD pipelines for automated deployments.
- GitLab's issue tracking supports Agile methodologies with sprints.
- GitLab is GDPR compliant, ensuring data protection for EU users.
- Self-hosting option allows for full control over your code and data.
Trade-offs
- Migration from Railway may require data transfer and setup time.
- GitLab's learning curve may slow down teams used to Railway's UI.
- Some Railway features like one-click deploy may be less intuitive.
fortrabbit is a cloud hosting platform designed for developers and businesses, offering scalable solutions for web applications. It supports various programming languages and frameworks, providing fast deployment and management tools. Users can easily set up and maintain their applications with built-in features for performance monitoring and security.
Advantages
- PHP optimized environment tailored for Laravel applications.
- Git push deploy simplifies code updates and version control.
- Full GDPR compliance ensures legal data handling in the EU.
- EU data centers reduce latency for European users.
Trade-offs
- Migration may require reconfiguring apps for PHP optimization.
- Learning curve for Git deploy compared to Railway's one-click deploy.
- Limited support for non-PHP frameworks compared to Railway.
Codeberg is a collaborative platform for developers that allows users to host and manage Git repositories. It provides version control, issue tracking, and project management tools in a single interface. Codeberg is designed to support open-source projects and foster community collaboration while ensuring user privacy and data ownership.
Advantages
- Codeberg is GDPR compliant, ensuring EU data protection standards.
- Codeberg is open source, allowing for community-driven improvements.
- No ads or tracking on Codeberg enhances user experience and privacy.
- Codeberg's CI/CD with Woodpecker supports automated deployment workflows.
Trade-offs
- Migration from Railway may require manual data transfer and setup.
- Codeberg lacks built-in database provisioning features like Railway.
- Learning curve for Git hosting and issue tracking may slow team adoption.
Before You Switch
Export your data from Railway before you start the migration. This ensures you have a backup and makes the transition smoother.
General Data Export Steps
- 1Log into your Railway account and navigate to Settings or Privacy.
- 2Look for "Download your data", "Export", or "Data portability" options.
- 3Select all data you want to export and choose a standard format (ZIP, CSV, JSON).
- 4Wait for the export to complete — large accounts may take hours or days.
- 5Download and verify the export before proceeding with migration.
Under GDPR Article 20, you have the right to data portability. Railway is required to provide your data in a structured, commonly used format upon request.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the best EU alternatives to Railway?
There are 4 European alternatives to Railway. Platform.sh, GitLab, fortrabbit are among the top-rated options. All are GDPR-compliant and store your data in European data centers.
How long does it take to switch from Railway?
Migration time varies by alternative. Most migrations can be completed in under an hour with our step-by-step guides. We provide detailed migration guides for each alternative.
Can I export my data from Railway?
Yes, most services including Railway allow you to export your data. Check the settings or privacy section of your Railway account for data export options. GDPR also grants you the right to data portability.
Is switching from Railway to an EU alternative safe?
Yes, switching is safe when done correctly. We recommend: 1) Export your data from Railway first, 2) Set up the new EU service, 3) Import your data, 4) Run both services in parallel for a transition period, 5) Update any linked accounts or integrations, and 6) Cancel your Railway subscription only after verifying everything works.
Why should I switch from Railway to an EU alternative?
EU alternatives provide stronger privacy protection under GDPR, keep your data in European data centers, and are not subject to US surveillance laws like the CLOUD Act or FISA Section 702. By switching, you gain true data sovereignty and support European tech innovation.