The European nation of Luxembourg borders Belgium, France and Germany. Therfore, there are cross-border services into these countries. Some are wholly run by CFL, whereas others are run by SNCF, NMBS/SNCB and DB. CFL passenger trains cover most of the network. In 2013, CFL carried approximately 25 million passengers and 804 million tons of freight.  Of the total track length of 617 kilometres (383 mi), 574 kilometres (357 mi) are electrified. Most of the electrified track (526 kilometres (327 mi)) is operated at 25 kV, 50 Hz, though some 48 kilometres (30 mi) are run at 3 kV. DC.

CFL operates most of its passenger trains using EMUs and electric locomotives with push-pull stock. The company also has a fleet of diesel locomotives for hauling freight trains and for general shunting purposes. Luxembourg is a member of the International Union of Railways (UIC). The UIC Country Code for Luxembourg is 82.

In 1946, the Grand-Duchy of Luxemburg signed a convention with the French Republic and the Kingdom of Belgium.  This public limited company was held for 51% by Luxemburg, while France and Belgium held 24.5% each. Passenger traffic is primarily driven by commuters working in the City of Luxemburg, often coming from France, Belgium and Germany. In 2006, CFL and Arcelor-Mittal set up a joint-subsidiary, CFL-Cargo, which took over most of the Freight business of CFL and EuroCargoLux, intermodal services. In 2018 the railway line from the border with Belgium at Kleinbettingen to Luxembourg (City) was re-electrified at 25kV AC, therefore only dual voltage locomotives and trainsets can now be used for international trains. In 2024 a new line from Bettembourg to Luxemburg (City) will open. CFL-Cargo was set up in 2006 to take over the whole of CFL freight business (including EuroLuxCargo), save traction of Intermodal services. CFL-Cargo is held by CFL for 66% and Arcelor-Mittal for 33% (through Arcelor Profil Luxembourg). CFL-Cargo controls 2 other railway operators:

CFL-Cargo Danmark (Denmark).

CFL-Cargo Deutschland (Germany).

In 2001 Bombardier bought Adtranz, thus acquiring locomotive building technology. Under Bombardier, the Class 185 was developed into a family like that of the Class 145, with private railway and passenger (DBAG Class 146.1) versions. Bombardier TRAXX (Transnational Railway Applications with eXtreme fleXibility) is a modular product platform of mainline diesel-electric and electric locomotives produced by Bombardier Transportation, which was built in both freight and passenger variants.Locomotives were primarily made for the railways of Germany, with orders coming from other countries including France, Israel, Switzerland, Sweden, Norway, Italy, Belgium, Luxembourg, Poland, Spain, Hungary, South Africa and the Netherlands.

After Adtran successful launch of the class 146. Adtranz received an order for 400 locomotives for medium-weight freight trains, the DBAG Class 185. The double voltage Class 185 was meant for international operation, and was also dubbed Europalok. The basic concept of the running gear, the axle hung motors, the ester cooled inverters and transformer was maintained from the Class 145. In addition to the electronics for double voltage operation, modifications included the provision for the installation of the full variety of train protection systems in use in Europe, and the lowering of the roof by 105 mm to fit the vehicle in the international UIC 505-1 loading gauge. Under Bombardier, the Class 185 was developed into a family like that of the Class 145, with private railway and passenger (DBAG Class 146.1) versions. In May 2003, Bombardier also received an order for a quadruple system version from the Swiss Federal Railways (SBB).  In September 2003, Bombardier gave the Class 185 family a brand name, TRAXX.