This paper seeks to provide a point of departure by arguing that in Europe, the idea of transit-oriented development is central to an emerging set of trans-national ideas and practices under the labels of “spatial planning” and (increasingly) “territorial cohesion”. However, the paper suggests that this emerging policy consensus is more fragile than it might appear. Similarly, the paper shows that TOD in a more familiar guise is endorsed in national planning policy in the UK, but that outcomes are mediated by other planning doctrines and by consumer preferences. Finally the paper suggests some questions for further research.