Flixtrain and Other Carriers Entering the Polish Railway Market
The Polish railway market is undergoing significant changes thanks to recent decisions by the President of the Office of Rail Transport (UTK). Over the past months, key approvals have been granted to operators such as RegioJet, PKP Intercity, Leo Express, and Flixtrain, allowing them to launch new passenger routes. These developments not only boost competition but also expand the range of domestic and international travel options.
RegioJet: New Routes from Kraków and Warsaw
RegioJet, a well-known Czech carrier, has received seven approvals to operate a daily connection between Kraków Płaszów and Gdynia Główna. The new route will be available starting December 14, 2025, and will continue for five years until December 2030. One train pair will run daily, providing convenient travel between the south and north of Poland.
Additionally, RegioJet has obtained approval for routes connecting Kraków Płaszów with Warszawa Wschodnia and Warszawa Zachodnia with Gdynia Główna. Each route will feature one train pair per day, further enhancing connectivity between Poland’s major cities.
PKP Intercity: International Route to Hrebenne
PKP Intercity will expand its services with a new route between Warszawa Wschodnia and Hrebenne (border crossing), set to begin on October 7, 2024. The train will operate as an international service and will not be available for domestic ticket sales. According to the UTK decision, stops at stations such as Lublin Główny and Hrebenne will only allow passengers boarding or disembarking for international travel.
Leo Express: Competition on the Kraków – Warsaw Route
Leo Express is another carrier entering the Polish market with significant plans. Starting in December 2025, the company will operate five daily train pairs on the Kraków Główny – Warszawa Wschodnia route. This popular connection will benefit from increased competition, likely affecting ticket prices and seat availability, thereby enhancing passenger convenience.
Flixtrain: Polish-German Cooperation on Rails
Flixtrain, a major player in Western Europe’s railway market, is set to launch its international route between Warszawa Wschodnia and Berlin Hauptbahnhof. From December 2025, the German carrier will run two daily train pairs, offering modern carriages and competitive prices. The trains will stop at stations such as Poznań Główny and Warszawa Centralna, though boarding and disembarking will be limited to international passengers.
What Do These Changes Mean for the Railway Market?
The UTK decisions signal a clear shift toward increased competition and diversity in Poland’s railway sector. RegioJet, Leo Express, and Flixtrain are companies with proven success in challenging state-owned operators in other countries, offering high-quality services at competitive prices. These new routes could significantly enhance accessibility for both domestic and international travelers.
For passengers, this translates to more choices and access to modern services. However, the full impact of these changes will only be seen after the new connections launch in 2025. The Polish railway system is on the brink of transformative developments that could make it more competitive on the European stage.