Dreaming of exploring Poland’s vibrant cities or hopping across Central Europe with ease? Get ready for a major upgrade in rail travel! New open-access train services are connecting Krakow, Warsaw, and beyond, making multi-city adventures simpler and more sustainable than ever. Are you ready to ditch the driving and embrace the scenic route?

Poland is poised for a significant transformation in its passenger rail network by 2026, with Czech private operators RegioJet and Leo Express spearheading the introduction of new open-access lines. These innovative services are set to dramatically enhance Poland Travel, seamlessly linking the nation’s major cities with prominent European hubs like Prague and Vienna, thereby simplifying journeys for international tourists and business travelers.

RegioJet is strategically initiating its expansion with a trial segment on the crucial Krakow–Warsaw route, commencing this September. This preliminary phase is designed to familiarize local commuters with the premium RegioJet service while simultaneously facilitating the comprehensive training and onboarding of over 300 essential personnel, including skilled drivers, dedicated train managers, professional baristas, and attentive stewards, ensuring operational excellence for the full rollout in 2026.

Enthusiasts of European Rail will be delighted by a fresh international connection soon to bridge Warsaw, Katowice, Ostrava, and Vienna. This new route promises to make cross-border travel between Poland, the Czech Republic, and Austria considerably more accessible. Passengers can currently secure their tickets for journeys beginning April 1, 2026, via the RegioJet website or mobile application, with station bookings becoming available post-timetable updates in key locations such as Kraków, Warsaw, and Poznań.

Further bolstering the country’s rail infrastructure, Leo Express is extending its popular Prague—Ostrava—Krakow line to include Warsaw. This expansion offers a direct and effortless transit option for travelers commuting between the Czech Republic and Poland, enhancing Krakow Tourism and providing a significant boost to regional economies by attracting a broader influx of international visitors.

Complementing these major intercity routes, Arriva is also launching two vital regional train lines within Poland. These services are specifically designed to connect passengers to smaller towns and local attractions, unveiling hidden historic sites, charming villages, and picturesque landscapes. This initiative supports deeper cultural immersion for travelers keen to explore Poland’s rich heritage beyond the main urban centers.

The Polish Ministry of Infrastructure strongly supports the proliferation of these Open-Access Trains, recognizing their substantial potential to stimulate tourism, foster economic growth, and champion green travel initiatives. These modern, high-speed, and comfortable trains offer a compelling eco-friendly alternative to air or road travel, aligning perfectly with Poland’s broader commitment to Sustainable Travel Poland and environmental responsibility.

Travelers will benefit from superior connections to pivotal destinations, including Warsaw, the nation’s vibrant cultural and governmental heart; Kraków, celebrated for its UNESCO-listed Old Town; the coastal gems of Gdańsk and Gdynia along the Baltic Sea; and Poznań, renowned for its historical architecture and trade fairs. Furthermore, seamless links to neighboring countries like the Czech Republic and Austria facilitate convenient multi-country itineraries, maximizing the travel experience.

These new rail services are not merely about transportation; they are catalysts for comprehensive travel experiences. Guests can easily plan diverse multi-stop trips, perhaps exploring historic southern sites before transitioning to the northern seaside within a single journey, or taking direct trains from Warsaw to Vienna for both leisure and business. This network simplifies logistics for travel professionals, enabling easier packaging of services and multi-city routes from Warsaw to Gdańsk and beyond to Prague and Berlin.

With the collective efforts of RegioJet, Leo Express, and Arriva, Poland’s tourism sector is evolving to meet rising global traveler expectations. These expanded networks expertly fill geographical gaps, creating a user-friendly and efficiently dense travel map. Each new train route solidifies Poland’s reputation as one of Europe’s premier connected destinations, simultaneously advocating for greener travel, ensuring easier access for all, and cultivating a lasting sense of place and hospitality that resonates with visitors.