Later this year, the German operator FlixTrain plans to launch regular rail connections between Warsaw and Berlin via Poznań. This is a breakthrough decision, as for the first time a private railway company has been granted permission in Poland to offer not only international routes, but also domestic ticket sales for routes such as Warsaw–Poznań. The authorisation was granted by the Polish Office of Rail Transport (UTK), which may mark the beginning of a new chapter for the railway sector in Poland.
FlixTrain accelerates competition on the Polish rail market
FlixTrain plans to run two trains a day in each direction between Warszawa Wschodnia (Warsaw East) and Berlin Hauptbahnhof (Berlin Central Station), with stops including Warszawa Centralna (Warsaw Central Station), Poznań Główny and Berlin Ostbahnhof. Journey time? Just 5 hours and 8 minutes – over half an hour faster than the current PKP Intercity offer. Thanks to a limited number of stops and modern rolling stock, FlixTrain may attract passengers who value speed and comfort.
Market opening – an opportunity for investors
The Polish Office of Rail Transport’s decision to allow FlixTrain to enter the domestic railway market sends an important signal to potential investors. The liberalisation of the railway transport sector, combined with growing demand for fast, environmentally friendly, and international travel options, could make Poland an attractive market for private operators and companies supporting railway infrastructure – from technology providers to station property managers.
Response from PKP Intercity
PKP Intercity is not staying idle. From December 2025, it plans to launch new day and night services from Warsaw to Berlin and Leipzig. Additionally, it announced new direct connections to Leipzig from Przemyśl, Rzeszów, Kraków and Wrocław. The number of night trains to Munich is also expected to increase. This shows that competition is already influencing the national operator’s development strategy – which could ultimately benefit passengers and the entire market.
Conclusions for investors
FlixTrain’s entry into Poland may signal the beginning of transformation in the transport sector, driven by competition and deregulation. For investors – both institutional and private – it means growing potential in the rail market, particularly in passenger services, logistics, technological innovation, and supporting infrastructure.
