Poland is preparing to launch regular passenger trains traveling at speeds of up to 250 km/h. The new high-speed service is planned to be introduced on the Central Railway Route in 2027, writes Visit Ukraine.
When will trains in Poland operate at 250 km/h
In August 2026, the Pendolino train demonstrated a speed of 250 km/h during tests on the Central Railway Route. Regular passenger services with such a maximum speed are scheduled to begin in December 2027.
To achieve this, the infrastructure on the route will be modernized. Specifically, they are testing the digital radio communication system GSM-R. Together with ETCS Level 2, it is designed to ensure the safe operation of trains at speeds exceeding the current 200 km/h.
The Central Railway Route connects Warsaw with southern Poland, including routes to Krakow and Katowice. Approximately 1.8 billion zlotys have been allocated for its modernization and preparations for speeds of 250 km/h.
Warsaw - Krakow in less than two hours
After the speed increase, the fastest trains will cover the route between Warsaw and Krakow in about 1 hour and 55 minutes. Currently, the Pendolino trip takes about 2.5 hours depending on the route.
Thus, the travel time could be shortened by about half an hour. This will also make day trips between the two major Polish cities more convenient.
If the plans are realized on schedule, in 2027 it will mark the first launch of regular passenger trains in Poland operating at speeds of up to 250 km/h.
Let us remind you, the general consulate of Ukraine in Lublin will provide mobile services for citizens in Bialystok on September 17 and 18, 2026.