Published on
January 3, 2026
PKP Intercity, Poland’s leading rail operator, is seeking to expand its services with the introduction of a high-speed train fleet, a move that is expected to significantly enhance tourism and improve connectivity across the country. The announcement comes at a time when Poland is aiming to modernize its transportation infrastructure and offer more efficient and sustainable travel options for both domestic and international tourists.
The decision to pursue a high-speed rail fleet aligns with broader efforts to improve Poland’s tourism accessibility and cater to the growing demand for fast and reliable travel. By offering quicker and more comfortable journeys, PKP Intercity plans to provide greater access to Poland’s major tourist destinations, including Warsaw, Kraków, Gdańsk, and Wrocław. The expansion of the high-speed rail network is expected to benefit travelers by reducing travel time between key cities, creating more opportunities for regional tourism, and contributing to the overall growth of Poland’s tourism sector.
Impact on Tourism in Poland
The introduction of high-speed trains is set to have a transformative effect on Poland’s tourism industry. Tourists looking to explore the country will benefit from faster connections between major cities, opening up new possibilities for multi-city itineraries and encouraging visitors to explore more than one destination during their trip. Currently, train travel between Poland’s major cities can take several hours, but high-speed trains are expected to cut these travel times significantly, making weekend trips or short breaks much more feasible.
For instance, a high-speed train could reduce travel time between Warsaw and Kraków, Poland’s two most popular tourist destinations, from about 3.5 hours to 2 hours, making it more convenient for tourists to visit both cities in a single trip. Similarly, a high-speed connection between Gdańsk on the Baltic Sea and Wrocław in the west would offer tourists a much quicker and easier way to experience both Poland’s vibrant coastal and inland cultural hubs.
As Poland continues to grow as a travel destination, attracting international visitors from Europe and beyond, the introduction of high-speed trains will provide a much-needed boost to tourism, positioning Poland as a more accessible and efficient country to visit in Europe. For tourism professionals, these new developments mean that tour operators and hospitality businesses can expect more tourists traveling longer distances within Poland, which will contribute to economic growth and the diversification of tourism activities.
Benefits for Business Travel and Regional Connectivity
In addition to attracting tourists, the expansion of high-speed rail will benefit business travelers. Poland is increasingly becoming a hub for international conferences, trade shows, and corporate events, and improved transportation links between major business centers will make it easier for professionals to attend these events. Faster travel between Warsaw, Kraków, and Gdańsk will encourage more business opportunities and improve the overall efficiency of the country’s corporate sector.
For regional cities that are not typically considered major tourist destinations, the introduction of high-speed rail could open up new economic opportunities by improving access to the major cities where most tourists are likely to arrive. These connections will make it easier for tourists to access smaller towns and hidden gems, thus benefiting local economies and spreading tourism-related income more evenly across the country.
Environmental Impact and Sustainability
Poland’s focus on high-speed rail is also a step toward more sustainable tourism. Trains are generally considered an environmentally friendly mode of transportation, with lower carbon emissions compared to cars and airplanes. By providing travelers with an alternative to short-haul flights and long road trips, the high-speed rail initiative will help reduce the country’s overall carbon footprint, making Poland a more attractive destination for eco-conscious tourists.
As more travelers prioritize sustainability, Poland’s investment in modern, energy-efficient rail travel will likely align with the broader global trend toward responsible tourism. The addition of high-speed rail will also help promote eco-tourism, encouraging tourists to explore destinations via low-emission transportation options.
PKP Intercity’s Strategy and Future Growth
PKP Intercity’s ambition to introduce a high-speed train fleet is part of a long-term plan to modernize Poland’s rail system and meet the growing demand for efficient and sustainable transportation. The railway company is looking to secure new trains that will provide greater comfort and reliability for travelers, as well as enhanced amenities, such as Wi-Fi, power outlets, and improved seating options. These improvements will make the train journey more attractive for both business and leisure travelers.
The procurement of high-speed trains will also improve the efficiency of rail operations, as trains will be able to maintain higher speeds while covering longer distances. This will enable PKP Intercity to offer more frequent services, expanding capacity and accommodating increasing numbers of passengers.
Looking Ahead: High-Speed Rail in Poland’s Tourism Future
The addition of high-speed rail in Poland’s transportation network is a significant development that will shape the future of tourism in the country. As international tourism continues to rebound and domestic travel remains strong, high-speed rail will help facilitate smoother, faster travel to major cultural and historical sites across the country.
The growing emphasis on sustainable tourism and efficient travel solutions will make high-speed rail a central component of Poland’s transportation strategy. By improving accessibility and reducing travel times between major cities, the high-speed rail network will continue to support Poland’s reputation as a must-visit destination in Europe, fostering growth in the tourism sector while enhancing the travel experience for both visitors and locals alike.
Conclusion: A New Era of Travel in Poland
As PKP Intercity moves forward with plans to introduce a high-speed train fleet, Poland’s tourism sector is set to reap the benefits of faster, more sustainable travel. This initiative will help attract a wider range of international tourists and create opportunities for economic growth in regional areas. With its increasing emphasis on modern infrastructure, sustainable travel, and improved connectivity, Poland is positioning itself as a leading destination for travelers looking to explore the heart of Europe in a more efficient and eco-friendly way.
