Leo Express Launches Key Domestic Route Warsaw – Kraków

Warsaw, 1 March 2026

Leo Express officially launched its new domestic service on the Warsaw – Kraków route today, Sunday, 1 March 2026. The first train departed at 7:21 from Warszawa Wschodnia station, stopping at Warszawa Centralna, Warszawa Zachodnia, Opoczno Południe, and Włoszczowa Północ. From Kraków Główny, the service continues internationally via Ostrava, Olomouc, and Pardubice to Prague. With this launch, Leo Express officially begins regular operations between Poland’s two largest cities and strengthens the international Warsaw – Kraków – Prague connection. The start of domestic operations on this key Polish route and the expansion of international connections between Poland and the Czech Republic is part of Leo Express’s broader growth strategy. The company plans significant expansion in Europe in the coming years, both in commercial lines and public service contracts, including additional connections within Poland in the first half of this year.

The inaugural departure was preceded by a special event on the platform for passengers, partners, and guests. Highlights included presenting a voucher to the first passenger, including travel credit for Leo Express trains and a stay at the Hilton Prague Atrium hotel. Demand for the new services is high – over 100,000 tickets have already been sold in Poland.

Representatives of the Polish railway infrastructure manager PKP PLK, of the infrastructure project Centralny Port Komunikacyjny (CPK), of the Czech and Spanish embassies in Poland, and other distinguished guests and partners personally congratulated Leo Express on the launch. The company’s CEO, Peter Köhler, accompanied passengers and guests on the inaugural train.

„Railway competition brings significant savings for public finances and taxpayers. We demonstrate that key routes can operate without subsidies, fully on commercial risk. Poland now enjoys high-quality, emission-free transport with growing frequency, excellent service standards, and attractive fares," said Peter Köhler, CEO of Leo Express.

New Services – Ideal for Work, Study, and Leisure Travel

Leo Express now operates two daily services in each direction on the Warsaw – Kraków – Prague route. Trains from Warsaw to Kraków and Prague depart at 7:21 and 22:36, and in the opposite direction from Kraków at 3:25 and 18:45.

The Kraków – Prague route will also see increased frequency up to four daily services in each direction (three daily in each direction, four on weekends in both directions). These services are ideal for one-day trips from Warsaw to Kraków, travel to Prague or Warsaw for work, study, or business, and for both short and longer leisure trips.

New Regional and International Connections

Between Warsaw and Kraków, trains stop at Opoczno Południe and Włoszczowa Północ. On the Prague – Kraków route, trains will also stop at Oświęcim, and one service will serve Ratiboř, Rybnik, Tychy, and Mysłowice. This provides these towns with new connections to major cities in Poland and the Czech Republic. Starting in April, Leo Express will also offer a connecting bus from Kraków to Lviv, Ukraine.

Plans for Further Network Expansion

In the first half of 2026, Leo Express will enter a new phase of growth. New services are part of the company’s largest expansion in its history. By mid-June 2026, Leo Express will increase services on the Warsaw – Kraków route to four daily in each direction.

Additionally, Leo Express plans to launch a new international connection from Poland on the route Przemyśl – Rzeszów – Kraków – Ostrava – Olomouc – Prague – Dresden – Leipzig – Erfurt – Frankfurt Airport, connecting key European cities.

In the first half of the year, Leo Express will also introduce new Czech–Slovak services on the Prague – Pardubice – Olomouc – Bratislava route, using unique Talgo trains with fully low-floor designs and enhanced passenger comfort.

Leo Express offers passengers comfortable travel with fast 5G Wi-Fi, onboard service delivering hot and cold meals directly to the seat, including traditional Czech cuisine, Polish żurek 1.3 €, hot dogs 1.1 €, and Japanese sushi 5.8 €. Four travel classes are available, including Premium Sleeper, where seats convert to beds, ideal for longer domestic and international journeys.