PKP Intercity has launched a new fleet of trains, the “Red Arrows”, on various routes from Krakow to the east and west, including mountain excursion routes. These SD85 trains, also known as DM’90 (NS Class 3400)—originally built by Talbot for the Dutch Railways between 1996 and 1998—have replaced older vehicles from the 1970s.
The Red Arrows serve non-electrified lines, providing connections to smaller cities and towns. The trains are part of an effort to modernise Poland’s rail services and offer enhanced comfort to passengers.
Passengers travelling on these trains will experience greater comfort, including soft seating in both 1st and 2nd class, fold-out tables, and dedicated areas for groups and cyclists. Each train is equipped with air conditioning, power sockets for charging devices, and accessibility features for passengers with disabilities.
The Red Arrows trains, which were originally used in the Netherlands, have been thoroughly renovated and modernised by their owner, SKPL Cargo. The trains are easily recognisable by their bright red bodywork, marked with both the owner’s name and PKP Intercity branding.
The Red Arrows are now operating on scenic routes to Poland’s Bieszczady and Sudetes mountain ranges. The IC Wetlina and IC Bieszczady trains provide morning and afternoon connections from Krakow to Zagórze, passing through towns including Gorlice Zagórzany, Jasło, Krosno, and Sanok. Another route takes passengers to Jelenia Góra in the Sudetes, with trains travelling via Kędzierzyn-Koźle, Nysa, Wałbrzych, and other towns. The trains are named after mountain ranges and notable peaks at their destination stations.
In mid-2025, the SD85 trains will be introduced on a new Kraków-Hrubieszów route, enhancing connectivity for residents of Hrubieszów, Zamość, Biłgoraj, Stalowa Wola, Tarnobrzeg, and Mielec. These cities will benefit from morning and afternoon services to Krakow. The afternoon services will be operated by trains made available to PKP Intercity by SKPL Cargo.
The launch of the morning IC Hetman train in late 2024 has been a success, reconnecting Mielec with long-distance rail services. The new services are expected to further improve travel options for residents in these regions.
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