FlixTrain has unveiled the first Siemens Mobility Vectron locomotive that will be used on the new Talgo 230 trains ordered for Germany. The trains, designed for speeds of up to 230 km/h, are set to enter service in 2028 and are part of a framework agreement worth up to EUR 2.4 billion, which includes up to 65 new trains and related maintenance.
The locomotive was unveiled in Munich, a city that FlixTrain plans to integrate into its rail network starting in 2028. The first locomotive is named “Bayern”, a direct reference to the state of Bavaria and the role that the Bavarian capital will play in the operator’s future expansion.
FlixTrain, the rail division of the Flix SE group, best known for its FlixBus services, is preparing one of its most significant expansions into the German rail market. The new Talgo 230 trains will be hauled by Siemens Vectron locomotives in a push-pull configuration: the locomotive will be positioned at one end of the train, and at the other end there will be a control car.
This solution allows the train to operate in both directions without additional maneuvers to turn the locomotive around, a significant advantage for long-distance services with stops at large stations and busy terminals.
Talgo 230 trains up to 230 km/h
The new trainsets are based on the Talgo 230 platform and will be capable of speeds up to 230 km/h. Each train will consist of articulated cars, with improved passenger access and modern onboard amenities.
FlixTrain previously announced a framework agreement with Talgo for up to 65 trains destined for Germany. The total potential value of the contract, including maintenance, is approximately EUR 2.4 billion , of which over EUR 1 billion represents firm commitments.
Siemens Mobility will supply the Vectron locomotives for this fleet. The choice of Vectron is justified by the widespread use of this platform in Europe and its compatibility with cross-border services, an important element for FlixTrain’s ambitions to expand beyond the German market in the long term.
A new fleet for FlixTrain’s expansion
For FlixTrain, the new fleet marks an important milestone in its growth strategy. The operator aims to expand its services in Germany and, subsequently, into other European markets, at a time when demand for long-distance rail travel is on the rise.
The company is banking on a combination of affordable prices, fast service, and a sustainable offering, in a market still dominated by Deutsche Bahn.
With the new trains, FlixTrain is seeking to consolidate its position as a private operator in the long-distance rail segment and attract passengers who currently use either cars, planes, or traditional rail services.
André Schwämmlein, CEO and co-founder of Flix, previously stated that the group is pursuing a long-term strategy for FlixTrain and that rail services will be significantly expanded in the coming years.
“We are pursuing a long-term strategy with FlixTrain and will significantly expand our services in the coming years. With this major expansion of the fleet, we will usher in a new era of train travel in Germany and Europe,” said André Schwämmlein.
Munich is part of the operator’s plans
The presentation of the locomotive in Munich is no coincidence. FlixTrain plans to include the Bavarian capital in its network starting in 2028, with the introduction of the new trains. For the operator, entering Munich would represent an important step, given the city’s role as an economic, academic, and transportation hub in southern Germany.
Currently, FlixTrain connects approximately 50 cities and offers access, through partnerships with regional transport, to around 650 destinations. Together with the FlixBus network, which includes approximately 300 stops in Germany, the company promotes an intermodal model for long-distance travel.
The new trains are expected to include amenities such as air conditioning, modern Wi-Fi, passenger information systems, and barrier-free access—a feature that FlixTrain highlights as a key distinction from some of Germany’s current long-distance offerings.
Political Support for Private Investment
FlixTrain’s investment comes at a time when German authorities are signaling support for private investment in the rail sector. Patrick Schnieder, the Federal Minister of Transport, previously welcomed the investment, stating that the involvement of a German technology company on this scale sends an important signal to the rail market.
“We expressly welcome the FlixTrain investment. The fact that a German technology company is making an investment of this magnitude sends a strong signal to the rail market,” said Patrick Schnieder.
FlixTrain claims that the development of the new fleet responds to the growing demand for fast, sustainable, and affordable rail services. The company estimates that the high-speed rail market in Germany will grow by 45% by 2030 compared to 2021, while the European market is expected to continue growing annually by 4-5%.
FlixTrain wants a European rail product
The new Talgo 230 trains and Vectron locomotives are being introduced by FlixTrain as part of a strategy with European ambitions. The technology used should allow the trains to operate in multiple countries, supporting the company’s goal of building a pan-European rail network.
“We see FlixTrain as a European product. Starting from our home market, we want to make the service available in other countries as well,” said André Schwämmlein.
For now, the unveiling of the first Vectron locomotive is primarily a milestone: the fleet ordered in collaboration with Talgo and Siemens is beginning to take shape, and FlixTrain is preparing for expansion beyond 2028.
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