PKP Intercity’s Pendolino train is currently undergoing test runs on the Czech railway network to evaluate its technical compatibility with local infrastructure. These trials form part of a broader interoperability assessment of the rolling stock, ensuring that the train can operate seamlessly and safely across different national rail systems within the European Union.
The tests are taking place from 20 to 22 October and involve unit ED250-001, carried out in cooperation with the Czech national operator, České dráhy (ČD). This marks another important stage in verifying the interoperability of PKP Intercity’s Pendolino fleet.
Looking ahead, extended operational trials on Czech infrastructure are scheduled for the first quarter of 2026. Importantly, the deployment of this unit abroad has no impact on the regular operation of Express InterCity Premium (EIP) services within Poland.
PKP Intercity’s Pendolino trains are already certified for international routes to Austria, the Czech Republic, and Germany. The ED250 unit received type approval for operation in the Czech Republic in November 2022, and is authorised to operate at speeds of up to 160 km/h, compatible with both 25 kV AC 50 Hz and 3 kV DC power systems.
“Market liberalisation gives us a strong incentive to grow. At present, we’re focusing on our domestic offering and partnerships with international railways to provide attractive services to the Czech Republic, Germany, Austria, and Lithuania. In the 2025/2026 timetable, Pendolino trains will continue to operate domestically – but when the time is right, we’ll be fully prepared to deploy the ED250 fleet commercially outside Poland,” said Adam Wawrzyniak, Member of the Management Board at PKP Intercity.
Pendolino trains to reach new domestic destinations
From mid-December 2025, PKP Intercity’s Pendolino train will begin serving Zakopane – Poland’s winter capital – connecting the Tatra Mountains with the Tricity (Gdańsk–Gdynia–Sopot) via Warsaw and Kraków. During the summer season, the route will be extended further to the seaside resort of Kołobrzeg.
The Pendolino operates under the Express InterCity Premium (EIP) category – the most comfortable class of long-distance train in Poland. Each unit offers 402 seats, including 45 in first class and 357 in second class. All passengers benefit from adjustable seating, folding tables, individual reading lights, power sockets, coat hooks, luggage shelves, and onboard Wi-Fi, ensuring a high level of comfort.
Under the new annual timetable, 12 trains will serve Zakopane – 10 year-round and 2 seasonal – one more than in the current schedule. The Podhale region will benefit from enhanced connectivity.
In addition to the well-established EIC Tatry service (Zakopane–Warsaw), a new year-round EIC Kaszub train will operate between Zakopane and Gdynia. A further new service will be the overnight IC Podhalanin, running daily from Zakopane to Świnoujście via Kraków – a notable improvement, as it previously ran only seasonally and bypassed Kraków altogether.
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