Koleje Dolnośląskie Gears Up for Wrocław-Warsaw Express Route
Koleje Dolnośląskie (KD), the Lower Silesian Railways, is on track to launch a new long-distance connection from Wrocław to Warsaw. This initiative marks a notable expansion for the regional carrier, aiming to provide a competitive option for travelers between thes major Polish cities.
A Long-Awaited Connection
The Wrocław-Warsaw route has been a long-term ambition for Koleje Dolnośląskie. We have been going to Warsaw since December,
said KD President Damian Stawikowski, hinting at the advanced stages of planning and preparation. This new service will be KD’s second commercial long-distance route, following the seasonal coastal premium KD service from Wrocław to Świnoujście.
Did You Know?
Open access railway services, like the planned Wrocław-Warsaw route, allow independent operators to run trains on existing infrastructure, fostering competition and possibly lowering fares for passengers.
Route Details and Timetable
the proposed route, submitted to the Railway Transport Office (UTK) on Feb. 28, 2024, outlines a daily service between Wrocław Główny (Main Station) and Warsaw Centralna (Central Station). Stawikowski shared details on social media, stating:
As you remember, we applied for permission to launch such a connection a long time ago. UTK issued permission. Trains to the capital will go from Wrocław through Leszno and Poznań. I will not give you details of the number of couples and travel time, but it is indeed possible that we will be the fastest on the market.
Damian Stawikowski, President of Koleje Dolnośląskie
The anticipated launch date aligns with the introduction of the annual new railway timetable, slated for Dec. 14, 2025.
Scheduled Stops and Times
- Wrocław Główny Departure: 9:40 a.m.
- Wrocław Mikołajów: 9:46 a.m.
- Leszno: 10:31 a.m.
- Poznań Główny: 11:08 a.m.
- Konin: 11:23 a.m.
- Kutno: 12:29 p.m.
- Warsaw Zachodnia (West): 1:30 p.m.
- Warsaw Centralna Arrival: 1:35 p.m.
The return journey from Warsaw Centralna is scheduled for 5:15 p.m., arriving in Wrocław Główny at 9:10 p.m., with similar intermediate stops.
Rolling Stock and Capacity
Koleje Dolnośląskie plans to deploy 45WE and 48WEC units, both five-part electric traction units known as Impuls 2 and Elf 2, respectively. To accommodate potential high demand, the carrier is prepared to run double combinations, creating 180-meter-long trains.
Pro Tip
Traveling during off-peak hours or booking tickets in advance can often result in significant savings on train fares. Keep an eye out for promotional offers from Koleje Dolnośląskie as the launch date approaches.
Ticket Pricing Strategy
While specific ticket prices have not been disclosed, it is expected that KD will offer competitive fares, potentially undercutting PKP Intercity’s second-class tickets, which range from 73 to 79 PLN depending on the route.