Leo Express launched service on an expanded route between Warsaw and Kraków on March 1, 2026, marking the private rail operator’s entry into the domestic Polish market. The company first began operating in Poland in 2018, connecting Kraków with the Czech Republic.
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Initial ticket sales indicate strong demand for the recent service, with the company reporting over 100,000 tickets sold within Poland. Several departures are already fully booked, demonstrating significant consumer interest in the expanded route.
The first departure from Warsaw Central Station towards Kraków Główny left at 7:28 AM. Passengers can expect to travel on a low-floor, air-conditioned Stadler Flirt train, which was previewed on August 27, 2025.
Pociąg Leo Express na Dworcu Głównym w Krakowie 27 sierpnia 2025 r.
“Finally, there’s some competition, something new and captivating,” remarked one participant during a test run of the service. Łukasz Malinowski, editor-in-chief of Rynek Kolejowy, echoed this sentiment, noting the arrival of three competing rail operators on Polish tracks within a few months.
“No Polish carrier currently offers fully reclining seats like Leo Express. The approach to onboard refreshments is likewise different – both Leo Express and RegioJet have their own, distinctive standards,” he explained.
He added that passengers now have a wider range of choices, including different operators, travel classes, comfort levels, and prices, representing a significant change for the Polish rail market.
Pociąg Leo Express na Dworcu Głównym w Krakowie 27 sierpnia 2025 r.
Four Classes of Service
Space is a defining feature onboard. Seats are leather and in muted grays, with a dedicated area for families featuring colorful animal designs on the walls and coloring materials for young passengers.
Wnętrza pociągu Leo Express, część klasy ekonomicznej dla rodzin z dziećmi
Regardless of class, all passengers have access to rapid 5G internet and power outlets at each seat. Each traveler also receives a complimentary bottle of water.
Wnętrza pociągu Leo Express
Wnętrza pociągu Leo Express
The train offers four classes of service: economy, economy plus, business, and premium. All passengers have access to fast 5G internet and power outlets at each seat, and receive a complimentary bottle of water.
Przykładowe menu w pociągu Leo Express
Passengers can purchase snacks, meals, and beverages from an onboard menu. A butter croissant costs 5.80 zł, a ham and egg bagel is 17.80 zł, a classic hot dog is 5 zł, potato soup is 13.80 zł, roasted pork with dumplings and cabbage is 27.80 zł, and fried rice with chicken is also 27.80 zł. Cappuccino is 11 zł, caffe latte is 13 zł, and black tea is 9 zł.
Przykładowe menu w pociągu Leo Express
Pricing and Travel Conditions
The economy class offers the most affordable fares, with promotional tickets available starting at 8 zł. The average price is around 34 zł. This is roughly half the price of a standard TLK train ticket. The fastest Express InterCity Premium (Pendolino) tickets cost 169 zł, and 259 zł for first class.
“Prices will definitely be lower than the competition,” Peter Köhler, CEO of Leo Express, said.
Legroom is smaller than in higher classes but comparable to second class on TLK trains, with a 2+2 seat configuration.
Wnętrza pociągu Leo Express, klasa ekonomiczna
Higher classes feature a 2+1 seat configuration with increased legroom and seat width. Passengers traveling on routes over 110 km in economy plus receive a snack, such as a sandwich, panna cotta, or roasted almonds, with the menu changing approximately every three months.
Wnętrza pociągu Leo Express, klasa ekonomiczna plus
Business and premium classes offer similar amenities, with increased space and selected refreshments included in the ticket price.
Wnętrza pociągu Leo Express, klasa biznes
The business class menu includes a sandwich with potato salad, egg, cheese, and ham, along with a raspberry panna cotta or ice cream.
Wnętrza pociągu Leo Express
Wnętrza pociągu Leo Express
Cappuccino costs 11 zł, caffe latte is 13 zł, and black tea is 9 zł.
Przykładowe menu w pociągu Leo Express
Leo Express Background
Leo Express has consistently achieved high ratings for safety, reliability, and punctuality. Regular and thorough maintenance of its fleet helps the operator avoid failures of key systems and maintain a high level of safety. This is supported by the company’s international shareholder structure.
Renfe, the Spanish national rail operator, is the largest shareholder, bringing extensive experience in high-speed rail. Other investors come from both the Czech Republic and abroad.
Pociąg Leo Express na Dworcu Centralnym w Warszawie
It remains to be seen how new operators like Leo Express and RegioJet
