Poland Expands Rail Network as PolRegio Records Strong Passenger Growth and New Regional Routes

Written By: Bishal Deb

Bishal Deb

I am pursuing a career in travel journalism with Travel And Tour World, focusing on global tourism, aviation, hospitality, and destination developments. Passionate about uncovering stories that shape the future of travel, I specialise in researching and reporting on airline expansions, airport growth, tourism trends, and emerging destinations. Through detailed analysis and engaging storytelling, I aim to deliver informative and impactful travel news to global audiences while exploring the evolving dynamics of the worldwide tourism industry.

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August 3, 2026 00:15 GMT+5:30

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Poland is expanding its regional rail network as PolRegio records significant passenger growth in the first half of 2026, carrying 50.9 million travellers after introducing new connections, restoring long-closed routes and increasing train frequencies. The growth has been driven by improved regional connectivity, including the return of services between Białystok and Łomża after 33 years and the reopening of the Nowy Sącz–Marcinkowice section. With more routes, better schedules and wider access to train services, PolRegio is strengthening rail links between Polish cities, towns and local communities while attracting more passengers across the country.

Regional rail travel is gaining fresh momentum in Poland as PolRegio recorded a significant increase in passenger demand during the first six months of 2026. The country’s largest regional train operator carried 50.9 million passengers between January and June, exceeding last year’s performance by more than 200,000 travellers.

The latest results reflect the growing appeal of regional rail as PolRegio continues to strengthen its network with restored railway lines, additional train services and improved connectivity between cities and smaller communities. The expansion has made train travel more accessible for commuters, students, tourists and leisure travellers across multiple regions of Poland.

Passenger Demand Continues to Rise

PolRegio maintained positive momentum throughout the first half of the year, with demand remaining strong during the spring months. The company experienced its busiest month in May 2026, when 9.1 million passengers travelled on its services. It was the strongest May performance the operator has achieved in the past decade, highlighting the increasing popularity of regional rail transport.

Growth continued through the second quarter as well. Between April and June, passenger numbers increased by more than 400,000 compared with the same period in 2025. The steady rise suggests that regional rail is becoming an increasingly preferred transport option for everyday journeys as well as weekend travel.

Several Regions Record Strong Growth

Passenger traffic increased across many parts of Poland, although the pace of growth differed by region.

The Łódź Voivodeship recorded the fastest expansion, with passenger numbers climbing by more than 12% year on year. Western Pomerania followed with growth of 9.5%, while Warmia-Masuria posted an increase of 5.6%.

The improvements reflect wider investment in regional rail services, including longer operating routes, additional train frequencies and the reopening of passenger services on previously inactive railway lines. Better accessibility and more travel choices have encouraged increasing numbers of passengers to switch to rail.

Restored Rail Services Reconnect Communities

A major contributor to the growth has been the expansion of PolRegio’s timetable, which introduced several important route improvements from 14 June.

One of the most notable developments was the restoration of passenger trains between Białystok and Łomża, bringing regular rail travel back to the corridor after 33 years. The revived service now operates with four weekday train pairs and three weekend train pairs, while selected services continue to Ostrołęka, providing broader regional connections.

Passenger services also returned to the Nowy Sącz–Marcinkowice railway section, a 9.6-kilometre line that had previously been unavailable for regular passenger operations. The reopened route now offers 14 weekday train pairs and nine train pairs on weekends and public holidays, improving transport options for local residents.

The return of these services has strengthened regional mobility by reconnecting towns with the national rail network and providing additional travel opportunities for work, education and tourism.

More Routes and Better Connections

Beyond the restored lines, PolRegio expanded its network with several new services designed to improve regional accessibility.

A direct weekend train linking Bydgoszcz and Ciechocinek has been added to the timetable, creating a convenient option for leisure travellers.

The company has also introduced the Chorzew Siemkowice–Łódź Kaliska route, resumed passenger operations on the Olsztyn–Korsze–Ełk corridor and increased train frequencies on selected regional lines where passenger demand has continued to grow.

These improvements provide passengers with more departure options, greater flexibility and better links between major cities and smaller towns.

New Ticket Offers Expand Travel Choices

Network expansion has been supported by new fare initiatives designed to attract even more passengers.

In early July, PolRegio introduced new ticket offers in the Świętokrzyskie region that provide travel benefits for families, cyclists and organ donors. The fare changes are intended to encourage wider use of regional rail while making journeys more affordable for different groups of passengers.

Together with service improvements, these ticket options form part of a broader strategy to make regional rail more convenient and accessible.

Poland is expanding its regional rail network as PolRegio records strong passenger growth, carrying 50.9 million travellers in the first half of 2026 after launching new routes, restoring long-closed connections and increasing train services to improve nationwide connectivity.

Regional Rail Strengthens Its Position

PolRegio’s latest performance highlights the growing importance of regional railway services in Poland’s transport network. Rising passenger numbers, expanded services and the restoration of long-closed railway routes are helping improve connectivity across the country while encouraging more people to choose rail over other forms of transport.

With 50.9 million passengers carried in the first half of 2026 and continued investment in routes, schedules and passenger services, regional rail is playing an increasingly important role in supporting sustainable mobility and connecting communities throughout Poland.