RegioJet to quit Polish domestic market after eight months
Czech private operator RegioJet has confirmed it will withdraw from Poland’s domestic rail market, ending services on routes such as Kraków – Warszawa on May 3. The move follows what the company describes as an increasingly hostile and uncompetitive operating environment.
RegioJet entered Poland in September 2025 as part of a wider expansion strategy, initially running a limited “test” service while recruiting and training staff. Although operations were stabilised by March 2026, the company claims it faced persistent structural barriers. These included difficulties accessing station retail space, delays in acquiring a key depot in Warszawa, and restrictions affecting its ability to operate efficiently.
The operator is particularly critical of state-owned rival PKP Intercity, alleging predatory pricing and actions designed to block new entrants. RegioJet also points to political and media pressures, claiming negative coverage and limited access to public media formed part of a broader campaign against it.
In its statement, the company argues that Poland’s rail market—despite EU liberalisation rules—does not yet offer fair or transparent competition. It warns that continued operation under such conditions could threaten its wider business.
Owner Radim Jančura said the decision was necessary to safeguard the company’s future, though he left the door open to a return if conditions improve.
RegioJet will continue to operate international services linking Poland with Praha, while affected passengers will receive refunds and compensation.
Comment:
While RegioJet’s claims are strongly worded and reflect genuine operational frustrations, they also highlight the difficulty of entering markets where incumbent operators retain structural advantages. Whether this represents unfair competition or simply the reality of a partially liberalised system is likely to remain contested.
Buy the Spring 2026 European Rail Timetable here.
Changes to Alvia Services Between Barcelona and Galicia
From April 7, the Alvia service between Barcelona and Galicia has, at least temporarily, been adjusted, with the train now running daily solely between Barcelona and Vigo Urzáiz. Previously, the service operated four days a week to A Coruña via Santiago de Compostela, and three days a week to Vigo Guixar via Guillarei.
Under the new arrangements, all services now run via Santiago de Compostela, offering connections to A Coruña and terminating at Vigo Urzáiz. These adjustments are linked to ongoing engineering work between Guillarei and Redondela and are expected to last only for the duration of the works.
At the same time, the third portion of the service between Barcelona and Salamanca has been withdrawn. It has been partially replaced with a temporary Intercity service between Salamanca and Zaragoza, providing high-speed connections to and from Barcelona.
Buy the Spring 2026 European Rail Timetable here.
OUIGO Train Classique reaches Bordeaux with new low-cost route
OUIGO is expanding its growing network of conventional line services with a new route linking Paris Austerlitz and Bordeaux Saint-Jean. The Ouigo Train Classique service will operate on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays, offering two return journeys each weekend with a journey time of around 5 hours 30 minutes. Intermediate stops include Juvisy, Les Aubrais, Saint-Pierre-des-Corps, Futuroscope, Poitiers and Angoulême, providing a broad range of regional connections. Around 100,000 passengers are expected to use the route in its first year.
Tickets start from €10 one-way, with a flat €5 fare for children under 12. In keeping with OUIGO’s low-cost model, tickets are released up to 60 days before travel, including availability closer to departure to maintain affordable last-minute options.
The Bordeaux route builds on the expansion of OUIGO Train Classique since its introduction in 2022. Existing services already link Paris Austerlitz with Nantes and Rennes, while an international service connects Paris with Brussels.
Passengers benefit from a reserved seat and a simple luggage allowance, with additional items available for a small fee. Flexible ticket options, including the OUIGOFLEX add-on, allow unlimited changes for a fixed supplement.
According to Managing Director Jérôme Laffon, the new route reinforces OUIGO’s ambition to make rail travel more accessible, offering an affordable and environmentally friendly alternative to the car.
Buy the Spring 2026 European Rail Timetable here.
This week's cover image shows a Ouigo Train Classique service are Paris Austerlitz. Image courtesy of SNCF.
