RegioJet challenges PKP monopoly on Warsaw-Krakow route
Czech private operator RegioJet has entered Poland's domestic market with a daily Warsaw–Krakow service. The company promises fares at half the cost of PKP Intercity's Pendolino, in the first major challenge to Poland's long-distance monopoly.
RegioJet began operations on September 18 with one daily train pair linking Warsaw and Krakow via Zawiercie. Trains call at Warsaw Zachodnia, Centralna and Wschodnia. Journey time is just over three and a half hours. Base fares start at EUR 11.50, positioned directly against PKP's premium Pendolino.
Targeting PKP Intercity
Founder Radim Jančura said RegioJet aims to match Pendolino speeds from December while charging half the fare. CEO Renata Stanislavová added: "The Polish market has been very closed. We are the first real competitor." PKP Intercity currently controls more than 90 percent of Poland's long-distance market.
Expansion and barriers
The operator plans to expand frequencies to departures every two hours once operationally ready. New routes under development include Warsaw–Gdańsk–Gdynia, Poznań–Warsaw, and international links to Prague and Vienna. Strategy Director Jiří Schmidt cited complex regulations, technical requirements, and timetable allocation as barriers to growth.
Market implications
RegioJet's entry tests Poland's commitment to rail liberalization. The company already runs services in the Czech Republic, Slovakia, Austria, Croatia and Hungary. With four service classes and complimentary coffee, it positions itself between budget and premium offers. Success in Warsaw–Krakow could push PKP Intercity to adjust its pricing strategy and open the way for further market competition.