Spanish Railways (Renfe) and its Czech subsidiary Leo Express have set their sights on Poland’s liberalizing rail market, signaling potential future operations in the country. The announcement was made by Leonardo Hernandez from Renfe during the Polish-Spanish business forum in Warsaw.
“We are very interested in Central and Eastern Europe, especially Poland. We are already present outside Spain, for example in Saudi Arabia and in the Rail Baltica project. Two years ago, we invested in Leo Express, and together we are closely observing developments in Poland’s passenger transport market. As it opens up further, there is a real possibility that our trains will run in Poland,” Hernandez stated.
While no specific timeline or operational details were provided, the interest from Renfe aligns with its broader strategy of expanding into foreign rail markets.
Renfe’s International Ambitions
Renfe acquired a majority stake in Leo Express in 2021, aiming to increase its presence beyond Spain. The Czech-registered private carrier has since maintained its branding under Renfe’s ownership, with plans for further development.
Additionally, Renfe plays a consultative role in the Rail Baltica project, a major infrastructure initiative connecting Poland, the Baltic States, and Finland. This involvement further underscores the Spanish operator’s commitment to European rail expansion.
Leo Express & the Polish Market
Leo Express recently secured permission to operate open-access services on the Warsaw-Kraków route, with an initial plan for five daily train pairs. However, it remains uncertain if or when these services will commence.
With Poland’s rail sector moving towards greater liberalization, new players like Leo Express and Renfe could soon challenge the dominance of state-owned PKP Intercity. If Renfe formally enters the Polish market, it would mark another major step in Europe’s competitive railway landscape.
