FlixTrain is making a major leap forward in the European rail sector with a €2.4 billion deal for up to 65 high-speed trains based on the Talgo 230 platform, also known as ICE L in Germany. The initial firm order includes 30 trains worth €1.06 billion, with a 15-year maintenance agreement built into the contract.

The new trains are fully low-floor and built for speeds up to 230 km/h. Designed with a push-pull configuration, each set will include a lead car with a driver’s cab, a variable number of high-capacity passenger cars, one of which will be accessible for people with disabilities, and a tail car that connects to a locomotive. To power these trains, FlixTrain will separately purchase Vectron locomotives from Siemens Mobility.

This fleet expansion reflects FlixTrain’s strategy to meet the growing demand for affordable and efficient cross-border rail travel. The trains are expected to serve routes across Germany, the Netherlands, Denmark, and Sweden, further extending FlixTrain’s reach in Northern and Central Europe.

The move signals FlixTrain’s commitment to offering a competitive alternative to state rail operators by delivering faster, more flexible services at a lower cost. The Talgo 230 platform, already known for its lightweight, energy-efficient design, is well suited for these ambitions.

FlixTrain is a subsidiary of German mobility giant Flix SE, which also owns FlixBus, one of Europe’s largest long-distance bus companies. FlixBus currently operates in more than 50 countries worldwide, including most European nations (excluding Russia, Ireland, and Belarus) as well as in India, the U.S., Brazil, Chile, Mexico, Turkey, and Canada.

With this investment, FlixTrain is positioning itself to play a key role in the future of European rail, offering greener and more cost-effective alternatives to both flying and driving—especially on transnational routes where demand continues to rise.