Poland’s regional railway network is gaining momentum as PolRegio reports 50.9 million passenger journeys during the first half of 2026.
The country’s largest regional passenger rail operator carried more than 200,000 additional travellers between January and June compared with the same period in 2025. New connections, restored railway routes and higher service frequencies helped strengthen demand across several regions.
May became PolRegio’s busiest month of the half-year period. The operator carried 9.1 million passengers, recording its strongest May result in a decade.
Growth also accelerated during the second quarter. More than 400,000 additional passengers used PolRegio trains between April and June compared with the corresponding three months of 2025.
The figures demonstrate the increasing importance of regional trains for commuters, students, families and tourists. Expanded services are making smaller towns more accessible while improving connections with Poland’s larger cities and transport hubs.
Regional passenger numbers rise across Poland
Passenger growth varied across Poland’s voivodeships, reflecting different levels of investment, timetable expansion and local demand.
The Łódź Voivodeship recorded the strongest increase during the first six months of 2026. Passenger numbers climbed by more than 12% compared with the previous year.
Western Pomerania followed with growth of 9.5%, while Warmia-Masuria recorded an increase of 5.6%.
The results show how better regional schedules can encourage more people to choose trains for everyday journeys and leisure trips.
Rail services can also support tourism by connecting visitors with historic towns, natural attractions and regional accommodation. Convenient departures allow travellers to explore destinations without relying entirely on private vehicles.
This accessibility is particularly important during Poland’s summer travel season, when trains connect urban centres with coastal resorts, lakeside destinations and cultural attractions.
Trains return to Łomża after 33 years
One of the most significant developments was the restoration of regular passenger services between Białystok and Łomża.
Trains returned to the corridor in June 2026 after an absence of 33 years. The timetable provides four weekday train pairs and three pairs on weekends, giving residents and visitors new access to the regional railway network.
Selected services continue beyond Łomża to Ostrołęka. This creates wider connections and allows passengers to travel between communities without depending on road transport for the entire journey.
The restored route links Łomża with Białystok through Łapy and other intermediate stations. It improves access to employment, education, healthcare and tourism services across the Podlaskie region.
For Łomża, the return of passenger trains could also support local tourism. The city and surrounding area can become easier to reach for visitors seeking cultural, historical and nature-based experiences in northeastern Poland.
Nowy Sącz route improves local mobility
Passenger trains also returned to the 9.6-kilometre section between Nowy Sącz and Marcinkowice.
The reopened service offers 14 train pairs on weekdays and nine pairs during weekends and public holidays. This creates a frequent transport option for local communities and passengers connecting through Nowy Sącz.
Restoring services on previously inactive lines helps address transport exclusion by giving residents alternatives to private cars and limited bus networks.
The route could also support tourism in the Lesser Poland region. Nowy Sącz serves as an important gateway to mountain areas, heritage destinations and communities across southern Poland.
Reliable regional connections can encourage visitors to stay longer and distribute their spending beyond the country’s major tourism centres.
New routes expand leisure travel choices
PolRegio has introduced other services intended to improve access between cities, towns and visitor destinations.
A direct weekend connection between Bydgoszcz and Ciechocinek provides an additional option for leisure travellers. Ciechocinek is widely associated with spa tourism and attracts visitors seeking wellness treatments, parks and its historic graduation towers.
The operator has also introduced services between Chorzew Siemkowice and Łódź Kaliska. Passenger operations have resumed on the Olsztyn–Korsze–Ełk corridor, strengthening rail access across Warmia and Masuria.
Longer routes and additional departures have appeared in other regions where demand continues to rise.
These improvements give travellers greater flexibility while supporting destinations that may previously have been difficult to reach without a car.
New fares encourage inclusive rail travel
Network growth has been supported by regional ticket initiatives.
PolRegio introduced new offers in the Świętokrzyskie Voivodeship from July 2026. The programmes include benefits for families, cyclists and distinguished transplant donors.
A regional bicycle ticket allows passengers to transport bicycles on eligible REGIO trains for a reduced fixed charge. This can support active tourism by making it easier to combine cycling with train journeys.
Such offers may encourage visitors to explore rural routes, nature areas and smaller communities while reducing dependence on road transport.
Regional rail supports sustainable tourism
PolRegio’s first-half performance shows that regional rail is strengthening its role within Poland’s wider transport and tourism economy.
Restored routes are reconnecting communities, while additional departures make rail travel more practical for daily passengers and visitors.
With 50.9 million travellers carried during the first six months of 2026, demand is responding positively to improved accessibility and service choice.
Continued investment in reliable trains, coordinated timetables and affordable fares could help Poland expand sustainable mobility while bringing more visitors to regional destinations.
As long-closed routes return and connections improve, rail is becoming an increasingly valuable way to discover Poland beyond its largest cities.
For more travel news like this, keep reading Global Travel Wire
