The renowned Europe Christmas Market 2025 season is upon us and Poland–Germany already has big plans to make it a merry Holiday Season for tourists. Starting December 14, 2025, Deutsche Bahn (DB) and PKP Intercity (PKP) will launch the most extensive upgrade in Germany–Poland train connections in years.
With more routes, higher frequency, and smoother cross-border travel, this joint initiative is set to redefine how passengers move between the two countries. The announcement reflects a growing demand for sustainable, long-distance travel in Central Europe. For many travellers, it means faster, easier access to cities that were previously underlinked.
Janusz Malinowski, CEO of PKP Intercity said:
“Rail transport is creating increasingly strong connections between European cities. As the largest long-distance rail passenger carrier in Poland, PKP Intercity is pleased to contribute to this. We are seeing great interest in the direct connections to and from Berlin. We expect that the other destinations will also be similarly popular with our passengers.”
Expanded Germany–Poland Rail Routes 2025
From mid-December 2025, Germany and Poland will see a 50% increase in daily long-distance train services, from 11 to 17 train pairs per day. The expansion directly connects key cities such as Berlin, Wrocław, Kraków, and Przemyśl. This will also mark an exciting addition to night trains in Europe.
The existing Chopin night train connecting Munich and Warsaw is getting an upgrade, with new carriages extending its route through Kraków all the way to Przemyśl. This addition opens up fresh overnight links between southern Germany and southern Poland, making cross-country travel smoother and more connected.
This expansion aims to strengthen both tourism and business travel across borders. It offers more options for passengers seeking direct or one-transfer connections.
Berlin–Wrocław–Kraków–Przemyśl: The New Direct Connection
One of the highlights of the 2025 timetable is the new long-distance service linking Berlin with Wrocław, Kraków, and Przemyśl. A connection I am personally excited about, this new direct route will cut travel time, reduce the need for transfers, and open a reliable corridor between Germany’s capital and Poland’s cultural heart.
This will make it possible to travel from Berlin to Kraków in under eight hours, continuing onward to Przemyśl near the Ukrainian border. It is an important step in expanding Central and Eastern European connectivity.
Warsaw–Berlin & Szczecin–Berlin: Faster, More Frequent
The existing Warsaw–Berlin services will see a notable boost in frequency and reduced travel time. Additional trains will make the line more flexible for both business and leisure travellers. Szczecin–Berlin services, a key route for northern Poland and coastal travellers, will also be reinforced to improve morning and evening connections.
Germany Poland Train Connections 2025: Tickets & Timetable
The updated 2025 timetable will be published by DB and PKP Intercity soon, with exact timings available on bahn.com and intercity.pl. Tickets for the new Germany–Poland train connections 2025 will go on sale soon after, aligning with the winter schedule change in December.
Both carriers are expected to offer dynamic pricing, with promotional fares and seat reservations available for advance purchases online. Passengers can book directly through DB Navigator or PKP Intercity’s booking system.
What This Means For Interrail Europe Travellers?
The 2025 update is a major step toward creating a unified, modern European Interrail experience. With cleaner, faster, and more reliable services, travellers can expect a smoother cross-border experience.
It’s also part of a broader EU initiative to encourage rail over air for mid-distance routes, reflecting a shift toward sustainability and seamless European mobility.
Suggested read: Eurail Pass: Your Ticket To Unlimited Adventures Across Europe
Why This Matters For Christmas-Market Travel?
More direct services mean fewer transfers and more daylight for markets. Night trains free up hotel nights and let travellers arrive rested, which is especially useful when planning a tight market itinerary across Wrocław, Kraków and Berlin. For city-stacking itineraries, such as Berlin → Dresden → Wrocław → Kraków, these timetable changes reduce friction and make same-weekend multi-city trips realistic. As a tour guide in Poland, I see it as a perfect Christmas Holiday gift from the DB and PKP to the Christmas Market lovers.
Top Europe Christmas markets Plus Rail Combo
Here’s a suggested festive route, leveraging new trains, and markets worth sending your readers drooling over:
| City | Market highlight | How to reach by train (new 2025 routes) |
| Dresden (Germany) | Striezelmarkt — Germany’s oldest, ~240 stalls. | From Berlin, regional or IC trains, then cross into Poland via Dresden → Wrocław |
| Berlin (Germany) | Multiple authentic markets: Gendarmenmarkt, Bebelplatz, Japanese Xmas market, etc. | Hub — many trains depart for Wrocław, Warsaw, Prague, etc. |
| Wrocław (Poland) | Main Market Square transforms into a winter wonderland | Use new Leipzig → Wrocław service or via Berlin → Wrocław |
| Kraków (Poland) | Rynek Glówny with lights, nativity scenes, artisanal gifts | Direct from Wrocław or via new Leipzig → Kraków service |
| Przemyśl / Chełm (Poland / border) | Offbeat Christmas — quieter, local, un-touristed | Overnight EuroCity from Berlin or via connecting day train |
You can plug in nearby stops like Munich, Nuremberg, Prague, or slide into Vienna/Salzburg if you’re mixing markets across borders. Many blogs already show multi-country Christmas itineraries by rail.
Where to Stay in Wrocław?
If you’re planning your Germany–Poland train journey for winter 2025, stay close to Wrocław’s Rynek (Market Square), the city’s heartbeat, lined with historic façades and Christmas lights. From here, most landmarks and cafes are within easy walking distance.
For comfort and convenience, you’ll find some of the best hotels in Wrocław right around the square, including boutique stays and luxury hotels in Wrocław that blend heritage with modern design. If you prefer premium experiences, explore 5-star hotels in Poland that make your trip as memorable as the journey itself.
The new Germany–Poland train connections will roll out with the Europe-wide timetable change on 14 December 2025. Wrocław to Leipzig travel in about three and a half hours, and the 570-kilometre Berlin–Warsaw route gets more seamless. This is the latest non-stop Eurocity connection jointly operated by Deutsche Bahn and PKP Intercity, and I’m here for it.
FAQs about Germany Poland train connections 2025
1. When do the new Germany–Poland train connections start?
The expanded timetable takes effect on December 14, 2025, when DB and PKP Intercity launch their joint winter schedule.
2. Where can I buy tickets for the new train routes?
Tickets for the Germany–Poland train connections 2025 will be available on bahn.com, intercity.pl, and through both carriers’ mobile apps once the new schedule is released.
3. Which cities are included in the new Germany–Poland train connections?
Major routes include Berlin–Wrocław–Kraków–Przemyśl and Warsaw–Berlin, along with expanded services on Szczecin–Berlin and other cross-border lines.
4. How can I check the Germany–Poland train connections 2025 timetable?
The full timetable will be published by late autumn 2025 on DB and PKP Intercity websites, including all departure times, travel durations, and connection options.
