The main development is Flixtrain’s expansion plan to connect the Munich area with the Fernverkehr network by 2028, potentially adding a Berlin service and moving beyond existing corridors.

Flixtrain’s leadership emphasizes a goal of faster, more frequent services and denser timetables on key routes like Hamburg–Berlin, aiming for shorter travel times than Deutsche Bahn’s ICE services.

The expansion targets not only major cities but also smaller towns and regional hubs to increase speed and frequency across more routes.

Italo is preparing to enter the German Fernverkehr market starting in 2028, contributing to heightened competition in long-distance rail.

Regulatory changes by the German Bundesnetzagentur require at least 25% of capacities on high-demand routes to be available to competitors from 2028, spurring Italo’s entry and prompting legal action from Deutsche Bahn.

Flixtrain operates as a major challenger to Deutsche Bahn’s dominance in long-distance rail, which currently accounts for about 95% of the market, while regulatory changes open more trackage to competitors.

Flixtrain revealed a first finished wagon at the Innotrans mobility trade show in Berlin, illustrating its upgraded fleet and future plans.

Flix CEO André Schwämmlein notes that preparations for this larger network have been underway for roughly 15 years, signaling a decisive shift toward direct competition with Bahn.

The expansion includes a €2.4 billion investment to upgrade fleets and networks, starting with an initial fleet doubling from 16 trains and later adding 65 new high-speed Talgo trains from 2028.

From 2028, Flixtrain will roll out a substantial fleet expansion with 65 new Talgo high-speed cars, following the display of the first finished wagon at Innotrans.

Overall, the plan aims to offer more frequent, faster travel by leveraging added rolling stock and services to strengthen Flixtrain’s competitive position.