FlixTrain, the private rail operator in Germany and subsidiary of global travel-tech company Flix SE, has announced on 27 May 2025 a landmark investment in European rail transport with the purchase of 65 high-speed trainsets. 

This ambitious order marks the company’s largest expansion to date and represents a significant step in its strategy to reshape long-distance train travel across Germany and Europe. 

Train manufacturer Talgo from Spain has been awarded the contract to build the trainsets, while German Siemens will supply an equal number of Vectron locomotives. The total contract value reaches up to €2.4 billion, with €1.06 billion already firmly committed, securing the first 30 trains.

Talgo 230

The new fleet will be based on Talgo’s 230 platform, a state-of-the-art, lightweight push-pull train design optimised for efficiency, accessibility, and interoperability. These trains are capable of reaching speeds of up to 230 km/h and are designed with cross-border operation in mind. 

Built entirely in Europe, the units will be compatible with several national rail systems, including those of Germany, Austria, Denmark, Sweden, and the Netherlands. 

Europe

This European-wide compatibility aligns with FlixTrain’s vision of establishing itself as a pan-European provider of sustainable, long-distance rail transport.

André Schwämmlein, CEO and co-founder of Flix SE, describes this investment as heralding “a new era of train travel in Germany and Europe”. 

The move is part of FlixTrain’s broader strategy not only to increase its own market share but also to grow the long-distance rail market as a whole. The company expanded its offering by 40% in 2024 alone and experienced a sharp rise in passenger numbers, building on strong momentum from the previous year.

The timing of this investment coincides with a political landscape that is increasingly favourable towards rail expansion. Germany’s newly formed government has committed to long-term investments in rail infrastructure and is pursuing reforms to the track access system. 

These measures are expected to lower barriers for private operators like FlixTrain and encourage greater innovation and competition. 

German federal Transport Minister Patrick Schnieder (CDU) welcomed FlixTrain’s announcement, calling it “a strong signal to the rail market” and praising the involvement of a German tech firm in such a significant infrastructure initiative.

The new trains are notable not only for their speed and interoperability but also for their focus on passenger comfort and accessibility. In a first for Germany’s long-distance network, they will feature barrier-free boarding, offering improved access for passengers with reduced mobility. Additional features include air conditioning, advanced Wi-Fi, and dynamic digital passenger information systems. Dedicated spaces for mobility-impaired travellers will also be included in each unit.

Talgo President Carlos de Palacio y de Oriol has described the Talgo 230 platform as “the best solution for improving rail mobility throughout Europe,” citing the technology’s efficiency and adaptability. 

The trains will also incorporate a sophisticated suite of digital systems to support predictive maintenance. Thousands of sensors installed across the fleet will collect and transmit real-time data to the cloud, generating up to two gigabytes of data per train per day. 

AI

Artificial intelligence will be used to anticipate and manage maintenance needs, minimising downtime and ensuring high fleet availability.

This substantial expansion is part of FlixTrain’s long-term vision to provide a comprehensive and sustainable alternative to air and car travel across Europe. 

Current offer

Currently, FlixTrain directly connects around 50 cities in Germany and offers over 650 bookable destinations through partnerships with regional rail operators. 

Together with FlixBus, which serves roughly 300 stops in Germany alone, the company is developing an intermodal transport network that integrates high-speed rail and coach services.

Looking ahead, FlixTrain plans to deploy the new trains not only on domestic routes but also internationally, positioning itself as a key player in Europe’s evolving rail ecosystem. 

“We see FlixTrain as a European product,” Schwämmlein notes. “Starting from our home market, we also want to make the service available in other countries.”

International

For Talgo, this deal strengthens its already significant presence in the European market. 

In addition to the FlixTrain order, the Talgo 230 platform is being used for other projects, including 16 trains ordered by Danish operator DSB and up to 100 units to be delivered to Deutsche Bahn under the ICE L designation (the ‘L’ standing for ‘low-floor’).

As Europe continues to seek sustainable alternatives to air travel and embraces climate goals, investments such as FlixTrain’s record order play a vital role in accelerating modal shift and enhancing rail’s competitiveness. 

With modern, accessible, and cross-border-capable trains, the company aims to transform the experience of long-distance rail travel and reinforce rail’s position as a central pillar of the European transport network.

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