FlixTrain goes full speed with €2.4B upgrade
- Paul Aage Hegvik
- 1 day ago
- 3 min read
In a significant move to reshape Europe's rail landscape, German mobility company Flix SE has announced a €2.4 billion investment to acquire 65 high-speed trains from Spanish manufacturer Talgo, with Siemens supplying the locomotives.
This strategic expansion aims to meet the growing demand for fast, affordable, and sustainable travel across the continent. This is according to Reuters.
Flix has also recently launched its first buses in Mexico.
Expanding the network
FlixTrain, a subsidiary of Flix SE, currently connects 50 cities and offers access to around 650 destinations through partnerships with regional transport. The new Talgo 230 trains, capable of speeds up to 230 km/h, will enhance FlixTrain's ability to provide efficient and comfortable services across Germany, Austria, the Netherlands, Denmark, and Sweden. These trains feature barrier-free boarding, air conditioning, modern Wi-Fi systems, and passenger information displays, aligning with FlixTrain's commitment to accessibility and passenger comfort.
Strategic partnerships
The collaboration with Talgo and Siemens underscores FlixTrain's dedication to quality and innovation. Talgo's expertise in lightweight, articulated train designs complements Siemens' reliable Vectron locomotives, ensuring efficient and sustainable operations. This partnership not only modernizes FlixTrain's fleet but also positions the company to compete effectively with established operators like Deutsche Bahn.
Market potential and growth
FlixTrain's investment comes at a time when the European high-speed rail market is projected to grow annually by 4% to 5%. In Germany alone, the market is expected to expand by 45% by 2030 compared to 2021 volumes. FlixTrain's CEO, André Schwämmlein, emphasized the company's vision: "With the tremendous expansion of our train fleet, we will start a new era of train travel in Germany and Europe."
FlixTrain's €2.4 billion investment marks a pivotal moment in European rail travel, reflecting a commitment to innovation, sustainability, and passenger-centric services. As the company expands its network with state-of-the-art trains, passengers can look forward to a new era of high-speed, comfortable, and accessible travel across Europe.
Flix launches in Mexico
Flix have also launching operations in Mexico—its third market in Latin America after Brazil and Chile. Starting May 27, Flix will connect six major cities including Mexico City, Monterrey, and Querétaro across five states.
With its asset-light model and local partnerships, Flix aims to offer more affordable and digitalized bus travel.
“We are excited to expand our Latin American footprint. After successful launches in Brazil and Chile, Mexico will be the third Latin American country with green buses. In partnership with local businesses, we will change the way people travel by offering a more digitized and affordable experience.”, says André Schwämmlein, Flix founder and CEO.
Flix: Key Facts (2025)
Company overview
Founded: 2011 in Munich, Germany
Launched: 2013
Headquarters: Munich, Bavaria
CEO & Co-founders: André Schwämmlein, Jochen Engert, Daniel Krauss
Brands: FlixBus, FlixTrain, Greyhound, Kâmil Koç
Ownership: Privately held, with major investors including General Atlantic, EQT AB, Kühne + Nagel, HV Capital, Silver Lake, and SEK Ventures
Global reach
Countries served: 43+
Destinations: Over 5,600
Passengers carried: Over 400 million since launch
Recent expansions: India (2024), Mexico (2025)
Employees and partners
Employees: 5,623 globally (as of 2023)
Drivers (via partners): 10,218
Bus and rail partners: Over 1,000
Financial highlights (2023)
Revenue: €2.1 billion
Adjusted EBITDA: €104.4 million
Passengers in 2023: 81 million
Sustainability and innovation
CO₂ emissions (Europe): 27.8g per passenger-km
CO₂ avoided in 2023: 1.1 million tonnes
Net-zero targets: By 2040 in Europe, by 2050 globally
Milestone: First long-distance electric bus launched in 2018
