Poland’s oldest operating electric train is returning to the tracks after a major refurbishment. The 63-year-old train, known as Babcia, or “Granny”, will resume passenger services on a 10-km weekend route between Tłuszcz and Mostówka, north-east of Warsaw, Notes From Poland reported on September 4. Scroll down to know more.
Poland’s 63-Year-Old Train Was Built In 1963
According to a report by Business Today, officially known as EN57-038, the train rolled out of the Pafawag factory in Wrocław on May 9, 1963. It spent decades operating in southern Małopolska, carrying passengers in cities including Kraków, Tarnów, Nowy Sącz and Sucha Beskidzka. In 2003, it was transferred to Masovia, the province surrounding Warsaw, where it has continued to operate. The train has undergone regular maintenance and modernisation over the years. Its most recent major refurbishment took place in 2022, when it was restored to its original yellow and blue colours associated with the Pafawag factory.
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The latest work has focused on its monitoring system and toilet facilities. The toilet now uses a closed-circulation system, meaning waste is stored onboard instead of being discharged directly onto the tracks. Following the refurbishment, Babcia will operate on weekends between Tłuszcz and Mostówka.
Poland’s Oldest EN57 Train
EN57-038 belongs to the EN57 class of electric multiple-unit trains manufactured by Pafawag between 1961 and 1993. A total of 1,429 trains from the class were produced, with many still operating across Poland. However, EN57-038 is the oldest EN57 train still in service.
The history of Babcia is closely linked to the Wrocław factory where it was built. The facility dates back to the 1830s and became one of Europe’s oldest railway rolling stock manufacturers. After World War II, it came under Polish state ownership. Following the fall of communism, it was privatised and later passed through ADtranz and Bombardier Transportation before Bombardier was acquired by Alstom in 2021.
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Old Trains Find New Fans
The return of Babcia comes as rail travel continues to grow in Poland. In the first half of 2026, a record 44.7 million passengers travelled with PKP Intercity, more than 10% higher than the previous year’s record.
While Poland is investing in high-speed rail and plans to raise speeds to 320 km/h, interest in historic trains remains strong. Earlier this year, PKP introduced an “unhurried” service using restored trains from the 1980s. Now, Babcia will give passengers another chance to experience Poland’s railway past while continuing to operate as a working passenger train.
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Cover Image Courtesy: Wikimedia Commons (Representative Image)
FAQs
Which country is close to Poland by train?
Germany and Czechia are the nearest and most directly connected countries to Poland by train, with frequent cross-border services reaching border towns or major cities in just a couple of hours.
Are Polish trains expensive?
No, Polish trains are generally inexpensive, especially for regional travel and standard long-distance routes.
What is the name of the Poland 'Granny' train?
The 63-year-old train, known as Babcia, or “Granny”.
