Gdańsk Is Getting Poland's Longest Trams
Gdańsk is set to add a fleet of record-breaking trams to its public transport network after the city's operator signed a contract worth more than €120 million with Polish manufacturer Pesa. The 20 new vehicles will each stretch to nearly 47 metres, making them the longest trams operating anywhere in Poland once they enter service. The first is scheduled to arrive in February 2029.
The contract was signed by Gdańsk Mayor Aleksandra Dulkiewicz and Pesa CEO Krzysztof Zdziarski, as first reported by Railway Gazette International's Thomas Wintle.
What the New Trams Mean for Getting Around Gdańsk
At close to 47 metres, these vehicles are substantially larger than a typical city tram. Greater length generally translates to higher passenger capacity per run, which matters on busy corridors connecting the historic Old Town, the waterfront, and residential districts further inland. For anyone navigating Gdańsk without a car, a higher-capacity tram network reduces crowding and, over time, can shorten waiting times as operators adjust frequencies.
The 2029 delivery window is worth keeping in mind when planning longer trips. Visitors arriving before that date will travel on the existing fleet, while those coming after can expect a noticeably upgraded ride on at least some routes.
Pesa and Poland's Tram Modernisation Wave
The Gdańsk order is part of a broader pattern of Polish cities investing in domestic rolling stock. Pesa, based in Bydgoszcz, is one of Poland's principal rail and tram manufacturers, and contracts of this scale signal continued confidence in locally built vehicles. Separately, the city of Grudziądz recently took delivery of its first Moderus Beta tram from Modertrans Poznań under a different contract, pointing to healthy competition and investment across the sector.
For Gdańsk specifically, the size of the investment, over €120 million for 20 vehicles, suggests a long-term commitment to tram infrastructure rather than a stopgap purchase.
Why It Matters for Hosts
Independent accommodation and experience operators in Gdańsk have a concrete talking point to offer guests who ask about getting around. Tram travel is already one of the most practical ways to move between the main sights, the train station, and outlying neighbourhoods. When the new fleet begins arriving in 2029, capacity constraints on popular routes should ease, making the network more reliable for guests who prefer public transport over taxis or rental cars.
Hosts can also use the timeline to manage expectations: guests visiting before 2029 should be briefed on current tram conditions, while those booking further ahead can be reassured that the network is actively being upgraded. Highlighting accessible, affordable public transport is increasingly a draw for independent travellers, and a fleet renewal of this scale is worth mentioning in welcome guides and pre-arrival communications.
For operators thinking about their positioning on booking platforms, proximity to tram stops and ease of access to the city centre without a car are details that resonate with the kind of traveller who chooses independent hospitality over large hotel chains. This investment reinforces Gdańsk's credentials as a walkable, transit-friendly destination.
Details of the contract were first reported by Thomas Wintle at Railway Gazette International. This post is published by the Qontaktly travel blog.
First reported by railwaygazette.com.