The arrival of two Intercity Blues IC trains in Greece marks a significant step forward for the development of the Greek railway system, as they will bolster the Hellenic Train fleet.
According to the relevant press release, the first train arrived in Thessaloniki yesterday, Sunday, via the international Balkan rail corridor, traveling through Slovenia, Serbia, and North Macedonia. The delivery of the second train is scheduled to take place in July.
The two Blues IC trains, of the Diesel-Electric Multiple Unit (DEMU) type, were manufactured by Hitachi Rail and are supplied by the FS Group, of which Hellenic Train is a subsidiary. These are new-generation hybrid trains, consisting of four single-deck cars, designed to combine operational efficiency, a reduced environmental footprint, and an enhanced travel experience for passengers.
The trains have a maximum operating speed of 160 km/h and are equipped with the European Rail Traffic Management System (ERTMS) as well as a VHF radio communication system.
The addition of the Blues IC trains to Hellenic Train’s fleet is expected to strengthen services on the country’s main rail corridor, Athens–Thessaloniki, helping to improve the reliability, quality, and comfort of travel.
The trains will enter service following the completion of the required tests and their certification by the Railway Regulatory Authority.
The arrival of the two trains marks the first immediate and visible result of the memorandum of cooperation between the Greek Government and Ferrovie dello Stato, the parent company of Hellenic Train, which was signed in May 2025, in the presence of Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis and his Italian counterpart Giorgia Meloni, which set out the intention for new investments in trains to be funded exclusively by the Italian side.
The procurement of the two Blues IC trains represents an additional effort by the FS Group to support the renewal of the Greek rail fleet, going beyond its previous commitment to supply 23 new Coradia Stream electric trains, which will enter service at a later stage, further strengthening Hellenic Train’s services.
Deputy Minister of Transportation George Kotsiras stated: “The arrival of the new trains marks the beginning of a period of renewal for the country’s rail fleet after two decades and is part of our broader program to modernize rail transport.
Through consistency, perseverance, and strong international partnerships, we are turning our plans into tangible results for the benefit of passengers, the economy, and the country. Our steadfast goal is a modern and reliable railway system that will meet the needs of our citizens and play a vital role in Greece’s development.”