ZSSK Expands Stadler KISS Fleet with Four New Double-Deck Trains

Slovakia’s rail network is about to double up—literally. With Stadler’s new double-deck KISS trains entering the Bratislava–Žilina line, ZSSK is betting big on high-capacity, eco-efficient mobility, and Central Europe’s rail race is heating up fast.

Železničná spoločnosť Slovensko (ZSSK) ordered up to four KISS double-deck trains from Stadler. The first vehicle is scheduled to enter service at the end of 2026, while the second will follow in 2027. The train will operate on the Bratislava–Žilina line, and the contract includes an option for two more trains.

Modernising Rail with Swiss Engineering

"Stadler trains have been running successfully in Slovakia for more than a year. I am pleased that we will once again deliver state-of-the-art KISS units to Slovak Railways," said Dr. Ansgar Brockmeyer, Executive Vice President Sales and Marketing at Stadler. "These vehicles will offer the highest level of comfort and significantly increase capacity in regional and intercity transport."

"Fleet renewal is a pillar of our vision for modern and sustainable transport," added Peter Helexa, CEO of ZSSK. "These new units will reduce energy consumption to 12 kWh/km and save dozens of tons of emissions annually. They’ve become a symbol of ecological solutions that elevate rail to a European standard."

Stadler receives a new order for up to 4 new KISS trains from Slovakian ZSSK. They will run on the Bratislava-Žilina line and the contract includes a firm order for 2 units. #RNHS //t.co/IdytJhaPEx

— Rail News Vista (@railnewsvista) May 7, 2025

Expansion of Stadler’s Footprint in Central Europe

"Slovakia is steadily increasing the number of Stadler trains on its network," noted Zdeněk Majer, Chairman of the Supervisory Board at Stadler Prague. "We are proud to be strengthening Stadler’s market share in the region." As with earlier deliveries, the vehicles will be designed by Stadler Prague, employing over 250 engineers. Manufacturing will take place in Poland at the Stadler Siedlce plant.

The new KISS trains are 155.9 metres long and provide a total of 611 seats, including 30 in the Comfort section. They combine high power with rapid acceleration and reach a top speed of 160 km/h. The units are fully accessible, with four toilets, including one for passengers with disabilities. Passengers will benefit from onboard Wi-Fi and a modern passenger information system. Advanced features include internal and roof-mounted cameras to monitor the pantograph and a certified energy monitoring system.

Stadler previously delivered four KISS trains to ZSSK in 2023 for western Slovakia, running between Bratislava–Nové Zámky and Bratislava–Trenčín or Púchov. This new order doubles the Slovak KISS fleet. In earlier years, Stadler also delivered electric units for narrow-gauge lines in the High Tatras.

Source: Stadler Press Release