Warsaw, Jun 03 (V7N) – The controversial ‘666’ bus route connecting travelers to the popular seaside town of Hel in Poland has been relaunched by FlixBus, reviving a long-running debate over the route’s symbolic number.
The number 666 is referred to in the Bible as “The Number of the Beast,” and many Christians associate it with Satan. The route previously gained international attention under local operator PKS Gdynia and became widely known as the “Highway to Hell.”
In 2023, the route number was changed to 669 following objections from religious conservative groups, some of which criticized it as a “devil’s bus.” According to local reports, years of pressure and complaints from religious organizations prompted the change.
The newly relaunched service will operate between Kraków and Hel, covering a journey of approximately 13 hours. The route will pass through several major Polish cities, including the capital, Warsaw.
FlixBus spokesperson Aleksander Kalenik said the return of the 666 route number was a deliberate marketing decision designed to attract attention to one of Poland’s most popular tourist destinations.
Poland remains a predominantly Roman Catholic country, where the influence of the church has historically played a significant role in public life and social debates.
Located at the tip of the 35-kilometer-long Hel Peninsula on the Baltic coast, Hel is renowned for its sandy beaches, historic architecture and seal sanctuary, making it a popular destination for both domestic and international tourists.
The return of the 666 route has once again sparked discussion across Poland, blending tourism promotion with religious and cultural sensitivities.
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