Czech Republic expands international rail network with new direct services and high‑speed line

Czech rail operators are adding several new international connections. A direct Prague‑Copenhagen train began operating in early May on a test schedule, with plans for three daily trips from 14 June and a journey time of 11 hours 45 minutes. Seasonal service to the Adriatic coast resumes via the Adriatic Express, running six times weekly from 26 June between Warsaw, Ostrava, Koper and Rijeka. European Sleeper operates three weekly night trains from Prague through Amsterdam to Brussels, while Leo Express runs regular services to Slovakia, Poland and Germany. RegioJet has replaced its former direct Prague‑Croatia trains with faster bus links, citing infrastructure constraints and frequent delays.

A separate high‑speed project aims to shorten travel between Prague, Brno and Bratislava. The plan includes a 320 km/h line from Modřice to Rakvice, with construction expected in the 2030s and an estimated cost of CZK 60 billion. The route will eventually connect to Austrian and Slovak networks and may be extended to Vienna. Land acquisition is underway, using a public‑private partnership model, and environmental approvals have been secured. Local concerns focus on noise and the need for tunnels or viaducts in affected communities.