Czech Railways (ČD) is preparing an ambitious plan for the 2026 timetable, significantly expanding its international connections, increasing its domestic capacity and implementing targeted discounts to stimulate passenger demand. At the center of this expansion strategy is the Prague-Copenhagen trainIt is located. With this move, ČD aims to both strengthen its commercial goals and consolidate Prague’s position on the main railway map of Europe.
International Routes Shaped Around the Prague-Copenhagen Train
ČD, which implements one of the busiest schedules in Central Europe with 8,723 passenger trains per day in the 2025/2026 tariff period, is trying to transform the increasing demand into a more stable, long-term network. The Prague-Copenhagen connection is symbolic of this strategy:
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Returning to Copenhagen:Following EU high-speed rail network plan that largely bypasses Prague, EA In May 2026It puts the Prague-Copenhagen train back into service. This move will reconnect the Czech Republic to Scandinavian flows, allowing Prague to take its rightful place in international talks towards the north. a political signalIt is also seen as.
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Expanding International Flights:International expansion isn’t just limited to Copenhagen.
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South:From December ComfortJettrains in southern Austria near the borders with Slovenia and Italy villachIt organizes a trip to .
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North and West:The frequency of Prague-Berlin and Prague-Vienna services is being increased and some selected trains to HamburgIt extends up to .
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Night Train Breakthroughs:Night flights are expanding in parallel. New EuroNight CarpatiaThe line connects Bohumín and Przemyśl and carries direct wagons from Munich, Vienna, Prague and Budapest. Baltic Expressis adding a Czech dining car to the busy corridor to Poland’s Tricity.
Domestic Upgrades Available for Prague-Copenhagen Train
ČD is also making significant investments in its domestic network to support its international thrust and meet record passenger demand (a record 168.8 million passengers in 2024, cross-border travel increased by 12%):
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High Capacity Corridors:Critical Prague-Brnocorridor, the operator calls 14 times a day. ComfortJetand 16 railjetscheduling the service, offering more seats and less crowded trains for commuters.
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Regional Fleet Renewal:As of mid-December, on regional lines such as Hradec Králové–Letohrad and Prague–Mělník/Mladá Boleslav, old and less reliable models will be replaced by new, more comfortable models. RegioFoxreceives units.
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Additional Evening Departures:Two new ones for long-distance domestic travel InterCity Southern Expressservice and an additional one on the Prague-České Budějovice line. Vltavavoyage is added. These extra evening options provide great convenience for passengers who work late or have weekend plans.
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Demand Driven Discounts:For demand management with capacity increase From January to MarchFor groups of two to five people on domestic flights 25% online discountis offered. This discount aims to attract budget-conscious small groups back to the train.
The combination of all these strategies; With higher capacity, targeted discounts and deeper international reach, it shows that Czech Railways is investing in the future of rail transport by planning ahead, rather than simply reacting to growing demand.
