The Baltic Express, a new international train service connecting Prague with Wrocław and the Baltic Sea, has officially launched. Operated by České dráhy and PKP Intercity, the service offers four daily connections, promising speed, comfort, and new opportunities for tourism and business between the Czech Republic and Poland.
With the introduction of the new timetable, České dráhy, in cooperation with its partner, the Poland-based carrier PKP Intercity, has launched a new international train line: the Ex32 Prague – Pardubice – Wrocław – Gdynia. Four pairs of trains, named the Baltic Express, will run daily, offering modern carriages equipped with air conditioning, power sockets, refreshments, and comfortable seating.
“Providing high-quality train services between the Czech Republic and its neighbouring countries is one of our top priorities. The new Czech-Polish train line, which starts operating today, connects Prague and Eastern Bohemia with Western Poland, linking major cities and conurbations with millions of inhabitants. This opens up significant opportunities for strengthening tourism and economic relations between the Czech Republic and Poland,” said Martin Kupka, Minister of Transport of the Czech Republic.
“The Embassy of the Republic of Poland in Prague is delighted with the decision by PKP Intercity and České dráhy to launch a new rail connection between Poland and the Czech Republic, linking the Baltic Tricity area with Prague. The Baltic Express provides an excellent opportunity to boost tourism exchange between our countries, while also encouraging greater mutual understanding. These trains will complement the existing rail and road connections between our countries, both on major and regional routes. We are particularly pleased with the quick response from both carriers to the growing interest of Czechs in Poland, as seen by the more than half a million Czech tourists who visited Poland during this summer season,” stated Jacek Gajewski, Chargé d’Affaires a.i. of the Republic of Poland in the Czech Republic.
“The new rail service is not only convenient for tourists but also creates new opportunities for entrepreneurs, students, researchers, and cultural figures to connect more frequently with their Polish and Czech counterparts,” he added.
“Thanks to the new Baltic Express trains, which we operate in partnership with PKP Intercity, we offer our passengers unmatched speed and comfort when travelling to the scenic destinations of our northern neighbours and the Baltic Sea coast. It takes less than four hours to travel from Prague to Wrocław by train, making it the fastest train connection in history. In just eight and a half hours, you can be relaxing at the beach resorts in popular Sopot—all without the stress of driving, traffic jams, or the hassle of finding parking after a long car journey,” said Michal Krapinec, Chairman of the Board of Directors and Director General of České dráhy.
“Four daily services between the Czech Republic and Poland represent one of the most important changes in the new timetable. This has been made possible thanks to the collaboration between PKP Intercity and České dráhy, benefitting passengers in both countries. Covering more than 800 km in nine hours is an impressive achievement. I am confident that the Baltic Express trains will be very popular. Bon voyage!” said Janusz Malinowski, Chairman of the Board of Directors of PKP Intercity.
The trains depart daily from Prague Main Station at 06:51, 10:51, 14:50, and 18:51. In the Czech Republic, they stop at Kolín, Pardubice, Ústí nad Orlicí, Letohrad, Jablonné nad Orlicí, and Lichkov. In Poland, the route continues through Kłodzko, Wrocław, Poznań, and Bydgoszcz to Gdańsk, Sopot, and Gdynia, with additional stops in other major tourist and economic centres.
The train consists of four carriages, including one first-class carriage, while travelling within the Czech Republic. On-board refreshments will be available via a minibar service. In Wrocław, additional carriages, including a dining car, will be added from PKP Intercity’s rolling stock. Passengers will also enjoy amenities such as Wi-Fi and charging facilities for electronic devices. The trains are equipped to accommodate wheelchair users and bicycles.
