Czech Railways is enhancing its long-distance connection between Prague and the Polish Baltic Sea. From 14 April, sleeper coaches will be introduced on Baltic Express night trains, offering travellers greater comfort.
The newest long-distance route, Ex32 Prague – Pardubice – Wrocław – Gdańsk – Gdynia, has been in operation for three months. During this time, the trains, operated by ČD in cooperation with the Polish carrier PKP Intercity, have covered nearly 640,000 kilometres. In preparation for peak travel season, sleeper coaches will be added to night trains EC 460 and EC 461 on this route from 14 April.
“In the first three months of operation, our new Baltic Express trains have covered nearly 640,000 kilometres – the equivalent of circumnavigating the globe sixteen times. On the Czech side, demand is highest on the Prague–Wrocław section, where we are now offering a direct service with a journey time of under four hours for the first time in history. We are pleased that the Baltic Express ranks among the highest-rated lines, with an average traveller satisfaction score of 4.37 out of 5 stars,” says Michal Krapinec, Chairman of the Board and CEO of ČD. “Meanwhile, we are already discussing further improvements to the Baltic Express for the next timetable.”
In the Czech Republic, the trains consist of four carriages, including a first-class carriage operated by PKP Intercity. Refreshments are available via an on-board JLV minibar. Additional carriages, including a dining car from PKP Intercity’s fleet, will be added in Wrocław. Czech Railways also plans to introduce its own bistro coach in the next timetable.
ČD and PKP Intercity will further strengthen connections in response to anticipated summer demand. From 14 April, the two night trains – EC 460 (departing daily from Praha hl.n. at 18:51) and EC 461 (departing daily from Gdynia Główna at 23:12) – will feature PKP Intercity WLAB9bmnouz air-conditioned sleeper coaches, each equipped with eight triple compartments, accommodating a total of 24 beds. Each compartment can be booked as a single, double, or triple room, and the carriages include a shower. Advance ticket sales have already begun.
The sleeper service will operate at least until the end of August 2024. A potential extension from 1 September 2024 will depend on the success of the pilot phase.
As with other long-distance services operated by Czech Railways, early booking offers the best fares. Tickets purchased in advance cost less than CZK 800 to the Baltic coast and less than CZK 400 to Wrocław. The supplement for a sleeper berth in a triple room is CZK 765, regardless of distance, and includes breakfast and a hygiene pack. Tickets for the Baltic Express to Poland purchased via the ČD e-shop (www.cd.cz) or the My Train mobile app also include a free seat reservation, which is required for travel in Poland.
