EUROPE: Denmark’s DSB, Germany’s Deutsche Bahn and the Czech Republic’s ČD are to launch a through København – Berlin – Praha passenger service, as one of the 10 pilot routes that the European Commission is supporting to promote attractive and sustainable cross-border transport.
The launch date has been set for on May 1 2026, once engineering works on the line between Berlin and Hamburg are completed.
The services will be operated using ČD’s Siemens Mobility and Škoda Group ComfortJet coaches, hauled by DSB locos from København to Hamburg and then ČD locos to Praha. There will be two daily departures, with a journey time of 7 h between København and Berlin and 11 h between København and Praha.
For three months over the summer there will be an extra nightly departure, formed by extending the current København – Hamburg night service to Berlin and Praha.
‘The collaboration with DB and ČD gives us the opportunity to jointly offer a unique and sustainable way to connect three often-visited and attractive European cities’, said DSB Customer Manager Charlotte Kjærulff on July 7. ’It makes it easier to take the train out to experience Europe’s rich history, architecture and culture, all three of us are quite proud of that.’
Michael Peterson, DB Board Member for Long Distance Passenger Transport, said ’rail is bringing Europe closer and closer together. Journey times of over 4 h are popular with our passengers in international long distance transport, and we are offering additional attractive services to meet the growing demand. Our strategy of growth in international long distance transport is truly working.’
The European Commission invited the rail industry to submit proposals for new or improved cross-border passenger services following the publication of an action plan to boost long-distance and cross-border passenger services in December 2021. The 10 selected pilot projects were announced in 2023, with launches planned by the end of 2029.
The European Commission is assissting operators and authorities with breaking down practical barriers to improving international services, but it is not providing funding or supporting infrastructure works or rolling stock procurement.
Commissioner for Transport Apostolos Tzitzikostas said ’this new service, connecting the Czech Republic, Germany and Denmark, is a strong example of progress. And I am especially proud that it is the first of the 10 pilot projects supported by the European Commission to promote new cross-border rail connections.’
