Connecting Europe by rail: Direct connection from Prague to Copenhagen via Berlin

Passengers will soon have the option of a direct rail connection linking Prague and Copenhagen via Berlin. International long distance rail transport is already booming, and the new connection will give it another boost. DB (Deutsche Bahn), DSB (Danish railways) and ČD (Czech railways) are partnering to offer the new direct connection, which will start on 1 May 2026, when general overhaul work on the line between Berlin and Hamburg is complete. The connection will be served by ČD's ComfortJet trains, offering an eco-friendly travel option between the three European capitals. Other planned stops in Germany include Dresden and Hamburg.

Two pairs of trains (two outward and return journeys) will run year-round – with journey times of just seven hours between Copenhagen and Berlin and eleven hours between Copenhagen and Prague. A seasonal night-time connection will also be offered. There is already a night train that runs between Hamburg and Copenhagen in the summer, but from 2026 it will be extended to Prague via Berlin and Dresden and will be served by the new ComfortJet trains.

Michael Peterson, DB Board Member for Long Distance Passenger Transport, said: "Rail is bringing Europe closer and closer together. Journey times of over four hours 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 new connection is the first of a total of ten pilot projects supported by the European Commission to promote cross-border rail connections. The Commission selected Prague–Copenhagen as one of the projects to overcome obstacles in international rail transport, improve market conditions and develop attractive, sustainable mobility in Europe. Another project is the new direct connection recently announced that will link Munich, Milan and Rome. Last December, DB and France's SNCF started services on their new direct connection between Berlin and Paris.

Apostolos Tzitzikostas, the European Commissioner for Sustainable Transport and Tourism, said: "Improving high-speed rail, especially across borders, is our top priority. This new line, 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 ten pilot projects supported by the European Commission to promote new cross-border rail connections."

Kai Wegner, the Governing Mayor of Berlin, said: "Deutsche Bahn's new direct connection links three European capitals: Prague, Berlin and Copenhagen. This will strengthen Berlin as a hub in Europe. The new direct rail connection is also an important component in decarbonising the transport sector, since it will offer more green options for people travelling to and from Berlin."

ČD's new ComfortJet trains will serve the Prague–Copenhagen line. The trains, which have a top speed of 230 kilometres per hour, can seat 555 passengers, including 99 in first class. They offer all passengers a first-class travel experience, with an on-board restaurant, radio frequency-transparent windows, Wi-Fi, a children's cinema and adjustable seats. There is space on board for 12 bicycles. The trains are also equipped with wheelchair lifts.