The train continues its breakthrough in Europe. This is evidenced by this new service launched on the 1ster but via the Czech railways between Prague and Hamburg, with two return journeys daily, one continuing its journey to Copenhagen. On this route, which crosses three countries, several cities will be served, including Dresden, the capital of Saxony, and Berlin, the German capital, which should attract both tourists and business travellers. The latter should also be interested in the journeys from Berlin or Hamburg to Copenhagen.
The launch of this line was made possible by an operating agreement between the Czech Railways (České Dráhy), GermanDeutsche Bahnand Danish (Danske Statsbaner). Departures from Prague The services are scheduled for 6:30 AM and 10:30 AM with an extra train operated at 4:30 PM during the summer season. With ComfortJet trains not exceeding 230 km/h, the journey time between the Czech capital and Hamburg is 6 hours and 41 minutes, and over 11 hours for the entire route. Onboard, the 550 passengers will be able to enjoy Wi-Fi and a restaurant to make the most of their journey. Tickets are sold by the three operators (ČD, DB, and DSB) as well as by independent distributors like Trainline (from €60 for a one-way ticket on their website).
An initiative supported by the European Commission
This route has been operated in the past – notably at night by DB – but was suspended about ten years ago. It has been reopened due to the current enthusiasm for train travel and especially thanks to the work carried out on the tracks between Berlin and Hamburg, which facilitates services. The Czech company is particularly relying on the 15 million inhabitants living in the cities served. The 11-hour journey time should fall in the coming years thanks to new work on the line and the inauguration of a railway tunnel under the sea connecting Denmark and Germany. This Prague-Copenhagen route is also one of ten new routes identified and supported by the European Commission to develop cross-border connections. A Munich-Milan-Rome service operated by Frecciarossa will follow next December, thanks to a new partnership involving this time Trenitalia, Deutsche Bahn, and ÖBB, the Austrian Federal Railways.
