Prague to the Baltic Overnight? Sounds Great—Until You Actually Board the Train

Prague to Gdynia just got a night-time upgrade. The Baltic Express sleeper service is linking Czechia and Poland—fast, comfy, and (almost) seamless.

A new sleeper car has been introduced on the night train route between Gdynia and Prague, marking a significant improvement in overnight rail travel between Poland and the Czech Republic. On the morning of 15 April 2025, the Baltic Express EC 461 arrived in Prague with its first-ever sleeper coach, operated by PKP Intercity in partnership with České dráhy (Czech Railways). That evening, the coach made its return journey to Gdynia onboard the EC 460.

The sleeper car offers 24 berths across compartments for one to three passengers, complete with a washbasin, full bedding service, and onboard shower facilities. This addition will operate on a trial basis until the end of August 2025, allowing operators to evaluate demand and passenger feedback. According to České dráhy, the new option is expected to significantly boost comfort on the international route, which was launched only in December 2024.

Faster Rail Link from Czechia to Poland’s Baltic Coast

The Baltic Express runs four times daily, linking Prague with the Tri-City region of Gdańsk, Sopot, and Gdynia. Since its launch, the route has shortened travel times to the Polish coast by several hours and created stronger links between eastern Bohemia and major Polish cities. According to a press release by České dráhy, travellers can now reach Wrocław from Prague in just four hours. The sleeper service departs the Czech capital at 18:51 and arrives in Gdynia at 05:20 the following morning, offering an efficient overnight alternative to air or road travel. However, seat reservations are mandatory for all cross-border segments on this line.

České Dráhy Strengthens European Night Train Network

The Baltic Express sleeper launch is part of a broader European revival of cross-border night trains. České dráhy is already a key player in routes to Zurich, Warsaw, Košice, and Budapest, and partners in transit links connecting Warsaw and Munich. Several services also extend as far as Belgium and the Netherlands, thanks to coordinated international rolling stock operations.

Major interchange stations like Břeclav and Bohumín have become critical junctions for European night rail services, where sleeper cars are regularly reassigned between routes. The latest addition reinforces Czechia’s position as a strategic rail hub in Central Europe’s overnight network.

😴💤 Nie śpij w domu… Śpij w pociągu!

Od dziś w pociągach Baltic Express możesz korzystać z wagonów sypialnych 🌙
Wsiadasz do pociągu wieczorem w Trójmieście, zasypiasz w przytulnym przedziale 🛏️, budzisz się w Pradze - wyspany i gotowy na przygodę.
Bilety dostępne na… pic.twitter.com/5EheFSoVev

— PKP Intercity (@PKPIntercityPDP) April 14, 2025

Trial Run Reveals Mixed Passenger Experience

RAILTARGET's editorial team tested the Baltic Express shortly after launch and found the travel time reduction welcome—but the journey wasn’t flawless. Despite promising service on paper, the team reported starting in an older train unit in Prague before transferring in Kolín to a modern set bound for Poland.

While the dining car offered fresh food and a broad menu, prices were a downside—beer costing nearly EUR 4 drew criticism. On the return leg, track closures in Poland led to unannounced bus transfers, language barriers, and confusion, culminating in a return to the departure station after a lengthy detour.

Kolín, nedaří se. V Rostoklatech vypadlo napájení soupravy, v Kolíně došlo ke zjištění, že se porouchal kabel topné spojky. První vůz tak bohužel musí ven… a ze dvaceti minut, vzniklých opravou nefunkční toalety v depu, narostlo zpoždění na hodinu a něco. 🥲 Alespoň jsem lépe… pic.twitter.com/m1YuvwbVrH

— Adam Vanting (@Vantju) December 15, 2024

A Step Forward for Sustainable Mobility, with Room for Improvement

Despite operational issues, the addition of a sleeper car on the Baltic Express is a step toward enhancing cross-border rail travel in Europe. It demonstrates commitment from both Czech and Polish railways to sustainable transport options and passenger comfort. However, seamless coordination remains a challenge, particularly on the Polish side of the route.

As the trial continues through summer 2025, stakeholders will monitor passenger uptake and operational reliability to determine the sleeper car’s long-term future. If successful, it could serve as a model for further night train enhancements across Central and Eastern Europe.

Sources: RAILTARGET; České dráhy; PKP Intercity