Prague to Copenhagen by Train: Czech Railways Launches Direct ComfortJet Services

Czech Railways has launched direct train connections from Prague to Hamburg and Copenhagen. Despite ongoing track reconstruction in Germany, the first ComfortJet services started operating on schedule.

Despite the extension of reconstruction works on the Berlin–Hamburg line via Wittenberge and Ludwigslust until 13 June 2026, the first direct trains from Prague to Hamburg and Copenhagen started running on the originally planned date of 1 May. The services operate via a diversionary route through Stendal, Uelzen, and Lüneburg. One pair of trains runs daily between Prague and Copenhagen, while two pairs operate between Prague and Hamburg.

ComfortJet Units and Full Onboard Services

The services are operated by ComfortJet units, which also run all Berliner services between Prague and Berlin. All planned onboard services are available, including catering, transport for passengers with reduced mobility (wheelchair users), and bicycle transport.

From 1 May 2026, the following services are in operation:

• rj 171 Berliner Hamburg-Altona (4:34) – Berlin Hbf (7:28) – Praha hl.n. (11:25); after 23 May as rj 387
• rj 172 Berliner Praha hl.n. (16:31) – Berlin Hbf (20:28) – Hamburg-Altona (23:23); after 23 May as rj 386
• rj 384 Berliner Praha hl.n. (6:31) – Berlin Hbf (10:29) – Hamburg-Altona (13:37 / 14:52) – København H (19:38)
• rj 385 Berliner København H (8:22) – Hamburg-Altona (12:52 / 14:18) – Berlin Hbf (17:28) – Praha hl.n. (21:25)

Between Berlin and Hamburg, trains run via a longer and slower diversionary route through Stendal, Uelzen, and Lüneburg, where stops are scheduled in both directions. Trains to and from Copenhagen also have an extended stop of more than one hour at Hamburg-Altona.

The deployment of ComfortJet units is driven by the need to operate two daily services in each direction between Hamburg and Copenhagen. One ComfortJet train runs directly to/from Prague, while the other operates only between Copenhagen and Hamburg.

Regular operations between Berlin and Hamburg are expected to resume on 14 June. From this date, railjet services between Prague, Berlin, and Hamburg will run at a planned two-hour interval, and three direct trains per day will operate between Prague and Copenhagen.

The same number of services will run in the opposite direction. One train will operate directly to/from Kiel. Brno will also have direct connections with Germany, with two daily Railjet services to Berlin and, from mid-June, one daily direct train to Hamburg.

Travel Times, Fares, and Comfort

The planned journey time from Prague to Berlin is just under 4 hours, to Hamburg just under 6 hours, and to Copenhagen 11 hours and 45 minutes. Ticket prices, including seat reservation, start from EUR 17,40 to Berlin, EUR 26,50 to Hamburg, and EUR 61,50 to Copenhagen.

Railjet services operated by Railjet and ComfortJet units offer travel in air-conditioned coaches with a restaurant car. Services include Service am Platz (meal and drink service to seats in first class) and a minibar (refreshments served at seats in second class).

The trains provide accessible travel for wheelchair users and are equipped with onboard Wi-Fi, power sockets, USB ports, and tables at every seat. Additional features include a children’s cinema, family seating areas with games, spaces for prams, and baby-changing facilities. Railjet services also allow bicycle transport and offer further amenities for comfortable long-distance travel.

Railjet services operated by Railjet and ComfortJet units provide connections from Prague to Berlin and, in the coming period, also to Hamburg and Copenhagen, from Prague to Brno and further to Vienna, Graz, Klagenfurt, and Villach, as well as from Prague and Brno to Bratislava and Budapest.

Source: Nordic Chamber of Commerce in the Czech Republic