photo: Krzysztof D. / Flickr/Leo Express
Leo Express has launched a new international connection linking Frankfurt, Prague and Przemyśl. While the service begins with rail operations between Germany and the Czech Republic, passengers travelling through Poland will initially continue by coach until regulatory approval allows the operator to introduce trains on the full route.
From 25 June, Leo Express operates the new Frankfurt–Prague–Przemyśl service using modernised RIC coaches designed for international operations. The trains are equipped with air conditioning, Wi-Fi and onboard catering, with additional services planned in the coming months, including Business Class and sleeping cars.
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Tickets are available from EUR 9.85. Leo Express says it is ready to extend rail operations all the way to Przemyśl as soon as Poland's economic equilibrium test is completed. Until then, coaches will operate between Bohumín, Kraków and Przemyśl in both directions, connecting directly with the company's trains. The operator also noted that extensive engineering works in Germany required last-minute timetable adjustments after receiving the final temporary schedule shortly before the service launched.
"One of Leo Express' goals is to connect major European metropolitan areas and offer comfortable travel on routes where direct services have not previously been available. This new connection has the potential to break down the symbolic barrier between Eastern and Western Europe by linking major economic and cultural centres with the Ukrainian border. Our long-term strategy is to build trans-European transport corridors that provide a more environmentally friendly alternative to air, coach and car travel," said Peter Köhler, CEO of Leo Express.
Modern Coaches with More Services to Come
The new route is operated using modernised international RIC coaches featuring air conditioning, onboard Wi-Fi and the onboard catering service already familiar to Leo Express passengers. During the initial phase, each train consists of three first-class coaches, each offering 54 seats, temporarily sold as Economy Class.
Over the summer, Leo Express plans to introduce Business Class coaches as well as sleeping cars, while additional coaches may be added depending on demand. Onboard staff will be able to assist passengers in Polish, Czech, English and German.
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Current Timetable
The westbound service departs Bohumín in the afternoon, arrives at Prague Main Station in the evening and continues overnight to Frankfurt Airport. Eastbound services leave Frankfurt Airport in the afternoon, reach Prague during the night and arrive in Bohumín early the following morning.
Westbound:
- Bohumín 17:45 – Prague 22:32 – Dresden 01:38 – Frankfurt Airport 08:06
Eastbound:
- Frankfurt Airport 14:39 – Dresden 22:30 – Prague 01:17 – Bohumín 06:01
In Germany, trains also call at Leipzig, Fulda, Hanau, Offenbach and Frankfurt Süd.
Leo Express explained that the current timetable reflects ongoing engineering works across the German rail network, which continue throughout the summer and autumn. These infrastructure projects affect both departure times and station calls, with daily schedules expected to vary. Updated timetables will be added to the reservation system as they become available, and passengers are encouraged to check departure times before travelling.
Rail Services to Przemyśl Await Regulatory Approval
Because the economic equilibrium test in Poland is still underway, Leo Express is currently unable to operate trains between the Czech-Polish border and Przemyśl. Until approval is granted, passengers holding tickets for the full route will be transferred by coach between Bohumín, Kraków, Tarnów, Rzeszów and Przemyśl, with guaranteed connections to the trains in both directions.
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Passengers travelling to stations not served by the replacement coach service will receive a full ticket refund together with 100% of the ticket value in Leo Credits, which can be used for future ticket purchases or onboard refreshments.
"Our priority is to get passengers to their destination. That is why we are introducing a replacement coach service for customers who have already purchased tickets. They will then transfer to a Leo Express train and continue their journey. We will begin selling tickets for the Polish section as soon as we are authorised to operate trains along the entire route," explained Peter Köhler.
He added that the new connection is primarily designed for international travellers from Ukraine via Przemyśl, as well as passengers travelling from Kraków, Tarnów and Rzeszów. According to Köhler, the service offers travel opportunities across Europe that are currently unavailable through other direct connections, and the company expects the regulatory situation in Poland to be resolved soon.