War, Hope, and 550,000 Passengers: The Rise of RegioJet’s Ukraine Train

RegioJet’s train service to Ukraine, initially launched in response to the full-scale war, has transported over half a million passengers. What started as a humanitarian mission is now a key commercial link between the Czech Republic, Poland, and Ukraine.

Since its launch on March 1, 2022, the Prague–Przemyśl route has carried 550,000 passengers. Originally introduced as a humanitarian railway bridge, organized in partnership with People in Need, the train helped thousands of Ukrainian refugees reach safety with free transport, while also delivering essential humanitarian aid on return trips to Ukraine.

The first train departed on March 1, 2022, and RegioJet, alongside People in Need, transported over 5,000 tons of humanitarian aid, making it Europe’s largest humanitarian rail transport effort. RegioJet fully funded the operation, running special sleeper and cargo trains, primarily transporting mothers and children. After several months, the service transitioned from humanitarian to commercial operations in response to high demand from Ukrainian travelers.

Prague–Przemyśl Night Train: A Vital Rail Link to Ukraine

Today, the Prague–Przemyśl train operates as a daily night service, connecting the Czech Republic, Poland, and Ukraine. The train departs Prague in the evening and arrives in Przemyśl, a key transfer hub at the Polish-Ukrainian border, in the morning. From there, passengers can continue their journey on Ukrainian Railways services to Lviv, Kyiv, Dnipro, Zaporizhzhia, and other cities.

"Thanks to our sleeper cars, this service offers an incomparably higher level of comfort compared to buses or private vehicles. Another advantage of the train connection is a guaranteed transfer—we wait for the arrival of the train from Ukraine even in case of delays," says Jakub Svoboda, Executive Director of RegioJet Rail Transport.

RegioJet: High Comfort at Affordable Prices

Passengers can expect a high level of service aboard RegioJet trains, including comfortable sleeper cars and a wide range of complimentary services such as breakfast, dinner, Wi-Fi, bottled water, and coffee. Ticket prices start at 11 EUR for a seat and 31 EUR for a sleeper on the Prague–Przemyśl route and 24 EUR for a seat and 45 EUR for a sleeper on the Prague–Lviv route. Three types of sleeper cars are available: Standard Sleeper, Women’s Sleeper, and Private Sleeper Compartment, as well as a standard seating carriage.

New Prague–Košice–Čop Route: Strong Demand from Day One

In March 2024, RegioJet expanded its Ukraine connections by launching the Prague–Košice–Čop route, providing direct service to the Zakarpattia region. Since its launch, the line has transported nearly 70,000 passengers, with an impressive occupancy rate exceeding 85%. Thanks to RegioJet’s services, passengers now have access to a comfortable, affordable, and reliable connection between the Czech Republic and Ukraine, which remains a key part of cross-border transport even three years after its launch.

Source: RegioJet Press Release