LEO Express has launched a new cross-border passenger service linking Frankfurt, Germany, with Prague in the Czech Republic and Przemyśl in Poland. The first train ran on June 25, with temporary bus connections in Poland until train operations start later in the year. Business class and couchette accommodation will also be added during the summer.
The new service is expected to be popular with passengers travelling to and from Ukraine, as Przemyśl is close to the Ukrainian border. Leo Express is awaiting clearance from the Polish rail regulator, UTK, to run trains on the Polish section of the route. Until then trains will start and terminate in Bohumín in the Czech Republic, with buses running between Bohumín and Przemyśl, also calling at Kraków, Tarnów and Rzeszów.
Leo Express is using RIC-certified IC-1 coaches supplied second-hand from German Rail (DB), which are equipped with air-conditioning and WiFi and feature modernised interiors. Trains are initially running with three economy class coaches hauled by Vectron locomotives, while additional coaches might be added if demand increases.
Train 232 departs Bohumín at 17.45, arriving at Frankfurt Airport the following morning at 08.06, travelling via Prague and Dresden. The eastward service departs Frankfurt Airport as Train 235 at 14.39, arriving at Bohumín at 06.01 the following day.
The current timetable is heavily disrupted by line closures related to infrastructure modernisation in Germany, which could affect both journey times and station stops during this summer and autumn.
“One of Leo Express’ goals is to connect major European metropolitan areas and offer comfortable travel options on routes where direct connections have not previously been available,” says Peter Köhler, CEO of Leo Express.
“The potential of this new route lies in breaking down the perceived barrier between eastern and western Europe by linking key economic and cultural centres with the Ukrainian border.”
