Czech rail company Leo Express has launched a new direct train service spanning 807 miles (1,300 km), one of Europe's longest direct rail routes, with tickets starting at just €10 (£8.65). The route connects major cities in Germany, Czechia, and Poland to the Ukrainian border.
Route Details and Schedule
Train 232 departs from Przemyśl in Poland, a city adjacent to the Ukrainian border, at 1:31 pm local time and arrives at Frankfurt Airport the following day at 7:53 am. The return service, Train 235, leaves Frankfurt Airport at 8:27 am and reaches Przemyśl at 2:23 am the next day. The entire journey takes approximately 18 hours in both directions. Services operate once daily, timed to align with Frankfurt Airport's international flight schedule.
CEO's Vision
Announcing the plan in December, Peter Köhler, CEO of Leo Express, stated: 'With this new route, we are removing the iron curtains between Western and Eastern Europe, connecting important European centers and providing access to Ukraine.' He added that the service creates an 'alternative to existing operators' in Germany and that the 'excellent arrival time at Frankfurt Airport' provides 'seamless transfers to European and intercontinental flights.'
Train Features and Booking
Trains on the route feature modernised express coaches equipped with air conditioning, power outlets, food and drink, and WiFi. Dedicated bicycle sections and a kids' zone with a children's menu and activities are also available. Tickets are currently sold without seat reservations, but from January 2027, the company will introduce reservations and a business class offering. Leo Express also teases 'additional services that passengers can look forward to on this route.'
Industry Praise
Nick Brooks, Secretary General of ALLRAIL (the Alliance of Passenger Rail New Entrants in Europe), praised the launch: 'This is a clear example of railway market reform working in practice. Economically viable long-distance commercial rail connections are exactly what the Open Access regime should deliver.'
Company Background
Leo Express first entered the European rail market in 2012, with its primary network connecting Czechia with Slovakia and Poland, including services from Prague to Kraków, Warsaw, and Prešov. The company also offers feeder bus connections to Ukraine. The new route marks Leo Express's first foray into Germany.
Comparison with Other Routes
Currently, the longest train route in Europe is The Optima Express, a 994-mile (1,600 km) auto-train passing through Türkiye, Bulgaria, Serbia, Croatia, Slovenia, and Austria. The new Leo Express route, at 807 miles, is a strong runner-up.
