New direct train to link Copenhagen to Prague via Berlin in 2026

A new rapid direct train connection is to start from 2026 in Europe. Passengers will then have the option of a direct rail connection linking Prague and Copenhagen via Berlin.

International long distance rail transport is already booming, and the new connection will give it another boost. DB (Deutsche Bahn), DSB (Danish railways) and ČD (Czech railways) are partnering to launch the new connection on May 1st 2026. The link will be possible following the completion of overhaul work on the line between Berlin and Hamburg.

The connection will be served by ČD’s ComfortJet trains, offering an eco-friendly travel option between the three European capitals. Other planned stops include Odense in Denmark, Hamburg and Dresden in Germany as well as Ústí nad Labem in the Czech Republic.

Two pairs of trains (two outward and return journeys) will run year-round – with journey times of just seven hours between Copenhagen and Berlin and eleven hours between Copenhagen and Prague. The travel time will be further reduced after the completion of the Fehmarn Belt Undersea Tunnel between Denmark and Germany. In the past, a link between Denmark and Prague took over 14 hours.

There will also be a seasonal night-time connection. There is already a night train that runs between Hamburg and Copenhagen in the summer. However, from 2026, it will be extended to Prague via Berlin and Dresden and will be served by the new ComfortJet trains.

ComfortJet to bring more comfort to travellers

ČD’s new ComfortJet trains will serve the Prague–Copenhagen line. The trains, have a top speed of 230 kilometres per hour. They can seat 555 passengers, including 99 in first class.

They offer all passengers a first-class travel experience, with an on-board restaurant, Wi-Fi, a children’s cinema and adjustable seats. Innovative window technology will allow mobile phone signals to pass more easily  while maintaining the thermal insulation properties of the glass. There will be also space on board for 12 bicycles as well as wheelchair lifts.

Michael Peterson, DB Board Member for Long Distance Passenger Transport, said: “Rail is bringing Europe closer and closer together. Journey times of over four hours are popular with our passengers in international long distance transport. We are offering additional attractive services to meet this growing demand. Our strategy of growth in international long distance transport is truly working.”

“The agreement to launch a new international train service to Copenhagen demonstrates the strong position of České dráhy on the European railway transport market. The cooperation with Deutsche Bahn and Danske Statsbaner opens up a comfortable and direct train service for passengers to the Danish capital and destinations in Scandinavia,” says Michal Krapinec, Chairman of the Board of Directors and Director General of České dráhy.

More long-distance train links to come in Europe

The railway carriers are looking to start selling tickets six months before the official launching. A test run of the ComfortJet to Copenhagen will take place this autumn. It will help DB and DSB employees to learn about the train’s technology and operating characteristics.

The new connection is the first of a total of ten pilot projects that the European Commission supports to promote cross-border rail connections.

The Commission selected Prague–Copenhagen as one of the projects to boost international rail transport. New links improve market conditions and develop attractive, sustainable mobility across the EU.

Another project is the new direct connection that will link Munich, Milan and Rome. Last December, DB and France’s SNCF started services on their new direct connection between Berlin and Paris.