The latest international long-distance line Ex32 Prague – Pardubice – Wrocław – Gdańsk – Gdynia has been in operation for three months now. During that time, the trains, which are operated by České dráhy in cooperation with the Polish carrier PKP Intercity, have covered almost 640,000 kilometres. Every day, four pairs of Baltic express trains set off on the route, with modern cars equipped with air conditioning, electricity sockets, refreshments and comfortable seats. Due to the approaching peak travel season, from 14 April the carriers will deploy a sleeper car for the EC 460 and EC 461 night services.
„Our new Baltic express trains covered nearly 640,000 kilometres in the first three months of operation, which is equivalent to circling the globe sixteen times. On the Czech side, we see the greatest interest in travelling in the section between Prague and Wrocław, where we are offering a direct connection for the first time in history with a travel time of under 4 hours. We are pleased that, as part of the assessment of satisfaction with the trip, the Baltic express ranks among the top-rated lines with an average value of 4.37 stars out of 5,“ said Chairman of the Board of Directors and CEO of České dráhy Michal Krapinec. He added: „In cooperation with our Polish partner PKP Intercity, we are busy preparing for increased demand for summer travel and will put a sleeper car in pilot operation from mid-April for the two ‘night’ services. We are already discussing other new ideas for the Baltic Express from the next timetable period.“
„Baltic Express trains are our joint success. The service was put into operation in winter and many passengers immediately decided to travel with PKP Intercity and České dráhy on the new route. In the spring we expect a further influx of passengers, so we have prepared a new service for them – sleeper cars enabling even more comfortable travel from the Czech Republic to Poland. I wish everyone a pleasant journey,“ said Janusz Malinowski, President of PKP Intercity.
In the Czech Republic, trains comprise a total of 4 cars, including one PKP Intercity first-class car. Refreshments are available on board in the Czech Republic in the form of a JLV onboard minibar. Other cars, including a dining car, are added to the train in Wrocław and are PKP Intercity cars. In addition, České dráhy plans to deploy its own bistro car on the Baltic express after the next timetable is announced. The trains also offer passengers, for example, an onboard Wi-Fi network and the chance to charge electronic travel devices. The train includes cars for wheelchair users and transporting bicycles.
In addition, Czech Railways and PKP Intercity will strengthen the services ahead of the expected increase in passenger numbers during the summer season. From 14 April, air-conditioned PKP Intercity WLAB9bmnouz cars with 8 three-bed compartments and a total capacity of 24 beds will be included for the two night services EC 460 (departure from Prague hlavní nádraží every day at 18:51) and EC 461 (departure from Gdynia Główna every day at 23:12). The cars will also be equipped with a shower. ČD has already started selling tickets and collecting bed surcharges.
Services with sleeper cars will provide comfortable rest on the journey to the tri-city at least until the end of this August. Any extension of operation from 1 September 2025 will then depend on the evaluation of the success of pilot operation.
It Is Better to Buy Tickets Early
The same as with other long-distance trains operated by the national carrier, those who want to travel at the best prices should buy tickets as far in advance as possible. If you buy a ticket early, you can get to the sea for less than CZK 800; ticket prices to Wrocław start below CZK 400. The price of a bed surcharge in a three-bed compartment is CZK 765 regardless of the distance travelled. Sleeper car passengers have a breakfast and hygiene package included in the price. When purchasing tickets on the Baltic express to Poland online at the ČD e-shop www.cd.cz or in the Můj vlak mobile app, you will also receive a free reservation, which is necessary for the journey in Poland.
Author: Tiskové oddělení Českých drah
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