Leo Express, a Czech rail company, is set to launch an ambitious and significant long-distance train service on June 25, connecting key cities across Germany, the Czech Republic, Poland, and extending to Ukraine. The new route, touted as one of the longest direct rail services in Europe, will cover an impressive distance of 807 miles (over 1,300 kilometers), with one-way tickets starting at a competitive price of €10 (approximately $11.50).
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Announced by the company’s CEO, Peter Köhler, in December 2025, this service aims to provide a full-fledged trans-European travel option linking important financial and cultural hubs. Cities such as Frankfurt, a major European airport serving as a vital connecting point, will now be easily accessible from various regions, alongside cultural centres like Kraków, Prague, and Weimar.
Köhler expressed that the initiative seeks to diminish the historical divides that have existed between Western and Eastern Europe, thereby facilitating improved connectivity. “With this new route, we are also removing the iron curtains between Western and Eastern Europe, connecting important European centres and providing access to Ukraine,” he noted. Consequently, this service presents a viable alternative to existing rail operators in Germany.
The daily service, designated as Train 232, will commence its journey from Przemyśl, a city close to the Ukrainian border, at 1:31 PM local time. Passengers can anticipate an early morning arrival at Frankfurt Airport at 7:53 AM the following day. The return trip, labelled Train 235, departs Frankfurt at 8:27 AM and is scheduled to reach Przemyśl at 2:23 AM the next morning, making the total travel time around 18 hours.
Köhler emphasised the convenience of the train’s schedule, especially regarding connections to other flights. “The excellent arrival time at 7:53 at Frankfurt Airport provides seamless transfers to European and intercontinental flights,” he stated, highlighting that the return journey also facilitates timely arrivals in cities such as Prague and Kraków.
The trains on this new route are designed to enhance passenger comfort, featuring amenities like Wi-Fi, power outlets, air conditioning, and onboard refreshments. Although seat reservations will not be available at the time of launch, these options, along with a new business class service, are expected to be introduced in January. The company has also promised various additional services to improve the travel experience.
Leo Express has been a player in the European rail market since its inception in 2012. Initially, it established its network primarily between the Czech Republic, Slovakia, and Poland, offering routes from Prague to places such as Kraków, Warsaw, and Prešov. As part of its ongoing strategy, the company is looking towards future expansion, aided by a partnership with Spanish state railways Renfe.
As Leo Express prepares for the launch of this major new route, the company aims not only to bolster links between cities but also to elevate the standards of long-distance train travel across the continent. The anticipated service reflects a broader trend towards enhanced connectivity in Europe, catering to a growing demand for efficient and comfortable modes of transportation.