Czech Railways Expands Its Night Train Network with a New Overnight Service from Prague to Przemyśl, Offering Direct Access to Ukraine

Published on December 2, 2025

Czech Railways is set to expand its night train network with the introduction of a new overnight service from Prague to Przemyśl, starting December 14. This new route will offer travelers direct access to the Polish–Ukrainian border, enhancing the connectivity between Central Europe and Ukraine. The move comes in response to growing demand for comfortable and efficient overnight travel options to this region, while also reinforcing Czech Railways’ commitment to strengthening cross-border travel in Europe. By offering a direct and seamless route to Przemyśl, the new service will allow passengers to easily connect to Ukrainian Railways and continue their journey to major cities like Lviv, Kyiv, and Kharkiv with just one transfer.

Czech Railways (České dráhy) is set to expand its Central European night train network with the introduction of a new overnight service between Prague and the Ukrainian border, starting on December 14. This new route, from Prague to Przemyśl in southeastern Poland, will offer direct access to the Polish-Ukrainian border, providing enhanced connectivity for travelers heading to Ukraine and surrounding regions.

This new service is part of Czech Railways’ broader strategy to strengthen its night train offerings across Europe. The Prague–Przemyśl night train will not only serve as a direct connection to Ukraine, but also bolster cross-border travel by linking major European cities with southeastern Poland and the Ukrainian border.

Route Overview and Timetable

The Prague–Przemyśl night train will depart from the Czech capital each evening at 22:16 and arrive in Przemyśl at 10:10 the following morning. The return journey will leave Przemyśl at 17:51 and reach Prague at 07:46, providing passengers with a full overnight travel experience in both directions. Along the way, the train will stop at important Polish cities such as Kraków and Rzeszów, providing convenient travel options for passengers en route to Przemyśl.

The service will be integrated into the existing EN 443 Slovakia line, and timetables, along with details of the train’s composition, will be available through Czech Railways’ official publications.

Efficient Connections with Ukrainian Railways

A key feature of this new service is its coordination with Ukrainian Railways (UZ). The schedule has been designed to enable easy transfers at Przemyśl to UZ trains heading to major Ukrainian cities, including Lviv, Kyiv, and Kharkiv. The transfer windows will provide ample time for border checks, ensuring passengers can seamlessly continue their journey into Ukraine. This level of coordination makes the Prague–Przemyśl night train a highly convenient option for travelers making their way to Ukraine, with just one transfer at Przemyśl.

Czech Railways has acknowledged the increasing demand for convenient overnight services to southeastern Poland and Ukraine, and this new service is a direct response to that need. By facilitating transfers to UZ trains, Czech Railways is offering an efficient and comfortable way to travel across the region.

Onboard Comfort and Sleeping Options

The Prague–Przemyśl night train has been designed with passenger comfort in mind, offering a modernized sleeper coach, the Bcmz 834. This air-conditioned coach features 4- and 6-berth compartments, providing a range of sleeping options to suit different needs. Passengers can book private compartments for single, double, or triple occupancy, ensuring privacy and comfort during their overnight journey.

For added security and privacy, a women-only compartment will be available exclusively for female travelers. Each compartment will be equipped with beds that are pre-made with blankets and pillows, ensuring a restful night’s sleep. A light breakfast with water and a hot drink will be provided as part of the sleeper service, while a selection of snacks and drinks will be available for purchase during the journey.

Onboard attendants will be present to ensure safety and maintain a peaceful atmosphere throughout the night, offering passengers peace of mind while they travel. These additional amenities and services are designed to make the Prague–Przemyśl night train a more comfortable and pleasant travel experience.

Enhancements to Prague–Warsaw Night Train

Alongside the introduction of the Prague–Przemyśl night train, Czech Railways will also make adjustments to the existing Prague–Warsaw night train. Starting in December, the sleeper coach on this route will take a more direct path, resulting in an earlier arrival time in Warsaw—at 08:00, more than an hour earlier than before. This change strengthens the overnight connection between Prague and Warsaw, complementing the new Prague–Przemyśl service.

Plans for Further Expansion in 2026

Looking ahead, Czech Railways has ambitious plans for expanding its night train network. By 2026, the operator intends to run nine year-round night services, as well as two seasonal routes. Five of these services will feature Czech Railways’ own sleeper and couchette coaches, while car-carrying options will remain available on key routes, such as those to Poprad-Tatry, Košice, and Humenné.

Czech Railways’ growing night-train network highlights the increasing demand for affordable and comfortable overnight travel across Central Europe. The company’s expansion into regions such as Poland and Ukraine demonstrates its commitment to providing seamless travel connections throughout the region.

A Stronger Presence in the European Night Train Market

Currently, Czech Railways operates night services to more than 20 destinations within the Czech Republic and connects over 60 cities across Europe, including major cities in Germany, Switzerland, Austria, Poland, Slovakia, and Hungary. The launch of the Prague–Przemyśl night train, along with the improved Prague–Warsaw service, reinforces Czech Railways’ position as a key player in the European night-train market.

Czech Railways is expanding its night train network with a new overnight service from Prague to Przemyśl, offering direct access to the Ukrainian border and seamless connections to major cities in Ukraine. This service responds to growing demand for efficient, comfortable cross-border travel.

With demand for rail travel on the rise, especially for cross-border services, Czech Railways is strategically expanding its offerings to provide more efficient, comfortable, and cost-effective options for travelers across Central Europe and beyond.