Europe’s Most Scenic Train Ride? This New Hop-On Hop-Off Route Lets You Explore Six Cities from Prague to Poland

Published on February 27, 2025

By: Tuhin Sarkar

Central Europe’s rail network has just become more accessible, scenic, and immersive, thanks to the launch of the Baltic Express—a new hop-on hop-off train route spanning 878 km from Prague to Poland’s Baltic coast. Designed for slow travel enthusiasts, history lovers, and budget-conscious explorers, this service offers an affordable and experiential alternative to air travel, connecting some of Europe’s most vibrant yet under-the-radar cities.

Launched in December 2024, the Baltic Express operates four times daily, linking travelers to key destinations in the Czech Republic and Poland—including Prague, Pardubice, Poznań, Gdańsk, and Gdynia. Unlike high-speed rail designed to compete with airlines, this scenic eight-hour journey prioritizes exploration, flexibility, and cultural discovery, allowing passengers to hop-on and hop-off at their leisure.

Why the Baltic Express Matters: A Transformative Step for European Rail Travel

The Baltic Express aligns with Europe’s growing push toward sustainable tourism, offering travelers an alternative to carbon-intensive flights and congested motorways. It represents a shift toward slower, experience-driven travel, allowing passengers to immerse themselves in the landscapes, cultures, and history of Central Europe.

Key benefits of the Baltic Express:

Connects lesser-known destinations – Links Czech and Polish cities that were previously challenging to reach via direct rail.
Sustainable and affordable – Provides an eco-friendly travel option at a fraction of flight costs.
Ideal for city and countryside explorers – Combines urban, historical, and coastal experiences in one itinerary.
Hop-on hop-off flexibility – Encourages travelers to explore hidden gems along the route.
The Baltic Express Route: A Journey Through Central Europe’s Overlapping Empires
The Baltic Express retraces historic trade and migration routes through medieval cities, Austro-Hungarian towns, and Slavic countryside, weaving together centuries of European heritage.

Prague, Czech Republic: Where the Journey Begins

The journey starts at Hlavní Nádraží, Prague’s grand central station, a fusion of 19th-century Austro-Hungarian elegance and Soviet-era modernism. Travelers can begin their journey with Czech Riesling and a pastry at Foyer Café, a recently opened Art Nouveau-style waiting lounge.

From Prague, the train glides northward through Bohemia, passing through rolling countryside, frozen fishing lakes, and church-dotted villages before reaching its first stop.

Pardubice: A Hidden Czech Gem

Just an hour from Prague, Pardubice is a picturesque city blending Gothic, Renaissance, and Baroque influences. Known for:

A fairytale-like Old Town Square, reminiscent of Prague but with far fewer tourists.
Aviation history, as home to Czech aviator Jan Kašpar, who pioneered flight routes in the early 20th century.
Pastel-colored Austro-Hungarian townhouses, similar to those in Brno, Sarajevo, and Lviv.
With its low tourist crowds and authentic Czech charm, Pardubice is a perfect offbeat stop for travelers seeking a less commercialized alternative to Prague.

Poznań, Poland: A Crossroads of European Cultures

After winding through Bohemian hills, oak forests, and snow-covered pine lodges, the train crosses the Czech-Polish border into Poznań, one of Poland’s most dynamic cities. Known for:

A vibrant Old Market Square, lined with colorful Renaissance-era merchant houses.
St. Peter and Paul Cathedral, Poland’s oldest cathedral.
A thriving food scene, including the famous St. Martin’s croissant, a UNESCO-listed regional delicacy.
Poznań seamlessly blends Polish, German, and Czech cultural influences, making it an essential stop for history buffs and culinary explorers.

Gdańsk: Poland’s Port City with a Storied Past

As the train nears Poland’s Baltic coast, travelers arrive in Gdańsk, a Hanseatic trading hub steeped in maritime history. Highlights include:

Dlugi Targ (Long Market), a bustling waterfront area lined with colorful medieval townhouses.
Westerplatte, the site of World War II’s first battle, offering a sobering yet essential history lesson.
The European Solidarity Centre, documenting Poland’s resistance against communist rule.
Gdańsk is an ideal place to spend a few days before continuing to the journey’s final stop: the Baltic Sea’s sandy shores.

Gdynia: The Final Stop on the Baltic Coast

The Baltic Express ends in Gdynia, a modern seaside city renowned for its beaches and maritime heritage. Unlike Gdańsk’s historic charm, Gdynia is a sleek, Art Deco-influenced city, ideal for:

Relaxing on Poland’s stunning Baltic beaches.
Exploring the ORP Błyskawica, a World War II destroyer-turned-museum.
Enjoying fresh seafood along Gdynia’s lively harbor.

Why the Baltic Express is a Game-Changer for European Travel
Unlike high-speed routes that prioritize efficiency, the Baltic Express embraces the romance of rail travel, offering a slower, more immersive way to experience Central Europe.

A scenic alternative to budget airlines – Perfect for travelers seeking cultural and scenic experiences over speed.
Reviving forgotten routes – Provides direct access to previously overlooked destinations.
Sustainable tourism – Reduces reliance on short-haul flights, supporting Europe’s environmental goals.
Budget-friendly European travel – Affordable ticket prices make long-distance train journeys more accessible to all.

The Future of Train Travel in Europe

As European governments prioritize rail investments, more scenic, flexible routes like the Baltic Express are expected to emerge. Future expansions may include:

Extensions into Germany and Lithuania, connecting even more Baltic destinations.
Night train options, catering to slow travelers and digital nomads.
Eco-conscious tourism collaborations, ensuring rail remains a leading sustainable alternative to air travel.

Final Thoughts: A Must-Try Train Journey in 2025

The Baltic Express is more than just a train—it’s an invitation to rediscover Europe through a slower, richer, and more immersive travel experience. Whether exploring medieval towns, experiencing vibrant Polish culture, or relaxing on the Baltic coast, this new hop-on hop-off route is one of Europe’s most exciting rail travel experiences for 2025.

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