European train travel is poised for a major leap forward with the upcoming launch of a direct high-speed rail service linking Copenhagen and Prague via Berlin, beginning May 1, 2026. Powered by cutting-edge ComfortJet trains, the new route will drastically reduce journey times and provide a more sustainable, convenient, and comfortable alternative to air or road travel between three of Europe’s most iconic capitals.
This strategic cross-border collaboration between Deutsche Bahn (DB), Danish State Railways (DSB), and Czech Railways (ČD) marks a new milestone in European rail connectivity. It’s also part of the European Commission’s pilot initiative to strengthen cross-border rail services as the EU pushes for greener transport solutions in line with its climate goals.
ComfortJet: Redefining the European Train Experience
The ComfortJet rolling stock, supplied by Czech Railways, is designed with modern travelers in mind. Operating at speeds up to 230 km/h, these trains will complete the Copenhagen to Berlin leg in seven hours and the full Copenhagen to Prague journey in just 11 hours, a notable improvement over current travel times that often exceed 14 hours.
Each ComfortJet train will carry up to 555 passengers, including 99 first-class seats. Onboard amenities include:
- Free Wi-Fi connectivity
- Ergonomically designed reclining seats
- A full-service restaurant car
- Wheelchair-accessible lifts
- Bike storage facilities
- A dedicated children’s movie theater
- Advanced window technology that improves mobile reception
ComfortJet represents a new benchmark for high-speed rail travel in Europe, combining cutting-edge technology with environmental consciousness and premium passenger experience.
A Sustainable Mobility Milestone
The new route is a significant step toward reducing carbon emissions in European transport. According to the European Environment Agency, rail accounts for just 0.4% of transport emissions in the EU—compared to aviation’s 13.9%. As more travelers seek low-impact, climate-friendly travel options, high-speed trains are becoming the go-to alternative.
“Long-distance rail journeys exceeding four hours continue to attract strong demand,” noted Michael Peterson, DB Board Member for Long-Distance Passenger Transport. “We’re investing in additional services like this to meet growing customer expectations.”
Michal Krapinec, Chairman of Czech Railways, echoed the sentiment: “This new link is a breakthrough in passenger comfort, international cooperation, and sustainable transport. We’re proud to connect Prague to Copenhagen and beyond.”
Infrastructure and Innovation: Fehmarn Belt Tunnel and Line Upgrades
One major factor enabling this rail revolution is the extensive upgrade of the Hamburg–Berlin line, which now allows for higher speeds and more efficient scheduling. Once completed, the Fehmarn Belt Tunnel—an 18-kilometer undersea rail and road tunnel linking Denmark and Germany—will reduce travel times further.
Scheduled to open by 2029, the Fehmarn Belt Fixed Link will cut the journey from Copenhagen to Hamburg by nearly an hour. The tunnel is co-financed by the EU’s Connecting Europe Facility, further reinforcing the bloc’s commitment to cross-border rail development.
Seasonal Night Trains: Comfort and Convenience After Dark
In addition to the year-round daytime service, seasonal night trains will be introduced on the Copenhagen–Prague corridor. These services will build on the existing Hamburg–Copenhagen night link and extend to include stops in Berlin and Dresden, offering travelers the option to save on accommodation while traveling comfortably overnight.
Like the daytime services, the night trains will use ComfortJet rolling stock, ensuring a consistent level of quality and comfort.
Ticketing, Testing, and Timeline
Ticket sales for the new Copenhagen–Prague ComfortJet service are expected to open six months prior to the launch date. Preliminary test runs on the Copenhagen route are scheduled for late 2025. These will allow DSB, DB, and ČD to fine-tune operations and train onboard staff for seamless cross-border service delivery.
The testing phase will also give engineers the opportunity to calibrate the ComfortJet’s advanced features in real-world conditions across multiple European rail networks.
Europe’s Train Travel Renaissance Is Here
The launch of the Copenhagen–Prague direct rail link is part of a wider push by the European Union to revive long-distance train travel. The route is one of ten cross-border pilot projects supported by the European Commission to make rail transport a viable, competitive, and sustainable alternative to air travel.
Other pilot projects include a future Berlin–Paris high-speed connection and a Munich–Milan–Rome line.
Conclusion: A Game-Changer for Eco-Conscious European Travelers
With the launch of ComfortJet’s high-speed direct rail service between Copenhagen and Prague, European rail travel enters a bold new era. This service doesn’t just link three cultural capitals—it symbolizes the EU’s commitment to sustainable travel, technological innovation, and greater passenger convenience.
Whether you’re a tourist exploring Europe’s grand cities or a business traveler looking for a productive, eco-friendly journey, the ComfortJet direct train from Copenhagen to Prague is shaping up to be the smarter way to travel Europe in 2026 and beyond.
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