Leo Express has begun operating the Frankfurt–Prague–Przemyśl route, with buses temporarily covering the Polish section until the required procedure in Poland is completed.

Leo Express coach shown in the Frankfurt–Prague–Przemyśl route announcement
Official image of a Leo Express coach used for the Frankfurt–Prague–Przemyśl route announcement. Photo: Leo Express / visualization

The connection was launched on June 25⁠ and runs in both directions between Frankfurt, Prague and Przemyśl, a Polish city close to the Ukrainian border. In the initial operating model, trains run between Germany, the Czech Republic and Bohumín, while buses cover the onward section via Kraków, Tarnów and Rzeszów to Przemyśl.

Leo Express is using modernized railcars prepared for international traffic on the route. The service is intended to link Germany and the Czech Republic with Poland and the area near the Ukrainian border, where Przemyśl has become one of the main railway access points for passengers traveling to Ukraine.

The operator has assigned modernized RIC railcars to the service. They are designed for international operation and fitted with air conditioning and Wi-Fi, while catering and other onboard services will also be available to passengers.

Frankfurt–Prague–Przemyśl route starts with buses in Poland

Tickets for the new connection are available from EUR 9.9.

Leo Express says it is ready to immediately operate the new train connection to Przemyśl as soon as Poland’s economic balance procedure is settled. Until that happens, the company will use buses between Bohumín, Kraków, Tarnów, Rzeszów and Przemyśl.

The bus service is intended for passengers who have already bought tickets and will be coordinated with Leo Express trains in both directions.

In rail transport, the economic balance procedure⁠ evaluates whether a new commercial service could have an impact on existing public service contracts. Until the assessment is complete, Leo Express is not permitted to run trains on the section between the Czech border and Przemyśl.

Passengers whose destinations are at stations not served by the temporary buses will be given a refund. They will also receive compensation equal to 100% of the ticket price in Leo credits, which can be used for later ticket purchases or onboard services.

Peter Köhler, CEO of Leo Express, said the company’s priority is to make sure passengers still reach their destinations.

“Ensuring that our passengers reach their destination remains our top priority. In this situation, we are introducing a bus connection to transport passengers who have already purchased tickets. They will then transfer to a Leo Express train and continue their journey,”

He also said that sales for the Polish section would open after Leo Express is able to operate trains over the full route.

What changes for passengers?

For passengers, the main practical change is that the route is not yet operating as a through train to Przemyśl. Leo Express currently offers train travel between Frankfurt, Prague and Bohumín, while passengers continuing to Poland are carried by connecting buses. The operator also warns that infrastructure works in Germany may change departure times and stops on individual days, so passengers need to check the reservation system before travel. The Polish part of the route depends on the open access process, which is used to assess whether a new commercial service could affect existing public service contracts.

A connection to the Ukrainian border

The new service is part of Leo Express’s plan to connect large European metropolitan areas and provide travel options on routes that previously lacked direct links.

Peter Köhler said the route is intended to connect important centers with the Ukrainian border.

“One of Leo Express’s goals is to connect major European metropolitan areas and offer comfortable travel options on routes where there were previously no direct connections. The potential of the new line lies in overcoming the perceived barrier between Eastern and Western Europe by connecting important economic and cultural centers with the Ukrainian border,”

According to Köhler, the company’s long-term approach is focused on developing trans-European transport corridors that can provide a more environmentally friendly and comfortable alternative to air travel, buses and cars.

Peter Köhler added that the service is aimed at Ukrainians traveling to Przemyśl and at international passengers from Kraków, Tarnów and Rzeszów.

“The new Leo Express connection is an international route aimed at Ukrainians traveling to Przemyśl, as well as international travelers from Kraków, Tarnów, and Rzeszów. We are confident that our service, which offers European transportation options that do not currently exist, will be approved soon,”

Leo Express bus used for connecting passenger services
Illustrative photo of a Leo Express bus used for connecting services. Photo: Leo Express

Modernized RIC railcars and planned expansion

During the first stage, Leo Express will operate three first-class railcars on the route. Each has 54 seats, although they will initially be operated as Economy class.

The operator expects to add further Business Class railcars and sleeper railcars during the summer. It also says the train formation can be expanded if passenger demand requires it.

Onboard staff will be able to communicate with passengers in Polish, Czech, English and German.

Construction work in Germany affects the timetable

The launch timetable has also been shaped by extensive infrastructure works in Germany.

Leo Express says the schedule had to be adjusted because of this construction, and the final temporary timetable was received only shortly before the route began operating.

In the direction of Germany, the train leaves Bohumín in the afternoon, reaches Prague Main Station in the evening and then continues overnight to Frankfurt Airport.

In the opposite direction, departure from Frankfurt Airport is at 14:39. The train reaches Prague during the night and arrives in Bohumín at 6:01 the following morning.

The operator announced the following schedule⁠:

Bohumín 5:45 p.m. – Prague 10:32 p.m. – Dresden 1:38 a.m. – Frankfurt Airport 8:06 a.m.

Frankfurt Airport 2:39 p.m. – Dresden 10:30 p.m. – Prague 1:17 a.m. – Bohumín 6:01 a.m.

Within Germany, the service also calls at Leipzig, Fulda, Hanau, Offenbach and Frankfurt Süd.

Leo Express says the current timetable is a compromise caused by track closures and infrastructure works in Germany, together with a changed departure time from Frankfurt.

Closures on some infrastructure sections are expected to remain in place through the summer and autumn, affecting both the timetable and the stations served by the route.