Leo Express leases Talgo VI coaches for the Prague — Bratislava route
16.10.2025
Leo Express inked the long-term leasing contract for Talgo VI trains with the Spanish subsidiary of Renfe in order to commence a new route from Bratislava and Prague in 2026 and enhance the quality of service.
This is reported by the railway transport news portal Railway Supply.
Leo Express modernizes its fleet and strengthens international partnership
The Czech operator Leo Express closed a ten-year leasing contract with the Spanish state operator’sowned leasing company Renfe’s Alquiler de Material Ferroviario. As part of the agreement, the company will take in three locomotive-pulled trainsets from the 1980s, which were thoroughly upgraded in 2020.
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The first 13-car train has also been delivered to the Czech Republic, where experts have started adapting it for running. The Talgo VI cars are made from a light-weight aluminum body, single-axle bogie, and passive tilting system. Owing to the design, the trains are capable of negotiating curves at high speeds while maintaining no compromise in terms of comfort.
Both contain first- and second-class seating, a bistro coach, and passenger rooms with limited mobility. In this way, the company shows its concern for inclusiveness and high-standard service in overseas routes.
Leo Express expands the Prague — Bratislava connection and EU presence
The joint venture with Renfe, which controls 50% of the operator Leo Express, provides the operator with fresh growth prospects. Both partners aim at building crossborder services from the Czech Republic and Slovakia and expanding step-by-step in other routes in Central Europe.
Experts add that the upgrading of the rolling stock will enhance energy efficiency and cut operating costs. Additionally, Leo Express will further secure its position among independent European railway operators providing competition to state-run operators.
Regular service from Bratislava to Prague will commence in the second quarter of the year 2026. Infrastructure preparation and certification testing for Talgo VI trains are already underway by the company in order to maximize the security and dependability.
Leo Express shows strategic thinking: the operator does more than modernise its fleet but also spends money on modern EU-standard technologies. The act earns the trust of the passengers and also increases the company’s competitiveness in the European market.
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What is Leo Express?
Leo Express is a private Czech railway company founded in 2010, specializing in international passenger transport across Europe.
When will Leo Express start the Prague — Bratislava service?
Regular operations are scheduled to begin in the second quarter of 2026 after certification is complete.
What are the advantages of Talgo VI coaches?
They are lighter than conventional cars, equipped with a tilting system, and capable of speeds up to 200 km/h, reducing travel time and improving passenger comfort.
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