New express train connects Prague to Polish Christmas markets and coastal towns

Starting Dec. 15, Czech Railways introduced a new direct train service connecting Prague with Poland’s Baltic coast. Dubbed the Baltic Express, this new route offers a convenient alternative to road travel, significantly reducing travel times to key Polish cities and popular destinations like Wrocław, Gdańsk, and the coastal cities of Sopot and Gdynia.

For travelers in Prague, the journey to Wrocław, currently hosting a popular advent market, takes less than four hours, while reaching the Baltic beaches of Gdańsk takes approximately eight and a half hours. One-way tickets from Prague to Gdańsk start at around CZK 750.

The Baltic Express is being launched in response to growing tourist demand in the Czech Republic for trips to the Polish Baltic. Improvements on Polish rail lines and better coordination at key railway hubs have facilitated a smoother journey across these historic cities.

“We are excited to introduce the Baltic Express,” Michal Krapinec, director general of Czech Railways says through a press release.

“This is a unique opportunity for travelers looking for an eco-friendly and convenient way to reach the Baltic Sea, with the fastest train connection yet between Prague and Wrocław taking under four hours. The journey to Poznań will take approximately 5.5 hours, and to Gdańsk in around 8.5 hours.”

Initially expected to launch in 2011, lengthy delays due to political and logistical challenges have finally been overcome, allowing this new connection to finally become a reality.

The Baltic Express will depart from Prague's Hlavní nádraží daily at 6:51 a.m., 10:51 a.m., 2:50 p.m., and 6:51 p.m. In the Czech Republic, it will make stops in Kolín, Pardubice, Ústí nad Orlicí, Letohrad, Jablonné nad Orlicí, and Lichkov.

The train will continue its journey through Kłodzko, Wrocław, Poznań, and Bydgoszcz in Poland. From there, it will continue to the Baltic coast with stops in Gdańsk, Sopot, and Gdynia, providing access to both tourist and economic centers across Poland.

The train offers a mix of four carriages, including one first-class carriage, a dining car, and amenities like onboard Wi-Fi and charging stations for electronic devices. Wheelchair-accessible carriages and facilities for bicycle transport are also available, catering to a variety of passenger needs.

“We’ve designed the Baltic Express to be the most comfortable and convenient way to travel to the Baltic,” Krapinec added. “And with the possibility of reserving seats online for free, there’s no need to worry about availability or rush at the last minute.”

Ticket sales for the Baltic Express started in November, with early bookings offering substantial discounts. Prices for a one-way ticket from Prague to Wrocław start at less than CZK 400, while fares to the coastal destinations begin at around 750 CZK.