New train line from Prague to Budapest resumes service

A new RegioJet train line from Prague to Budapest via Vienna has resumed service as of today, and is now operating at intervals of twice per day.

The new line briefly launched last summer, but service was halted within a few weeks due to coronavirus-related concerns and has only now resumed.

"RegioJet is introducing [new] connections related to the termination of Covid-19 regulations," RegioJet spokesperson Aleš Ondrůj stated in a press release.

"Those who have been vaccinated with at least one dose 21 days prior can [now] travel to Hungary and also, for example, Austria without restriction."

One of the biggest draws of the new Prague-Budapest line has been the price, which starts at 399 crowns. Due to high interest, many of the less expensive tickets sell out well in advance.

The new RegioJet line runs at least twice daily from Prague to Budapest at 4:49 a.m. and 12:49 p.m., with additional (later) departures also available on selected dates. From Budapest, departures to Prague run from 7:52 a.m. and 3:52 p.m., with additional times on some dates. The duration of the journey runs a little over seven hours.

The train can also be taken from Prague to Vienna, with tickets starting at 279 crowns. Stops in Mosonmagyaróvár and Györ in Hungary, popular destinations for thermal baths, are also on the line.

České dráhy (Czech Railways), the Czech Republic's largest train operator, currently offers connections from Prague to Vienna and Budapest, but travelers need to change trains during their journey.

RegioJet also launched a seasonal summer line from Prague to destinations in Croatia last year, which has recently resumed service as well.

The company isn't done expanding its rail options from Prague. From 2022, a planned night train will take passengers from Prague to Amsterdam, with stops in Berlin and Brussels. The line is tentatively scheduled to run from March 31.

"We plan to launch this night train within the next year," says Ondrůj.

"This is the first working date, but the exact start date has not been set yet."