RegioJet vs. Czech Railways—a closer look at ticket prices, comfort, and services

Czech private rail operator RegioJet has been ranked the third best railway company in Europe, according to a new study published by the European Federation for Transport and Environment (T&E) this month.

The report, which evaluated the largest European rail carriers across various criteria, places RegioJet behind only Trenitalia from Italy and SBB from Switzerland. Czech Railways (České dráhy), meanwhile, the largest carrier in the country, came in sixth in the study.

RegioJet rated high in the T&E study thanks to its modern fleet of vehicles, many of which are equipped with Wi-Fi, power outlets, and entertainment options. Additionally, RegioJet’s straightforward ticketing system and amenities like free coffee and newspapers contribute to its strong performance.

The carrier also provides a more streamlined travel experience, with direct connections on key routes like Prague–Brno, Prague–Ostrava, and Prague–Vienna. These routes are fewer in number compared to Czech Railways, but they are faster and more direct, catering to travelers looking for a swift, hassle-free journey.

RegioJet also scored high for its strong performance in key areas such as ticket pricing, which makes it an appealing choice for a variety of travelers. Free refreshments on board and a customer-friendly reservation system also help it stand out in the competitive European rail market.

Czech Railways received a less favorable ranking, coming in sixth place in the study. The findings pointed to several challenges for the state-owned carrier, including lower punctuality ratings and a more outdated fleet compared to RegioJet.

Despite its extensive network covering most cities and towns across the Czech Republic, Czech Railways struggles with service consistency and often higher ticket prices. This can be seen as a trade-off for its broader coverage, which includes regional routes that RegioJet does not serve.

While Czech Railways remains an essential part of the Czech rail network, its lower ratings in areas like punctuality and customer experience highlight the difficulties it faces in maintaining competitiveness against private operators like RegioJet.

The comparison between RegioJet and Czech Railways reflects larger European rail trends where private companies are increasingly setting new standards for service quality and customer experience.

RegioJet’s success in the study demonstrates that private operators can deliver both comfort and affordability, challenging traditional state-run services that often prioritize extensive networks over quality.

For travelers, the choice between RegioJet and Czech Railways depends on individual preferences: those seeking a more modern, comfortable travel experience with fewer stops may prefer RegioJet, while those needing broader regional coverage might still find Czech Railways more suitable.

A full comparison of European railway operators can be found in the 2024 T&E report Mind the Gap! European Rail Operators Services Ranked.