New Copenhagen-Prague rail link debuts amid summer travel disruptions

A new direct rail service connecting Copenhagen and Prague was launched in early May. The route marks the first EU pilot project aimed at expanding cross-border rail travel. It was officially inaugurated at Berlin Central Station on June 15. The service began with two daily round-trip pairs between the two cities. On June 14, a seasonal overnight connection was added to the schedule. Travelling from Copenhagen to Berlin takes about seven hours, while the full journey to Prague spans eleven hours.

The project is a collaboration between Deutsche Bahn, Czech Railways (ČD), and Danish State Railways (DSB). However, track upgrades at Hamburg’s central rail hub will disrupt the route from July 18 to August 15. During this four-week period, no direct service will operate, and passengers will need to transfer at least once. Some days will also see replacement bus services and additional connections between Hamburg and Copenhagen. The disruption coincides with the peak holiday season, affecting travel plans for many passengers. The temporary changes are necessary to accommodate essential infrastructure improvements. Normal service is expected to resume after August 15.