Baltic Express: a new connection between Prague and Tri-City

"This is yet another opportunity to connect two neighboring countries and two close nations," remarked Czech Minister of Transport Martin Kupka during the launch.

Filip Medelsky, spokesperson for Czech Railways, confirmed the delay of the first train, scheduled to depart at 7 a.m., due to a need to replace a faulty carriage. Later, as the train neared Kolín, the first station after Prague, an issue with heating in one of the carriages was identified.

Despite these setbacks, the route, which runs through major cities like Wrocław, Poznań, and Bydgoszcz, promises improved access for Czech travelers to Polish regions. "It facilitates better and faster access for Czechs interested in exploring Poland and less obvious tourist destinations," said Jacek Gajewski, Charge d’Affaires of the Polish Embassy in Prague.

According to František Reismueller, head of CzechTourism, Polish tourism in the Czech Republic is on the rise, with a nearly 10% year-on-year increase. In the first three quarters of 2024, approximately 700,000 Poles visited the Czech Republic. Reismueller noted the goal of encouraging Poles to explore regions beyond Prague.

Minister Kupka highlighted the potential for Czechs to find inspiration in Poland, especially in its approach to showcasing 20th-century history. "Polish museums excel at presenting pivotal events of the 20th century, something Czechs should definitely discover," he said.

The Baltic Express launch coincided with the introduction of a new railway timetable on December 15. PKP Intercity now offers 505 connections, including 34 seasonal services, an increase of 51 connections compared to the previous year.

Travel times on popular routes, such as Warsaw to Szczecin and Białystok, have been reduced. Additionally, Pendolino trains now serve a new route from Szczecin through Poznań to Warsaw. New international connections include routes from the Tri-City, Poznań, and Wrocław to the Czech Republic (IC Baltic Express) and from Przemyśl, Kraków, Katowice, and Wrocław to Berlin (IC Galicia).

Prime Minister Donald Tusk celebrated these developments in a social media post, stating: "Instead of grand words—facts! Starting today, new rail connections, many more Intercity trains, record-breaking travel times on several routes (Warsaw-Szczecin, Gdańsk-Wrocław, Kraków-Zakopane), and new international connections, including the 'Baltic Express' between the Tri-City and Prague, carrying the prestigious international number 262/263 inherited from the famous Orient Express."

"Congratulations to everyone, especially railway workers, who worked hard to make these changes happen," Tusk added.