Leo Express is preparing to launch one of Europe’s longest direct rail services, connecting Germany, the Czech Republic and Poland with a route extending close to the Ukrainian border.
The new international service will begin operations on 25 June 2026 and run daily between Frankfurt am Main and Przemyśl, a Polish city near the border with Ukraine. The rail line will cover more than 1,300 kilometres and include stops in Krakow, Ostrava, Prague, Dresden, Leipzig and Erfurt.
Leo Express said ticket prices will start from 10 euro, positioning the route as a low-cost alternative to short-haul flights and multi-transfer rail journeys across Central Europe.
The Prague-based private rail operator described the service as both a practical transport link and a symbolic connection between Eastern and Western Europe. Chief executive Peter Kohler said the new route aims to remove remaining barriers between the regions while improving access to Ukraine through Poland.
“With this new route, we are also removing the iron curtains between Western and Eastern Europe, connecting important European centres and providing access to Ukraine,” said Peter Kohler.
The journey is expected to take around 18 hours from end to end. Although the service has not been marketed as high-speed rail, its uninterrupted cross-border operation makes it one of the continent’s longest scheduled direct train routes.
The route will also include a stop at Frankfurt Airport, giving passengers direct rail access to one of Europe’s busiest aviation hubs. Leo Express said the timetable has been designed to support both leisure and business travel, rather than seasonal tourism demand.
Passengers onboard will have access to free Wi-Fi, charging sockets, air conditioning and onboard catering services. The company plans to use modern long-distance rolling stock configured for extended international travel.
The launch forms part of a broader expansion strategy by Leo Express, which is partly owned by Spanish rail operator Renfe. Since acquiring a 50% stake in the Czech operator in 2021, Renfe has supported the company’s growth into new European markets and international rail corridors.
The new Frankfurt–Przemyśl route reflects rising demand for lower-emission travel options across Europe. Rail operators across the continent have introduced more overnight and long-distance services in recent years as travellers seek alternatives to air travel and simpler city-to-city connections.
Leo Express has also announced additional international expansion plans, including future services linking Prague with Munich, Bratislava and potentially Venice in the coming years.
The operator said the new service will run once daily in each direction throughout the year. Tickets are already on sale through the company’s booking platform ahead of the June launch.
