Trains in the Czech Republic | PolishTrains

At a glance

• Czech railways connect most major cities, with direct trains running from Poland via the Baltic Express and multiple IC services
• České dráhy operates eight train categories, from local Os trains to high-speed Pendolino Supercity services
• The Flexi jizdenka allows travel on any CD train on the chosen day with breaks permitted after 100 km
• Private operators RegioJet and Leo Express compete on key routes, offering modern rolling stock with Wi-Fi
• Seats are optional on most trains; reservation is only compulsory on specific Intercity services as marked in the timetable
• CD introduced more RegioPanter units in 2025, lowering the average age of regional fleet to under three years

Czech Railways and train categories and ticket types

Czech railways connect most major cities, allowing you to get to South Bohemia, Moravia or to the borders with Austria, Germany and Slovakia efficiently. The following train categories of the national carrier (České dráhy) are available:

• Os - osobní vlak (passenger train)

• Sp - spěšný vlak (accelerated train - rare)

• R - rychlík (fast train)

• Ex - express

• Ic - InterCity

• Ec - EuroCity

• Sc - Supercity - Pendolino trains

• RJ - Railjet

• En - EuroNight - international night trains

There is a single fare on Os, R, IC, EC and EX trains. Apart from Railjet business class and Supercity trains, seats are optional. Exceptions are individual Intercity trains, marked in the timetable with a seat reservation requirement.

It is worth knowing that both private operators and the Ministry of Infrastructure are investing in modern rolling stock. For example, the national operator České dráhy (ČD) has introduced more RegioPanter trainsets in 2025, and the average age of these units has dropped to less than three years.

Discover our recipe for travelling to Prague and have fun in the Czech capital!

What basic types of tickets do Czech railways offer?

There are several main types of tickets available on Czech trains, tailored to the different needs of travellers.

• The most flexible is the Flexi jízdenka, which is a ticket that allows you to travel on any ČD train on the day of your choice and allows you to take a break after 100 km. A return ticket (Flexi zpáteční) on Czech railways can be purchased with a 5% discount.

• A cheaper option is the Flexi zvýhodněná jízdenka, the price of which increases as the journey date approaches 00 also allows breaks of 100 km, but is only valid in 2nd class and is not available from the conductor or ticket machines.

• The cheapest fare is the Vázaná jízdenka - a named or bearer ticket (depending on where it is purchased), valid only on a specific train and available for sale two months in advance.

Discover our recipe for travelling to Prague and have fun in the Czech capital!

České dráhy (ČD) is the largest and most important rail carrier in the Czech Republic, serving both long-distance and regional traffic. For the majority of travellers, it is the backbone of the national transport system - it is ČD trains that connect the largest cities, provide regular connections in smaller regions and enable comfortable cross-border travel to Poland, Austria, Germany or Slovakia. The carrier maintains an extensive fare system, including single tickets, promotional offers and network tickets, and participates in the One Ticket system, which allows passengers to travel with a single ticket on the trains of several operators.

The Czech operator has a diverse fleet ranging from passenger trainsets serving local lines to modern long-distance units, including Railjet or Pendolino (SuperCity) trains. Thanks to its clear offer and dense network of connections, České dráhy remains the most reliable choice for those who want to travel efficiently and comfortably in the Czech Republic. If Czech trains are the mode of transport you are planning to use for your next trip, be sure to check the ČD timetable.

Discounts on board ČD trains

• Discount for children and juniors (0-17 years) - children up to the age of 6 travel for free, while passengers aged 6-7 receive a 50% discount on single and season tickets throughout the Czech Republic.

• Discount for pupils and students (18-25 years) - those with a valid Czech student card receive a 50% discount on single, return and season tickets. Poles can obtain an ISIC card for this purpose.

• Senior citizen discount (65+) - passengers aged 65 and over are entitled to a 50% discount on single and season tickets.

• Group ticket (2-19 people) - the second passenger receives a 25% discount and the third and each subsequent passenger receives a 40% discount - ideal for excursions and joint journeys.

Private carriers play a major role in the Czech rail market, including primarily two companies.

RegioJet

RegioJet has been developing long-distance passenger services in the Czech Republic and abroad since 2011. The carrier is known for its competitive prices and conditions - the Czech trains on offer are a really comfortable means of transport!

Discounts with RegioJet

• Child 0-5 years - 100% discount

The youngest children travel free, provided they travel with an adult (10+) and show proof of age.

• Child 6-12 years - 50% discount

Discount applies up to age 12, on presentation of proof of birth date; available in selected fare classes (Low cost, Standard, Relax in RJ; Standard and Low cost in R8/R23).

• Teenagers 13-17 years - 50% discount

Students and teenagers up to 17 years receive a discount on presentation of a document with their date of birth; from 15 years, the document must include a photo.

• Students 18-25 years - 50% discount

Discount applies to full-time students and holders of a valid ISIC card; valid in selected fare classes.

• Seniors 65+ - 50% discount

Available on presentation of ID; valid in Low cost, Standard and Relax (RJ) and Standard/Low cost (R8/R23) classes.

• Person with disability (ZTP/P) - 75% discount

For holders of a Czech ZTP or ZTP/P card; valid in selected fare classes.

• Guide of a person with ZTP/P card - 100% discount

Free travel for the guardian of a person with ZTP/P, upon presentation of a valid card.

• Person with disability (3rd degree) - 50% discount

Discount for passengers with confirmed disability of the third degree - only on the basis of a document from the Czech Office.

Leo Express

The other major player is Leo Express, which operates on the Czech and Central European market and serves a number of destinations and offers a higher standard of Premium, Business class services, etc.

With these carriers, passengers have a choice not only in terms of route, but also in terms of the quality of the journey - they can opt for comfortable Czech trains with seating, internet and catering, or for a classic domestic line-up. In practice, this means that travelling by rail in the Czech Republic can be just as pleasant as using your own car - the difference being that you avoid traffic jams and... save money.

Discounts at Leo Express

• Children 0-5 years - 100% discount

The youngest children travel for free in all classes; no document required, but must be accompanied by someone over 10 years of age.

• Children and juniors 6-17 years - 50% discount

The discount includes travel on Leo Express trains and buses within the Czech Republic; document only required from age 15 (ID, passport, ISIC, orange card, Polish student card).

• Students aged 18-25 - 50% discount

Valid with a valid Orange Student Card or ISIC card; also valid on international routes, but only on the Czech section.

• Students and teachers with other cards - 25% cashback

Holders of ITIC, IYTC, ALIVE, EYCA, ESN and Polish student cards (over 25 years of age) do not receive a discount on their ticket, but gain a 25% cashback in leo-credits.

• Seniors 65+ - 50% discount

The discount is valid in the economy class of trains and buses within the Czech Republic; an identity card, passport or driving licence is sufficient. Smile Club members receive an additional 25% cashback.

• Persons with disabilities (ZTP / ZTP-P) - 75% discount

Discount available only for holders of Czech ZTP or ZTP-P documents; applies to economy class travel within the Czech Republic.

• Guide of a person with ZTP-P card - 100% discount

The carer of a person with a ZTP-P card rides for free, as long as they accompany the person.

• Carer of a person with a disability - 100% discount

If the passenger rides with a carer (outside the ZTP-P), one accompanying person travels free.

Planning to take the train instead of the car? The Czech Republic is the ideal place to explore precisely with the help of the railway! Concentrate on a few important routes, which stand out not only for their frequent connections, but also for their interesting landscapes and convenient access to attractions.

• Prague - Brno (via Pardubice)

This is one of the busiest routes in the Czech Republic, connecting the country's two largest cities. It is served by high-speed EC, IC and Ex trains, including InterPanter units. The journey takes around 2.5-3 hours and the frequency of services means that it is rarely necessary to plan a journey well in advance on this route.

• Prague - Olomouc - Ostrava - Bohumín

One of the most important transport axes leading to the east of the country. EuroCity and express trains make it possible to get from Prague to Ostrava quickly (in around 3 hours). The line is fully electrified and modernised, and the trainsets are equipped with air conditioning and sockets.

• Prague - Plzeň - Cheb

A route leading towards western Bohemia, popular with tourists visiting Karlovy Vary, Mariánské Lázně or the Šumava region. R and Ex trains provide comfortable travel with regular connections throughout the day.

• Prague - České Budějovice - Linz (Austria)

A very attractive scenic route through South Bohemia. Operated mainly by EC and R trains, it allows you to quickly reach the Vltava River, Hluboká Castle or further into Upper Austria. It is one of the most popular lines among those travelling from the Czech Republic to Austria.

• Brno - Olomouc - Ostrava

The most important rail link in Moravia and Silesia. Frequent and fast connections ensure a journey between Brno and Olomouc in just over an hour. So instead of worrying about traffic jams and car parks, take the train - the Czech Republic is waiting to be discovered!

• Žilina - Český Těšín - Ostrava - Prague (part of cross-border connections)

A connection operated by Czech railways, linking the Czech Republic with northern Slovakia and Poland. The route is of major importance for international traffic, with trains running to, among others, Košice and Bratislava.

• Prague - Pardubice - Hradec Králové

A popular national route, often chosen by travellers to East Bohemia. Served by high-speed R trains and local Os trains, it connects modern sections of infrastructure with more classic parts of the Czech railway network.

You may be interested in: How to buy a train ticket? Step-by-step guide

Buying a ticket on Czech railways is simple and increasingly available online - both through the carriers' websites and mobile apps. However, it is worth noting:

• the differences between the carriers' offers - České dráhy, RegioJet and Leo Express use different fares, promotions and seat reservation rules;

• thetype of Czech Railways ticket - the cheapest Vázaná jízdenka tickets are valid for a specific train, Flexi tickets are valid on any course of a selected day and Flexi zvýhodněná tickets offer a lower price when purchased in advance;

• OneTicket (One jízdenka) - a common ticket for several carriers that facilitates travel on routes operated by different companies, especially in regions with highly fragmented transport;

• seat reservation - reservation is optional on most ČD trains, but compulsory on Pendolino (SC) and selected InterCity trains;

• ticket purchase from the conductor - possible, but with a surcharge if there is an operatingticket office or ticket machine at the station;

• 50% discounts for children, young people, students and seniors, valid nationwide and automatically calculated in sales systems - can make many domestic journeys noticeably cheaper;

• regional and network tickets, such as Celodenní jízdenka or Jízdenka na léto, which can be more cost-effective than buying several single tickets on Czech railways, especially for intensive sightseeing.

Importantly, you can also buy the same tickets on the PolishTrains website - in Polish, in Polish currency, without unnecessary formalities and with clear rules described at every stage of the purchase. If any questions arise, you will benefit from convenient Polish-speaking customer service. Call our helpline at +48 123 451 661 (payable at the operator's rate) or select priority call +48 703 402 010 (calls cost PLN 2.58 inc. VAT/min.).

Travelling with us is easy, safe and completely intuitive, even if it's your first time travelling by train to the Czech Republic!